Coffee is a bright invigorating drink loved by many. Some people can't imagine a morning without a cup of freshly brewed coffee. It is best to prepare a drink at home using a coffee machine.
Let's analyze how this machine differs from a conventional coffee maker, how to choose the best coffee machine, and give a rating of popular models.
Content:
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Ranking table
| Place in the ranking / Name | Expert evaluation | Price range, rub. |
|---|---|---|
Rating of budget coffee machines | ||
4th place: Bosch TAS 1401 | 80 out of 100 | From 3051 to 5286* |
3rd place: Krups KP1A01 Dolce Gusto Piccolo XS | 83 out of 100 | From 3,468 to 4,550* |
2nd place: Nespresso C30 Essenza Mini | 85 out of 100 | From 4440 to 9990* |
1st place: Philips EP1000/00 | 93 out of 100 | From 17,700 to 29,990* |
Rating of coffee machines in terms of price-quality ratio | ||
3rd place: De'Longhi Dinamica ECAM 350.15.B | 90 out of 100 | From 27,140 to 46,670* |
2nd place: Saeco Lirika One Touch Cappuccino | 93 out of 100 | From 27,946 to 61,373* |
1st place: Philips EP5064 Series 5000 | 96 out of 100 | From 35 760 – 55 990 * |
Rating of premium coffee machines | ||
3rd place: De'Longhi Autentica ETAM 29.660 SB | 92 out of 100 | From 44 423 to 61 350* |
2nd place: Saeco HD 8928 PicoBaristo | 96 out of 100 | From 48,400 to 76,690* |
1st place: Jura E80 Piano Black | 98 out of 100 | From 69 360 to 104 840* |
* Prices are for July 2020
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Some users confuse these two similar devices. The main difference between them is the degree of automation of the cooking process.
This device independently selects the dosage of coffee, a suitable volume of water, whips up foam for making cappuccino. Even relatively simple capsule coffee machines reduce human participation in the preparation of the drink to a minimum.
The coffee maker is a simpler mechanical device. In this case, one cannot do without human participation in the preparation of coffee.
Coffee makers are drip and carob. In the first case, a jet of hot water simply passes through the filter with ground coffee. After that, coffee drops drop by drop into the tank.
Rozhkovy coffee makers work on the same principle. Ground coffee is poured into the horn, where it is pressed by tempera into a tablet. Water is poured into a separate tank, where it is boiled. The steam-water mixture is passed through coffee, which gives off its taste and aroma.
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Types of coffee machines
There are two types of coffee machines:
- Capsular;
- Automatic.
Capsule coffee machines prepare a drink not from coffee beans, but from special capsules. Each brand produces its own capsules. Packed in plastic or foil containers. The process of preparing the drink in this case is quite simple. After the capsule is pierced, it is broken by an air stream, after which hot water is passed through it.
Capsule coffee machines have a number of advantages:
- Low price;
- Fast cooking process;
- Unchanging taste of the drink;
- Compact dimensions;
- Such models are unpretentious in use; standard washing is enough to care for them.
However, there are negative qualities:
- Coffee capsules are significantly more expensive than ground or bean coffee;
- The coffee machine only works with certain types of capsules;
- The range of flavors and aromas of the drink is limited.
Also, coffee makers are pod and geyser.
Automatic coffee machines are considered the most versatile, easy to use. To prepare coffee, it is enough to fill the container with grain or ground coffee, and then press the button.
Ground coffee enters the brewing unit, where it is pressed. Water is passed under pressure through the obtained coffee tablet. Smart automation controls the entire process. Modern models are designed to prepare several types of drink. The coffee machine is capable of brewing espresso, ristretto or hot chocolate. The presence of a built-in cappuccino maker allows you to prepare cappuccino, latte and other milk drinks. When choosing a model, you should pay attention to the adjustable foam density.
Automatic coffee machines are easy to use, multifunctional. However, the main disadvantage is the high price and rather large dimensions.
It is also customary to divide coffee machines according to the installation method into classic (freestanding) and built-in. In the latter case, the device will be installed in a niche, cabinet or kitchen set. Such devices are more compact, but rearranging it will not work.
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When choosing a coffee machine, pay attention to the following characteristics:
- Type of coffee used;
- Type of water heater;
- Performance;
- Power;
- Type of cappuccinatore;
- Additional functionality.
Type of coffee used
Coffee machines can use special capsules, ground or grain coffee to prepare the drink. The most striking taste is obtained precisely from grain models, since with fresh grinding the aroma does not disappear, it retains all its strength. Such devices are equipped with a built-in coffee grinder. In this case, the barista can adjust the degree of grinding. Five or more stages are usually offered.
Water heater type
The coffee machine can work on the basis of a boiler water heater or a thermoblock. In the first case, a container with a heating element is built into the device, which can last for a long time. It allows you to heat a large volume of water in one working cycle. However, such models are characterized by high power consumption.
The thermoblock heats water in small portions. Its body is resistant to damage and quite durable. However, devices with this design require additional care.
Performance
The performance of the coffee machine, that is, the volume of coffee prepared at a time, is determined by the type of heating element, the volume of the bean and milk tanks. For home use, a model is enough that can cook two or three servings at a time. More productive devices are much more expensive, in addition, they are overall.
Coffee machine power
The power consumption indicator of the coffee machine varies from 0.8 to 2.5 kW. This indicator also directly affects performance. The most optimal are coffee machines with a capacity of 1.2-1.5 kW.
Cappuccinatore type
Cappuccinatore is a necessary device for preparing coffee drinks with milk foam. It is of two types:
- Manual;
- Auto.
In the first case, human participation is necessary to create a dense milk foam. In automatic cappuccinators, the process is fully automated, the user only needs to put a cup with a drink under the tube. In some cases, a semi-automatic milk frother can replace the panarello nasaka.
Additional functionality
Modern coffee machines can be equipped with additional features. To prepare the correct espresso, it is necessary to preheat the cups in which it will be served. In this regard, a passive heater for warming cups is often integrated into the platform of the coffee machine.
Another useful feature is the coffee powder soaking system. In this case, the mixture, when preparing coffee, will give all the taste and aroma, which means that the drink will turn out to be more saturated. To care for the coffee machine and its periodic maintenance, you will need a self-cleaning program.
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Rating of the best coffee machines
We offer a rating of the best coffee machines in different price categories. When compiling it, the technical characteristics of the models, their price, customer reviews were taken into account.
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The budget segment includes capsule coffee machines and automatic models for making black coffee. The advantage of such models is low price, ease of use and compact dimensions. However, they differ in modest functionality.
Bosch TAS 1401
Specifications:
- Price - 3,051 - 5,286 rubles;
- User rating - 4.6;
- Type of coffee machine - capsule;
- The type of coffee used is Tassimo capsules.
The water tank holds 0.7 liters, which allows you to cook several servings at a time. The power indicator is 1300 W, due to which the water heats up quickly enough. The design provides for a removable drip tray and a holder for collecting spent capsules. The user can adjust portions of hot water, which allows you to choose the strength and volume of the drink. For cleaning, an automatic descaling system is provided.
Krups KP1A01 Dolce Gusto Piccolo XS
Specifications:
- Price - 3,468 - 4,550 rubles;
- User rating - 4.9;
- Type of coffee machine - capsule;
- The type of coffee used is Nescafe Dolce Gusto capsules.
The high pressure of the unit (up to 15 bar) allows you to maximize the taste and aroma of coffee. The device works with special hermetic capsules. In total there are more than 30 types in the assortment. The coffee machine can prepare hot or cold drinks. The manufacturer provides an Eco-function for auto-off a minute after the end of use.
Nespresso C30 Essenza Mini
Specifications:
- Price - 4,440 - 9,990 rubles
- User rating - 4.7
- Type of coffee machine - capsule;
- The type of coffee used is Nespresso capsules.
The device comes in various colors, which allows you to choose it for the interior. The user can program the portion size: espresso 40 ml or lungo 110mm. To save energy, the machine will turn off 9 minutes after the last use. The design provides a container for collecting spent capsules.
Philips Philips EP1000/00
Specifications:
- Price - 17,700 to 29,990 rubles
- User rating - 4.8
- Type of coffee machine - automatic;
- Type of coffee used - ground, grain;
- The presence of a cappuccinatore - no.
The device works with grain or ground coffee. The coffee grinder is provided in a design, the user can choose one of 12 levels of a grinding. Reliable ceramic millstones are installed in the device.
The tank holds 1.8 liters of water. It is possible to adjust the temperature of the finished drink. The dispenser for filling is adjustable in height at the level of 7-15 cm, which allows you to choose the best option for different dishes.
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The TOP includes automatic coffee machines costing from 20,000 rubles. Models are equipped with a cappuccinatore for preparing coffee and milk drinks.
De'Longhi Dinamica ECAM 350.15.B
Specifications:
- Price - 27,140 - 46,670 rubles
- User rating - 4.9
- Type of coffee machine - automatic;
- Type of coffee used - ground, grain;
- The presence of a cappuccinatore - yes, manual
The capabilities of the machine can satisfy the needs of any lover of coffee drinks. For preparation, grain or ground coffee can be used. The built-in coffee grinder allows you to quickly grind beans, 13 degrees of grinding are offered. The coffee machine's capacity of 1.8 liters makes it possible to prepare a large portion in one cycle. The user can adjust the strength and temperature of the drink. It is possible to serve 2 servings at the same time.
Saeco Lirika One Touch Cappuccino
Specifications:
- Price - 27,946 - 61,373 rubles
- User rating - 4.6
- Type of coffee machine - automatic;
- The type of coffee used is grain;
- The presence of a cappuccinatore - yes, automatic.
The body is made of thermoplastic. The device is equipped with a coffee grinder with ceramic millstones. The design provides two dispensers for simultaneous pouring of two cups. The user can program the strength of the drink and the volume of the serving. The device has a built-in cappuccinatore and a pre-wetting system for coffee powder.
Philips EP5064 Series 5000
Specifications:
- Price - 35,760 - 55,990 rubles
- User rating - 4.7
- Type of coffee machine - automatic;
- Type of coffee used - ground, grain;
- The presence of a cappuccinatore - yes, automatic.
The strength of all drinks, including espresso and americano, can be adjusted. Also, the user can choose one of the five degrees of grinding and the volume of the finished drink. The settings you have made can be stored in memory for each type of coffee. The built-in thermoblock makes it possible to prepare a drink at the ideal temperature. The burrs of the coffee grinder are made of durable ceramic, which ensures that the coffee powder does not oxidize and quiet operation. The machine has a function for quick cleaning of the milk jug. To do this, you only need to press one button. The brew group is completely removable, which allows it to be thoroughly cleaned.
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The TOP-3 includes coffee machines costing from 50,000 rubles. These devices are highly functional, allow you to prepare a variety of drinks. Models are suitable for true coffee connoisseurs, can be used at home or in the office.
De'Longhi Autentica ETAM 29.660 SB
Specifications:
- Price - 44 423 - 61 350 rubles
- User rating - 4.8
- Type of coffee machine - automatic;
- Type of coffee used - grain, ground;
- The presence of a cappuccinatore - yes, automatic.
The device is able to make two cups of espresso at the same time.The built-in LatteCrema System cappuccinatore allows you to automatically whip up lush foam or empty the container. A special technology finely adjusts the degree of grinding. The device has two heating systems that work independently. The thermoblock regulates the process of preparing the drink. The milk preparation system functions separately.
Saeco HD 8928 PicoBaristo
Specifications:
- Price - 48 400 -76 690 rubles
- User rating - 4.7
- Type of coffee machine - automatic;
- The type of coffee used is grain;
- The presence of a cappuccinatore - yes, automatic.
Even lattes or macchiatos are prepared at the touch of a button. The user can set the portion size, one of the five strength settings. Built-in coffee grinder has 10 degrees of grinding. All settings can be stored in the device's memory for further use. Latte Perfetto technology allows you to get the perfect foam. For maintenance of the device, the function of quick cleaning and automatic rinsing is provided.
Jura E80 Piano Black
Specifications:
- Price - 69 360 - 104 840 rubles
- User rating - 4.8
- Type of coffee machine - automatic;
- The type of coffee used is grain, ground.
Pulse extraction technology is integrated into the design. It allows you to optimize the process, guarantees the perfect aroma of the drink. The special claris Smart filter purifies water with high quality. The intelligent rinsing and cleaning program makes it easier to maintain the equipment. The machine can prepare 12 drinks, including flat white, latte macchiato, cappuccino and so on.
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When buying a coffee machine, you should consider the purpose of purchasing the device. For lovers of simple black coffee, a model with a minimum set of functions will suffice. Fans of milk drinks will need a machine with a cappuccinatore machine or panarello. For domestic use, a device designed for cooking 1-2 servings is suitable. Models designed for installation in the office are able to prepare a larger volume of drink. When buying, give preference to coffee machines from famous brands. Only in this case can we guarantee the high quality of the product and its service life.
