Do you love coffee and today you are looking for your ideal coffee maker , the one that will allow you to taste exceptional coffees? Problem, you're a bit lost... Between filter coffee makers, Italian coffee makers, espresso machines or even French press coffee makers... There are a lot of choices and you don't really know which way to turn... What type of coffee maker to choose? So what are the main differences between all these types of extraction? Which one provides better coffee? Which coffee maker is for you? … We will try to answer all your questions!
Electric Filter Coffee Maker
The electric filter coffee maker was the most popular coffee maker in France until the appearance of pod and capsule machines. Very easy to use and able to make a large quantity of coffee , it is still widely used in French homes.
As for coffee, the filter coffee maker makes it possible to obtain a generally light coffee . This is due to the fact that the extraction is not subjected to significant pressure (as with the espresso machine for example) and the water is in contact with the ground coffee for a short time (unlike a French press, in which coffee and water mix for several minutes in free infusion). However, it is possible to obtain a stronger coffee by adding a larger dose of coffee.
| Benefits | Disadvantages |
| – Relatively low price – Easy to use – Large capacity (usually you can make 1 liter of coffee per use) | – Use of a disposable filter for each use (possibility of investing in a permanent filter) – Fairly light coffee – Consumes electricity – Bulky |
Manual Filter Coffee Maker
The manual drip coffee maker is used more by some coffee lovers . It allows you to have control over the flow of water, and how the water is distributed evenly throughout the grind.
It is generally made of glass and allows you to have a light coffee and to choose the quantity of coffee you want. One can choose to make a cup like 1 litre.
The most recognized model is the famous Chemex.
| Benefits | Disadvantages |
| – Relatively low price – Easy to use – Capacity and choice of the quantity of coffee made – Retro style | – Use of disposable filters – Rather light coffee – A little bulky – Ideally, use a jug |
What type of coffee maker to choose? Why not a Dripper?
The Dripper works in the same way as the manual filter coffee maker. Simply place it on a container and then pour water over the grounds that are in the filter. It's also easy to use but on the other hand, it's much less bulky than a filter coffee maker!
There are also stainless steel dripper which have the advantage of acting as a filter at the same time as a coffee maker. No need for a paper filter!
| Benefits | Disadvantages |
| – Low price – Easy to use – Space- saving – Possibility of placing it directly on a cup – Stainless steel models, more ecological and economical | – Light coffee – Use of disposable paper filters – You should have a jug , ideally |
Italian coffee maker (+ electric Italian coffee maker)
The Italian coffee maker makes it possible to obtain espresso coffees without the need for an espresso machine (with filter holder), which is more cumbersome and above all much more expensive.
It consists of three distinct parts: the water tank (lower part of the coffee maker), the filter (where the ground coffee is placed) and finally the upper part of the coffee maker where the coffee will flow.
All you have to do is fill the water tank, the filter with ground coffee and put the coffee maker to heat on the fire (or on an electric plate). The water will start to boil, steam will be released in the tank which will create enough pressure for the water to escape to the filter, through the grinds and back up to the top of the coffee maker in the form of coffee!
There are several types of Italian coffee makers. Some are suitable for gas hobs and ceramic hobs and others can also be used on an induction hob.
There are also electric Italian coffee makers, like this one , which have their own base. Simply plug it in to heat the base.
| Benefits | Disadvantages |
| – Inexpensive – Vintage or modern models available – Makes espresso – Coffee rich in aromas – Easy maintenance | – Few induction-compatible models – A joint that can be damaged regularly, but easily changed |
French press coffee maker
When you ask yourself the question "which type of coffee maker to choose?" “, it is interesting to look at the French press coffee maker because it is the only coffee maker that allows free infusion . This means that the coffee and water mix freely for several minutes. The water not only passes through the coffee in seconds but the two elements mix freely.
This allows the coffee to reveal all its richness and particularities . If you like to change coffees regularly and try new things, this is definitely the coffee maker for you!
It is very easy to use.
All you have to do is place coffee, preferably freshly ground, at the bottom of the coffee maker. You then have to come and pour hot water over the grind and wait a minute. Mix very briefly with a spoon then leave to infuse for another 3 minutes. You can then come and remove the lid connected to the press and press all the way down to block the grind and be able to pour the coffee into your cup!
| Benefits | Disadvantages |
| – Inexpensive – Not bulky – Easy to use – Quick and easy cleaning – Free infusion: richness of aromas | – Be careful not to damage/deform the washer (the filter) at the risk of finding grind particles in your coffee! |
Pod Espresso Machine
Undoubtedly the trendiest in recent years! And we can understand why indeed! It allows to obtain espresso, elongated. Some even make cappuccinos or are compatible with tea or chocolate capsules or pods!
The principle of these machines is to be able to make espresso drinks using pressure, as with traditional espresso machines. Only, they are much more accessible because they have been designed to be very easy to use. The user does not need any knowledge!
It is therefore sufficient to insert a capsule (or pod) into the machine, press the button (short or long, in general) and wait for the coffee to flow. It couldn't be simpler!
| Benefits | Disadvantages |
| – Convenient and Easy to use – Makes good coffees (or other drinks) quickly and easily | – High purchase price – High price of pods and capsules – Not really ecological because the capsules are for single use (possibility of using rechargeable capsules nevertheless) – Bulky |
Automatic coffee machine
Halfway between the capsule machine and the professional espresso machine , this machine is ideal for coffee lovers who want to drink fresh coffee in the form of an espresso but without the fuss ! Just press a button and the coffee is made quickly and simply. The principle is the same as a professional espresso machine, extraction using pressure.
Most of these machines are composed of an integrated grinder which allows the coffee to be ground just before use for a fresh coffee full of flavors!
| Benefits | Disadvantages |
| – Ease of use – Fresh coffee because usually ground directly in the machine – quality espresso | – High price – Regular maintenance – Bulky |
What type of coffee maker to choose? The Espresso Machine (with filter holder) for the biggest coffee lovers!
One of the machines that every good espresso lover and apprentice barista wants to have at home! It is the machine that allows you to obtain a perfect espresso, provided you know how to use it.
The extraction is done thanks to a pressure of 9 bars, which makes it possible to make a quick espresso, ideally in 25 seconds.
To make a perfect espresso , many elements must be taken into account such as the quality of the coffee, the size and the freshness of the grind (you have to know how to adjust your coffee grinder correctly), the quality of the water, the tamping ( achieve good pressure with your tamper on the grind), the settings of the machine... So it's not given to everyone! If you are a true coffee enthusiast and love to learn, this is the machine for you!
| Benefits | Disadvantages |
| – Allows you to make real espresso – Strong and intense coffees – Allows you to make latte art | – Purchase price – You need to be a connoisseur and have a bit of practice to make good coffees – Bulky – Frequent descaling recommended – Consumes electricity |