How to choose a coffee maker

Fancy an authentic Italian espresso? How about a cappuccino with rich frothed milk? If you want to enjoy delicious coffee from the comfort of your own home, a high-quality espresso machine is the way to go. But with various different types of coffee maker available, which one should you choose? Read on and find out!

Before choosing a coffee maker, first answer these questions

How much control do you want over the actual brewing process?
Do you want to use espresso capsules or purchase the coffee separately?
How much money are you willing to invest?

Types of coffee maker

C apsule coffee machine

Simply insert a coffee capsule and away you go! Capsule espresso makers are inexpensive and easy to operate.

The most affordable espresso machine

Simple and quick coffee preparation
Choice of many capsules
Smaller dimensions than other types of coffee maker
Ideal for households

Lever espresso machine

Lever espresso machines require hands-on involvement during the preparation of coffee, giving you full control over the brewing process.

You have full control of the brewing process

Preparation using ground coffee
You have the freedom to make coffee just the way you like it
A more hands-on approach to coffee preparation
Ideal for coffee experts

Automatic coffee machine

Press one button and the automatic coffee machine will take care of the rest, from grinding the coffee and frothing the milk to preheating the cups.

For hassle-free coffee preparation

For demanding coffee drinkers
Distinctive flavour thanks to the coffee being ground directly before preparation
Self-cleaning function makes for convenient, hassle-free operation
Suitable for larger companies or households

Moka pot s

Of all the alternative methods of coffee preparation, moka pots are the most similar in principle to an espresso machine.

For a strong and intense coffee flavour

Distinctive strong taste
Heated on a stove or via an electrical output
Similar in principle to the preparation of espresso

French press

The French press offers extremely simple coffee preparation - simply steep the coffee in hot water before pushing the plunger to separate the grinds.

Quality coffee at a low price

For a lighter-tasting coffee
Should be used with coarsely ground coffee
Easy and fast preparation
They can also be used to make tea

Drip coffee maker

Drip coffee makers offer simple preparation and lighter-flavoured coffee that releases its aroma gradually.

Perfect for those who want to savour their brew

Brewed coffee can stay warm for hours
A more delicate flavour than espresso
Near-boiling water is distributed over coffee grounds that are held in a filter

Glossary - coffee

Capsule

A small container of coffee designed specifically for use with capsule coffee machines. There is a wide range of flavours available, including cappuccino, latte macchiato and even chocolate. However, the choice of capsule is often limited by the manufacturer of the capsule coffee machine. Capsules provide one of the simplest methods of preparing coffee.

Espresso

Espresso is a 30 ml coffee beverage made at an even pressure of 9 bar. The recommended duration of extraction is 20 to 30 seconds. Espresso should be served in a 60-90 ml cup.

Crema

Crema is the thick coffee foam found at the top of a cup of espresso.

Glossary