Are you looking for a coffee machine? On this page we explain everything about the different types of coffee machines, so you can choose the appliance that suits you. Of course, you can also visit one of our stores to see the machines up close.
We have a wide range of coffee machines. Think of filter coffee makers, fully automatic espresso machines, piston machines and coffee makers with capsules and pads. Which coffee machine is most suitable for you depends on your taste and what you expect from the appliance. Below, we discuss the different types of coffee machines.
A filter coffee maker is the most traditional coffee machine. With this type, you use ground coffee. You put the coffee in a filter. The hot water runs slowly through the coffee, resulting in a mild flavour. The coffee is collected in a carafe, where it’s kept warm. A filter coffee maker makes it easy to brew large quantities of coffee at once, which is handy if you have a large family or often have guests. Moreover, filter coffee is healthier: the substance cafestol is filtered out of the coffee, reducing the chance of increased cholesterol. Coffee machines with a filter are relatively affordable to purchase and use. In most cases, however, they don’t have many extra options. Would you like to adjust your coffee strength? Then take a look at fully automatic espresso machines or portafilter machines.
A fully automatic espresso machine makes coffee from freshly ground beans. These coffee machines often have many features. You can make many types of coffee and set the grind size. Does the appliance have a milk function? Then you can easily prepare cappuccinos and lattes. These machines are relatively expensive to purchase and maintain, but you get a lot in return. In addition to the many possibilities, fully automatic coffee machines also have spacious bean and water reservoirs, so you don’t have to refill them often. Handy for businesses or if you have many housemates.
With a piston machine you are your own barista. With these semi-automatic coffee machines, you’ll perform all the actions yourself. This gives you a lot of control on the taste of your cup of coffee. For example, you can grind the beans yourself and determine the grind size and the amount of water and coffee. These coffee machines are usually a bit more expensive to purchase than other types. In return, you can make your coffee entirely to your taste. Don’t always have time to devote a lot of attention to your coffee? There are also special pads for piston machines for those moments when you have little time.
Coffee makers with capsules are very easy to use: you put a capsule in the machine and press a button. That way you have delicious coffee quickly and easily. Perfect if you have a very busy life. These coffee machines are relatively affordable to maintain and purchase, but the capsules cost more than beans or ground coffee. The intensity is often not adjustable, but the quantity usually is. Popular capsule machines include those from Nespresso, L’Or and Dolce Gusto.
Senseo coffee machines use pads. The hot water runs slowly through the pad so the coffee, just like with filter coffee, has a mild flavour. The pads are cheaper than capsules and this makes a Senseo a relatively affordable coffee machine.
When choosing the coffee machine that suits you best, it’s important to consider which coffee you like to drink. Are you a fan of filter coffee or do you prefer freshly ground beans? Do you like to be in full control, so you can decide every day how you want your coffee at that moment? Then a piston machine is really for you. Do you love good coffee but don’t have time to devote much attention to it? Then take a look at capsule machines. Or maybe you’re already satisfied with a Senseo. In addition, it’s good to consider which coffee specialities you enjoy most. Are you a fan of espresso? Do you drink a lot of lattes or cappuccinos? Then check whether the machine also has a milk function.
Each coffee machine has different features. Think of a cleaning programme, automatic switch-off, a hot water function for making tea, a keep-warm function and a drip stop. The size of the water and bean reservoirs also differs. Some coffee machines can brew 2 cups at the same time. There are even machines you can control with your smartphone and set a time so your cup of coffee is ready in the morning when you get up. Do you like your coffee with milk? Then a milk function is an important part of your coffee machine. Some coffee machines have a milk reservoir or a steam wand for frothing milk in a separate jug. If you prefer a coffee machine without a milk function but still want to froth milk occasionally for your coffee, you can purchase a separate milk frother.
What the best coffee machine is, is very subjective. It’s about which coffee you prefer, and which features your ideal appliance should have.
In this price range you’ll mainly find filter coffee machines and coffee makers with capsules. Do you drink a lot of coffee and like a mild coffee flavour? Then a filter coffee maker might be for you. If you like coffee made from freshly ground beans, you can look at machines with capsules. The coffee in the capsules stays fresh, which is why the quality is always good. In terms of ease of use, these coffee machines are also ideal.
In this price category you’ll find coffee machines that can do just a bit more. Think of a milk function and a larger bean and water reservoir, but also various options such as setting the coffee strength and the quantity. This class also includes fully automatic espresso machines.
You’ll find most piston machines in this price range. With these coffee machines you have everything in control and can decide how you prepare your coffee. Other coffee machines in this category have many features, usually including a milk function. Here you can choose between an appliance with a milk reservoir or a steam wand to froth your milk.
Make sure you descale and clean your coffee machine regularly. This prevents limescale from building up and affecting the taste of your coffee. It also prevents the appliance from becoming clogged. As a result, your coffee machine will last much longer.
