Many of us in the city love to drink coffee. Often this wonderful brew gives us the kick we need to start work every day. With a coffee machine you can brew your own coffee according to your own taste and preference. There are many types of coffee machines available now: drip type, capsule type and others with various features. Before shopping for a coffee machine, find out the functions of each product and things you need to look out for. The following is an overview with some recommendations.

Major Types of Coffee Machines

1. Drip

• How it works: atmospheric hot water plunges into the coffee powder to extract the essence which flows into the coffee pot below
• Operation: place the coffee powder into the filter paper on the upper level of the machine, pour cold water to the designated level, switch to boil water and start brewing
• Features: simple to operate, suitable for new coffee lovers or drinkers who prefer a milder taste

2. Capsule

• How it works: pour coffee powder into the aluminum or plastic capsule; quality is preserved as the coffee powder has minimum contact with air, light and the outside environment; place the coffee capsule into the machine, it is then pierced to allow water to inject into it to brew
• Operation: place the coffee capsule or espresso filter bag into the coffee machine, add cold or hot water according to instructions
• Features: simply dispose of the entire capsule after brewing, so easy to clean

3. Semi-Automatic

• How it works: fill the machine with coffee powder and compress; this type of machine is used mainly to exert pressure and for brewing, pressurised hot water vapour passes through the coffee powder quickly to extract the essence, enjoy a mellow and rich aroma
• Operation: the coffee powder is placed into the filter and compressed, steam pressure is used to extract the rich and delicious taste of an espresso
• Features: brew different types of coffees according to taste using different amounts of coffee powder and bar pressure on the coffee machine, production process is more complex

4. Full Automatic

• How it works: the machine has a grinding function; the degree of pressure, volume of foamy milk, hot water temperature and other factors are computerised and pre-set; after switching on the machine, pressurised hot water vapour quickly passes through the coffee powder to extract the flavour
• Operation: just add coffee beans or coffee powder and extract coffee essence simply by switching it on; make a black coffee, espresso coffee or latte (if a milk frother is available) with just one touch, coffee taste can be adjusted according to desire
• Features: easy to operate, coffee is made fast and continuously, price for this type of machine is higher

Recommended brands: DELONGHI , Nespresso , Gaggia , Ariete

Hot items: DELONGHI EC685 Pump Espresso Coffee Machine , Nespresso C40-SG-RE-NE4 Coffee Machine , DELONGHI ICM14011 Drip Coffee Machine

Coffee Machine Shopping Tips

1. Serving Size and Taste

The coffee machines required for making black coffee, mocha, espresso or Americano are different. Select a coffee machine according to personal taste and your consumption habit.

2. Easy Cleaning

Detachable brewing components and a simple structure are key considerations when shopping for a coffee machine that is easy to clean. Easily assembled and disassembled models are great choices.

3. Additional Features

Coffee machines available on the market offer diverse functions such as "simmering", "pre-set", "auto extract", "auto milk frothing", "auto power-off". These extra functions add to the overall coffee experience.

4. Add More Fun

If you have a busy schedule, get a capsule or fully automatic coffee machine. It provides good quality coffee easily and quickly. If you have more time to make coffee, select a semi-automatic coffee machine. It lets you mix different coffee beans to create a unique taste for more fun and creativity.

5. Steamed Milk Frothing System

If you want to make coffee with milk foam such as lattes and cappuccinos or want to create latte art by drawing patterns on the surface of your coffee, get a coffee machine with a steam jet for making milk foam.

Coffee Machine Q&A

Q: The coffee pot that comes with a drip coffee machine is either made of glass or stainless steel. What is the difference between the two?

A: The biggest difference between the two is the insulation result. If you like to drink coffee immediately after it is brewed, select glass. If you like to spend a longer time to enjoy the taste, select stainless steel as it preserves heat better.

Q: How is coffee crema made?

A: The freshness of coffee beans or coffee powder is particularly important for making coffee crema for the perfect espresso. Soluble oils are forced out of the coffee beans or powder with high pressure from the capsule, semi-automatic or full automatic coffee machine. This offers the coffee a fuller flavour and longer aftertaste.

Q: How to enrich the taste of a coffee?

A: Get an additional automatic milk frother to enhance the taste of your coffee. Just add fresh milk and switch on to enjoy smooth foamy milk. Enjoy fast production, fine milk foam texture and stable quality.