Anyone looking to buy a coffee machine soon realises that the choice is vast. Portafilter machines, fully automatic machines, espresso machines, filter coffee machines, pods or capsules – every system has its own strengths and weaknesses. This guide helps you find the right coffee machine and shows you what really matters.
Many visitors come to our website because they are searching for terms such as ‘buy a coffee machine’, ‘best coffee machine for home use’ or ‘which coffee machine is right for me’. Even though we no longer sell coffee machines and coffee grinders, we are still happy to share our knowledge.
Because it’s not just the machine that matters when it comes to good coffee. Truly good espresso only comes about when the coffee machine, coffee grinder, coffee, water and preparation all work together.
After many years in the coffee machine business, we have deliberately revamped our product range. We no longer stock coffee machines and coffee grinders.
The world of coffee machines has changed significantly in recent years. The technology has become more complex, new systems have emerged and, at the same time, the knowledge of many coffee drinkers has also developed considerably. More and more people are taking a keen interest in espresso, grind size, extraction and preparation.
Time and again, it becomes clear that the machine alone does not determine the quality of the coffee. Equally important are fresh coffee, a precise coffee grinder, the correct settings and a little experience in preparation.
That is why we now focus entirely on high-quality coffees, accessories and knowledge about coffee and espresso – so that you can truly make better coffee at home.
There is no such thing as the best coffee machine. The right choice always depends on how you drink your coffee, how much time you want to invest, and what your expectations are in terms of quality and convenience.
👉 Before you decide on a system, these questions will help :
Many people believe that the coffee machine is the main factor determining the quality of an espresso. In reality, a good espresso is the result of several factors working together.
The foundation of any good espresso is fresh coffee. Freshly roasted beans contain more aromatic compounds and deliver more flavour and a more stable crema. That is why it is worth using coffee that is as fresh as possible and storing it correctly – in a dry, airtight container away from light.
The coffee grinder has a major influence on the extraction. It determines how evenly the coffee particles are ground and how well the water can subsequently flow through the coffee. A good grinder ensures greater consistency and a balanced result in the cup.
size and dose
Grind size is one of the most important settings for espresso. If the coffee is ground too coarsely, the water runs through too quickly. If it is ground too finely, the espresso is extracted too slowly and may taste bitter. The dose also plays a key role. Even small adjustments can significantly alter the flavour.
Water makes up the largest part of a coffee. Water that is too hard can negatively affect the taste and lead to limescale build-up in the machine. Filtered water can help to preserve the flavour and protect the machine.
Espresso is also a craft. Even distribution of the coffee grounds, clean tamping and the right balance of grind size, quantity and time make a huge difference. With a little practice
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the result will quickly improve.
People often make similar mistakes when buying a coffee machine. If you’re aware of these points, you can avoid frustration and enjoy better coffee at home sooner.
A common mistake is to spend almost the entire budget on the coffee machine and skimp on the grinder. Yet the coffee grinder has a major influence on extraction, flavour and consistency. Anyone wishing to make good espresso should therefore always set aside sufficient budget for a high-quality coffee grinder.
Many machines appear compact online or in the showroom, but take up significantly more space at home than expected. In addition to the machine itself, you’ll often need a coffee grinder, tamper, milk jug and other accessories. So make sure you realistically measure the available space beforehand.
Coffee machines require regular care. This includes cleaning, descaling and, depending on the system, maintenance of seals, brewing units or grinders. Anyone who underestimates this risks technical problems and poor-tasting coffee.
Not every coffee machine suits every lifestyle. A portafilter machine offers a great deal of control and can produce excellent espresso, but it takes time and practice. If you want a quick coffee in the morning or have several people in your household, a fully automatic machine is often a better choice.
Good coffee isn’t just down to the machine. The coffee grinder, coffee quality, water and preparation also play a key role. Only when these factors come together will the result in the cup be just right.
Anyone looking to buy a coffee machine today is faced with a choice of several systems: classic portafilter machines, fully automatic coffee machines, pod machines or capsule systems such as Nespresso. Each system has its own strengths and suits different needs.
Choosing the right coffee machine depends above all on how much time you want to invest, how important coffee quality is to you, and how much control you want to have over the brewing process.
These offer the greatest control over your espresso. You can precisely adjust the grind size, coffee quantity, extraction time and, depending on the machine, the temperature. This makes it possible to achieve very high-quality results. However, this requires a bit of practice and a good coffee grinder.
These are designed for convenience. The beans are ground automatically and the coffee is brewed at the touch of a button. This is practical for many households, especially if several people drink coffee every day. However, the options for fine-tuning are more limited than with portafilter machines.
Pod machines use pre-portioned coffee pods. They are easy to use and produce a cup of coffee quickly. The quality depends heavily on the pods used. The choice is usually more limited than with freshly ground coffee.
Capsule systems are particularly convenient and deliver very consistent results. Preparation is quick and easy. At the same time, there are ongoing costs, and choice, freshness and sustainability are more limited.
The right coffee machine is always the one that suits your daily routine, your taste and your requirements. However, it is not just the machine that is crucial for really good coffee. A good coffee grinder, fresh coffee, suitable water and the correct preparation are just as important.