Something’s Brewing's Founder Shares How To Choose The Right Coffee Machine & Best Ones To Buy

Abhinav says, 'Fundamentally, all coffee brewing is a form of extracting that beautiful coffee flavour from ground, roasted coffee beans, applying a mix of pressure and temperature.' He says, 'Before diving into the world of home coffee machines, it's important to ask yourself a simple question: Do you prefer your coffee black, or do you enjoy milk-based beverages

like cappuccinos and lattes? Your answer will help you choose the right brewing method and machine for your daily ritual. Now, let's jump into what kind of coffee drinker you are to figure out what equipment you will be requiring for your at-home barista sessions.

Abhinav says, 'If you love the pure, unadulterated taste of black coffee, manual brewing methods offer both control and flavour clarity.' Here are some of the best options:

French Press: Known for its rich, full-bodied brew, the French Press is easy to use and doesn't require electricity. Simply add coarsely ground coffee, hot water, steep, and press.

Moka Pot: This stovetop classic produces a strong, espresso-like coffee. It's perfect for those who want a bold cup without investing in a full espresso machine. The Indian filter coffee method, while different, can be closely replicated using a moka pot.

AeroPress: Compact and versatile, the AeroPress uses air pressure to brew a smooth, clean cup. It's quick, easy to clean, and great for travel or small kitchens.

V60 Pour-Over: For those who appreciate a delicate, nuanced cup, the V60 offers precision and control over brewing variables. It's ideal for highlighting the unique flavours of speciality beans.

XBloom: A newer entrant, the XBloom is an automated pour-over machine that brings café-quality brewing to your countertop. It combines convenience with the ability to customise your cup, making it a great choice for enthusiasts who want both quality and ease.

Abhinav says, 'If you enjoy milk-based drinks like lattes, cappuccinos, or flat whites, an espresso machine is your best bet.' An espresso machine functions by forcing hot water through finely ground coffee to produce a concentrated shot of espresso. Many home models come with built-in steam wands or automatic milk frothers, allowing you to create creamy, textured milk for your favourite beverages. With an espresso machine, you can prepare a wide range of drinks. Be it an espresso which is the base for all milk-based drinks, or enjoyed on its own; americano which is espresso diluted with hot water for a milder cup; cappuccino, latte, flat white with varying ratios of espresso, steamed milk, and milk foam and even macchiato, mocha, and other drinks that experiment with syrups, chocolate, or different milk types.'

Abhinav explains, 'Extracting an espresso fundamentally requires you to grind coffee, put it in the form of a puck (like a small coffee cake) and then push hot water through with pressure.' Below are the various types of machines:

The automatic or bean-to-cup machines do everything – from grinding to tamping the puck to extracting the espresso and even foaming milk. However, as these are complex pieces of equipment, they tend to be slightly expensive. Here are Abhinav's recos for the same.

Abhinav says, 'Here you get to put a coffee pod in the machine, which then simply extracts an espresso and, in some cases, a complete cappuccino. However, you need to buy pods each time, which are not cheap (at least 5X the cost of actual coffee beans for the same amount). Hence, choosing Budan One Touch that can brew pods as well as ground coffee is a great option. The machine is priced at INR 14,999.'

Here, you grind coffee from the same equipment, extract an espresso and even foam milk. These machines are neat, but again, since grinding and brewing are in the same equipment, these machines may be a bit large to fit on a small kitchen counter.

Abhinav says, 'These are the neatest pieces of equipment. You get ground coffee, press it into a puck in the porta filter, press a button on the machine and voila – you have your espresso delivered in 30-40 seconds! These machines are not very expensive and can start from almost 10K.' Here are the best ones to buy:

Abhinav says, 'Often ignored, but grinders are more important than the coffee machines – a poorly ground coffee will give you a bad espresso, no matter how good the beans and machine. Also, if you buy pre-ground coffee, you are getting stale extracts – grind as fresh as you can, just before you brew your coffee.' Check out these ones to buy.

Below are some considerations that may help you decide which machine to buy, according to Abhinav:

Design: A coffee machine is front-of-the-house equipment, not to be hidden in the back part of your kitchen. As you entertain guests at home, this equipment can even be right in your living room or bar. But while considering the machine to buy, do not forget about the functionality of the machine, or else you will not get a good espresso, which is the ultimate goal. 

Heating system: Do check if the machine has an actual boiler to heat or a thermoblock. Actual boiler-based machines, though expensive, provide proper heat to extract coffee, and hence are always a better option. 

Pressure: Coffee extraction occurs at 9 bar. Any machine that operates at a lower pressure will give you a coffee without that golden crema, and when combined with milk, may not deliver that punch. 

Milk steamer: A machine with a smaller pump delivers less steam, and your foamed milk may not come out as you desire. If you like milk-based coffees, consider the power of the milk steamer while making the purchase. 

Material: Most basic machines are now made of some form of plastic/PP), which is durable and offers a range of colour options. Metal machines are higher cost but can be custom colored and are ultimately more durable. 

Skill level and time: You also need to ultimately decide whether the coffee machine is a form of convenience for you, or if you are keen to look at it as a hobby and keep learning and experimenting more. 

If coffee is more of a convenience, we would suggest going for a fully automatic bean-to-cup machine or a pod machine. 

If you are planning to really get serious about your coffee, then start with a basic espresso machine and a grinder. 

Lastly, Abhinav adds, 'Start by identifying your coffee preferences, and you'll be well on your way to brewing the perfect cup at home!'