Coffee Machine Buying Guide

Coffee machines operate by heating water and using a pump or steam pressure to force the water through fine grounds quickly for maximum flavour extraction. These machines are able to produce steam that’s diverted through a nozzle to foam and heat milk for cappuccinos or lattes. Controls vary from machine to machine: espresso/cappuccino makers commonly feature touch-and-release buttons or a separate on/off switch to activate the unit. The more sophisticated units feature a program dial, which can be set for espresso, steam pre-heat, steam only, or power off. Higher-end units offer touchpad controls with digital clock readouts. Coffee Machines come in a variety of styles, sizes and colours. Before making your purchase, consider how often you will use the machine, how many cups you routinely brew, what space you have to house the machine and which specialty features you will find most useful.

Pump machines are more powerful than steam machines. Water is heated to the optimal temperature of around 87-91 degrees celsius before being pumped through fine-ground beans in about 20 to 30 seconds. The fast rate of expulsion produces a rich layer of foam, known as crema, which is the mark of a great espresso. Dualit Expressivo

Though steam machines do not possess the power of pump machines, they do produce a good strong cup of espresso and are generally smaller and less expensive than pump models.

With convenience at a premium these days, a relatively new unit is the "automatic" espresso maker, which lets you drop a "pod" of coffee in the machine, such as Gaggia Espresso Red Coffee Maker and Magimix Nespresso Maker, rather than having to measure and tamp grinds.

Nowadays there is more and more demand for greater versatility, and more functions in every product. Coffee manufacturers have responded with combination units, which not only brew a pot of traditional coffee, but produce rich tasting espresso and cappuccino as well. These units offer the best of both worlds, combining specialty features from automatic drip machines, such as digital clock/timers, automatic shut-off and pause-to-serve, with the functionality and frothing capability of a steam-driven espresso maker. As you might expect, combination units occupy more counter space and cost a bit more than standard automatic-drip machines. Depending on the functions you are looking for, however, getting two machines in one may turn out to be a good deal.

Coffee mills and grinders work in slightly differnet ways and are a good investment if you prefer fresh coffee.

Coffee Mill: Coffee beans are sliced finely using a blade. The beans may be ground less evenly then coffee grinders.

Coffee Grinders: Grinders produce a more even coffee ground. Conical burr grinders can be more expensive than wheel burners but are quieter and tend to clog less.

View all the coffee grinders online at Heal's.

Since a good cup of coffee starts with quality ingredients, always be sure to use fresh coffee and store your beans in an airtight container in your freezer. Grind only the amount of coffee needed immediately before brewing.

View our full our range of Coffee Machines

View our full our range of Cafetieres

Do you have a question? Why not email our Product Advisor at productadvisor@heals.co.uk