Main Types
Many types of Coffee Machines are now on the market that give good quality results at home, that were once only available with café bought coffee. Which one you choose will depend on the type of coffee that you like, how often and for how many people you are likely to be making it. Capacity is usually measured in cupfuls, although exactly how big a cupful is seems to vary considerably!
- Percolator - This is an all-in-one jug machine. They are usually electric, although hob versions are available.
- Filter Machine - Usually consists of a water tank, filter area for the ground coffee and collection jug for the coffee.
- Espresso Machine - Similar to the above except that water is heated and forced through the coffee grounds very quickly giving that unmistakable café flavour.
- Espresso/Cappuccino Combination - The addition of a separate steam spout allows milk to be frothed before being added to espresso giving cappuccino coffee.
- “Pod” System - Similar to an espresso machine except using branded pre-measured coffee “pods” giving consistent quality every time.
Percolator
This was probably the first type of coffee machine that most of us can remember in the home. They look like a tall coffee pot and hold enough for about eight cupfuls. Inside there is a small metal basket where the ground coffee is placed. The required amount of water is added into the “pot” and is heated. As the water heats, it is drawn up a tube that leads to the coffee grounds where it then drips over the coffee. The brew is ready when all the water has passed through the coffee grounds enough to draw its flavour. The coffee will stay hot as long as the percolator remains switched on. All percolators work in this way and only really differ in style and size. Most are electric but it is possible to get hob-top versions. These can even be used on a camping stove as well – a “must” for those of us who like our home comforts! All percolators are a simple way to make coffee but can be quite slow if you just want a couple of cupfuls. Percolators are quite easy to clean and have no fiddly bits to get lost.
Filter Machines
These offer a slightly faster way of producing fresh coffee with the water being heated in a separate tank, dripping through the coffee grounds and collecting in a jug ready to pour. Some machines need paper filters, whereas others have permanent mesh filters already fitted. They both give good results. The coffee is kept hot on a hotplate that the jug sits on. Some machines do not really keep the coffee warm enough to drink whereas others are too hot and spoil its flavour. Any coffee made using a filter machine should really be drunk within ten minutes to appreciate its full flavour. Most Filter Machines will hold enough for about six cupfuls at a time and are speedy enough if you need to make more. Filter Machines are low maintenance with most sections being easily washed either by hand or in the dishwasher. They are a good all- round reliable way of making coffee.
Espresso Machines
Very similar to filter machines except that the quantity of coffee delivered is very small. Traditionally espresso is a tiny cupful of intensely-flavoured coffee made by letting hot water pour over coffee grounds very quickly. Some espresso machines will have the facility to brew two cupfuls at the same time although this is not very common with domestic versions. So, if you live with lots of other espresso coffee lovers this could be very frustrating! However if you will just be using it occasionally, say for after dinner coffee, this may be just what you need. Take care however when considering which espresso machine to buy as some of them are very fiddly to clean; if you will be using your espresso machine frequently, you may consider the expense of a semi-commercial version that can be connected to your mains water, to be worthwhile. Not only will this let you make two cups at once, but these versions are usually self cleaning on the inside. If you’re a serious espresso fan this might be for you.
Espresso/Cappuccino Combination
As the name suggests this is similar to the machine above except with the addition of a separate “spout”. This spout is for frothing milk, by means of steam, to add to the espresso, making cappuccino. These machines must only be operated with extreme care as the steam generated to froth the milk can be very dangerous. That said, they can produce a finished cappuccino very similar to that of a café. However, the water containers on most of these machines are quite small so that there is only really enough steam to froth milk for one cup at a time. This can be a very slow way of making cappuccinos for your friends! If you’re only likely to be making a single cup at a time though, it may be worth considering
“Pod” Systems
These are a relative newcomer to the home coffee-making market. They work in much the same way as an espresso machine but with a larger water container that will hold enough for about 10 cupfuls. These machines must be used with their own branded “pods” of coffee. (Which are available in different blends to suit all tastes). The pod (which is exactly the right amount of coffee for one cup) is inserted into the machine which then forces heated water through the pod, delivering the fresh coffee straight into the cup placed beneath. The quality of the coffee produced in this way is very consistent, and although only one cupful is produced at a time, it is very quick. This might be just the solution for you if live in a house with lots of coffee drinkers who all need their “fix” quickly in the morning. A more expensive option than a regular Filter Machine but much quicker; with the option of each person being able to have their favourite blend. These machines are very easy to clean and maintain and are definitely worth considering for the serious coffee addict.
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