Buying a new coffee machine is a major decision, especially if you really love your morning brew. As well as selecting the blend to give you your favorite coffee flavor, there are several other issues that you need to consider. Here are a few of them.
1. Size, weight and capacity
There’s no point in having the perfect coffee machine if you can’t move it around from time to time. Whether it’s to rearrange your kitchen or just for the purpose of cleaning you will occasionally need to shift your coffee machine from its assigned position. Check that the coffee machine you plan to buy is easy to lift and move. In addition, make sure that you choose the right size machine to fit in the space you have available. Equally important is the capacity of your chosen coffee machine. The right capacity depends on the number of cups of coffee you need to make. If it’s for personal use only a two-cup machine might be enough. However, if you have a family or plan to entertain you may want a machine that can make 12 cups or more.
2. Usability
Coffee machines have filters, trays, buttons and levers. With some machines you feel you need a degree in engineering to work out how to brew your coffee. Unless you enjoy turning coffee making into a mental challenge, pick a coffee machine that is easy to use. Not only does this apply to making the coffee itself but to inserting, removing, changing and cleaning filters and drip trays. The easier this is, the more likely it is that your coffee machine will be useful rather than merely decorative.
3. Style
That said, there’s nothing wrong with using your coffee machine to add a bit of style to your kitchen. These days coffee machines are available in a range of finishes from sleek stainless steel to basic black, brown or white, with all the colors of the rainbow in between. You may even be able to get other kitchen appliances such as toasters and kettles to match your chosen coffee machine and give your kitchen a quick facelift.
4. Accessories
While you’re at it, think about getting some matching accessories for your coffee machine. Milk jugs, coffee cups and even spoons can make coffee drinking an aesthetically pleasing experience (apart from the fun of a caffeine boost). Some coffeemakers include thermal cups so you can take your coffee on the road.
5. Speed
Sometimes when you want a cup of coffee you just want it fast. Although a couple of minutes to make a cup of coffee is not a lot, time can seem to drag when you’re watching your coffee machine. According to Which? Magazine a good espresso machine can make you a perfect cup in 15 seconds, and you won’t have to worry about leaving the machine dripping. Less efficient machines take double that time. You might also want a coffee machine with a timer so that your morning cup of coffee can be waiting for you when you wake up.
As you can see there are a lot of factors to consider in choosing the perfect coffee machine. Armed with this information you will be able to make the right selection within a few minutes.
Sharon Hurley Hall’s favorite coffee drink is a white chocolate mocha. She writes for the UK’s No.1 water cooler supplier Eden Springs, who also supply coffee machines for the office.
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