By The Telegraph (World News) | Created at 2024-10-30 17:00:11 | Updated at 2024-10-31 03:37:17
10 hours ago
From big, barista-style coffee machines to compact espresso makers and pod and capsule systems, here's how to raise your coffee game
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With the cost of a high street coffee spiralling ever upwards, it’s no wonder that more of us are choosing to create our favourite brews in the comfort of our own kitchens. Whether you favour a classic filter coffee or a fashionable macchiato, there’s a coffee maker that promises to serve up a cup every bit as good as a coffee shop. But how do you decide which is the best coffee machine for your needs?
Caroline Carter, head of coffee and strategy at award-winning social enterprise Change Please explains, “There is so much to explore when making your own coffee. Whether you can create the same coffee shop experience at home depends on the quality of your beans, equipment and skill.” She recommends doing your research before shelling out. “Think about your budget, available space, what types of drinks you want to make” and the key consideration, “how much effort you want to put into preparing the coffee and looking after your machine”.
We’ve tested a range of coffee machines and you can read our reviews below, followed by an FAQ section on how they work. If you’re pressed for time, here’s a quick look at our top five:
What are the best coffee machines in 2024? At a glance
- Best coffee machine overall - Sage Oracle Jet
- Best value coffee machine - DeLonghi La Specialista Arte
- Best bean-to-cup coffee machine - Gaggia Magenta Plus
- Best coffee pod machine - Nespresso Vertuo
- Best coffee machine for espresso - Gaggia Classic Evo Pro
What type of coffee machine should you get?
A manual bean-to-cup coffee machine offers the closest barista-style experience but according to Bharti Radix, founder of Blooms Yard cafe wine bars, if you do choose a manual machine, you’ve got to be dedicated in order to get the quality you’re striving for. “There’s a lot to learn, from the size of the grind and the ideal volumes and ratios to the length of extraction, but if you’re willing to put the time in, you can get absolutely fantastic results.” The hands-on approach required by manual machines also extends to looking after them and you’ll need to establish a routine of cleaning and regular descaling.
If, however, you just want a quick, no mess approach without compromising on flavour, then a fully-automatic bean-to-cup machine may be the best option. They’ll deliver a high quality coffee in a wide range of styles, often at the touch of a button. They also have in-built rinse and purge cycles to make short work of cleaning up.
The simplest option of all when it comes to espresso, is of course a pod machine. The ultimate in both convenience and consistency, they tend to be smaller and cheaper than bean-to-cup machines though the pods themselves usually work out pricier than buying beans or grounds. As Carter explains, “A pod machine will not replicate the full experience of a coffee made by a skilled barista but they are a great introduction to brewing coffee at home.”
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How we tested coffee machines
I tested the coffee machines over several weeks. To ensure the best possible results, I downloaded any accompanying apps and watched the detailed instruction videos many models offer.
I used the same coffee beans and grounds in every machine, opting for the smooth and chocolatey signature blend Get To The Hopper from Lost Sheep Coffee. My own tried and trusted Sage manual bean-to-cup and Nespresso original coffee pod machines served as the benchmark.
Once all the machines were set up and I’d grasped the basics, I took them through their paces, trying each of the coffee styles offered. I also regularly asked family members to make me a coffee and invited visitors to help themselves. I took note of which machines most were drawn to and how intuitive they were to operate – a surprisingly high rate of first-time users struggled to even find the power button on certain models.
Alongside ease of use and practicalities such as the size of the water tank, I also scored the machines on the quality of the coffee, the number of programmes offered and how easy they were to clean. If you prefer tea, check out our guide to the best kettles of 2024.
Best coffee machines
1. Sage Oracle Jet
Best coffee machine overall, 10/10
We like: The balance between automated and manual
We don’t like: There’s no getting around the high price
- Type: Bean-to-cup
- Size: 42.5 x 38.1 x 36.8 cm
- Weight: 12.1kg
- Capacity: 2.3 litres
If you enjoy the coffee-making ritual but aren’t always completely delighted with the end results, this machine may just strike the right balance. While it’s classed as an automatic machine, due to the tech and auto-tamping, there’s far more interaction than simply pressing a button.
There’s a certain amount of setting-up, including 45 different grind sizes, to navigate but the full-colour touchscreen will guide you step-by-step through the process. Once programmed to your preferences, you can rely on consistently excellent results, whoever is making the coffee.
There are 12 beverages to choose from including all the regular espresso and cappuccino options you’d expect as well as cold brew and hot chocolate. Once you’ve made your selection, the machine grinds the beans, auto doses and then tamps the grounds into the professionally sized 58mm portafilter, leaving you to simply lock it into place and begin the extraction. The machine then monitors the length of the extraction and advises on grind size adjustments in order to achieve the perfect brew. A no-hands milk steaming wand guarantees a smooth microfoam and you can set the temperature to your preference.
As well as the precision settings, several other really useful features make this a standout machine for me. When it comes to cleaning, it automatically rinses and purges (though you’ll still need to wipe down the steam wand) and thanks to the auto-tamping, there are no messy grounds scattered around.
Best of all, wheels allow you to slide it across the counter for easy cleaning underneath and once back in place, a lever lowers the machine firmly into position. And there’s no need to clamber around to the back in order to access the water tank as a lift-up flap at the front of the machine allows you to fill it up right from where you’re standing. I also liked the retractable plug so there are no dangling cables – or worse, short leads that don’t quite reach. It comes complete with a sturdy, matching knock box for collecting the spent grounds.
This is a fantastic machine but it does carry a hefty price tag.
2. DeLonghi La Specialista Arte
Best value coffee machine, 9/10
We like: The quick start up time and the clever dosing and tamping guide
We don’t like: Setting the menu preferences takes a bit of getting used to
- Type: Bean-to-cup
- Size: 28.5 x 36.5x 40cm
- Weight: 9.3kg
- Capacity: 1.7 litres
At just less than £500, this beautiful, manual bean-to-cup coffee machine offers great value. A classic design in a plastic and stainless steel housing, it’s also available in a range of colours including this gorgeous yellow – a striking choice if you’re planning to tap into this season’s cafecore trend by setting up a coffee corner in your home kitchen.
As with all manual machines, you’ll need to master each stage of the process from grinding and dosing to extraction and milk steaming in order to achieve the perfect results.
There are eight grind settings, an adjustable dose dial and three temperature levels so you can modify your brew to your own specifications. It heats up quickly and once you’ve programmed the settings and practised a few brews, you’ll soon be able to knock out a perfect espresso in just a couple of minutes.
This model comes complete with various helpful accessories, including a steel jug, a sturdy tamper and a rubber tamping mat to protect your kitchen counter. A unique dosing and tamping guide is really useful too – the extra height directs the coffee grounds down into the portafilter making the grinding process far less messy. I also like the neat compartment for storing the mat, cleaning tools and spare filter cups. There’s also a little platform to raise espresso cups closer to the portafilter so there’s no messy splashing during dispensing.
3. Gaggia Magenta Plus
also available at Gaggia
Best bean-to-cup coffee machine, 9/10
We like: The consistently good quality results
We don’t like: Even though it’s an automatic machine, you have to steam the milk yourself
- Type: Bean-to-cup
- Size: 22.4 x 35.7 x 43.5 cm
- Weight: 7.6kg
- Capacity: 1.8 litres
This automatic bean-to-cup machine is functional in both appearance and performance. Adjustable ceramic grinders offer five settings from fine to coarse and allow you to modify the amount of coffee used in each brew. There’s also an option to use coffee grounds – useful if you’re out of beans.
An LED touch screen offers a choice of four coffee styles: espresso, espresso lungo, coffee and Americano with options to vary size, temperature and strength and it’s very simple to navigate. The base plate can be raised up and the dispenser can be lowered too so a wide range of cup sizes can easily be accommodated.
There’s a significant amount of vibration that occurs during dispensing and the light-weight glass espresso cup I used during testing jiggled perilously (see the video below) as it was filling, however, there were no issues with heavier ceramic cups. The espresso created was smooth and rounded with an excellent crema.
While obtaining a wonderful black coffee is effortless, it’s a little trickier when it comes to crafting milk-based drinks. The stainless steel steam wand is operated simply by a stop-start button so you’ll need to learn to master frothing the milk in order to create the perfect texture. You’ll also need to remember to manually purge the wand afterwards. The screen will prompt when cleaning and descaling cycles are needed.
4. Nespresso Vertuo Creatista
Best coffee pod machine, 9/10
We like: The ease of use including hands-free milk frothing
We don’t like: The machine is only compatible with Nespresso pods
- Type: Pod
- Size: 22.8 x 41.7 x 32.1 cm
- Weight: 9.74kg
- Capacity: 2 litres
This is an attractive stainless steel machine designed solely for use with Nespresso Vertuo pods. The capsules come in an enormous range of flavours and different sizes and each pod has a barcode which briefs the machine on how it needs to be brewed. The machine is quick to heat up and there’s a platform to raise the cup height if making espresso, then it’s simply a case of pushing the button to initiate the extraction.
The automatic steam wand is hands-free. Pour milk into the supplied jug that sits neatly in position then lower the steam wand and select from three different texture levels and temperatures. Once steaming is completed you’ll need to lift the wand in order to remove the jug and as it is lowered back down, it triggers the machine to automatically purge. A connectable app offers descaling notifications.
The spent capsules land in a compartment which is easily emptied from the side so the capsules can be collected and kept for recycling. All-in-all, this machine is very simple to operate and delivers excellent results.
5. KitchenAid K6
Best coffee machine for the office, 9/10
We like: How very easy, efficient and clean it is
We don’t like: It’s big for a home kitchen
- Type: Bean-to-cup
- Size: 36.3 x 47.3 x 26 cm
- Weight: 12.7kg
- Capacity: 2.2 litres
While initially put off a little by the large, boxy appearance of this fully automatic machine, once I got used to its ways, I soon began to really enjoy using it. It quickly became the go-to machine for other family members too primarily because it is so efficient and easy to use. There are 15 pre-set drinks on a colour touchscreen that can be modified for strength and size, and favourites can be saved to individual profiles.
Milk is poured into a container positioned alongside, and a tube inserted draws the milk into the machine where it heats, froths and foams, depending on the coffee style selected, before dispensing from a head that slides up and down to match the cup size. If milk is needed separately, however, the only available selection is for ‘warm milk’. There’s no option for frothing as there is with other machines, and my daughter, who was attempting to make a post-school hot chocolate, had to make do with milk that was both flat and rather tepid.
One thing you do need to know is that this machine does a lot of rinsing. It rinses when you switch on, it rinses between coffees, it orders you to complete an ‘easy milk rinse’ at frequent intervals, and it somehow even rinses one last time, after you’ve turned off the power button.
There are pros and cons to this, if you’re after a quick espresso in the morning and are first instructed to empty the drip tray and puck box or position a vessel while the machine does one of its rinses it can be a bit irritating. However, it didn’t take long and I felt very reassured that the machine was keeping itself scrupulously clean. But you’ll need to get used to it and be prepared to frequently fill the water tank and empty the drip tray.
This is a quick, quiet and very clean machine that’s well suited to being kept busy – a good choice for larger households or home offices.
6. Smeg Minipro Espresso Machine
Best coffee machine for lattes, 8/10
We like: the modern design is very attractive
We don’t like: there’s no integrated coffee grinder and the front gets very hot
- Type: Ground coffee
- Size: 36 x 20 x 43.3cm
- Weight: 12.8kg
- Capacity: 1.7 litres
Despite the name, this machine is far from mini, with a depth of over 43cm and weighing in at close to 13kg it is, in fact, a very substantial piece of kit. A stylish and contemporary-looking model in brushed steel and a choice of colours, this will certainly add impact to the kitchen counter, provided you don’t mind the oversized Smeg branding.
The grouphead (the part of the machine that dispenses the water) is generally set back on most manual coffee machines, and with good reason, as it gets very hot. On this model, the grouphead is front and centre, which does look great however, care must be taken not to touch it when inserting the hefty 58mm portafilter, and that’s easier said than done.
The power button is, inexplicably, right at the back of the machine, which is quite a stretch for some of us. There’s no platform for adjusting the cup height so you’ll need to make sure yours will fit beneath the portafilter before you begin brewing.
The functions are pared back and simple with a choice of single or double espresso plus an additional lever, to allow you to manually control the dispensing of water and the length of your espresso. It’s simple to adjust the settings including the temperature and the intensity of the steam wand. Despite the price and size of this machine, it does not grind whole beans so you’ll need to use grounds or buy a separate grinder. However, I was very happy with the smooth coffee the machine delivered and how easy it is to clean.
7. Dualit Espressivo Pro
Best coffee machine for cappuccinos, 8/10
We like: The large water tank and helpful digital display
We don’t like: It’s a manual machine so it takes a while to master
- Type: Bean-to-cup
- Size: 34.1 x 19.5 x 41.2cm
- Weight: 9.98kg
- Capacity: 2.8 litres
A solidly built and classically designed manual machine. It has stainless steel burrs in a conical grinder and an impressive 40 different grind sizes.
As with all manual machines, you’ll need to practice to get great results but this is made easier with an easy-to-use digital display. Once you’ve got the grind size and dose perfected and the portafilter loaded and tamped with the weighty brushed-steel tamper, you can use the presets for temperature and size or easily adjust to your own preferences.
The display counts down so you monitor the length of the extraction as well as check the pressure on the gauge – this info will help you adjust the grind to achieve optimal results but don’t expect to be able to create the ideal coffee straight away. The steam wand can be rotated in all directions which helps you find the best angle for manual milk frothing; you’ll need to purge and wipe it down after use.
Despite being an average-sized machine, this has the largest of all the water tanks at 2.8l which makes it a great choice if you’re planning to use it often.
8. Gaggia Classic Evo Pro
Best coffee machine for espresso, 8/10
We like: The classic, compact design and deceptively large water tank
We don’t like: You need to do ALL the work
- Type: Ground coffee
- Size: 23 x 38 x 24cm
- Weight: 8.1kg
- Capacity: 2.1 litres
Getting this manual machine up and running is the easy part, you simply need to fill the water tank and remember to fit the drain pipe too. It’s not that operating it is difficult but you will need to put in some time and effort in order to achieve the fantastic results this machine is capable of delivering.
A timeless-looking machine made from stainless steel and with just three switches – power, brew and steam, plus a valve to control the intensity of the steam wand. There are no presets, volumetric dosing or pressure gauge, so the length of brew time and the milk steaming are all controlled completely manually. You’ll need a separate mill to grind your beans just before using them, or alternatively, you can use pre-ground coffee or compatible Lavazza coffee bags.
The machine heats up quickly, including the handy cup warmer plate on top. It’s always worth checking the water level each time you switch on as there’s no indicator for when you’re running low. There’s only enough space beneath the portafilter to fit espresso or shallow cappuccino cups so this is not the ideal machine for Americano lovers.
When it comes to milky coffees, again you’ll need to practice to achieve your desired texture and temperature and annoyingly as the steam wand only moves side to side and is at a fixed angle, it’s slightly awkward to position your milk jug exactly where you want it. And of course, you’ll need to manually purge the wand after using it too. Once you’ve worked out the perfect grind size, ideal weight of coffee grounds per cup and length of extraction, the resulting espresso will never disappoint. A great choice for those who enjoy the precision and care that goes into crafting the perfect, short brew.
9. Krups Evidence Eco Design
Best coffee machine for Americanos, 9/10
We like: The ease of use and eco credentials
We don’t like: It’s not the most beautiful-looking machine
- Type: Bean-to-cup
- Size: 36.7 x 24 x 38cm
- Weight: 7.8kg
- Capacity: 2.3litres
Krups claim this is “The first eco-designed bean-to-cup machine created to reduce environmental impact without compromising exceptional coffee taste”. Made from 62 per cent recycled plastic, it’s a push-button model that skips a lot of bells and whistles of the sleeker designs but as promised, delivers excellent results.
A fully automatic, bean-to-cup machine, I found this really simple to use. The grind can be adjusted for strength and there are eight brews to choose from including ristretto, Americano and café latte. The milk needs to be poured into a vessel where a tube sucks it into the machine for warming and frothing before dispensing into the cup. The dispenser slides up and down to accommodate a wide range of cup sizes and the machine automatically rinses and purges after each use.
It’s a little on the big side but it has a decent sized water tank and is able to brew two drinks at once making it a great choice for homes or small offices requiring larger quantities of good quality coffee without any faff or mess.
10. Cuisinart One Cup Grind & Brew Coffee Maker
Best budget coffee machine, 8/10
We like: How quickly and quietly it operates
We don’t like: You’re unable to adjust the grind size
- Type: Bean-to-cup
- Size: 32 x 28 x 19cm
- Weight: 5.31kg
- Capacity: 1.35 litres
A great little bean-to-cup machine for solo users who enjoy classic filter-style black coffee. The neat and compact design does away with paper filters, instead employing a reusable filter basket and capsule (two supplied) into which the machine directly grinds the coffee – the burr mill automatically switches off once the filter is full. It can also be used with pre-ground coffee.
There’s a choice of three cup sizes (120ml - 300ml) which are delivered quietly and quickly with the whole process from switching on, through to grinding and dispensing a medium 210ml cup, only taking a couple of minutes.
The water tank is spacious considering the size of the machine, and coupled with a hopper that holds 100g beans, you’ll be able to enjoy several cups before you need to refill. At just £100, this is an excellent budget option for individual users or smaller households.
11. Lavazza A Modo Mio Deséa
Best for coffee machines for small kitchens, 8/10
We like: It’s small, neat and very quiet and the capsules are compostable
We don’t like: The texture of the milk isn’t the best
- Type: Pod
- Size: 14.5 x 38 x 28cm
- Weight: 4.5kg
- Capacity: 1.1litres
This is a small, neat and economically-priced machine with a plastic and stainless steel housing. As you’d expect from a pod machine, it’s easy to use.
A lever at the top of the machine lifts to allow a fully compostable Lavazza capsule to be slotted into place. The drip tray can be raised closer to the spout for the dispensing of espresso. An accompanying frothing jar has level markings so you can see how much milk to use for cappuccinos and lattes.
The machine warms up in just a few seconds so by the time you’ve sorted your capsule and cup, it’s ready to start the extraction. You can choose from a range of sizes and adjust the temperature. Once the milk frother and jar are slotted into place, the machine automatically switches across to the milk setting where again you can choose various presets as well as boost the temperature and milk foam. You’ll need to rinse the frother after use but overall, it’s a quick, quiet and low-maintenance machine.
12. Melitta Aroma Fresh
Best filter coffee machine, 9/10
We like: The freshly brewed coffee is excellent and the timer is simple to set
We don’t like: It’s sleek-looking but quite large and tall
- Type: Bean-to-cup
- Size: 46.3 x 26.8 x 25.2cm
- Weight: 3.7kg
- Capacity: 1.25 litres
While filter coffee might not have previously been my first choice, this machine has definitely given me cause to rethink. There’s such a lot to like about it.
First of all, you can use your favourite beans and the machine will grind them just before brewing starts (on 11 different grind settings), secondly, it’s so easy to use, it’s pretty well foolproof and most wonderfully it has a timer so you can set it up before bedtime and wake up to a jug of warm, freshly brewed coffee.
This machine took me no time at all to get to grips with, even setting the timer is very straightforward. The water tank has measurements so you fill it with the number of cups required then select the corresponding number so the machine grinds the right amount of coffee when it’s time to brew. The grinding is a little noisy so don’t set it before your alarm goes off to avoid waking with a start, however, the resulting coffee was so smooth and aromatic, that I may just be a convert.
13. Instant Cold Brewer
Best cold brew coffee maker, 8/10
We like: how quickly it creates full-flavoured cold coffee
We don’t like: the flavour profile is not quite on a par with traditional cold brew
- Type: Grounds
- Size: 19 x 18 x 25 cm
- Weight: 1.3kg
- Capacity: 950ml
Traditional cold brew coffee is made by steeping coarse coffee grounds in cold water for 12–24 hours. This extended brewing time allows the coffee to be extracted slowly, resulting in a smoother, less acidic, and more full-bodied flavour.
In order to be transparent I am a fan of both cold brew coffee and Instant machines, choosing the brand for both my pressure cooker and air fryer. In this case, their cold brewer is designed with the same high quality and functionality I’d expect from.
It’s attractive and well made, consisting of a glass jug with a steel brew basket and strong lid – all of which are dishwasher-safe. It’s simple to operate and spin-brews cold coffee anywhere between five and 30 minutes depending on the strength you prefer. While I don’t think an instant coffee machine can produce a true cold brew, this machine from Instant can most certainly create a delicious-tasting cold coffee.
14. Breville Iced Coffee Maker
Best iced coffee maker, 7/10
We like: You don’t need to use paper filters
We don’t like: It’s made entirely from plastic
- Type: Grounds
- Size: 19 x 25 x 34cm
- Weight: 1.7kg
- Capacity: 300ml
While Breville have marketed this simple brewer as an iced coffee machine, it is in fact, a standard coffee filter machine.
It uses coffee grounds and after a short brew time, a lever releases hot coffee into a plastic tumbler that you need to pre-fill with ice. It produces pleasant enough coffee and is very easy to use. At just £25, it makes a fun, budget-friendly option.
Coffee machine FAQs
How to choose a coffee machine
As freshly ground beans are vital for the best results, an integrated grinder is really useful and means you won’t need to buy a separate coffee mill. It’s also worth considering the size of the water tank and how easy it is to clean and maintain the machine.
When contemplating an automatic or pod machine, check the range of preset drinks offered and how long they take to make. If choosing a manual machine, according to coffee expert Caroline Carter, the key features to look out for are bar pressure, which should ideally be around nine bars and some machines are fitted with a PID (proportional integral derivative) control to help regulate the temperature. A pressure gauge is important as it monitors the boiler and brewing pressures helping you achieve the ideal extraction. A controllable steam wand is essential to create the tiny microbubbles needed to make great textured milk.
What type of coffee machine is best?
This will depend on the type of coffee you would like to have every morning. Some coffee machines are only programmed to make espresso while other goes as far as producing a range of different coffees from flat whites to cappuccinos. Consider both how much you are willing to spend and how much you could save on your morning £5 coffee from a coffee shop. Water filtration is important for any coffee machine to produce good quality coffee. High-end coffee machines should have an inbuilt water filter.
What are the quality points of a good coffee?
According to Caroline Carter, “Coffee flavour should have balanced acidity, bitterness and sweetness and be aromatic.”
What is a pod coffee machine?
Pod or capsule coffee machines tend to be looked down upon by espresso enthusiasts, but they are the easiest and most convenient way to make coffee at home. They use one sealed capsule of fine-ground coffee for each drink. All you have to do is put it in the machine and press one button. In the long run, pods can be expensive, and you’re limited as to what kind of coffee you can make. They’re also not always recyclable, although there are more and more eco-friendly pods popping up on the market.
What is a manual espresso machine?
Manual espresso machines require a little bit more skill to use – but the results are worth it. They’re the kind you see in a coffee shop and use a scoop of ground espresso to produce a barista-standard coffee. The downside is that they can be tricky to get the hang of, are more expensive than pod machines and create a bit more mess.
What is a bean-to-cup coffee machine?
Bean-to-cup coffee machines handle every part of the process at the touch of a button – from grinding the beans, to making the coffee, to frothing the milk. The downside is that they tend to be expensive and more tricky to clean.
What is a filter coffee machine?
Filter machines offer ease and value for money. It simply presses water through ground coffee into a jug or receptacle, providing an easy and cost-effective way to make coffee for multiple people at once. As these are a different kettle of fish entirely – they just produce black filter coffee, not espresso – I haven’t included them in my list of the ‘best’ below.
What is a French press coffee maker?
Cafetières or French press coffee makers are not actually ‘machines’ but represent another, more affordable way to make great-tasting coffee at home. If you want to dip your toe into coffee making without investing in a machine, it’s worth reading the Telegraph guide to the best cafetières.
What do the most popular coffee terms mean?
- Crema: The fine, aromatic froth that sits on top of a shot of espresso.
- Portafilter: The handle and holder for the ground coffee filter that’s used with an espresso machine.
- Extraction: The process of drawing flavour from coffee grounds to make a shot of espresso.
- Espresso: A coffee made by forcing hot water through coffee grounds at high pressure.
- PID: Proportional-Integral-Derivative – a digital temperature control mechanism. Where a traditional thermostat simply turns the heat off when a set temperature is exceeded, a PID system uses a sophisticated algorithm to ensure coffee is extracted at the optimum temperature.
Why is it so important to store coffee beans correctly?
Even the best machine can’t make good coffee without good beans. “Freshness is key, buy your beans little and often, once opened, store your beans in an airtight container away from heat and light to maximise flavour and aroma. Use whole beans and grind them as you need them, think of your coffee bean like an apple, once cut up it quickly stales,” explains Carter.
Why is my coffee machine not producing enough crema?
Crema is the golden-brown, creamy layer that forms on top of a fresh espresso shot. It’s considered a hallmark of a well-extracted espresso and contributes to the coffee’s aroma, texture, and flavour. Crema issues usually stem from grind size, coffee freshness, or machine pressure. Ensure you’re using fresh beans and grinding them finely. If crema is still lacking, check that your machine’s pressure is set correctly, ideally around nine bars, for optimal espresso extraction.
Why is a water filter always recommended?
“Using a filter is not only important for extraction and flavour but also to prolong the life of your equipment,” says Carter. “If your tap water has a high mineral content this can lead to under-extracted coffee, water that is too soft can give rise to over-extracted coffee. Unfiltered water can also contribute to limescale buildup in your machine, which impacts the operation of your machine, causing breakdowns as well as negatively affecting the flavour of your coffee.”
How often should I clean my coffee machine?
Regular cleaning is crucial for optimal flavour and machine longevity. Clean the steam wand after each use to prevent milk residue buildup. Rinse the removable parts, like the portafilter and drip tray daily. Descale the machine every one to three months, depending on water hardness and machine usage – your machine should prompt you when a descaling is due, otherwise, check the manual.
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