There are few things in life as enjoyable as sitting down after a long day with the perfect blend of coffee and letting the world just float by.
However, in order to ensure you create your own little personal slice of coffee heaven, it is important to know exactly what type of coffee machine is the best option for you.
Fortunately, we have you covered with our guide to the different types of coffee machine, so you can choose the right one for your needs and create your very own coffee nirvana.
Pod Machine
Pod machines are the ideal companion for those of you who want a nice cup of joe without any fuss.
Unsurprisingly, a pod machine uses just that, a pod, and water to create a perfect cup of brew literally at the press of a button.
These types of machines have become incredibly popular over the last decade with some of the stats surrounding pod machines simply remarkable.
For example, according to an article by the Guardian, in 2012 Britons spent £56 million on pods which represented a 45% growth year on year with Pods continuing to be the key driver to this day in the UK coffee market.
With popularity like this, if you haven’t got yourself a pod machine yet, you may want to consider purchasing one.
After all, Pod machines are designed for ease as coffee pods are purchased and inserted into the pod machine with water filled into the tank conveniently placed and then it is just a case of flicking a switch and within minutes you will be enjoying a fine brew.
Naturally, with complete convenience comes some factors you may have to compromise on.
For example, because the coffee comes in a specific pod or capsule, it is nigh on impossible to create your own unique brew to your specific taste which is something you can do on other types of coffee machines.
However, as mentioned at the top of this section. If a decent tasting brew is what you are after and quickly, then it is time to invest in a pod machine.
Espresso Machine
1884 was the year that the first ever Expresso machine was made and where else but in Turin, Italy of course.
We bet the chap credited with the design, Angelo Moriondo hardly expected that 135 years later his idea would be a major part of a multi-billion-dollar industry.
However, that is exactly what has transpired with Expresso machines proving widely popular across the globe.
Expresso machines operate but forcing highly pressurised (near boiling) water through a pot or puck of ground coffee which then goes through filter into the cup patiently waiting in order to create that beautiful steaming thick concentrated coffee we all know and love as an expresso.
In order to achieve your perfect blend, expresso machines require a little bit of patience and understanding but the rewards are well worth it.
For example, you may find yourself needing to work out just the right amount of coffee beans to ground down for your taste which when achieved will make you wonder how you ever coped before.
Some expresso models come with a frothing hose for a degree of variety with the types of drinks you can make and unlike pods, the quality of coffee tends to be much better.
Filter machine
Planning on having a lot of people around for afternoon coffee or just mug after mug of your favourite steaming hot brew? Then a filter coffee machine is for you.
That is because a container holds the ground coffee in relatively large quantities and the hot water then slowly drips through the coffee grounds soaking up the aromas and flavours of the coffee grounds with the aid of a filter.
The water then fills up a tank or carafe of fine filter coffee that is kept warm usually on a hot plate ready for mass consumption.
One of the best things about Filter coffee machines is how easy they are to use and how quickly you can make large quantities of coffee (not to mention the aroma that fills up your kitchen), perfect for those families who love a couple of cups each in the morning.
However, if you are after variety, then you may be a little disappointed as Filter machines are mainly used to create black coffee in volume quickly.
If you have no problem putting your own milk in, then happy days! A filter coffee machine is for you, just do not expect too much flexibility other than being able to change the cup size for the amount of coffee brewed.
Bean to Cup coffee machine
What can we say about bean to cup coffee machines other than you had better settle in for the ride.
Bean to cup machines represent the top tier of coffee machines as they are the ones that pack all the features.
Not only do these types of coffee machines grind the beans, pack the coffee together, and create a steaming mug of coffee, they also offer a level of variety that the other types of coffee machines cannot achieve.
Normally a host of settings allow you to create any number of drinks from Expresso’s, Latte’s, Cappuccino’s and flat whites all to perfection at the press of a button.
You even control the pressure the water is pushed through to really tailor-make your cup of coffee.
A majority of bean to cup coffee machines also feature a steam arm that is used for the frothing of milk to help those above-mentioned drinks whilst a front control panel also enables your ideal settings to be saved so you do not have to go through the rigmarole every time of having to remember exactly what you did to get that perfect taste.
Of course, bean to cup coffee machines are often the upper end of the price range compared to the other types of coffee machines and mastering the instructions can require a little patience.
However, once you have, you will come to realise that it was all worth it as let’s be honest, you can’t put a price on great coffee.