Buying Coffee Machines for Oak Kitchens
Whilst kitchen cabinets and appliances may take up much of your budget when it comes to buying oak kitchens, there are likely to be a number of small gadgets that you will later turn your mind to. A must-have for many, a coffee machine is a key kitchen feature that requires a certain amount of consideration. Available in all shapes and sizes, with an array of useful extras, coffee machines range from basic small appliances to highly luxurious alternatives with all the ‘bells and whistles’.
With this in mind, we have devised a handy buying guide to help you decide upon the ideal coffee machine for you – whether you’re dreaming of a basic model or a more lavish option!
Key Considerations
There are several factors to consider when purchasing a coffee machine.
If you often find yourself short on time, it is worth taking a look at our ‘Easy to Use?’ rating to help save time on busy mornings.
Take a look at the wattage – the higher the wattage, the quicker the water will boil. If time is an important factor for you, opt for a high wattage machine to ensure your coffee is delivered that little bit faster.
Between 9 and 15 bars is the recommended pressure for espresso machines, in order to achieve the sought-after crema (this is the layer of rich, golden foam found on top of the espresso). If you are planning to purchase an espresso machine, it is important to take the bar pressure into account.
If you usually opt for a frothy cappuccino, milky latte or macchiato, you may prefer a machine with a steam arm or integrated frothing function. If you choose a machine without a steam arm, you can also warm milk in a pan and use a hand-held milk frother instead.
Finally, we recommend selecting a coffee machine with an automatic shut-off function. This will prevent the machine being left on all day by accident, conserving energy and keeping your machine in optimum working order.
Types of Coffee Machines
Filter Coffee Machines – This type of machine is ideal if you often find yourself making large quantities of coffee. The water will slowly drip through a filter containing ground coffee, producing a full, fresh pot. The pot sits on a hot plate to keep the coffee warm throughout the filter process and afterwards.
Easy to Use? ★★★★
Type of Coffee: Ground
Pod and Capsule Coffee Machines – This style of machine uses disposable coffee pods or capsules. Hot water is forced through the coffee once the capsule has been correctly inserted within the machine. This is less messy than using a coffee filter, but also usually requires you to stick to one brand.
Easy to Use? ★★★★★
Type of Coffee: Capsules
Espresso Machines – Espresso coffee makers produce barista-style coffee. Using steam and ground coffee, these machines produce a strong shot of espresso which can be drunk as it is or used to make a latte or cappuccino. Using a Thermoblock system, water is heated to the optimum temperature for making the perfect crema.
Easy to Use? ★★★
Type of Coffee: Ground
Bean-to-Cup Machines – As the name suggests, a bean-to-cup coffee machine uses fresh beans to perform the coffee-making process. The beans are ground with an in-built grinder, packed together in a filter, and hot water is pushed through to produce a delicious shot of espresso – all at the touch of a button. The left-over coffee grinds are then ejected into a tray for easy disposal.
Easy to Use? ★★★★
Type of Coffee: Beans
If you are looking for a range of new kitchen gadgets, visit our Pinterest page to discover plenty of kitchen inspiration. From blenders and toasters to waste bins and wirework, there’s a lot to see.
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