The love of Americans for coffee is best illustrated by the upsurge in sales of coffee machines. The primacy falls on the capsule machines, and this is understandable: they are affordable to a greater number of people. But we have tested more expensive and equipped with grain coffee machines, because they allow us to consume the most natural coffee and use roasted coffee beans as the raw material, rather than ready-made capsules.
DRY THEORY
First of all, let’s write again what an automatic coffee machine is, because there is some confusion in the terminology.
An automatic coffee machine is a machine that includes a grinder and a coffee maker with a pressure between 15 and 19 bars. It has no horn, the process of tamping coffee is hidden from view and occurs automatically in the depths of the machine. Almost all of these devices have the possibility of preparing drinks from pre-ground coffee, but this is more of an auxiliary function, not the main one.
EVERYTHING HAS BEEN
We tested automatic coffee machines in the spring of 2008. A lot has changed in this time. Above all, the one-touch function has become the norm: to make a cup of coffee, you only have to press one button or one sensor . Besides, the range of “must have” drinks was widened – apart from espresso and cappuccino, latte macchiato became obligatory. Some machines can make two cups of drinks with milk at the same time, not just black coffee. But that’s what, unfortunately, has not changed – coffee machines have remained a luxury item. Their price makes these machines the equipment of very wealthy people.
WERE BASED ON SIZE
Actually, we were going to make a test of compact coffee machines, taking into consideration the size of most American kitchens. But in the process of gathering equipment we faced the fact that the size of newly arrived devices got bigger and bigger: the producers wanted to show not modest size but wide possibilities, so most of the participating in the test machines can by no means be called small.
Yes, coffee machines today are a great luxury in every way!
TO EACH HIS OWN
We did not compare them to each other: they all make excellent coffee. This time we did not estimate the quality of drinks: the adjustments allow you to fine-tune any machine to suit a variety of tastes.
Our task is to study the features of each machine, to show its capabilities, to assess the nuances of operation.
After all, choosing a coffee machine can be compared to choosing a dress: many styles, sizes, colors, but not all will fit you. So it’s the same here: It’s important to choose a machine that suits you, makes it convenient and pleasant to operate, looks harmonious in the kitchen and makes you happy, not sad.
Even in the editorial office were divided: it is very interesting to observe, when the machines are standing in a row, who will go to which one for coffee. The secretary chose one, and the editor-in-chief chose a completely different one. But such an opportunity – to experience the machine in action – do not have ordinary customers in the store, which is why we have tried to tell you about the nuances of each all to the maximum, to help decide on the choice.
Important details
We will not talk in detail about each model in the preliminary article. In this table we have tried to draw your attention to the features that distinguish each model from the rest.
A FEW SMALL DISCOVERIES
– No Asian countries among producer countries. Coffee machines come to us from Europe: Italy, Slovenia, Portugal and Switzerland.
– There are not many compact coffee machines on the market, we are glad that our test was attended by one of them – Melitta Caffeo Solo&Milk.
– Given the size of the device, we must keep in mind that the main parameter – the depth.
– Full-sized coffee machines are not only very bulky see “Extra-large, extra-large” section , but they are also very heavy. table , but also heavy.
– Milk jugs for the automatic preparation of drinks with milk foam are often not included with the coffee machine, but are an additional accessory that must be purchased separately.
– When you make espresso, around 50% of the time is spent grinding coffee in the grinder.
| Model | Dimensions, cm | Occupancy volume, cm-cubic. | Price, Dollars. | Features “+” | Features ” – “ | Summary |
| Melitta Cafeo Solo&Milk | 32x20x45 | 28800 | 26990 | Convenient and intuitive operation, nothing extra | Without automatic cappuccinator | The most affordable and the most compact |
| Bosch VeroBar TES701-21RW | 33×29.5×45 | 43807,5 | 47990 | Racks for storing accessories | No cup warmer function | The most interesting idea for a drink with milk, an original design |
| De’Longhi PrimaDonna S Deluxe ECAM 26 455 | 35×23.8×44.5 | 37068,5 | 61990 | Cup light, three year warranty, control reminiscent of a PC | Small amount of coffee spills onto the tray when discarding the tablet | For those who like their coffee really strong |
| Miele CM 5200 | 36.9 x 26.6 x 49.6 | 48684,4 | 66900 | Some accessories can be washed in the dishwasher, 2 operating modes Eco and Comfort | Sophisticated control of auxiliary functions | New for spring 2012. The model with optimized characistics. |
| Nivona Café Romatica 850 | 32.7x24x49 | 38455,2 | 73690 | Simple enough operation | No color choice: only black or silver | Most precise – all in ml, g, %. Wide programming capabilities |
| Philips Saeco HD8944 | 37x29x43 | 46139 | 84990 | Ability to program all beverages for multiple users | Very large, very heavy and most expensive | The “man’s” model, perfect for lovers of high-tech devices |
We thank “Magictest” company exclusive distributor on the territory of American Federation of the Italian coffee producers of premium segment: “Corsino Corsini S.p.A.”, Saquella 1856 S.r.L”, “Costadoro S.p.A.” for helping me conduct the test: providing great coffee!
magictaste – dellarabica
Is investing in a coffee machine really worth it for someone who loves coffee?