By: Nidhi Zalavadia Shah

Coffee is all we need to kick start our long hectic day and it would be cherry on the top if you can have piping hot freshly brewed coffee in the home. Sipping on a fresh, aromatic, hot coffee is a blessing while reading an interesting book, at the end of long tiring day, or chatting with a friend.

Many stories are associated behind discovery of coffee and origin of world’s first cup of coffee dates back in between 9th and 11th century in Ethiopia. Coffee berries are believed to be identified first by a goat herder Kalki. He first observed the energizing effects of berries in the goats that consumed them. He reported this to the monks in a nearby monastery, who did not approve its use and threw it into the fire. Then came the aroma from the roasted fruit, which was raked, ground, and dissolved in cup of water by other monks, producing world’s first cup of coffee.

Many more stories revolve around discovery of coffee and its spread over the world. Today, coffee itself is a huge growing industry associated with coffee beans, pods, coffee makers, coffee serving cafes, and whatnot. Though the coffee was discovered much earlier, it was only in 19th century that the coffee machines like percolators and espresso machines came into existence. The market is filled with coffee makers that make various types of coffees and offer a variety of functions. Thus, it’s imperative that you choose right coffee maker that suits your taste, budget, and requirement. That is why Yaoota has provided you with this article that will explain the criteria for choosing the right coffee maker and the best types available in the market, along with their specs.

*Prices listed in this article are the ones provided at the time of its publication, and are subject to change according to the supply and demand of the market.

The Criteria for Buying the Suitable Coffee Maker for You

(1) Number of Cups You Would Make at a Time

If you require just one cup of coffee, consider single serve machines or 1-2 cup drip model. If you require more number of cups per batch, consider larger-capacity, multiple-serve coffee machines. However, nowadays, there are coffee makers that offer versatility in the number of cups. Most standard coffee makers can brew up to 8-12 cups per batch. Some brewers may also have settings to brew smaller batch lesser than the actual capacity.

(2) How Quick You Prefer Grabbing Your Cup

Some of us are coffee lovers to the extent that we cannot accept to sip the coffee which is anywhere lesser than a freshly-ground, perfectly-brewed piping hot coffee. On the other hand, some of us are not that particular and require a quick fix in morning without wasting much time in filling the machine. For the first type of people, manual or semi-automatic machines work absolutely fine. For the latter type of coffee consumers, automatic timed machines are the best-suited in that they can fill the machine any time and set the time to “ON” or “OFF” the machine. These machines are good, especially for people with busy routines who might forget to “OFF” the machine.

(3) Type of Coffee You Want to Relish

The most important factor to be considered is the type of coffee you would like to drink. There are various coffee makers for each type available. For those who like to experiment different types, however, automatic espresso machines are available with a wide range of specifications.

(4) Budget for Investing in a Coffee Maker

A very important factor to be considered even before you start looking for models is the amount of money you are willing to invest in the appliance.

(5) Size/Dimensions of the Coffee Maker

Coffee maker size should be considered depending on the available space.

(6) Additional Specifications

Unlike olden days when one used to brew coffee in a pot, modern day coffee makers offer a wide selection of specifications that make the coffee-brewing process easier. However, there might be many specifications that you may not need at all. Thus, it is important that you consider a coffee machine with the right specifications as per your need.

Certain Specifications to Consider Are:

• Brew Strength Control: This feature helps adjust the water flow to adjust strength in return.
• Temperature Selections: Some machines control the temperature of the water to get optimum saturation and flavor.
• Pause-and-Serve Feature:  Some machines allow you to pause brewing and serve the coffee. This feature would help in preventing spillage.
• Self-serve: While there are models which serve coffee in carafe, self-serve models hold coffee inside the machine and let you fill the cup from the machine, ensuring hot coffee each time, anytime.
• Water Filter: It improves water quality by removing odor, chlorine, and/or other impurities. The filter needs cleaning or replacement periodically. Reusable filters do not require purchasing a new filter each time.
• Built-in Grinder: For those coffee lovers who prefer the freshest possible coffee and don’t want to use a separate grinder, the built-in grinder can be a good option. These types of machines can be noisy and require tedious cleaning, however.
• Digital Display: Digital displays help to understand commands better than the indicator lights.
• Timers: At the touch of a button, you can schedule the start time for the brewing of your coffee. Some coffee machines also have auto shut-off options.
• Self-cleaning: Some machines have self-cleaning cycles that clean the carafe.
• Cleaning Indicator: Some models indicate when it’s time to clean your coffee maker.
• Built-in Frother: This feature in espresso machines help produce a stream of air, which aerates milk, giving a frothy and creamy layer on the coffee.

To know more about the best-selling coffee makers in Egypt, read our article “11 Coffee Machines for Coffee Lovers”.

Some Types of the Coffee Makers Available in the Market

(1) Filter Coffee Machine

Filter coffee is classic rich coffee made by slowly dripping water through a packed layer of ground coffee beans into the mug below.  

Pros

• These machines give rich black coffee.
• Ideal for making multiple cups at a time.

Cons

• You must have a coffee grinder or ready-to-use ground coffee .
• It makes only black coffee.

Popular filter coffee maker models in Egypt are: Mienta CM31216A Fresh Brew Coffee Maker.

Specifications

• Power: 1000 watt‎.‎
• Capacity: 12 cups/1.25 liters.‎
• Anti‐drip system.‎
• Keep-warm function.‎
• Permanent filter and dosing spoon included.‎
• Water level indicator with matching coffee dosage‎.

(2) Percolators

In this type of coffee makers, coffee is placed above and water is in the chamber below. As you heat the jug, water starts boiling and rises through the tube in the coffee chamber due to pressure, seeps into the coffee and goes back down into the lower chamber. And the cycle continues. The more cycles, the stronger the coffee will be.

Pros

• These machines give stronger coffee.
• Ideal for making multiple cups at a time.
• Available in manual as well as automatic types.

Cons

• You must have a coffee grinder or ground coffee before use.
• It makes only black coffee.

Popular model in this type is: BIALETTI Moka Italian Coffee Maker.

Specifications

• 3 cups.
• Aluminum.
• Can be used with any espresso ground coffee.
• Easy & fast usage for coffee preparation.
• Ergonomic stay-cool handle and knob.

(3) Drip Coffee Maker

The most-widely found coffee maker in households. In this coffee maker, water is heated in the reservoir and poured on the coffee grounds placed on filter, then into the carafe/pot.

Pros

• Can make multiple cups depending on carafe size.

Cons

• Takes time to brew the coffee.

Popular model available in Egypt is: Black & Decker [DCM600] 10-Cups Coffee Maker.

Specifications

• 8-10 cup coffee maker with 1.25-liter capacity ideal for medium and large families.
• Glass carafe with drip-stop system for hygiene and stylish looks.
• Translucent tank to view water level.
• Keep-warm feature keeps the brewed coffee warm.
• Removable filter basket for easy cleaning.
• Swing-out filter basket.
• Power: 800 watts.
• Operating voltage: 220-240 volts.

(4) Pod and Capsule Coffee Machine

These are the latest trendy machines available in market. Unlike previous mentioned machines, you do not have to be a pro in coffee making art for using this machine. In pods, a disc of coffee is compressed between filter paper layers while capsules contain a pre-measured amount of coffee. One needs to just place the pod or capsule inside the machine and press the button. Capsule is pierced and the hot water flows through it, giving piping hot espresso coffee.

Pros

• It’s quick and convenient for instantly making coffee.
• Ideal for 1-2 people.

Cons

• It makes espresso coffee only.
• One can use pods/capsules made for that particular machine only.
• Some coffee lovers may not find the quality matching to the freshly-brewed coffees.

Popular coffee machine of this type in Egypt are:

Nespresso D500-EU-WH-NE Maestria Coffee Machine.

Specifications

• Easy insertion and ejection of capsules.
• Compact Brewing Unit Technology.
• Thermoblock heating element.
• Pivoting cup shelf accommodates tall recipe glasses.
• High-quality materials with full aluminum body.

Nespresso D40-EU2-BK-NE Inissia Espresso Maker.

Specifications

• Flow stop: 2 programmable buttons.
• Fast 25-second heat up.
• Auto power-off after 9 minutes.
• Foldable drip tray.
• Removable water tank: 0.7 liter.
• Capsule container: 9-11 capsules.
• 19-bar pressure system.
• Bundled with new Aeroccino3 milk frother.
• Compact brewing unit.
• Thermoblock heating system.
• You can enjoy your milk foam warm with the milk temperature.
• Coffee heat is 86.
• Providing 2 sizes of coffee (Espresso & Lungo) with a button for each size.

Modex Digital Coffee & Espresso Machine, 1850 Watt, Silver – ES5800.

Specifications

• 15-bar pressure.
• 12 cups.
• 2 separate heaters.
• Programmable digital LCD pre-setting function.
• Patented dual-function filter holder.
• Compatible with ground coffee and all pods type.
• High-pressure frothing function.
• Steam controller.
• Detachable directional frothing nozzle.
• Permanent filter.
• Power switch with indicator light.
• Drip tray.
• Intelligent warming plate.
• Sense technology.
• 2 water and steam thermostats.
• Anti-drip function.
• Over-pressure safety system.
• Auto switch-off.

(5) Pump Espresso Maker

These machines have a temperature-controlled boiler that heats water to the desired temperature, then the water is passed through ground coffee under pressure. These machines usually have a dispenser for hot milk as well to make latte and cappuccino.

Pros

• Easy to use.
• Uses freshly ground coffee, preserving the authentic flavor.

Cons

• Higher price than other types of coffee makers.

The popular pump espresso makers are:

DeLonghi EC221 Pump Espresso & Coffee Machine, 1.4 Liter.

Specifications

• Max Power Consumption: 1100 Watt.
• Max Coffee Pressure: 15 bar.
• Housing Material: Plastic.
• Cappuccino Making: Yes.
• Coffee Type Compatibility: Coffee pods, ground coffee.
• Simultaneous Preparation Of 2 Cups: Yes.
• Water Container Capacity: 34 fl.oz. (1 L).
• Heating System: Boiler.

Nespresso D040BK Inssia Coffee Machine.

Specifications

• 2 programmable buttons for espresso and lungo preparation.
• Automatic power off after 9 minutes of inactivity (can be changed to 30 minutes).
• Pre-heating Time for Coffee: 25 seconds.
• 19-bar pump static pressure.
• Highest Energy Class: A Class.

(6) French Press

These come in variety of sizes, producing s single cup of coffee to multiple cups at a time. In French press machines, the carafe is filled with freshly ground coffee powder, and hot water is poured in the carafe. Plunger inside the carafe when pushed down filters the brewed coffee and pushes the grounds to the bottom.

Pros

• French press gives strong black coffee.
• You can adjust the strength of the coffee.

Cons

• You must have coffee grinder or ground coffee before use.
• It makes only black coffee.

(7) Bean to Cup Coffee Machine

This type of machine is similar to pump espresso maker. The only difference is that there is in-built coffee-bean grinder. Just add whole coffee beans to the machine and get barista style coffee of your choice.

Pros

• Makes all kinds of espresso coffees.
• Get a cup of coffee direct from beans from single machine.
• Quick and instant coffee.

Cons

• More expensive.
• Cleaning can be more tedious.

Having understood the specifications to consider while buying a coffee maker, go plunge into coffee making experience and enjoy your cup!

*Some items may be currently out of stock, but they will be available again soon. If you encounter any similar problem, please comment on the article, or contact us through our Facebook page.