For those of you who are unsure, here are the main types of coffee machines:

• Filter Coffee Machines

  In a filter coffee machine cold water is poured into the top of the machine. After being warmed by a heating element it then drips down and passes through a basket of coffee into a jug below. It is then kept warm by a hot plate. A popular domestic choice, filter coffee machines can use any type of ground coffee and the coffee they produce is a marked improvement on instant coffee.

• Capsule Coffee Machines

  Also known as pod coffee machines, in these machines the coffee comes in the form of a pre-packaged capsule or pod which is inserted into the machine. When the machine is activated, usually by pressing a button, the pod is pierced and hot water passes through it and into a waiting cup. The advantage of capsule coffee machines is that they are easy to clean but are limiting in that the capsule or pod tends to be restricted by the machine manufacturer.

• Percolators

  Percolators use ground coffee and work by boiling water in a special water chamber until the water is forced up a tube. It then falls onto the coffee which is held in a separate compartment below.

• Espresso Maker

  These use a thermostatically controlled water boiler to heat the water. When the water reaches 85C – 92C, the optimum temperature, it passes through the ground coffee. They often come with an accessory to steam milk so that cappuccinos and lattes can be made too.

• Bean-to-Cup

  This type of machine is in effect a sophisticated espresso machine. It has a built-in grinder which grinds the coffee beans before passing hot water through them to make coffee.

Making a Great Espresso

The measure of a good espresso tends to be judged on the foam or “crema”. This is depends on the steam meeting the coffee granules at the correct speed. If the speed is too slow, i.e. below 15-19 bar, it can result in a bitter taste.

Another consideration when purchasing an espresso machine is the wattage. If you friends pop round regularly and need mass produced espressos, it may be worthwhile investing in a higher wattage as it will boil the water faster.

If you are investing in a coffee machine which doesn’t have a built-in grinder don’t skimp on the coffee grinder. If the grind isn’t consistent it will have a negative impact on the coffee.