How to choose your coffee machine
We have all dreamed of having a beautiful coffee machine that makes us a tasty coffee every day. Now at the forefront of technology and become an object of decoration so much improved aesthetics, the coffee machine is undoubtedly an object desired by many people to delight their palate and beautify their days.
There are many different brewing systems, models, brands, options, and it's easy to get lost and not know what to choose.
Buying a coffee machine is an investment, and you want to be able to keep it for several years.
To find your way around, you need to proceed logically and determine your needs and budget. You will not equip yourself the same way if you are single, drink one black coffee a day and love technology, as if you are a large family, where everyone has different drinks and your budget is tight.
We will therefore proceed in stages, first asking the right questions to determine your needs. We will then associate the different profiles with different machines:
- Ask yourself the right questions: your tastes, your needs, your budget...
- I like to vary my drinks with simplicity: the automatic machine
- I want to become a barista: the manual machine
- I want to explore the different aromas of a coffee: manual infusions
- I like strong and long coffee: the Italian coffee maker
- I want a quick and easy coffee: the capsule machine
1- Ask yourself the right questions
The very first thing to do before shopping your future coffee machine
Here are some examples of questions we could ask you:
1 - How much time do you want to spend preparing your coffees?
This is the first question you should ask yourself. If you are in a hurry, choose a capsule machine or an automatic machineThese machines guarantee a quick espresso at the touch of a button and a consistent taste. If, on the other hand, you have the time or want to take the time to explore the different aromas of a coffee, the manual machine is made for you.
2 - Do you have experience with coffee machines? Is this your first machine?
Some machines require more practice than others, including some manual machines.
If this is your first machine, keep it simple. Once you're comfortable, you can consider a more complex model.
3 - How many coffees do you drink per day?
If you live alone and drink one coffee a day, you will not have the same needs as a family that drinks 2/3 different drinks per person. It is therefore necessary to determine your consumption and then look for a machine that will bring you complete satisfaction with its functionalities and the different drinks offered.
4 - Do you drink your coffee black or do you need a built-in milk system?
You drink your coffee black? Then you don't need a machine with a milk system or a steam nozzle. A Italian coffee maker could very well suit you if you like your coffee black and strong. On the other hand, if you love lattés, you will have to choose between the steam nozzle where it is up to you to froth your milk in a pitcher, or an integrated system like on most of the automatic machines Jura for example. Note that an integrated milk system on a machine requires daily maintenance!
5 - Have you set a budget?
Buying a coffee machine is an investment. Prices can go up quickly, and in general the more options you have, the more expensive it will be. So once again, it is very important to determine your needs.
Do you want a state-of-the-art touch screen? Do you need 15 pre-set drink recipes?
Set yourself an average budget, even if it means changing it by 200$. This will give you a good idea of which machine to choose
6 - Do you have enough counter space? Do you have cabinets overhead that reduce space?
You may not think about it, but it is important to choose the location of your machine and see if everything is optimal to put it there.
Some machines have a water tank that pulls out from the top, and if you have low cabinets, it could quickly become a problem for you to have to keep pulling your machine forward to refill it.
So take the time to look at the dimensions of the machines, how the different tanks (water, grains) are used, and you will save yourself a lot of trouble.
In summary...
First of all, you need to determine your daily coffee needs and then choose the right machine, the one that will accompany you for many years.
2 - I like to vary my drinks with simplicity: the automatic machine
The automatic coffee machine is the ideal choice if you want to get great coffee every time you brew, quickly and effortlessly.
In fact, they are equipped with a grinder, offer customizations such as the intensity of your coffee or the amount of water and/or milk to your drink, and they have in memory the perfect dosage to make the best espresso or cappuccino. Simple, fast and efficient!
Jura coffee machines
Philips automatic coffee machines
Saeco automatic coffee machines
Jura machines
Jura has become a reference in automatic coffee machines.
Founded in 1931, the company has developed innovative and high-end household appliances. The Swiss brand, which specializes solely in coffee machines, has made its mark with machines that are as technical as they are design, intuitive and long-lasting.
Its models are easy to use and clean, and allow a complete customization of the beverages: grain intensity, water quantity, milk quantity, heat...
Some models, like the S8or the Ena8, even allow you to connect to theJ.O.E. application to store your own drink on your cell phone and start your coffee remotely, or to see how much time is left before your next interview.
Jura machines are developed according to the most advanced techniques, with the sole aim of offering you a generous and authentic tasting experience. From the grinding of the beans to the extraction, everything is designed to sublimate the subtle and deep aromas of the coffee.
Known worldwide for their reliability, durability and precision, Jura's coffee machines carry Swiss values.
Resolutely ecological, they are designed to consume the minimum amount of energy possible.
Jura guarantees a reasonable use of packaging and exemplary energy efficiency to limit its impact on the environment.
In keeping with this eco-responsibility approach, Jura coffee machines are designed to be maintained even after several years of use. The brand favors repair over replacement of the machine when the components are repairable. With a worldwide customer service network, it will be very easy for you to make repair your machine Jura espresso coffee machine.
A true pleasure for the eyes, Jura automatic machines will also delight the taste buds of coffee lovers with a mastery of taste that is no longer in question.
However, the price of the Jura models is relatively high. But when you like it, you don't count!
Our Opinion
Positive points
High-quality, durable, easy-to-use and stylish machines.
The customizable and memorable multi-drinks are a big plus.
They produce an exceptional milk foam and guarantee a perfect extraction of your coffee.
Negative points
Machines and cleaning products can be more expensive than other brands.
Avoid greasy/oily coffees.
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Philips & Saeco machines
Philips offers a wide range of models, divided into four series to suit your different needs.
Each machine has a different design, different dimensions and different equipment, such as an innovative integrated milk frothing system called LatteGo (5000 series).
The patented ceramic grinder ensures the full flavor and aroma of the coffee beans. With the AquaClean water filter, your water is purified and prevents limescale build-up in the coffee maker.
SaecoSaeco is Italian character combined with modern technology. Saeco invented the first automatic espresso machine in 1985, to allow you to enjoy an authentic Italian coffee in your kitchen. The first of Saeco's technological milestones in 30 years of innovation.
Innovation is at the heart of every Saeco coffee machine. Full of technology (Saeco has 110 registered patents), they allow you to prepare a perfect espresso, cappuccino, latte macchiato or other at the touch of a button.
Unlike some automatic espresso machines with a steel grinder, all Saeco machines use a 100% ceramic grinder to adjust the grind for maximum flavor. Choose a finer grind for a stronger espresso or a coarser grind for a lighter tasting coffee. Five different settings are available and, thanks to the ceramic, they don't give you a burnt coffee taste.
Note that the Italian brand Saeco was bought by Philips a few years ago.
Our Opinion
Positive
Reliable and robust machines. Their price is affordable.
The water tank on the front is a big plus.
Negative
The milk system is not always optimal.
Drink recipes are not always memorable.
Avoid greasy/oily coffees.
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In summary...
Automatic machines are ideal for those who want to obtain an excellent coffee in a few seconds, as well as a nice variety of beverages, with simplicity. They allow to obtain a regularity in the quality of infusion, are easy to maintain and bring their charm on the work surface thanks to their modern design. More expensive than other machines, they are certainly an investment, but you can keep them for a decade if you do the maintenance recommended by the brands.
Automatic espresso coffee machines
Thanks to our many years of experience, we have been able to select the most efficient brands of automatic espresso machines to satisfy the most demanding coffee lovers.
Jura, Saeco or Philips are among the best manufacturers of automatic coffee machines. Recognized both in Canada and internationally, these brands offer you products that are resolutely high-end, innovative and practical.
Take the time to discover our selection of automatic espresso machines. Here are some criteria that will help you choose your model:
- Your needs. Are you a big coffee drinker? Do you like to make different types of coffee? Is it for personal use or is it a purchase to enhance the work environment? All of these questions and many more should be asked before choosing an automatic coffee machine. A clear definition of your needs will allow you to serenely choose the machine of your dreams.
- Your budget. The purchase of an automatic espresso machine represents a certain budget. However, there are models that are more affordable than others. Logically enough, the more expensive the machine, the more options and features it will have. Not all of them are essential, but they can make your daily life easier or bring you very pleasant advantages.
- Design. Automatic espresso machines are becoming more and more beautiful objects. They are becoming more and more integrated in the interiors and are sometimes even used as decorative objects. However, automatic coffee machines do not fit into every interior. It may seem anecdotal, but a machine that matches the surrounding decoration can bring an undeniable charm.
Whatever your needs and expectations regarding your automatic coffee machine, our experts will guide you. Consult our products or make an appointment for a free virtual presentation.
3 - I want to become a barista: the manual machine
Having a manual machine means becoming an explorer of aromas and an extractor of happiness on a daily basis. You will develop your own little ritual, and you will love it!
And it is without a doubt the favorite machine of baristas. With these machines, you can control everything: the grind, the temperature, the amount of water, or even the milk foam. They are also generally more affordable than most automatic machines. To help you choose your model, there are two types of filter holders, an important factor to consider depending on your experience with these machines: the pressurized filter holder and the regular filter holder.
The pressurized filter holder is ideal for less experienced baristas, as it creates a higher pressure, allowing to extract an excellent espresso, even if the grind and the dosage are not optimal. The regular filter holder is more suitable for high-end machines such as Lelit, which exert more pressure during the extraction process. If you have a good command of the different parameters, a regular filter holder could be sufficient.
The presence of a steam nozzle is also an important point to take into account if you want to be able to froth your milk yourself and thus obtain a good cappuccino.
The pump, the coffee group, the tank, the maintenance, the size or the cup warmer, several criteria are to be studied to have the machine which will correspond to you the best.
Lelit manual coffee machines
Avanti manual coffee machines
Lelit machines
Lelit is an emerging company among espresso machine producers. Design, technology and attention to detail are the main characteristics of these
machines, which are designed and manufactured in Italy using components and materials intended for professional machines. Thanks to careful temperature and quality control, they allow coffee lovers to enjoy their coffee in the best possible way. What's more, you can adjust all the parameters and refine your preparation technique, just like a real barista.
Lelit machines are the benchmark for making a classic and delicious espresso, and guarantee a delicious, fresh and full-flavored coffee.
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Avanti machines
Made in Italy, Avanti machines are not only aesthetically pleasing, but also easy to use and maintain. They are compact machines that take up little space on your counter. They have a large water tank capacity, especially when compared to similar machines.
These are ideal machines if this is your first manual machine. They're also affordable, which is no small feat. This makes them a very accessible choice for those who love great tasting coffee. Its simple and solid composition makes it a very durable model in addition to allowing to prepare very good espressi or cappuccini.
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In summary...
Whether you are a beginner or an experienced coffee maker, a coffee with a manual machine will require more time than an automatic machine. It's a bit of a Sunday coffee maker, requiring you to play with several parameters, such as the grind or the extraction time, to get the perfect espresso. But it is also one of the best brewing systems that exists, which will give you a coffee close to perfection with a nice crema if you master your machine.
Manual Coffee Machines
Having a manual machine means becoming an explorer of aromas and an extractor of happiness on a daily basis. You'll develop your own little ritual, and you'll love it!
And it is without a doubt the favorite machine of baristas.
With these machines, you can control everything: the grind, the temperature, the amount of water, or even the milk foam. They are also generally more affordable than most automatic machines. To help you choose your model, there arehere are two types of filter holders, an important factor to consider depending on your experience with these machineshe pressurized filter holder and the regular filter holder.
The pressurized filter holder is ideal for less experienced baristas, as it creates more pressure to extract an excellent espresso, even if the grind and dosage are not optimal. The regular filter holder is more suitable for high-end machines such as Lelit, which exert more pressure during the extraction process. If you have a good command of the different parameters, a regular filter holder could be sufficient.
The presence of a steam nozzle is also an important point to take into account if you want to be able to froth your milk yourself and obtain a good cappuccino.
The pump, the coffee group, the tank, the maintenance, the size or the cup warmer, several criteria are to be studied to have the machine which will correspond to you the best.
4 - I want to explore the different aromas of a coffee: manual brewing
Manual brewers are a big hit in the coffee world, especially in Japan, a country that loves both coffee and tea. They allow you to easily get the best flavors out of your coffee at a lower cost, and are also very easy to clean. However, it is not the recommended system if you only drink espresso.
French press (or bodum)
It is possible that the first French press appeared in France, hence its name. It was then in a rather rudimentary form, made of a piece of perforated metal or cheesecloth attached to a rod, which could then be inserted into a kettle. It was then two French inventors, Henri-Otto Mayer and Jacques-Victor Delforge, who patented in 1852 a precursor of the piston coffee maker.
This is a classic in the world of manual brewing, you've probably heard of it or even had one! And it is according to many the best brewing system to get a good coffee and bring out the aromas.
Preparation and use are very simple, as is cleaning. It is also one of the cheapest methods, since it is possible to have a good piston coffee maker for less than 100$.
All you need to do is to have a variable temperature kettle and a good grinderand you will be full equipped. No need for a filter, a good freshly ground coffee and hot water will do the job.
French Press Products
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Chemex®
The classic model comes with a heat-resistant wooden handle to which a leather strap is attached.
Chemex Products
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Aeropress®
If you are a lover of pure full-bodied coffee without any acidity or bitterness, you will definitely like the AeroPress®. With the AeroPress pressurized coffee maker®, you can make the best filter coffee in only 1 minute.
Aeropress Products
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Hario V60
Nuanced and versatile, the Hario V60 (see our article) is an elegant brewer for those who want to perfect the brewing of coffee, and are looking for complete control over the extraction. It is one of the cheapest and most efficient ways to brew great coffee at home.
Hario V60 products
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In summary...
Manual brewers will give you the best of your coffee. Easy to use, easy to clean, and much more affordable than an automatic or manual machine, you can explore the colorful world of coffee by simply equipping yourself with one of these systems, variable temperature kettle, d'a scalea grinder
Note: the first thing you need to have if you choose a manual brewing system is a good grinder. It will guarantee you a freshly ground coffee and therefore a quality cup. It is an essential!
5 - I like strong, long coffee: the Italian coffee maker
The history of Italian coffee makers began in 1919 when Alfonso Bialetti opened his office in Crusinallo, province of Verbania, to produce semi-finished aluminum products. The Moka Express was born in 1933. He was inspired by women's dresses to create the popular and recognizable design of the Moka.
It is a very easy to use coffee maker, which when used properly will give you a coffee worthy of the best Italian coffees. It allows an excellent extraction of the taste and of each aroma, while the caffeine level of the preparation is lower than with most other machines.
It consists of three parts: at the base is the water tank, above it is a funnel that is filled with ground coffee (see our grinding guide), then the upper part acts as both a filter and a reservoir for the brewed coffee.
The Italian coffee maker works on an evaporation process. The water rises in temperature, evaporates and the pressure thus obtained in the machine causes it to pass through the ground coffee into the funnel. The liquid continues its journey through the filter and then through the chimney, finally filling the upper part. All that's left to do is enjoy! The seal above the screw thread between the upper and lower parts ensures that the whole unit is pressurized. All you need is a heat source (electric, gas, ceramic glass or even induction with the Musa models) to boil the water and allow the pressure to do the rest. Nothing could be easier! And it's also very economical.
The brewing time is a few minutes, so if you are in a hurry this is not the machine for you. But it can easily be taken on a trip or camping, which gives it a charm.
To choose the right size, you need to know that a cup of espresso represents 5cl. Italian coffee makers use this measurement to define their capacity.
A 3-cup Moka Express will hold 3 cups of espresso, or 15 cl (or 150 ml, 5 oz)
6 - I want an espresso rapido presto: the capsule machine
Capsule machines have lost popularity in recent years, mainly because of its environmentally unfriendly system and the cost of the capsules.
Yet it can be very practical, especially because of its simplicity of use but also because making a coffee has never been so fast. You lift the lever, insert your capsule and press the button. In less than a minute you can enjoy your coffee.
The Caffitaly machines
Caffitaly machines can be summarized in four words: simple, fast, practical and compact.
With its lightweight and compact packaging, you won't find a more convenient coffee maker to take to the cottage.
Years of research and development have led to the creation of the Caffitaly system, a combined system of machines and capsules, whose components are protected by international patents. The Caffitaly S07 machine was voted Best Espresso Capsule Maker by Protégez-vous.
Caffitaly capsules
In summary...
The ideal machine for espresso lovers who are in a hurry, but also a great machine to have in the cottage or office!
A great selection of coffee, a perfect espresso with a nice crema every time.
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Caffitaly Coffee Machine | S07 Black
In conclusion
Buying a coffee machine is never easy. It is an investment that you want to keep for several years, and you don't want to make a mistake. Define your needs as well as possible, and the type of machine will impose itself. Then, you will just have to choose a particular model according to the budget, the dimensions and the options that the machine offers. It is also worthwhile to compare several models that have the same features, you could save a few hundred dollars by doing so.
If you have any questions during your search process, please feel free to write to us or come see us in store, we will be there to help you in your reflection! We even have several models on display that we can show you. And if you can't come to the store, we offer the virtual meetings.
Read also...
It's never easy to find a coffee that you like the first time, and usually when you find it, you don't dare change it.
There are also many questions about the terms used, the different roasts or the different labels.
My Caffeine offers you this guide to help you find your way through the vast choice of coffee available.
How to choose a coffee grinder?
If you've just bought a manual machine, or a manual brewing system like Chemex or V60, you'll need a good grinder that will help you get fresh coffee full of flavor.
The My Caffeine team has written this guide to help you find the grinder that is right for you and your coffee machine. You'll get the best possible cup of coffee thanks to the right grind and freshly ground coffee.
Our My Caffeine blog posts
Our My Caffeine blog posts
Gaëlle and Julie, from Ma Caféine boutique in Boucherville, Quebec, Canada, offer you this simple podcast to answer your questions and explore with you the vast and curious world of caffeine. The Ma Caféine boutique is a place of discovery and unpretentious sharing around the world of hot and cold beverages made from coffee, tea and yerba mate. It is the color of the people who make it up. Bright, refreshing, energetic, lively, cultured, open and curious. To each his own!
