Investing in a coffee machine can be a smart move, especially in times of high living costs or when working from home. While it may seem like a cost-effective alternative to buying coffee from cafes, choosing the wrong machine can lead to disappointment and wasted money.
With the market flooded with coffee machines ranging from pod to manual and automatic options, it’s crucial to make an informed decision before making a purchase. To help consumers navigate through the plethora of choices, experts at CHOICE have rigorously tested over 80 popular models to identify the best performers and the ones to avoid.
Expert taste testers, including baristas from Barista Basics and Samson Coffee House, evaluate each machine based on factors like coffee taste, ease of use, milk frothing capabilities, and temperature consistency. Blind taste tests are conducted to assess espresso quality, crema, aroma, flavor, mouthfeel, and aftertaste.
Among the low-rated pod machines, the Breville Nespresso Vertuo Pop+ Coffee Machine Starter Kit received a dismal taste test score of 45%. Priced at $379, this machine falls short in delivering a satisfying coffee experience, locking users into using expensive Nespresso Vertuo capsules.
Similarly, the Breville Nespresso Vertuo Creatista BVE850, priced at $1099, offers marginal improvement in coffee quality compared to its cheaper counterparts but fails to justify the hefty price tag. The Breville Nespresso Essenza Mini Capsule Machine and Breville Nespresso Vertuo Pop + Aeroccino 3 Bundle also received subpar ratings.
Transitioning to manual and semi-automatic machines, the Sunbeam Café Barista EM5000 scored poorly in taste tests despite its consistent temperature delivery. The Anko Compact Espresso, priced at $79, may be budget-friendly but disappoints in coffee quality and build.
Among automatic machines, the Gaggia Anima Prestige, priced at $1599, and the Saeco Royal OTC SUP060, priced at $2369, failed to impress with their taste test scores, highlighting the importance of thorough research before investing in a high-end coffee machine.
Whether opting for a pod, manual, semi-automatic, or fully automatic espresso machine, consumers should weigh factors like ease of use, coffee quality, maintenance requirements, and cost per cup. While pod machines offer convenience, manual and semi-automatic machines provide more control over flavor customization.
Ultimately, choosing a coffee machine is a personal decision that should align with individual preferences and lifestyle needs. By staying informed about the latest products and expert reviews, consumers can make well-informed choices to enjoy a satisfying coffee experience at home.
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