Buyer's guide - Coffee machines

Overview... ...

By Alexandra Aussenac Your guide to coffee machines

Start the day off on the right foot with a coffee machine!
Coffee just how you like it
Getting the best out of your coffee machine
Focus on…
What to look for in a coffee machine
Conclusion

Start the day in style with your very own coffee machine!

Full-bodied, Arabica, decaff, Robusta... no matter how you like your coffee, there's a coffee machine out there for you!
There's a huge range of coffe machines on the market today. You'll find everything from traditional filter coffee machines to the very latest espresso machines, not to mention the new coffee-capsule systems.
So whether you like a shot of espresso or a mug of filtered coffee, black or frothing with milk, Pixmania is here to help you find the right coffee machine for you!

Your coffee just how you like it

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Whether you knock back the espressos at all hours of the day or you prefer to savour a morning mug of coffee, there's a coffee machine out their to suit your tastes and budget.

Simple, cost-effective coffee

What could be better than starting the day to the smell of freshly brewed coffee? With a filter coffee machine, the hot water slowly filters through the coffee to bring out all of its most subtle flavours, drop by drop.
A filter coffee machine is ideal for anyone who drinks a lot of coffee or needs to make large quantities, as it can brew 2 to 15 mugs of coffee at a time. You should look out for a model with different brew strengths to control how the water filters through the coffee. This will ensure you get the fullest flavour from the first to the last cup.
A programmable model can be incredibly handy because you can set it to wake you up to the smell of freshly brewed coffee, or have your coffee ready for the end of a meal. If your other half gets up later than you, then the coffee can be kept warm all morning long in the practical insulated jug. Filter coffee machines are also ideal for keeping a constant supply of hot coffee to hand in your workplace.
As a cheaper alternative to a filter coffee machine, espresso pots and cafetières offer a practical way to brew fresh coffee wherever you are. You can even take them camping for a hot drink to warm you up after a long day's hiking.
Hot water is all you need to use a coffee press cafetière! Just add some ground coffee, leave it to infuse for as long as you like, and then push down the press. The "plunger" system then keeps used grains and sediment separate from the coffee, which is ready to serve straight away! This ultra-fast way to make great-tasting coffee is favoured by many professional coffee connoisseurs. Cafetières are also ideal for smaller kitchens.
An espresso pot is an Italian steam-based oven-top espresso maker that can generally brew 2 to 8 cups of short, strong coffee. They are composed of two separate parts which simply screw together. The base is filled with cold water, which filters up into the top part through the coffee grains.
Be careful though! When you take an espresso pot off the hob it can stay hot for a while, so you won't be able to brew back-to-back batches of coffee or you may end up with a nasty burn.

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Savour the flavour in just a few seconds

Over the last five years, capsule-based coffee machines have revolutionised the world of coffee. From espresso, decaff and cappuccino to tea and hot chocolate, these machines can make hot drinks for the whole family.
These machines are incredibly easy to use: simply insert the capsule, push the button, and hey presto - fresh coffee in a flash! This makes them ideal for anyone who doesn't have time to wait around. These machines use a built-in percolator system which, instead of letting the water filter through the coffee slowly, projects it at high pressure through the capsule to make a great-tasting cup of coffee in a matter of seconds.
Although capsules are more expensive than ground coffee, they offer unrivalled speed and efficiency, with no need to measure out the coffee or keep buying filters.
These great-looking and incredibly practical machines can be used to make a quick cup of coffee at any time of the day or night. You can even brew just one cup. Simply select the number of cups and the machine will switch itself off automatically once they've all been filled. What could be easier?
When using a capsule-based machine for the first time, you should test the amount of water it uses to make each cup to make sure yours doesn't overflow. Some models even allow you to adjust the amount of water used per cup.
Most capsule-based coffee machines have a water-level indicator to let you know when it's time to refill, and also to stop the machine trying to brew coffee when there's not enough water left.
Technically, for an authentic espresso, you'll need a machine with more than 10 bars of pressure, although less powerful models still make great all-round hot-drinks stations.

Coffee made by a pro!

For those of you who like your coffee short, strong and authentic, nothing can rival an espresso machine!
Whether automatic or semi-professional, espresso machines are no longer reserved for the elite - you can now pick up a fully functional machine without breaking the bank. They use ground coffee or coffee beans, and some can even also be used with coffee capsules. So now you can savour the flavour of a rich espresso with its delicious creamy foam, without even having to leave the house!
To create the perfect, authentic espresso, your machine must have a minimum pressure of 10 bars, a percolation time of 30 seconds, and should also heat the water to between 90 and 92°C.
Once you've got that covered, all you need to do is choose your type of machine and model!
If you like experimenting with your own blends and dosing your coffee to perfection, you should consider investing in a semi-automatic espresso machine. With one of these, it's over to you to grind, dose, measure and then decide how tightly to pack in your coffee. The machine just provides hot water at the optimal temperature, and percolates your coffee to make high-quality espresso.
Semi-automatic machines use a pump to generate the pressure required to extract the coffee. They also have a high-pressure steam hose to froth milk for creamy cappuccinos. Some machines can even be hooked up directly to a mains water supply to prepare both coffee and milk at the same time.
If you enjoy seriously good espresso but you're not sure how to grind and dose your coffee, then a fully-automatic espresso machine is the best choice for you.
Although more expensive, these all-in-one machines really do take care of everything. They'll select the perfect pressure level, measure out the right amount of coffee, pack it in correctly, and even remove previously used grains - all at the touch of a button! With a machine like this, you don't need to be an expert to enjoy great-tasting coffee.
The only real drawbacks are their often-larger size and the regular, thorough cleaning they require.

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How to get the best out of your coffee machine

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Now you know how to make coffee like a pro, find out how to take care of your machine to keep your coffee tasting delicious.

Must-have accessories for the perfect cup of coffee

Most coffee-making techniques essentially boil down to a filter and a jug. Here's a word of advice on how to get the best out of these crucial accessories.
From the paper to the washable, filters of all shapes and sizes collect used coffee grains without altering the taste of your drink. Some machines are equipped with a permanent filter, which must be regularly cleaned. Disposable paper filters, on the other hand, offer an easier, although less environmentally friendly solution. You can also find specially designed filters for capsule-based machines, often referred to as "universal capsules". Just fill them up with the tea or coffee of your choice and you'll be sure to use the right amount every time. For anyone else who doesn't feel confident dosing their coffee, a measuring spoon is an absolute must-have!
Jugs can contribute to the taste of your coffee. Coffee jugs are generally made from glass, making them fairly fragile accessories. In fact, you may find you have to replace the jug more than once, even though it's not always easy to find the right model for your machine! To save you the headache, look for a jug made from unbreakable glass or, even better, one protected with a shock-protection band or cover.
For an even more sturdy and practical solution, an insulated jug will keep your coffee warm for hours, as it waits patiently for the alarm clock to ring or for you to finish your meal.
To keep the water clean and keep your coffee tasting great, you should make sure the water tank of your capsule-based coffee machine stays clean from both limescale and mould. Most water tanks are removable, and can simply be put it in the dishwasher once a month.
What's more, a stylish and discreet capsule dispenser is a great accessory for capsule-based systems. Now you've got everything you need to make great-tasting coffee, don't forget to choose a set of cups to match your machine! Some coffee-capsule machines have a height-adjustable spout which is just the job for caffè latte, hot chocolate or latte macchiato!

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Keeping your machine in tip-top condition

Your coffee machine's number one enemy is limescale. Limescale develops every day, and can, over the long term, affect the taste of your coffee or even stop your machine working properly.
In addition to the chlorine-filtration systems built into most coffee machines, an anti-limescale cartridge makes a smart buy. These filter cartridges are easy to change and will make sure your coffee stays tasting great. Some even have an indicator system to let you know when it's time to replace the cartridge. You'll have to be careful to choose a cartridge compatible with your machine though, as often only the manufacturer's brand will fit.
If your coffee machine isn't high-tech enough for a filter cartridge, you should make sure you use a descaler, cleaning product and/or cleaning tablet on a regular basis. Tablets are the most easy to use, as they can be simply dropped into the water tank before you run the machine's cleaning programme or its regular programme without coffee.
Water filter jugs are a great way to remove limescale and chlorine from your water on a daily basis. However, using a filter jug doesn't relieve you from the task of regularly descaling your coffee machine.

Best-sellers

Philips SENSEO HD7810/60 Coffee Maker - black: € 58,76 Inc. VAT; IN STOCK

BOSCH TASSIMO TAS4012 Espresso machine - black: € 101,58 Inc. VAT; IN STOCK

Philips HD7546/20 Stainless steel isothermal coffee maker: € 46,79 Inc. VAT; IN STOCK

BOSCH Tassimo TAS6515 Espresso Machine: € 134,44 Inc. VAT; IN STOCK

BOSCH TASSIMO TAS4013 Espresso machine - red: € 118,51 Inc. VAT; IN STOCK

Siemens Porsche TC911P2 Coffee Maker: € 156 Inc. VAT; IN STOCK

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Capsule-based coffee machines for all budgets

You've probably noticed that the coffee aisle in your local supermarket keeps getting bigger. That's all thanks to the coffee-capsule revolution! Although more expensive than loose, ground coffee, capsules also have plenty of advantages: you always get the perfect dose, your coffee is ready in a matter of seconds, and you can make back-to-back drinks with no hassle, cleaning or waiting around.
Senseo capsules are certainly cheap and readily available, whereas Tassimo offers tea, coffee and hot chocolate capsules if you're looking for more choice.
For serious coffee addicts, Nespresso capsules are available in a range of varieties for a tasty way to enjoy coffee. For those of you who prefer caffè latte or cappuccino, look out for Tassimo's Dolce Gusto or the Nespresso Lattissima for a creamy treat in a matter of seconds!

What to look for when choosing a coffee machine

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Understanding how your coffee machine works might just help you make the perfect cup of coffee. Read on and you'll soon be rivalling the pros!

Making life a lot easier

With their programmable settings, insulated jugs, flavour settings and even self-cleaning functions, coffee machines are being designed to make your life easier. Some even have an automatic shut-off function to stop your coffee burning and spoiling the flavour - but that's not all!
Did you know that some espresso machines can be used with either ground coffee or beans, which the machine will then automatically grind, dose and pack to perfection? For professional-tasting coffee, nothing could be easier.
Did you know that some espresso machines can be used with either ground coffee or beans, which the machine will then automatically grind, dose and pack to perfection? For professional-tasting coffee, nothing could be easier.
What's more, some capsule-based machines can also be used with loose, ground coffee so you can treat your guests to some surprising new blends. Plus, models with a high-capacity reservoir are just the job for family occasions.

Inside your espresso machine

An espresso machine (or percolator) makes coffee using a fairly complex system.
The percolation head (or group head) plays just as important a role as the minimum 10 bars of pressure when it comes to making authentic espresso. The percolation head surrounds the filter holder, and must be able to retain heat effectively in order to extract the coffee's full flavour. You should therefore look for a machine with a large, heavy percolation head.
Similarly, the water-boiler tank will also affect the quality of your coffee - aluminium models are the most effective as they heat the water quickly.
For professional use, you should look for a model with a brass or stainless steel boiler, as these are incredibly robust and retain heat better when large quantities are involved. This means you'll be able to make espresso after espresso, without having to wait around.
You should also think about the capacity of boiler you need, as sizes can range from 1.8 to 22 litres. You should choose the capacity in relation the size of your family or workforce. For a machine with one percolation head (or group head), you'll generally find a boiler capacity of around 5 litres. For a machine with three group heads, the tank usually has a much larger 10-litre capacity!
What's more, a machine with more than one percolation head maintains a more stable temperature, which is essential for high-quality espresso.

Conclusion

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Whether you're using capsules, ground coffee or striving for the ultimate espresso, you now know all the secrets of great-tasting coffee. We hope this guide has helped you narrow down your choice so you can find the right coffee machine for you.
If you're looking for a high-capacity machine, a multi-drink system, or espresso at the touch of a button, there's a coffee machine out there that will do everything you want without compromising on quality. Coffee will never have tasted so good!