The indefatigable barista in your kitchen - a grain coffee machine

Many coffee lovers dream of quick and troublesome preparation of the desired drink. Just for this they will need a grain coffee machine for the home, which regularly and without much effort on the part of users will provide them with a fragrant, invigorating drink. This invention is quite convenient and useful in everyday life: it saves your time, independently prepares a drink for your personal order, coffee is always hot, aromatic and strong, as you like.

Many consumers doubt the appropriateness of such an acquisition. To find out how difficult it is to operate, how much you need to know when choosing it, what are the positive and negative qualities, we recommend reading this article.

Principle of operation

A modern coffee machine, irrespective of whether it is a grain or capsule one, is arranged in approximately the same way and has the following main components:

1. Capacity for liquid.
2. TEN for heating water.
3. The container where ground powder is poured, the filter - paper or reusable nylon.
4. Pressure gauge for measuring internal pressure.
5. Capacity for collecting the finished product.
6. Specific supplements for making a special type of coffee - for example, a cappuccino machine.

The industry produces many types of machines for instant coffee, one of the rather popular and not very expensive - carob. In it, ground grains are poured into the horn, at the exit we get a cup of aromatic drink. The horn should be made of metal, because plastic with constant heating adds a sour taste.

This type does not have a coffee grinder, so the machines work on hermetic capsules - they are already pressed into ground grinding grains. The capsule is inserted into the compartment where a special device pierces them, then hot water passes through it, and the coffee is ready. The strength of the drink in such machines is not regulated.

The pod or portion machine works similarly, only here the pods work as a kind of filter - hermetic capsules with highly compressed ground powder, water seeps through them, taking away the entire strength and aroma of well-fried, finely ground grains. The whole gamut of the resulting drink depends on the quality of the coffee pressed into tablets, it will not work to change something.

An espresso machine-harvester is a rather complex unit that can work simultaneously as a coffee maker, coffee grinder and whipped milk machine, because there is a built-in cappuccino machine. As a result of simultaneous complex processes, the output is a cup of aromatic drink - cappuccino or latte. Customers appreciate this type of product for the speed and variety of preparation of original drinks with different tastes with the addition of milk foam.

All machines are also divided into two large groups - semi-automatic or automatic version. The latter is valued much higher, because user participation here is minimized: to fill up the grains, add water, the unit will do the rest on its own and will notify the end of the process by a melodic signal or a loud beep. This option is ideal for installation in the office.

How to choose. Features and Features

If you need only a few cups of espresso a day, the main thing is that it is hot and strong, then choose a machine with a pressure of 7 to 9 bar, but if you prefer a richer flavor, the pump should have an internal pressure of at least 15 bar - this a prerequisite for the professional preparation of an invigorating drink.

We present to your attention a small registry of basic requirements for technology:

1. Dimensions - for a small kitchen, you need to choose a compact option.
2. Productivity - how much a machine can actually make in a day.
3. Functionality - the presence of a coffee grinder, cappuccino machine.
4. Additional features - heating cups or flasks, backlight control buttons.
5. Ease of use and easy maintenance.
6. List of recipes that can be applied.
7. The fame of the manufacturer - reputable companies strictly monitor their image, maintaining high reliability of manufactured equipment.
8. Cost - Additional abilities increase the final price.

The design should be such that the machine fits seamlessly into the interior of the kitchen or office, even if the latter is small in size.

If you want to purchase only the grain version of the machine for making coffee, then you need to pay attention to its features:

• the presence of a built-in coffee grinder or mill;
• is there a choice of the degree of grinding;
• separate container for grains;
• control the strength of the drink and the density of the foam;
• adjustment of pressure, temperature.

If this is a cappuccino machine, then check what the cappuccino machine costs - the best option when it is automatic, then you do not need to study its principle of operation and control.

Advantages and disadvantages

The whole process of making coffee in grain machines occurs automatically according to all the requirements of the classics of the genre: grinding beans, heating the liquid to the optimum temperature, the brewing process and feeding it into a cup or container for collecting the finished product.

Advantages:

1. The machine prepares not only strong black coffee, but also boils milk; if necessary, it prepares original milkshakes.
2. There are a variety of recipes for making coffee-based drinks.
3. You can create personal recipes - the machine will remember them.
4. Combine coffee varieties - mix grains from different manufacturers, achieving the best taste sensations.

Cons are few, but they are present:

• high cost - high-quality equipment always costs more, but the resulting coffee also has an aroma, strength and excellent taste;
• setting up the unit requires the presence of a specialist, maintenance is required during operation;
• problems with grain storage may occur.

Experts advise storing an open bag with grains for no more than a week or their quality will decrease. The solution is simple - to buy packages of small capacity, which will be more expensive as a result, or it is better to pour grains into a hermetically sealed container.

Grain or capsule: comparison

Both of these types of machines are a worthy replacement for simple coffee makers, because modern technologies are developing rapidly, and the process of preparing a fragrant, tonic drink has become fully automated. It is enough for the user to press the start button - in two minutes he will have at his disposal a strong, professionally prepared drink.

The grain version has the following functions in service:

1. High-quality grinding of grains.
2. Selection of the optimum temperature for the correct preparation of water temperature.
3. The ability to adjust the strength of the drink at the request of the user.

In addition, the machine has in stock programs for preparing any drinks based on natural coffee.

In the grain version, the preparation of the drink is carried out from freshly ground grains, and the capsule type uses hermetic tablets, where the pressed ground powder is located, the shelf life of which is about 2 years. Machines of this type have the following advantages:

1. Low noise level.
2. High reliability.
3. Compact, allowing you to place them even in the smallest kitchen.
4. Easy setup and operation that does not require specific knowledge.

This is impressive, but the quality of pressed coffee cannot be compared with fresh grinding, especially since the researchers proved that 15 minutes after grinding, the powder loses most of its aroma and individual properties.

Grain machines use ground grains immediately for their intended purpose, so the drink is obtained with a valuable content of essential oils and all related useful substances. Therefore, the advantage of this type of coffee preparation technique is obvious.

The best models

Further, we offer not a rating, but a small overview of the models of grain machines that are most popular with users.

For home

Melitta caffeo solo

A model with an average price of 31 thousand ₽, a pressure of 15 bar and a power of 1.4 kW. A small water tank of 1.2 liters, there is a built-in coffee grinder with grinding adjustment in three modes and a container for beans for 125 g. It makes espresso in automatic mode with control of strength, water temperature, dimensions 200x330x460 mm, weight 8.3 kg.

Build quality is good, all parts are fitted, plastic is of a pleasant color and does not affect the taste of the drink, the compact model has all the necessary basic functions, nothing more. Two years warranty, coffee brews quickly and flawlessly. No cons revealed.

De’Longhi ECAM 350.55

Classic Italian assembly with a 5-year warranty, average cost 41.5 thousand rubles, water tank volume 1.8 l, grain container 300 g, power 1.45 kW, pressure 15 bar. There is a control of strength, water temperature and automatic decalcification, can prepare two cups of coffee at once. Dimensions 240x350x430 mm, product weight 9.5 kg.

Beautiful design, build quality, good functionality, millstones from metal, which increases the service life by many times. The My Menu button allows you to program the strength, the amount of coffee and milk for 11 options of the drink according to your desire. No flaws were found.

REDMOND SkyCoffee M1505S

A compact model at an average price of 7.8 thousand ₽, the volume is only 0.5 liters, power is 600 watts, the drip type can work on grain and ground coffee. Dimensions 290x320x200 mm, warranty for 24 months, package weight 3.1 kg. It can be controlled remotely using a smartphone, simple disassembly and assembly while cleaning the device.

Advantages: simple control of electronic type, it is possible to turn on remotely, for example, in the morning, the filter does not require replacement. Disadvantages: there is no grinding control, the coffee grinder is very noisy.

Krups EA826E

The French model, the average cost of 34.99 thousand rubles, a water tank of 1.8 liters, a pressure of 15 bar, a power of 1.45 kW. The case is made of silver metal, a milk container made of the same metal is separately given its original appearance. There is a display that reflects all the requirements of smart technology. Prepares a cappuccino with adjustable strength and temperature - 4 options. Dimensions 250x370x330 mm, weight 10 kg.

Quite compact equipment, reliable in operation, automatic type cappuccino machine. Compact dimensions, simple intuitive controls, milk container is very convenient. No complaints have been received.

To the office

Saeco Aulika MID

An office coffee machine from Italian manufacturers is sold at an average price of 77 thousand ₽, its capacity is 1.4 kW, the volume of the water tank is 4 l, the container for beans is 1 kg. The unit has two separate boilers with a pressure of up to 15 bar, dimensions 340x460x450 mm, weight - 23 kg. The control panel has 3 keys ristretto, lungo and espresso.

Adding milk foam is carried out independently: for this you need to substitute a cup with the finished drink under the steam tap. The containers for liquids and grains are locked with a key, and the service door is also closed on the side, where there are regulators of grinding and fortresses of the final product. 4 keys are included. The unit is wonderful and powerful, reliable and quite convenient, but it must be used only on an industrial scale.

Philips HD 8649

The average cost is 19.9 thousand ₽, the power is 1.4 kW, the volume of the water tank is 1 liter, there is an adjustment for the portioning of water, automatic decalcification. Dimensions 420x330x300 mm, weight 7 kg. It works only on coffee beans. 2 year trouble-free warranty.

An excellent budget version of the coffee machine with an intuitive interface, works like a Swiss watch, washes easily, makes a noise when grinding, but not much. Brews excellent quality strong coffee, you can prepare two cups at the same time. Special claims during operation did not arise.

Saeco Aulika Top High Speed ​​Cappuccino

The pricing policy is from 85.35 thousand rubles, the volume of the water tank is 4 liters, the power is 1.4 kW, the pressure is at least 15 bar, the grain container holds up to 1 kg. Dimensions 340x450x570 mm, weight 23 kg. The machine is intended for use in large offices and companies of the HoReCa segment (hotels, restaurants and cafes), i.e., the service sector.

There is a simultaneous supply of milk foam and coffee, which greatly simplifies the preparation of cappuccino and latte. You can use Cup to Go class dishes. When used for industrial purposes, the machine is connected to an external source of water. The display reflects the state of the equipment, menus and service settings in Russian, the buttons are backlit. All bins and the settings compartment are locked.

Bosch CTL636ES1 / CTL636EB1

German quality is especially appreciated, so the average cost for this model is 139 thousand rubles. Pressure 19 bar, power 1.6 kW, water tank 2.4 l, container for grains - 500 g, dimensions 455x594x375 mm, weight 19.1 kg, there are settings for water temperature and beverage strength. A high-quality mill with ceramic millstones provides excellent grinding quality and low noise.
Pros: build quality, metal case, individual setting of recipes, high-quality use safety system, great autonomy. Disadvantages: no pressure gauge, cup heating and quick steam function, no indication of waste.

findings

If you have a large family and everyone loves an invigorating drink, then you need to choose a powerful coffee machine that can satisfy your needs. For modest lovers of aromatic and tonic drink REDMOND SkyCoffee M1505S is suitable - small dimensions, simple operation, easy to wash, and most importantly, no need to change the filter. Waking up in the morning, just press the button on your smartphone, and soon the whole apartment will be filled with the aroma of freshly brewed coffee.

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Title	Melitta caffeo solo	De’Longhi ECAM 350.55	REDMOND SkyCoffee M1505S	Krups EA826E	Saeco Aulika MID	Philips HD 8649	Saeco Aulika Top High Speed ​​Cappuccino	Bosch CTL636ES1 / CTL636EB1
Type of	espresso automatic	espresso automatic	drip	espresso automatic	espresso automatic	espresso automatic	espresso automatic	espresso automatic
Possibility of making cappuccino	no	yes, automatic cooking	no	yes, automatic cooking	there is manual cooking	there is manual cooking	yes, automatic cooking	yes, automatic / manual cooking
Settings	coffee strength control, coffee temperature adjustment, adjustment of a portion of hot water, pre-wetting	control coffee strength, adjust the temperature of the coffee, adjust the portion of hot water	-	control coffee strength, adjust the temperature of the coffee, adjust the portion of hot water	coffee strength control, adjusting the portion of hot water, pre-wetting	adjustment of a portion of hot water, pre-wetting	coffee strength control, adjusting the portion of hot water, pre-wetting	control coffee strength, adjust the temperature of the coffee, adjust the portion of hot water
Built-in coffee grinder	yes, grinding degree adjustment, grain container capacity 125 g	yes, grinding degree adjustment, grain container capacity 300 g	yes, grinding degree adjustment	yes, grinding degree adjustment, grain container capacity 275 g	yes, grinding degree adjustment, grain container capacity 1000 g	yes, grinding degree adjustment, grain container capacity 180 g	yes, grinding degree adjustment, grain container capacity 1000 g	yes, grinding degree adjustment, grain container capacity 500 g
Simultaneous preparation of two cups	there is	there is	no	there is	there is	there is	there is	there is
Price	from 28000 rub.	from 49 700 rub.	from 10000 rub.	from 54000 rub.	from 57000 rub.	from 18000 rub.	from 80300 rub.	from 157990 rub.