The popularity of coffee has been growing every year for more than a thousand years. During its existence, both types and recipes for the preparation of this drink have changed. Having gone from dried pulp to roasted coffee beans, in the era of technological progress, coffee acquires a completely new way of preparation - the beans are placed in a coffee machine, which grinds them, brews and dispenses them in the form of a finished drink without human intervention.
Recently, coffee machines have gained particular popularity, and demand creates supply. Popular models have their own unique features and differences, which makes it difficult to decide on the choice of a suitable car for yourself. It is for this purpose that this rating of high-quality models was compiled, so that it would be easier to figure out which company is better to give preference to, how to choose a high-quality coffee machine and what to look for directly when buying.
Content
What it is?
A coffee machine is a type of household appliance that is designed to automate the process of making drinks from coffee beans. Here's what a coffee machine can do:
- Grind coffee beans;
- Determine the amount of water and coffee depending on the setting;
- Adjust the grind;
- Create compact briquettes from ground coffee;
- Warm up the poured water;
- Maintain the temperature of the cups with the liquid already poured;
- Whisk and heat milk or cream;
- Place already spent grinding in a special tank;
- Prepare different coffee recipes;
- Self-cleaning;
- Adjust the strength of the drink;
- Complete the entire brewing process automatically.
How to choose a coffee machine?
To choose the right device, you need to know the parameters by which the coffee machines are divided.
Types of coffee machines
According to the principle of operation, the coffee machines practically do not differ from each other. In each unit, coffee beans, already converted to powder, are passed through hot water or steam. Having understood the basic principle, you can easily figure out everything else. But by design and operation, they are divided into several types, listed below.
Carob
It is difficult to attribute them to full-fledged coffee machines due to the need for manual intervention, but still they are. Already ground powder is poured into the holder, and hot water passes through it under pressure. As soon as the drink is ready, the holder must be cleaned of used raw materials. Another disadvantage is that there is no function of adjusting the strength, but they have a relatively low price.
Capsule
This is a fairly practical type of coffee machine, which is characterized by ease of use. Ready-made capsules, which are packed in a plastic or foil container, are placed in the coffee machine.Inside it, they are pierced and the contents fall into hot water. They are not very suitable for the home due to the high cost of capsules. But it will be a good solution for a prestigious office, since the preparation of a drink will not distract from work.
Some manufacturers' capsules are not suitable for other models. There is no exact information on this, but, most likely, the matter lies in tough competition.
Chaldovye
For the most part, these are analogues of capsule devices. With the only exception that in place of the capsules there are pods, similar to tea bags. Each pod contains 7 grams of compressed coffee. It is worth noting the speed of cooking and the ability to adjust the strength.
Espresso harvester
There is not much to say about him. This is the same espresso machine, with the only exception that it has a built-in coffee grinder. Therefore, it is possible to fill it with both grain and ground coffee.
Automatic
The best coffee machine possible. All that is required from the user is to press the desired button on the control panel. After that, the machine will do everything by itself. The only thing is that it needs to be periodically cleaned and filled with raw materials.
If it is difficult to make a choice, then it is worth taking automatic cars. This will be the best buy. But you have to put up with a considerable cost, which is fully justified by the quality.
Millstones
They are used to grind coffee beans. They vary in appearance and can be either steel or ceramic. Below are their main characteristics.
Steel
Most importantly, they are very durable. If any foreign objects like pebbles come across, they will have nothing. The only negative is that there may be a slight aftertaste of "roasted" coffee. True, only the most sophisticated amateurs will be able to catch it.
Ceramic
An ideal material for preserving the exquisite taste of coffee beans. In addition, the user will not be annoyed by the rather low noise during operation. They are not used everywhere for the reason that they are somewhat fragile: if the same foreign objects hit, I can easily crack, which will cause problems.
Water heater
One of the main elements of the chain in a coffee machine is a device for heating water. It can be a boiler or thermoblock. More about them below:
Boiler
It has a connection to the water supply of the room. That is, as soon as the volume of liquid decreases, the coffee machine replenishes it from the general water supply network. Then it heats up and is ready to use again.
The downside is that scale forms due to constant heating of the liquid. Too often you have to clean it. It justifies itself in offices, when during the day coffee is constantly consumed by employees of the organization, who should not be distracted by constant topping up of liquid.
Thermoblock
The water in it is placed in a special reservoir, which can often be emptied. Although you have to constantly add water, it will be fresh. This is important if the machine is parked in a private home where the taste of coffee is appreciated.
Moreover, the energy consumption of this solution is many times lower. The boiler will heat a large volume of liquid, and the thermoblock will only heat a small amount of it, which rarely reaches two liters. Fuser units are generally the best-selling devices.
Brewing mechanism cleaning mechanism
The most important element of the system is the brewing mechanism, which directly transfers the properties of the beans into the finished drink. It can be removable or fixed in the device body.
Removable
From the name it is clear that such a mechanism can be removed from the main device, cleaned up and only then put back into place in the machine body. On the one hand, this is convenient, but on the other, the hydraulic system pipes will still retain a small coating from coffee, which will have to be cleaned out with the help of special tablets.
Anchored
The owner does not have to monitor the cleanliness of the device - the coffee machine does it itself.As soon as the sensor detects that it is time to clean, it will give a signal. It remains only to put a special tablet inside and activate cleaning.
For both methods, you will have to use pills. The difference is that in the fixed only they are used, and in the removable ones, these are only additional cleaning measures that need not be carried out so often. All this rests on the economic part.
Cappuccinatore
Not such a necessary device, but valuable for lovers of cappuccino or latte. Its main purpose is to whip milk into a thick or delicate foam, which is served with the main drink.
Automatic cappuccino maker
There is nothing easier than pouring milk into a special container, from which the machine itself will take the liquid and carry out all the necessary procedures. Needless to say, how much a machine with such a cappuccino maker costs.
Manual cappuccino maker
The tube releases steam under pressure. A container with milk is placed under this stream and with movements in a circle, the boundary between the liquid and the foam should be caught. In addition to circular motions, the vessel needs to be moved along the vertical axis at the same time. It is not very convenient, but the price justifies the disadvantage.
Rating of the best coffee machines for 2020
Below are the top of those coffee machines that have earned their attention by 2020. Some of them have long been known, and some are just beginning to win over their customers. But they have one thing in common - an excellent quality that continues to delight its owners.
Philips HD8827 3000 Series
The small size of the Philips HD8827 3000 Series automatic coffee machine allows it to be placed even in small kitchens, without creating inconvenience for the owners. But even with such small dimensions, it can cook two cups at once, thanks to a special function.
The user can save his personal settings, which will reduce the time for preparing his favorite drink. In addition to the pleasant taste, the coffee lover will enjoy the purest water that is passed through a sensitive filter.
Average price: 18050 rubles.
| A type | Espresso, automatic control |
|---|---|
| Used coffee | Grain |
| Power | 1850 Wt |
| Water tank volume | 1.8L |
| Maximum pressure | 15 bar |
| Settings | coffee strength control, with hot water dose adjustment and pre-wetting |
| Integrated coffee grinder | yes, adjustment of the degree of grinding, capacity of the container for beans 250 g |
| Display | Not |
| Body material | Plastic |
| Water level indicator | there is |
| Available colors | The black |
| Weight | 7.2 kg |
| Dimensions | 22x33x43 cm |
Advantages:
- Simple control of settings;
- Minimalistic design;
- The keys are backlit, which is convenient at night;
- Takes up little space;
- Convenient to pour water into the tank;
- Relatively low price;
- Can prepare all classic types of coffee.
Disadvantages:
- Noises at work;
- Not suitable for ground coffee.
Polaris PCM 4003 AL
Budget models are inferior to their competitors in terms of power, but they can please with a price-quality ratio. This model has a heating function that maintains a constant temperature in the poured cup. And the removable drip tray makes it easy to keep it clean. The manual cappuccino maker is used to prepare cappuccino with excellent milk foam.
This carob model can brew 4 cups of coffee at a time. Not very large in volume, but sufficient to get a wonderful boost of vivacity in the morning and for the whole day.
Average price: 3700 rubles.
| A type | Espresso, semi-automatic preparation |
|---|---|
| Used coffee | Ground |
| Power | 800 watts |
| Water tank volume | 0.2 l |
| Maximum pressure | 4 bar |
| Integrated coffee grinder | Not |
| Display | Not |
| Body material | Steel |
| Water level indicator | there is |
| Available colors | Black gray |
| Weight | 2 Kg |
| Dimensions | 14x30x23 cm |
Advantages:
- Attractive design;
- Quite low price;
- Small dimensions;
- Convenient to rinse;
- Excellent value for money.
Disadvantages:
- Small volume of the water tank;
- The heating does not keep the temperature very high.
De'Longhi EN 80 AE
A great option for the home, as inexpensive models like this, among other things, are small in size, which allows them to take up less space in the kitchen. The small espresso machine uses Nespresso capsules, which provide a wide variety of flavors, from classic espresso to latte macchiato.
One of the main advantages of the model can be considered a powerful thermoblock, which heats up the filled liquid very quickly. Among other things, there is a built-in cappuccino maker, which allows you to make coffee with delicate milk foam.
The developers have provided an automatic shutdown function. This is justified from the point of view of safety and energy savings. After nine minutes have passed since the cup has been prepared, the machine switches off automatically.
Average price: 10,720 rubles.
| A type | Capsule coffee machine |
|---|---|
| Used coffee | Capsules |
| Power | 1260 Wt |
| Water tank volume | 0.8 l |
| Settings | Adjusting the hot water proportion |
| Integrated coffee grinder | Not |
| Display | Not |
| Body material | Plastic |
| Water level indicator | there is |
| Available colors | Black, beige |
| Weight | 2.4 kg |
| Dimensions | 12x32x23 cm |
Advantages:
- Small size;
- Two modes of the cappuccinatore;
- It is very easy to rinse contaminated surfaces;
- Separate device for coffee machine and cappuccinatore;
- Sealed capsule packaging does not allow the contents to exhale;
- Relatively low price.
Disadvantages:
- Only one company capsules are available;
- The price of the capsules is somewhat overpriced;
- Vibrates and makes noise.
De'Longhi ECAM 350.15 B Dinamica
An option for those who like to make coffee with convenience. Great for home use. The stylish design of the model can be a good decoration for a kitchen or office. Unpretentious to use, this coffee machine has a removable brewing unit, which is easy to rinse.
For ease of use, the model is equipped with a convenient control panel that can be intuitively understood. On it you can easily select the desired temperature and strength of the drink. And so that the drops do not stain the table, a tray with a metal grill is provided, which can be easily removed.
Average price: 36,700 rubles.
| A type | Espresso, automatic preparation |
|---|---|
| Used coffee | Grain / ground |
| Power | 1450 Wt |
| Water tank volume | 1.8 l |
| Maximum pressure | 15 bar |
| Settings | Coffee strength control, coffee temperature adjustment, hot water dose adjustment |
| Integrated coffee grinder | Yes, adjustment of the degree of grinding, capacity of the container for beans 300 g |
| Display | Yes, backlit |
| Body material | Plastic |
| Water level indicator | there is |
| Available colors | Black, beige |
| Weight | 9.5 kg |
| Dimensions | 24x43x35 cm |
Advantages:
- Beautiful design;
- Convenient control panel interface;
- Lush foam;
- Small size.
Disadvantages:
- Low processor speed;
- Average noise level;
- Small volume of the water tank.
Melitta Caffeo Varianza CSP
The Caffeo Varianza CSP automatic coffee machine can prepare a drink for almost any taste, even for the most sophisticated coffee lover. It is easy to operate and even more so to cleanse it of coffee products.
The unique Me Bean Select function from the manufacturer can select a different type of coffee beans for each cup. The removable milk container will not take up unnecessary space in the kitchen, freeing up space on the tray for two or one large cups.
Average price: 69,250 rubles.
| A type | Espresso, automatic control |
|---|---|
| Used coffee | Grain |
| Power | 1450 Wt |
| Water tank volume | 1.2 l |
| Maximum pressure | 15 bar |
| Settings | coffee strength control, coffee temperature adjustment, hot water dose adjustment, pre-soaking, fast steam |
| Integrated coffee grinder | yes, adjustment of the degree of grinding, capacity of the container for beans 125 g |
| Display | Yes, backlit |
| Body material | Plastic |
| Water level indicator | Not |
| Available colors | Black, gray, silver |
| Weight | 8.7 kg |
| Dimensions | 25x41x38 cm |
Advantages:
- Automatic cleaning of the coffee machine;
- Fine tuning of coffee parameters;
- Correspondence of price and quality;
- A wide selection of types of coffee.
Disadvantages:
- Little noise.
Philips EP3558 3100 Series
The fully ceramic millstones of this model ensured the perfect taste of the coffee drink. On the convenient display, you can choose from a wide range of coffees, whether it is one of the traditional types or even decaf.
The coffee machine program will remember all the necessary parameters for the drink that the owner likes the most. Moreover, the wide functionality allows you to experiment with this or that parameter, creating an original taste.
Average price: 34,750 rubles.
| A type | Espresso, automatic control |
|---|---|
| Used coffee | Grain / ground |
| Power | 1450 Wt |
| Water tank volume | 1.8 l |
| Maximum pressure | 15 bar |
| Settings | coffee strength control, coffee temperature adjustment, hot water dose adjustment |
| Integrated coffee grinder | yes, adjustment of the degree of grinding, capacity of the container for beans 250 g |
| Display | Equipped with backlight |
| Body material | Plastic |
| Water level indicator | there is |
| Available colors | The black |
| Weight | 7.2 kg |
| Dimensions | 22x33x43 cm |
Advantages:
- Quick preparation of a drink;
- Automatic cappuccino maker;
- Large selection of drinks;
- Small size of the device;
- Control of the strength of the drink and the degree of grinding.
Disadvantages:
- Little noise at work;
- Slightly overpriced.
De'Longhi ETAM 29.660 SB
This beautiful coffee machine with a stylish minimalist design will delight its owners with delicious coffee of different types, be it American, espresso, cappuccino or many others. The control panel allows you to adjust all the parameters for the desired taste - from strength to temperature.
The new LatteCrema System from De'Longhi made it possible to achieve greater density from the milk foam. Or, on the contrary, gentle, if the user so wishes.
Cleaning coffee machines has never been so easy: the machine has an automatic cleaning system built into the milk foam adjustment knob. And the milk itself is located in a removable container that can be placed in the refrigerator so that the milk does not spoil prematurely.
Average price: 52,000 rubles.
| A type | Espresso, automatic preparation |
|---|---|
| Used coffee | Grain / ground |
| Power | 1450 Wt |
| Water tank volume | 1.4 l |
| Maximum pressure | 15 bar |
| Settings | coffee strength control, hot water dose adjustment, fast steam |
| Integrated coffee grinder | yes, adjustment of the degree of grinding, capacity of the container for beans 150 g |
| Display | Equipped with backlight |
| Body material | Plastic |
| Water level indicator | there is |
| Available colors | Black gray |
| Weight | 9.1 kg |
| Dimensions | 20x48x34 cm |
Advantages:
- Low noise level;
- Small size;
- The cappuccino maker can be removed;
- Convenient display.
Disadvantages:
- The plastic case in the model for such a price could be replaced with a metal one;
- Small dimensions of the drip tray;
- The water tank is difficult to reach;
- It is inconvenient to pour water into the same tank.
De'Longhi ECAM 23.460
This model contains the fundamental features of an ideal coffee machine - practicality, functionality and compactness. The coffee grinder built into the body of the device has thirteen grades of grinding. And special modes allow you to adjust the temperature of the coffee, its strength and the level of pre-wetting.
With this coffee machine, you do not have to wait in line when you can make coffee for yourself, because it is designed to simultaneously brew a drink for two cups.
Several algorithms are recorded in the program of the device, reminding that the machine needs to be washed, descaled and periodically rinsed. This is very important if the user wants to keep the device for many years.
Average price: 43,500 rubles.
| A type | Espresso, automatic control |
|---|---|
| Used coffee | Grain / ground |
| Power | 1450 Wt |
| Water tank volume | 1.8 l |
| Maximum pressure | 15 bar |
| Settings | coffee strength control, coffee temperature adjustment, hot water dose adjustment, pre-soaking |
| Integrated coffee grinder | yes, adjustment of the degree of grinding, capacity of the container for beans 250 g |
| Display | Yes, backlit |
| Body material | Plastic |
| Water level indicator | Not |
| Available colors | Black gray |
| Weight | 9 kg |
| Dimensions | 23x34x43 cm |
Advantages:
- Small size;
- Removable milk container;
- Convenient adjustment of beverage parameters;
- Simplicity of settings;
- Key illumination;
- Ease of cleaning.
Disadvantages:
- The steering wheel is too sensitive;
- Little noise.
De'Longhi ECAM 21.117 SB
Despite all the technical advantages, this model attracts the most attention to the style, which combines black and gray colors.
But the most important thing is the taste of the coffee she makes. In order not to languish with anticipation, you should immediately say that it is excellent. First, the water passes through the built-in filter, which will relieve it of possible unpleasant taste and impurities of heavy metals. Then the grains, which are placed in an airtight container, are ground into a fine powder and mixed with the purest water. And only then the resulting drink is poured from the cups, which are located on a metal tray.
Average price: 26,900 rubles.
| A type | Espresso, automatic preparation |
|---|---|
| Used coffee | Grain, ground |
| Power | 1450 Wt |
| Water tank volume | 1.8 l |
| Maximum pressure | 15 bar |
| Settings | coffee strength control, coffee temperature adjustment, hot water dose adjustment, pre-soaking, fast steam |
| Integrated coffee grinder | yes, adjustment of the degree of grinding, capacity of the container for beans 250 g |
| Display | Not |
| Body material | Plastic |
| Water level indicator | there is |
| Available colors | Black gray |
| Weight | 9 kg |
| Dimensions | 23x35x43 cm |
Advantages:
- Elegant appearance;
- Reliable build;
- A large number of settings;
- Whips up a delicate foam;
- Convenient to wash parts;
- Compact dimensions;
- Compressed residues are easy to clean up.
Disadvantages:
- The bottom stand may scratch.
De'Longhi EC 685
The top espresso machine in this ranking even has a special charm thanks to its stylish matte finish with chrome details on a robust stainless steel case. High technological characteristics allow you to enjoy a cup of coffee just a few seconds after choosing the desired type of coffee.
A professional high-pressure cappuccino maker releases steam, which mixes with air and milk, thereby forming a delicate milk froth for a delicious drink.
The exclusive tray can hold two mugs up to 12 centimeters high, which can be filled to the top with, for example, an Italian-style latte with hot milk.
After a while, you do not have to worry that you will have to select the settings again for preparing the next drink, because the water tank can maintain a constant temperature for a very long time even when it is turned off, into which the machine will automatically switch to after 9 minutes of non-use.
Average price: 16,710 rubles.
| A type | Espresso, p / automatic preparation |
|---|---|
| Used coffee | Chalda / Ground |
| Power | 1300 Wt |
| Water tank volume | 1.1 l |
| Maximum pressure | 15 bar |
| Integrated coffee grinder | Not |
| Display | Not |
| Body material | Stainless steel |
| Water level indicator | there is |
| Available colors | Black, red, white |
| Weight | 4.2 kg |
| Dimensions | 15x30x33 cm |
Advantages:
- Delicious and refined coffee;
- Quite small dimensions;
- Relatively low price;
- A large list of functions;
- Convenient measuring spoon included;
- Adjustable coffee delivery unit.
Disadvantages:
- The cone and steam pipe must be rinsed after each cup;
- Noise level;
- Sometimes it does not push fine grinding;
- Chrome-plated surfaces leave marks on themselves.
How a coffee machine differs from a coffee maker
It is important to understand this in order not to make mistakes when choosing the right unit. Both devices differ from each other not only in size, but also in the capabilities for which they are intended.
The coffee machines have a more complex technological scheme and device that allow them to fully automate the entire process and even grind the beans on their own, while the coffee maker works only with pre-prepared ground raw materials. However, it should be noted that at a price it will be much more affordable than its competitor.
Control
Coffee makers often provide predominantly manual control. Before using it, you need to grind the beans in a coffee grinder. The user must determine the required amount of raw materials and place it in the grain container, and then add water and turn on the machine.
In semi-automatic coffee makers, some of the responsibilities are removed from the person. They are as close as possible to coffee machines, because they are able to determine the required amount of water and turn off at the end of the process.
Coffee machines, on the other hand, perform all operations independently, and their coffee turns out to be more aromatic and tastier due to additional functions, as drink lovers note.
Having considered all the possible parameters for choosing a coffee machine, you should determine for yourself what you want yourself. Usually, everything depends on the price, but in such a matter as the choice of a coffee machine, you should give preference to the taste and the subsequent pleasure of taking the coffee that she makes.
