Why choose a coffee machine?
When choosing from the options: a Turkish coffee machine or a coffee machine, a modern person chooses the best unit with a maximum of functions and options.
After purchasing a machine designed for making coffee, the owner of the equipment asks the question: what kind of coffee is best for a coffee machine? There is a choice of what to use: Arabica and (or) Robusta.
If you analyze numerous reviews, you can see that the majority of users, based on their taste, express their preference for certain brands and varieties. When answering the question of which bean coffee is the best, the method of focusing on the opinion of a large mass of Internet users should be discarded, since everyone has different tastes. But you should listen to the opinion of experts on the question of which coffee beans are best for a coffee machine.
Deciding on models
There are several types of coffee machines on the market, designed for home and professional use. They are drip, capsule, carob, automatic. When solving the problem of which coffee machine to choose for a coffee shop, bar, or pastry shop, you need to carefully familiarize yourself with the whole variety of models.
Automatic
Automatic coffee machine Saeco Xelsis SM7685
The automatic coffee machine fully controls the entire process of preparing a flavorful drink. She has different coffee options (cappuccino, espresso, latte). The cooking process is stored in the electronic memory of the device. The cars also have an auto-on and descaling function. Using an automatic machine, you can prepare the most aromatic and delicious drink, since the entire process from grinding to brewing takes place inside the coffee machine. The drink retains the full amount of caffeine, essential oils, aroma and taste of freshly ground coffee.
Carob
Carob coffee maker VITEK VT-1514 BK
Carob coffee maker has one significant drawback - it uses ground coffee, and it quickly loses its aroma and taste. The operation process of a carob coffee machine is less automated; it does not have a coffee grinder. When choosing a machine for such a device, you need to pay attention to the horn, which should be made of stainless steel. In this case, you will get a thick and high-quality drink with thick foam, which you can take with you.
Capsule
capsule coffee machine NESPRESSO CITIZ&MILK TITAN
A budget option for a coffee machine that works on a simple principle: when water is heated, it passes through the coffee mass under high pressure. These coffee machines are simple; you just need to install the capsule, fill the reservoir with water and turn on the device. The disadvantages include the lack of variety of coffee drinks that can be prepared in it.
Drip
Drip coffee makers are intended exclusively for preparing Americano coffee. The devices are equipped with moisture-resistant filters and water tanks. The disadvantages of such devices are that they are quite expensive to maintain (you will have to change filters frequently) and the rather long period of preparing the drink (8-10 minutes).
If we talk about price categories, the leaders in price are the super-automatic coffee machines Cimbali, Schaerer, Franke. Professional carob coffee machines are more affordable. This is Fiamma, WMF. Automatic coffee machines (De Longhi, Saeco) are also considered affordable. But still, automatic coffee machines are 5-6 times more expensive than drip and capsule coffee makers. Budget options include drip coffee makers and devices for making oriental coffee (these are Animo, Queen, Evil).
How to properly prepare coffee in a coffee machine?
Once you've chosen the perfect coffee that not only suits your tastes, but also suits your machine, ensure your espresso is of the highest quality. A lot depends on the grind. If you do it wrong, the effect you get will be far from what was intended. For this reason, many people prefer to buy already ground coffee. The problem will disappear if we buy a coffee machine with a built-in high-quality coffee grinder. It’s good if the coffee machine has the ability to individually select the degree of coffee grinding and obtain your favorite taste and texture.
How does grinding affect the quality of the drink? Too fine creates a burnt-out effect and makes the espresso bitter and spicy. If you use a too coarse grind, you end up with watered-down coffee with a thin beige foam that subsides after a while. Perfectly ground grains give a dark brown, irreplaceable infusion with a creamy, pleasant and very thick foam that remains on the surface for 4-5 minutes.
When making great coffee, you should also take care of how many degrees the brewing water will be. Coffee machines with a thermoblock not only work faster, but also allow you to get a constant desired temperature. This is 85-95 ° C. After all these conditions are met - which will be helped by a properly selected coffee machine - preparing the ideal drink will depend only on the choice of your favorite type of coffee.
It all depends on the goal
The choice of car will depend on the purpose of the purchase. This must be taken into account when developing a business plan.
For high-traffic establishments (hotels, fast food outlets for takeaway coffee, shopping centers), super-automatic coffee machines are suitable, the operation of which from grinding to dosing the drink can be controlled with one click of a button. Superautomatic machines will prepare coffee at any level of staff professionalism and customer flow.
If coffee at a food outlet will not be the main drink, it is better to purchase automatic coffee machines that completely eliminate the human factor and can be operated even by non-professionals.
Which coffee machine to choose for takeaway coffee establishments? If you have a professional barista, it is better to purchase a semi-automatic coffee machine, with which you can prepare an excellent invigorating drink.
Saeco Lirika OTC and Gaggia Logic RS coffee machines with low traffic capacity will be a good option for cafes, pastry shops, and food outlets for takeaway coffee. They have automatic or semi-automatic cappuccino makers, which fully justifies their use in such establishments, because many people adore a flavored drink with milk foam.
An important point is the choice of coffee beans
Aromatic beans for a gourmet
After purchasing and installing a coffee machine, the question immediately arises of what coffee grind to choose in the coffee machine, what is the best coffee to use. It is impossible to please everyone here by simply recommending coffee brands or varieties. This task is simply thankless, since every coffee lover has his own preferences and taste, which can only be guessed by chance. You need to know how different types of coffee differ, their characteristics, and then you just need to experiment with the ratio of coffee beans and various additives to the finished drink.
Types of coffee
A clear difference between Arabica and Robusta beans.
There are only 2 types of coffee. These are Arabica and Robusta. Each variety has its own taste characteristics, allowing you to vary the taste and richness of the drink. Arabica gives the beloved bright coffee aroma, and robusta gives the drink richness, thickness, strength, and a slight bitterness.
Arabica is distinguished by its versatility in taste due to its sourness. But there is very little caffeine in it, so a drink made from 100% Arabica will be aromatic, but there will be little richness of taste and vigor in it. Arabica beans give the drink a different taste depending on where the beans were collected. Thus, Arabica coffee beans from Ethiopia, Mexico, and Kenya have the highest acidity. A peppery hue predominates in Arabica coffee beans harvested in Jamaica. Beans from Uganda and Guatemala will give the drink a hint of dark chocolate, and from Brazil - roasted nuts and cocoa. Arabica beans from the Dominican Republic, Cuba and India contain the least sourness.
Robusta contains almost twice as much caffeine, which means that coffee made from such beans is more invigorating. It does not have a sour taste, but it is ideal for espresso. Robusta holds a high foam perfectly.
If you decide how to choose the right coffee for a Delonga coffee machine, and for other brands, you should know that it is better to mix different types of coffee in a ratio of 30 to 70, the majority should be Robusta. After purchasing a coffee machine, you need to try several different coffee blends to decide on the price category and taste preferences.
Top manufacturing companies
TastyCoffee
The ranking of the best varieties of delicious coffee includes TastyCoffee. The company supplies single varieties, flavored varieties, and mixtures with berry and fruit flavors. Medium roast beans. Sold in packages of 250 g from 250 rubles.
Carraro
The top Italian coffee is Carraro. 100% Arabica, hand-sorted. Single varieties with chocolate and fruit flavors are produced. As well as a series of blends with varying degrees of roasting. 250 g sells for 235 rubles.
JuliusMeinl
An Australian company produces JuliusMeinl, a blend of Arabica and Robusta. This option is ideal for cappuccino. The result is a drink with lush foam and a sour aftertaste. The price starts from 360 rubles. for 250 g.
JardinDessertCup
100% Arabica dark roast. Suitable for any type of coffee machines. The brand will appeal to lovers of a fruity smell and a sweet aftertaste. Ground and grain options are sold. 250 g – from 260 rub.
LavazzaCaffeEspresso
The brand supplies the market with several coffee formulations. Medium roasted 100% Arabica beans. A standard package of 250 g costs 320 rubles. An ideal choice for lovers of strong Italian espresso.
L'OR
It is included in the ranking of high-quality French brands and is sold in more than 30 countries. The company produces cereals, instant drinks and capsules for coffee machines.
The choice of beans is small - two options for medium and intense roasting. L'OR has an orky taste with sourness. 230 g – 360 rub.
Hausbrandt
Included in the rating of elite varieties suitable for brewing in a coffee machine. Single varieties and mixtures with 80% robusta are sold. In a freshly brewed drink, you can feel notes of citrus, chocolate, and a nutty flavor. The company also produces blends with mild, sour and bitter tastes. 250 g – 390 rub.
Segafredo
The brand supplies the market with original mixes with rich taste. Blends and mixtures for espresso are presented. They make a drink with a chocolate, nutty, fruity, wine aftertaste. Varieties are sold in three degrees of roasting: from light to dark. Segafredo capsules are compatible with the branded Espresso coffee machine 1. 500 g – 520 rub.
Moscow coffee shop on shares
One of the leading Russian coffee producers. The company grows fruits on its own plantations in Colombia and the Dominican Republic. The brand is represented by blends of Arabica and Robusta. Medium roasted beans with chocolate and fruit tones retain softness and reveal a rich aroma. A drink with sourness without a bitter aftertaste. 100 g – 150 rub.
Pellini
The Italian brand produces premium quality coffee with a strong aroma and rich aftertaste. You can feel notes of vanilla, plum, chocolate, almond. Mixtures and blends are produced from several varieties of coffee. Robusta content from 20 to 80%. Decaffeinated Arabica is also available.
Each type of bean is fried separately in compliance with temperature conditions. Pellini does not add impurities or flavors. The cost of 250 g of ground grains is 600 rubles.
Paulig
The brand is mass market, sold in supermarkets in Moscow and other cities. Variants of all degrees of roasting are produced: from light to Spanish. The range includes blends with floral tones and slight bitterness. As well as monosort - a mixture of medium and dark roasted beans. Three types of grinding are presented. Including universal for all types of coffee machines. The cost is budget - from 90 rubles. for 75
Interesting! What is mocha coffee and how to make it?
Illy
The Italian brand produces blends of 9 Arabica varieties in three types. They differ in the degree of roasting. The range includes decaffeinated beans and Americanos for those who like large volume drinks. There are also four single-origin varieties with caramel, honey and jasmine flavors. 250 g of grains in a tin costs 850 rubles.
Molinari
The drink of this Italian brand has a multifaceted taste due to the use of Robusta and Arabica beans from different countries. Single-origin Arabica beans, flavored varieties, decaf and bio-series are also produced - beans grown using environmentally friendly methods. There are 12 lines of coffee available for home coffee machines. 0.25 kg costs from 880 rubles.
Diemme
Premium Italian brand. Presented are grain blends and single-varietal Arabica beans from Africa, Brazil, and Ethiopia. Soft blends of lightly roasted beans and rich versions with 40% robusta content are produced. Cost 0.25 kg - from 790 rubles.
Jockey
The company purchases grains from America, Africa, and Asia. Each variety is roasted separately and then mixed into blends. Medium and high roast beans. For a coffee machine, we recommend buying beans. Because ground Jockey has fine and ultra-fine fractions. Budget price - 330 rubles. for 500 g.
Jacobs Monarch Classic
The company purchases Arabica and Robusta beans from Colombia, Asia, and Africa and produces a mixture. The classic version has medium roast beans. The taste is rich, bitter with sourness. Ground mixtures and T-discs for coffee machines are also available. Average price – 240 rubles. for 230 g.
BlasercofeLilla e Rose
The Swiss company produces blends of 7 varieties – 80% Arabica and 20% Robusta. Roast slightly darker than medium. BlasercofeLilla e Rose can be recommended to lovers of a drink with minimal bitterness and a pronounced sweet aftertaste. The aroma is floral and fruity. Cost 250 g – 710 rub.
Carte Noire
The company produces coffee from 100% Arabica beans. The beans used are from Asia, Colombia and Latin America. Medium-roasted beans have a slight bitter taste. Price for 230 g – 430 rub.
Lucaffe “Mr. Exclusive"
Premium Italian brand. Single varieties and mixtures containing robusta from 10 to 40% are produced. There are also decaffeinated Arabica options. The company keeps the recipes for some of its mixtures secret. The “gentle” roasting method is used. Therefore, the beans do not come into contact with hot surfaces during processing. Depending on the variety, the drink has a taste of cocoa, banana, or chocolate. 250 g costs from 740 rubles.
Roasting
Coffee beans for coffee machines can have different roasts, from light to intensely dark. This is also a matter of taste. But when choosing which coffee machine to buy for a coffee shop, bar, cafeteria, you should take into account the following subtleties of roasting degrees:
Light roast
Light roasting allows you to reveal all the nuances of taste and preserves the sourness in the drink as much as possible. When coffee is made from lightly roasted beans, the drink will have sweet notes and a herbal flavor. This option is not suitable for espresso as it gives a very high “acidity”.
Coffee roast level
Average degree
Medium roast beans are very suitable for making espresso. Most people like this drink. If you want more bitterness and strength, you need to move on to the next stage of roasting.
Strong (dark) roast
With this method of processing grain, there will be no sourness in the drink, but a bitter aftertaste and caramel notes will appear. Suitable for lovers of noble bitterness with a very long aftertaste. Strongly roasted coffee usually has an oily, chewy consistency.
The type of coffee, roasting of beans and grinding are the main important factors when choosing beans for the method of preparing coffee in a coffee machine. For espresso, a low roast is suitable; for other options, a medium roast is more suitable. But this does not mean that other combinations cannot be used; everything will depend on taste preferences.
You can choose the roasting according to your taste, it will not affect the operation of the machine. But there is a subtlety in the question of what coffee grind is needed. It is better to use a coarse grind for dark-roasted coffee beans, and a fine grind for a light roast.
What type of coffee is best for a coffee machine?
Coffee beans are best suited for espresso machines with a built-in grinder. They do not require the purchase of additional equipment, and the mechanical grinding of a small amount of coffee immediately before preparing the coffee guarantees its freshness and the highest quality. De'Longhi coffee machines allow you to choose the degree of coffee grinding to suit your taste.
When choosing coffee beans for an automatic coffee machine with a built-in grinder, the method of roasting the beans is also important. For this type of equipment, long burning at high temperatures that reach more than 200 ° C is recommended. Thanks to this, we obtain a rich, aromatic espresso - the basis for other coffee drinks - without sour notes. Connoisseurs prefer a brighter burning sensation, which preserves the richness of aromas: from chocolate, spicy-nutty, to fruity or citrus. However, this depends on personal preference. Information on how to roast the beans should be found on the coffee packaging.
It is also worth remembering that you should not put flavored beans in devices with a built-in coffee grinder. Essential oils released during grinding settle on the parts of the coffee machine and can damage it. Therefore, it is better to flavor your coffee after brewing with flavored syrups or natural spices intended for this purpose. However, if your favorite coffee is aromatic, choose De'Longhi semi-automatic or automatic coffee machines that are equipped to prepare ground coffee.
The nuances of coffee business
How long your coffee machine will last depends on how the right coffee beans. Despite the fact that there is a huge selection of coffee beans and coffee blends for coffee machines on store shelves, you should be aware that not all varieties are suitable for certain brands of machines. For coffee machines with ceramic grinders, the choice of coffee is a task of paramount importance. Millstones are extremely sensitive to the hardness of coffee beans, their oiliness, and grinding. As soon as the machine starts making strange sounds, you need to replace the coffee mixture.
It is highly not recommended to use flavored, caramelized coffee in coffee machines with metal and ceramic grinders. The fact is that flavorings corrode the container, and the millstones rust. As a result, the service life of the coffee machine is reduced. If you choose ground coffee, you should pay attention to the grind. Too fine coffee clogs the chambers of the brewing mechanism. In this case, the drink begins to flow into the cup in thin streams, “snorting” and spitting.
The main thing for quality grain is freshness. Professionals believe that all facets of coffee bean flavor are fully revealed only if the coffee is freshly roasted. There is no need to buy very fresh beans, especially Robusta. They contain a lot of oil, the use of such coffee leads to clogging of the device with coffee mass and rusting of the millstones. It is better if no more than 2 weeks have passed since the day of roasting. After two months, coffee beans lose most of their flavor characteristics and simply turn into crackers.
Do not use instant coffee in the coffee machine. It is better to buy only natural ground coffee or coffee beans, which are recommended by the coffee machine manufacturers. This guarantees a long service life, because well-known manufacturers guarantee the highest quality grains in their packages.
Choosing a coffee machine is the most important process. If you choose a device in accordance with the type of establishment, coffee menu, and staff training, it will quickly pay for itself. But it is important to know how to choose the right coffee beans. Each coffee machine manufacturer usually indicates in the instructions what mixtures should be used. This eliminates the fact that the coffee machine will contain caramelized, flavored, modified beans, which could damage the machine.
As a rule, coffee blends of various brands intended for a specific model of coffee machine differ in roasting, grinding, and the ratio of Arabica to Robusta. Every self-respecting coffee brand “sharpenes” specific varieties of coffee for its devices. Therefore, before choosing coffee for a coffee machine, you should always carefully read the instructions for the purchased coffee device and follow all recommendations for purchasing coffee beans.
The best coffee for an espresso machine - Arabica, Robusta or Liberica?
Where does coffee and its types come from? The path of aromatic grain leads from one of the countries lying in the so-called coffee strip, stretching between the tropics of Cancer and Capricorn. Coffee trees are delicate and require special care. It is in these places that they have the best conditions for growth and ripening: the temperature is constant, the sun is shining, and heavy rains moisten the fertile soil. Their development is also facilitated by the altitude above sea level. Any change in coffee growing conditions affects its quality and price.
The class and taste of coffee beans is influenced not only by the place and growing conditions, but also by the further path of the coffee tree fruit. The best and most expensive varieties are grown by hand, so their quality can be constantly monitored. This method is also much more delicate than that in which the grains are shaken from the branches or plucked with a comb. Full automation of coffee production is not recommended due to special care for the quality of each precious bean.
While Italy is considered by many to be the capital of coffee, home to the masters of brewing and serving, Brazil is the king of cultivation, followed by Vietnam, Colombia and Indonesia. Each establishment specializes in producing different types of coffee. This depends on the conditions in which the plants are grown. We can distinguish two main types: Arabica and Robust, as well as a mixture of Arabica and a slightly weaker quality Liberica. What is the difference?
Adjusting the taste properties of an invigorating drink
When preparing with a coffee machine, it is important to consider the grinding parameters and volume of the drink.
The French press requires a very coarse grind size. For dark roasts, a coarse grind is almost always desirable. It should be taken into account that when operating household coffee machines, the mode is most often set to medium or fine. In the latter case, the drink turns out to be much richer and stronger.
In fine grinding mode, the foam is higher. When you set the coffee machine for a larger number of beans, the machine will give you coffee of significant strength. When set to a smaller volume of coffee, the drink will have less caffeine, but higher richness, more sourness and other flavor notes.
