What is a bean coffee machine?
A bean coffee machine is a device for quickly preparing high-quality coffee. The device differs from conventional coffee makers in its complexity of design, large dimensions and cost; such devices are often purchased for the office. But the main feature of such a machine is the built-in coffee grinder for grinding beans before brewing .
For your information! The grinder allows you to use bean coffee, adjust the degree of grinding and get delicious drinks.
All models are designed approximately the same and have the following components :
- water tank with lid;
- grain container;
- coffee grinder;
- a heating element;
- Pressure Sensors;
- container for the finished drink.
Some models have a cappuccino maker - a device for frothing milk.
Philips HD7457/20
This model is great for home use. You can prepare one or several servings of coffee in it. The finished drink comes into a special jug from which you can pour it into a cup and treat it to family members or friends. Many people think that drip systems are too slow. This is wrong when it comes to this model. High power will not keep you waiting long.
- A coffee maker of this type costs only 3 thousand rubles, which is an additional plus.
Fast preparation in a sleek coffee maker
Principle of operation
The operating principle of a household device will vary slightly depending on whether the grain machine has a cappuccino maker or not.
Without cappuccino maker
The process of making coffee in a grain machine without a cappuccino machine consists of several stages: grinding the beans, compacting the ground coffee into the filter and brewing .
Having loaded the coffee beans into a special compartment and poured water into the tank, select the desired program on the control panel, after which the machine begins to grind the beans and tamp the ground coffee into the filter .
Then water under high pressure or hot steam passes through the filter with coffee powder, absorbing the aromatic and taste properties of the coffee, richness and color. Freshly brewed drink is poured into cups.
With cappuccino maker
If the device has an automatic cappuccino maker, it will be even easier to brew coffee, because in this case the system does not require any additional manipulations.
To prepare cappuccino, milk is poured into a separate container, and the desired mode is set on the touch panel . After a few minutes, the device will provide the user with a drink with delicate milk foam.
In a device with a manual cappuccino maker, the cooking process will have to be controlled . To do this, place a container of milk under the steam generator tube so that a funnel is formed.
Important! To obtain a thick foam, move the cup around the tube.
Which coffee machine is better - capsule or grain?
Probably, any coffee lover has already heard about capsule coffee machines. Many people trust this relatively new technique, while others, on the contrary, try to protect themselves from its use. There is a prejudice that coffee capsules are inferior in quality to the grain version. We decided to lift the veil of secrecy over capsule coffee machines and at the same time compare them with grain coffee machines, so that you can understand once and for all - which one is better?
Why are capsule cars interesting?
To begin with, we offer you a brief overview of capsule technology as such. Many people still know much less about it than traditional espresso machines, and this misunderstanding needs to be corrected. So, the general principle of operation of the capsule machine is as follows:
- A capsule is placed in a special compartment - a dosed sealed container with ground coffee, which has been pre-processed and pressed. As a rule, this is a capsule from the same manufacturer that made the coffee machine itself. Other brands are often not suitable.
- The user presses a button, and the machine takes out exactly the amount of water needed to make coffee. Water must first be poured into the tank. If the machine is inexpensive, then there may be one button, but if it is more expensive, then you need to choose the preparation method, be it espresso, cappuccino or something else.
- The water heats up very quickly and then enters the capsule. The container was pierced the moment the user pressed the button. The puncture is made through, so that water enters the capsule on one side and comes out through the other, from where it flows through a tube or gutter into the cup.
- The entire process takes about 30 seconds for espresso, or 40-50 seconds for more complex drinks with added milk. In rare cases, the process drags on for a minute.
There are a huge number of capsule coffee machines on the market from different brands, but they all use the same method. Therefore, there is and cannot be any confusion in how capsule coffee is prepared.
What is a bean coffee machine?
To understand which coffee machine is better - capsule or grain, you need to know the definition of the grain model. In principle, the name speaks for itself - this is a coffee machine that uses bean-based drinks. No capsules or grinding required. Simple grains are used. Many people believe that this increases saturation, while others believe that, on the contrary, it decreases saturation. Neither one nor the other is right, because there is practically no difference between coffee in the form of beans and powder, if both are of high quality. In other words, if you take 2 servings of beans and grind one of them, and then brew any coffee drink, then both tastes will be the same.
The operating process is not much different from capsules in terms of simplicity, but it gives you more options - you pour the beans into a special compartment, select the cup volume and grind.
But in servicing a grain machine there is clearly more effort and time spent - every part must be thoroughly washed and put in place. Compare this to flushing a capsule machine, where you only need to press a button or two to initiate the flushing procedure. Of course, in models with a cappuccino nozzle, you must also rinse it, but you must admit that this is not comparable.
For delicious coffee and a wide selection of ingredients, you also have to pay in terms of size (models are similar in size to small bedside tables) and price (the average price of a quality unit is 40,000 rubles).
Comparative characteristics of capsule and grain machines
Capsule | Cereal |
High speed - you can prepare espresso or lungo in 30 seconds, and the most complex drinks are prepared in no longer than 1 minute | A regular espresso will take about 2 minutes, which is quite inconvenient for use in coffee shops, especially when there is an influx of customers. |
The dimensions of the coffee machine are very compact, which makes it very portable. This model can be easily installed at home or at work, or taken with you to the dacha or on a trip. | In terms of dimensions, this coffee machine is close to an oven or microwave, so it is not suitable for either a tiny kitchen or an office desk. |
The price range is very wide, and choosing a car for 5,000 rubles is as easy as choosing one for 50,000 rubles | Finding a cheap model that is accessible to anyone is almost impossible (unless it’s used) |
High quality coffee is achieved due to the tightness of the capsule and high pressure during brewing | No less high quality coffee, but provided that the person controls the preparation process |
Capsules from different manufacturers are not suitable for equipment from another brand. You need to use only “native capsules” | The choice of coffee is unlimited, the main thing is that it is not ground |
Capsules can be stored for a long time without loss of properties, up to 2 years | If you open a package of grains, they will begin to fizzle out after 2-3 months. |
Capsules cost about twice as much as grains - from 20 rubles per serving | A serving of coffee beans is much cheaper - about 10 rubles per serving |
A capsule machine needs to be washed very rarely, and in expensive models this function is generally implemented automatically | Grain machines require constant cleaning, which makes life difficult for their owners |
As you can see, capsule coffee machines have much more advantages. But grain models also have something to answer. Therefore, we can say that the choice between these types of coffee machines is limited only by human preferences. Capsule coffee machines will appeal to those who care about speed and convenience much more than price. And people who want to save money will use the grain option. But do not forget that the initial cost of a grain coffee machine is much higher. It will certainly pay off, but only in the long term. This model is definitely not suitable for occasional use.
The following materials may also be useful to you:
Which is better, capsule or carob coffee maker Which coffee machine is better, capsule or grain What is better, capsule coffee or Turkish coffee How to choose a capsule coffee machine How capsule coffee is made How to use capsule coffee How to brew coffee without a Turk and a coffee maker How to clean capsule coffee machines Capsule coffee machines advantages and disadvantages How to brew coffee from capsules without a coffee machine How to use a capsule coffee machine Is capsule coffee harmful Which capsule or geyser coffee maker is better How capsule coffee machines work How to clean capsule coffee machines Which is better capsule or regular coffee maker Capsule coffee machines pros and cons Capsule coffee machines comparison of brands Composition of coffee in capsules What is coffee? in capsules The best way to preserve coffee Reusable capsules What is the difference between cappuccino coffee and latte coffee What is the difference between espresso and Americano Rough coffee recipe Freeze-dried coffee Rating of instant coffee Is instant coffee harmful The benefits and harms of coffee with milk Mochaccino coffee recipe Calorie content of coffee Which coffee grinder is better: manual or electric How to choose a coffee pot How to properly brew coffee at home in a Turkish pot on the stove How to drink coffee correctly How to whip milk froth for coffee How to brew coffee in a French press How to use a geyser coffee maker Empty capsules for a coffee machine
Advantages
In grain coffee machines, the coffee preparation process is carried out automatically , which is the main advantage of modern electrical devices.
Grinding the grains, heating the liquid to the required temperature, brewing the drink and serving it into the cup occurs practically without the participation of the user, who only needs to select the desired program and start the machine .
The device has other advantages :
- High quality brewed coffee.
- The device is capable of preparing not only classic black coffee, but also boiling milk and making a milkshake.
- The ability to combine different types of coffee , creating new mixtures yourself to get a new taste of the drink.
- It will take no more than two minutes to prepare espresso - this is very convenient for people who are always late.
- The machine remembers recipes for coffee drinks created by the user.
- Grinding the beans immediately before cooking, which allows you to preserve the taste and aroma of the natural product .
- Savings - the cost of one serving of black coffee beans usually does not exceed 10 rubles.
- The consumer can customize the strength of the finished drink and the serving size.
- Availability of additional functions that simplify the cooking process.
DeLonghi Magnifica S ECAM 22.360.S
The model is the most popular among buyers due to its quality. The country of origin of this machine is Italy. As you know, Italians prefer coffee with milk, so it makes sense that they develop devices that make it easy to prepare such a drink.
The best option for a delicious latte
Important! Magnifica S ECAM 22.360.S not only simplifies the process of making cappuccino, but thanks to the AutoCappuccino function, which is patented only in this country, you can regulate the amount of foam in your favorite drink.
Convenient multifunction display
- This coffee maker is easy to care for. The device has a self-cleaning function, which extends its service life. Thanks to the presence of the indicator, you will know exactly when the machine needs cleaning.
- You can purchase equipment in stores for an average of 38-40 thousand rubles.
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Flaws
Bean coffee machines also have disadvantages :
- Setting up the device requires the presence of a specialist . You can’t do without it when servicing the device.
- Compared to coffee makers, the device is large in size and takes up a lot of space in the kitchen.
- Noisy operation is a conditional disadvantage, since products are produced with different noise levels. The source of the sound is the coffee grinder, however, it quickly copes with its task, after which the coffee is brewed silently.
- High cost - the equipment is much more expensive than conventional coffee makers, which becomes the main reason why coffee lovers refuse to purchase a coffee machine.
Attention! When using the device, there may be a problem with storing grains.
Experts recommend storing them in open packaging for no longer than a week, as they quickly lose their aroma and taste. For this reason, you need to purchase a small pack of beans or use the entire package within 7 days .
DeLonghi ECP 31.21
ECP 31.21 is somewhat inferior to its analogues in terms of power and functionality, but at the same time it is affordable.
- The cost of such products reaches 8 thousand rubles.
It is focused on making espresso. Thanks to a special regulator, you can set the strength level of the drink. It is also important that when working with this unit you do not need to calculate the proportions of the ingredients - just set the required strength level.
Great quality for a low price
Kinds
There are two types of bean coffee machines :
- Carob machines are mechanical type machines in which the cooking process is controlled by a person. According to the principle of operation, horn-type devices are divided into steam and pump-type . Steam models are cheaper than pump models, but the quality of the prepared drink is slightly worse.
- Drip coffee makers are easy to use and can quickly prepare many cups of coffee. Drip or filtration type devices brew excellent coffee drinks, preserving the taste and aroma of natural freshly ground beans.
Types of mini coffee makers and their features
Automotive
Car coffee makers appeared on the Russian market relatively recently.
They first developed their popularity in the countries of Western Europe and the USA, where automobile tourism developed at an accelerated pace. The most popular is the drip or filter coffee maker . Water enters the reservoir, where it then flows through a thin tube to the heater.
When the temperature reaches 87 - 95 degrees, it enters the ground coffee and is discharged outside. The power of the heating element is limited . A low power allows the coffee to be better irrigated and allows you to absorb the whole range of aromas.
There are also car espresso coffee makers.
Important! It is worth preparing coffee slowly, then it will have a refined taste and color. It is the filtration machine that provides these properties.
The most popular car coffee makers are Handpresso auto (handpresso coffee machine), Dometic HerftctCoffee, WAECO PerfectCoffee, Alca car coffee maker.
Electric Turk
The product looks like a device with a stand at the bottom.
At the very bottom there is a heater. Turka can turn off automatically. Some models have a lid on top. The main material of the product is stainless steel or refractory ceramics . The dimensions of the flask may also vary.
The body is made of plastic with a waterproof seal. Electric Turks can be large volumes - 1.5 liters and quite small - up to 300 ml .
Reference Information! Electric Turks with automatic shut-off have a lot of advantages. They are durable, economical, have a presentable appearance and are reasonably priced.
In stores you can find many convenient and economical models. Nevertheless , Gorenje, Beko, Kelli, Zimber ZM-10732 are considered the most popular .
Capsule
Capsule coffee machines require a minimum of time to prepare an aromatic drink. With this machine you can prepare two completely different types of coffee one after another .
This is a feature of capsule car models. Other products require constant care after preparing one serving. The principle of operation is that hot water is passed through at high pressure .
It passes through a coffee capsule with any filling. It can be roasted, ground or compressed coffee. Making coffee is very simple: the capsule is placed inside the product, a cup is placed under the machine and the button is pressed .
If previously people were scared by the cost of capsule products, now the range of offered models has grown significantly. There are expensive and cheap products on the market. Any buyer will be able to find the right car for himself.
For your information! The types of capsules most popular among consumers are the following: Nespresso, Dolce Gusto, Lavazza Sweety Bialeti, CF 80.
Rozhkova
This type of device has a special horn on the device. That is why the coffee maker is called that. There is a round filter holder on the handle. A coffee tablet is placed in it.
Depending on the pressure developed and the method of achieving it, carob coffee makers are divided into classes :
- Pumpless or boiler . This type is based on the production of espresso coffee.
- Pump-action . The pressure in them is ensured by the operation of the water pump and pump.
- Levered . The most expensive and equipped models. The pressure is adjusted manually using a special switch.
Inexpensive and proven carob-type coffee makers are as follows: Delonghi ECP, Gaggia Viva, Delonghi EC685.
Electric geyser
Geyser-type coffee makers prepare a drink in a matter of seconds. They are very easy to use and do not require complex manipulations during operation . They have the ability to pre-set the amount of drink per cup. The coffee in such a machine is aromatic, without sediment or impurities.
Reference! Electric geyser coffee machines cannot grind beans, so they need to be refilled only with special crushed varieties. However, strong coffee is not prepared in such a device.
The best models are Bialetti, Elettricа, Moka Express, Brikka.
Drip
Drip models prepare only filtered coffee, but in fact, it makes an excellent “Americano”. The finer the grind, the more water required and fewer portions of coffee .
Drip coffee makers spill all the water poured into the tank through the coffee until they are manually turned off.
There are volumetric models. They are more expensive and better quality. Their tank capacity is from 600 to 900 ml. The most popular is Philips HD7434 . He always comes with a 600 ml reusable nylon filter. We can recommend Redmond RCM-M1507. This machine also has a reusable filter, which makes it convenient to use.
For your information! Also considered good models are Bosch TKA 3A031 / 3A034, Philips HD 7447 or HD 7457, Vitek VT-1503 BK, Polaris PCM 1211.
How to choose for your home?
When deciding which model to choose, you should take into account the drink preparation technology and the main technical characteristics of the coffee machine, paying special attention to the reliability, power and safety of the device .
Adjusting the grinding degree
It is almost impossible to find a model in stores without a function for adjusting the degree of grinding, since it is present in all good coffee machines. The most common electrical appliances have five grinding modes , which is quite enough for home use.
Preparing multiple cups at once
Simultaneously preparing several cups of drink saves time and electricity , so if there is more than one coffee lover in the family, it is better to purchase a model with this function.
By the way! Expensive devices often have the ability to create custom programs, which means that to quickly prepare one or more servings of your favorite drink, you just need to adjust the grind level, saturation and temperature.
The coffee machine will remember the entered data and will use it at the touch of a button.
Prepare cappuccino or latte using the built-in cappuccino maker
The cappuccino machine can be automatic or manual .
The first option involves installing a special compartment, assembled and filled. In this case, the machine will perform the process of whipping foam without human intervention. The second option assumes that the user will froth the milk using a jet of hot steam.
Attention! Models with an automatic cappuccino maker are more expensive, but such devices are more convenient to use.
However, if there is no need to prepare cappuccino frequently, purchasing a budget option with a manual element will be the right decision .
Possibility of using ground coffee
If desired, in certain models of grain devices you can brew a drink from ground grains . To prepare coffee from powder, the machine skips the grinding step and begins its work by compacting pre-ground beans.
Temperature adjustment
The function is found in most home coffee machines and allows the user to adjust the temperature of the water that will be used to prepare the drink. The temperature of the liquid affects the taste of brewed coffee, so real gourmets are recommended to purchase a machine with this option.
Cup warming
Heating the cups is necessary in order to keep the coffee hot and maximize its taste and aroma . The function is optional, but is present in many models.
Self-cleaning descaling
After preparing coffee, particles of coffee powder and scale remain on the walls of the coffee machine, reducing the service life of the machine. The self-cleaning function automatically removes coffee oils and scale from the walls of the device , so there is no need to clean it manually.
Tank volume
A small machine with a 1.5-2 liter water tank is suitable for home use. The optimal container volume for coffee beans is 150-250 g . A device with a large volume will take up a lot of space, while a device with a smaller volume will force you to frequently refill the device.
Coffee grinder blade material
There are devices with ceramic and steel blades on sale. Ceramic blades are durable, quieter and do not break. Steel, in turn, is less durable, but cheaper .
Noise level
Modern coffee machines operate silently, however, due to the presence of a built-in coffee grinder, which is characterized by noisy operation, grain machines make buzzing sounds during the preparation of the drink .
The device will not be able to disturb the sleep of household members while brewing a morning cup of coffee, because most often the sound is not so loud.
Manufacturers do not indicate the noise level on the packaging, so it would be a good idea to ask a consultant in the store about this parameter. The seller will connect the structure and demonstrate its noise level.
Housing material
Inexpensive coffee machines have a plastic body - it is quite light, but is seriously damaged by impacts and looks unpresentable.
Note! To be sure of the quality of the device and its long service life, it is better to choose more expensive models with a durable metal body.
Such a device will last a long time, there will be no cracks or scratches on it that spoil the appearance.
Philips Saeco Xmall
A great and really small coffee machine that costs $360. This is not one model. Philips Saeco Xsmall is a whole series consisting of three models:
- Steam;
- Class White/Black;
- Chrome.
The simplest of them is Steam. Its dimensions are 295x325x420 mm. Despite such small geometric parameters, the Philips Saeco Xsmall is a full-fledged coffee machine that prepares excellent espresso. A short video review:
Characteristics:
- There is a coffee grinder;
- Water tank volume 1 l;
- Pump pressure 15 bar;
- It is possible to adjust the portion of coffee;
- Pre-wetting system;
- Cooking two portions at the same time.
This model is extremely popular on the Internet - it is bought, one might say, en masse. There are a lot of reviews about this coffee machine, and almost all of them are positive. Not surprising, because the quality of the finished coffee, the quality of the materials used and workmanship are at the highest level. At the same time, the device is easy to operate, and making coffee in it is a pleasure. Yes, it is expensive, but the price is more than justified.
Popular models
Manufacturers offer a fairly wide selection of grain coffee machines for home use. Among the devices successfully sold on the domestic market, experts highlight a rating of the 5 best models from well-known brands :
- Philips HD7767 Grind & Brew is a grain coffee maker with a glass jug, inside of which there is a nozzle for stirring the incoming coffee. The sealed design of the bean container keeps the beans fresh, providing the user with rich coffee. The device is also suitable for preparing drinks from ground beans.
- Merol ME-710 is an automatic coffee machine with a self-cleaning descaling function that works with beans and ground coffee. The electrical appliance is controlled using a large touch display. With a few touches you can set the strength, temperature and number of servings.
- De'Longhi ESAM 3500 is a grain device with an automatic cappuccino maker for simultaneous preparation of several cups of cappuccino or latte macchiato. The machine is equipped with a program for descaling the system, adjusting the temperature of the coffee and portions of hot water, setting the start time and controlling the strength of the coffee.
- REDMOND SkyCoffee M1505S is a mini coffee maker with a built-in coffee grinder and an innovative remote control method via a mobile application. Additionally, there are such functions as auto shut-off, protection against overheating and spilling of the finished drink, and protection against being turned on if assembled incorrectly.
- Bosch TIS 30129 RW VeroCup 100 is a budget coffee machine with a burr grinder designed for 250 g of beans and adjustable grinding degree. The device is equipped with a removable cappuccino maker, an auto-rinse program, a function for simultaneously preparing two cups of coffee and a special water filter.
Useful video
From this video you will learn about the best bean coffee machines for home use:
Bean coffee machines are highly efficient and are ideal for families with several coffee lovers who drink aromatic drinks every day.
Despite all the advantages, it is worth remembering that an expensive device requires special attention to its condition and thorough cleaning of contaminants that affect the operation of the device. Otherwise, the taste of the coffee will be far from ideal, and the machine itself will not last long.
What is a portable single cup coffee machine?
This single cup portable coffee maker is unique and compact . At the same time, caring for such manual machines is completely simple. The aromatic drink can be prepared in 1 minute and will delight the user anywhere .
Attention! To ensure complete convenience, the products are made of aluminum.
This material is strong and durable. It is not afraid of corrosion, so you can use them for as long as you like.
Since the parts of the device are made of identical material, the high quality allows you to get an aromatic and tasty drink .
The only disadvantage of using a miracle machine is washing it regularly. After each serving of brewed coffee, you must rinse the device thoroughly .
In this case, it is advisable to dry it well. The operating principle of a mini-coffee maker is that hot water seeps through the crushed grains .
The grains are placed in a special funnel. This method is called capsule. The base is placed on the mug, and then the grains are poured. After this, the container is filled with boiling water. One minute and the room is filled with a wonderful aroma.