How To Choose the Best Coffee Machine

“But first coffee” has always been a mantra of mine! My morning coffee is an essential part of my day, but not just any coffee; I am incredibly fussy when it comes to my morning brew. Firstly, it needs to be “real” coffee, no instant in sight, and secondly, it needs to be STRONG! Bringing me to my current dilemma – how to choose the best coffee machine?

Cafe-style Coffee At Home

I am in the process of designing my new kitchen and need to choose a new coffee machine. We have had a pod coffee machine for as long as I can remember, but I am considering changing it up for the new space – possibly a bean-to-cup machine.

Enjoying cafe-style coffee at home has become a part of everyday culture, especially in South Africa. As with most things, the way you enjoy your cuppa joe is a matter of personal preference, and while choosing the right machine is crucial, so is selecting the correct coffee for the method of brewing.

Factors to Help You Choose the Best Coffee Machine

Factors to consider, to ensure that you buy the best coffee machine, are ease of use, your budget and added features. So, what are your options when it comes to choosing the perfect brewing method?

French Press and Pour-Over

While this is essentially not a “machine” but rather a manual method of coffee making, I do feel that the result can be more consistent than some of the other options, as long as you have your coffee-to-water ratio correct, as well as the appropriate grind of coffee. A coffee press is also your most affordable type of brewing option.

Filter Coffee Maker

These old school retro machines always remind me of my childhood, and personally, are my least favourite. Often, coffee brewed in this manner tends to be too weak for me; however, being able to make up to 12 cups at once, it wins on the efficiency score. Cost-wise, the “coffee maker” is also a budget-friendly option.

Single-Serve Pod Machines

A pod machine has always been our go-to as they are neat, compact, and aesthetically pleasing, and they minimise coffee waste. However, they are probably the least environmentally friendly. Pod coffee also makes choosing your preferred coffee strength much simpler. Another factor to consider is pod compatibility. While many pods are a universal size, some Nespresso machines use different-sized capsules. Many of the pod machines also come with a milk frother; alternatively, you can purchase one separately. Entry-level Pod machines are also affordable; however, the pods can be quite costly if you drink a large quantity of coffee.

Espresso Machine

This type of machine is more hands-on and will require more effort from you, the user. It also tends to be a fairly messy way to brew coffee, as you need to manually fill the filter and tamp it down before brewing. Some espresso machines come with a milk frother, as well as a built-in grinder, which is useful but again requires more effort. Some espresso machines also have certain automated features. Espresso machines come in at a higher price point, largely dependent on the brand you buy.

All-in-one or Bean-to-Cup

Fully automated machines are all about convenience, and they come with a host of handy features. They do, however, take up the most counter space, which is something to consider if space is an issue. Bean-to-cup machines have a brewing unit which grinds, tamps and brews the coffee with the push of a button. In most cases, there will be a one-touch operation where you can choose different drink options, with additional settings to customise things such as coffee strength. Most machines also have a milk frother and steaming option, which makes creating specialised coffees such as cappuccinos and lattes a breeze. The bean-to-cup machine is the Rolls-Royce of home brew, with some of the premium machines costing close to 50K.

Closing Thoughts on Choosing The Best Coffee Machine

We have established that selecting the best coffee machine for your needs comes down to personal preferences, lifestyle, and the level of effort you are willing to put into your morning brew.

Whether you prefer the more hands-on experience of a French press, the convenience of a pod machine, or the versatility of a bean-to-cup model, each option offers something unique to enhance your coffee journey. Taking the time to consider all the factors I have mentioned will help ensure that your chosen machine aligns with your coffee drinking habits.

After all, the goal is to enjoy that perfect cup of coffee every morning—because, as we all know, a great day starts with a great coffee! Happy brewing!