Can’t live without that morning caffeine hit? Coffee aficionados will know that enjoying an uplifting cup of coffee is about more than the energy boost it provides shortly afterwards, but about the quality and flavour of the coffee, too – and for these same people, the concept of instant or powdered varieties is simply unthinkable.
Even so, investing in the very finest coffee beans money can buy is only one piece of the puzzle when it comes to making the perfect cup of joe – and treating yourself to a luxury coffee machine will elevate the drinking experience to all new heights. Just like the coffee itself though, not all machines are created equal, so knowing what to look for is key when deciding which one to bring into your home. And, of course, regular maintenance is also important to maintain your machine and keep your morning brew tasting on point, every day.
Here, we take a look at all you need to know when shopping for a high-end coffee machine, as well as what you need to do to keep it performing at its best.
Knowing your preferences
The first step to locating your match made in heaven – in the coffee machine department, at least – is knowing what your personal preferences are when it comes to coffee, as this will instantly help you to narrow down the huge number of options available to a smaller shortlist.
First off, you’ll want to consider what type of cup of coffee you enjoy drinking the most. Fans of a simple espresso will likely want to opt for a different type of machine to those enamoured with milky coffees like cappuccinos, with machines designed for the latter typically coming with milk frothers that espresso lovers won’t really need.
If you like to experiment with your coffee and customise it according to your tastes, then you might also find that you need a slightly more high-tech machine that is designed to support this and will allow you to alter the strength and temperature of your coffee. And again, opting for a model that comes complete with a frother will allow you to change up what type of coffee you make according to your mood.
Size, too, is a key consideration, so before you head out shopping or start browsing online, think about where you might put it and seek out models that will be suitable for the space you have.
Understanding the types of coffee machine available
As if all of that wasn’t enough to think about, the wide variety of coffee machines currently available on the market span a number of different brewing methods that you’ll want to make sure you understand.
A bean-to-cup machine grinds coffee machines on demand so that you can be sure you’re always getting the freshest possible cup, while capsule machines are a mess-free and user-friendly option for those with busy lifestyles, as well as allowing you to enjoy coffee in a variety of different flavours should you feel so inclined.
Drip machines, meanwhile, are simple to use and produce consistently good results – but if all of that sounds a little over the top for your simple tastes in great coffee, then you might find that an espresso machine is all you need, after all.
Whatever type you decide upon, look out for a machine that is able to maintain the ideal brewing temperature (around 195°F or 90°C) and pressure (nine bars for espresso) – and be sure it has a user-friendly and intuitive interface for ease of use.
Maintaining your investment
Cleaning and maintaining your machine is essential to make sure every cup of coffee tastes just as it did the very first time you used it. Thankfully, doing so isn’t too complicated or time consuming, and most machines will come with a manufacturer’s guide on how to do so for your specific model of choice.
Today, many models come with self-cleaning capabilities, which is a great option that will save you on time. If yours does not, then ensure you have some coffee machine descaling solution to remove the build-up of any mineral deposits that can affect brewing times and taste. You can minimise this build up by using filtered water in your machine, which is a great way to prevent, rather than cure, the issue.
From time to time, you may find that you need to replace components that become worn out with use, like seals and gaskets – so keep an eye on the various parts and look out for any tell-tale wear and tear. If in doubt, you can always enlist the help of a professional cleaning service, which will not only ensure your machine is meticulously cleaned to the highest of standards, but will also be able to advise on any additional essential maintenance.
