Types of Coffee Machines

Whenever I meet friends in town, more often than not, we will meet at a coffee shop for convenience and also for a good coffee.  Nowadays though, good coffee isn’t just exclusive to the coffee shops as there are a number of ways to make good coffee at home:

Pod or capsule coffee machines

Coffee is purchased as a capsule, pod or pad which you put into the machine. When you start the machine, hot water is sent through the pod/pad and into a waiting mug.  These machines are usually limited to the types of capsule, pods or pads sold by your machine manufacturer.  We have one of these machines and we’ve been fortunate to be able to find an third party after-market accessory which allows us to use any ground coffee.

Filter coffee machines

Cold water is poured into the top where it is heated before dripping down through a pod or basket of coffee into a jug below.  This is kept warm by a hot plate.  Any ground coffee can be used.

Pump espresso machines

The water is heated to the optimal temperature for coffee which is about 90^oC.  When this is reached the water is passed through the ground coffee at the correct bar pressure. A tool for steaming milk is usually included so that it can be used for lattes and cappuccinos.

Bean-to-cup

These are like the pump action espresso makers but the key difference is that they have a built-in grinder.

Percolators

Ground coffee is inserted above a water chamber.  Boiling water is forced up a tube, filters through the coffee and back into the pot below. There are stove-top versions or electric versions which contain a heating element.

For more information about home coffee machines, check out Denby Dale Coffee. Let me know how you like to make your favourite cup of java and what your favourite coffees are!

Disclosure: This is a collaboration.