Which Coffee Machine?

Once upon a time we used to make do with a simple kettle and a jar of instant coffee. These days it's not uncommon for one to have a dedicated coffee maker in their kitchen too, to ensure the coffee you drink and serve to your guests is a good as you can expect from a high street shop. However with so many different types of coffee makers available, which is the best choice for you? Well unfortunately there is no simple answer to this question as it depends on a variety of factors.

For example, pod coffee machines use individual capsules which not only allow a plethora of different flavours to be made, they also make preparation a quick and easy task, even when serving different types of coffee. Although the capsules, or pods as they are sometimes known can be more expensive in the long run when compared to ground coffee or beans, they do offer ease of use and versatility which is unsurpassed.

Some self proclaimed coffee aficionados look down their noses as pod or capsule coffee machines, seeing them as sub-standard to proper coffee. However this is not the case as the coffee is simply stored in a different way, being in a capsule rather than a bulk packet. It's the quality of the coffee and the quality of the machine that counts, not the pod or capsule itself. If you want quick and easy coffee that tastes great, then a pod machine is for you.

If you like like your coffee stronger than usual and don't mind putting a little time and effort into the perfect cuppa, then a traditional espresso machine is possibly a good choice for you. These coffee makers have been around for donkey's years and for good reason; they simply work. A good quality espresso machine should last you for years and years. However as with all coffee machines, you only get good coffee if you use good quality coffee.

Of course the true aficionados will most likely turn their nose up at an espresso machine too, before muttering a few choice comments about only a bean to cup machine making the perfect cup. Bean to cup coffee makers, as the name suggests, do not use capsules or grounds, instead you pour whole coffee beans in to the machine, which will grind up the fresh beans before forcing the hot water through the grinds. These machines do make the perfect cup of coffee, but are noisier and take more cleaning than both pod and espresso machines.

If you enjoy good coffee, don't think you must have a bean to cup machine, as espresso and even pod machines do an excellent job. It's just a case of deciding how easily and quickly you want it. If you want it frequent and quick, then the pod or capsule machines are for you. If you enjoy the ritual, then have a look at the espresso or bean to cup machines. Which ever you choose, you'll get a better drink than any kettle and jar of freeze dried coffee granules can provide.