In many Italian homes, coffee is not just a drink to enjoy at breakfast or for a refreshing break, but a true, essential ritual. For this very reason, it is not uncommon to decide to treat yourself to a coffee machine for your home, so you can prepare a hot cup as good as the one at the bar. High demand has made this small appliance increasingly sought after in design, with models full of features and different types.

The same models can be found in the extensive Ariete online catalog, designed to satisfy even the most demanding palates. In this guide, we will see what aspects to consider to identify the right coffee machine, and which one to choose in a market so full of products and offers. However, it is important to remember that there is no absolute best coffee machine, but each of us may prefer one based on personal taste and habits.

Coffee machine: which one to choose?

To understand which of the various types of coffee machines to choose for our kitchen - or why not, for our office! - it is helpful to define the types on the market, which are distinguished by how the coffee is used and prepared. Even before that, we can always explore all the ways and secrets of the art of coffee thanks to the new website dedicated to coffee created by Ariete experts.

Capsule coffee machines

Capsule coffee machines are very easy to use and widely popular. For an excellent espresso, all we have to do is insert the capsule into the appropriate slot, press the start button, and wait for the drink to be ready. These models are appreciated for their simplicity of use and relatively low initial investment; however, the price of capsules is higher than pods, ground coffee, and coffee beans. Not only that, among the cons, it should be noted that the capsule membrane tends to release substances and metals that may be harmful to health over time, while the plastic of the capsule pollutes the environment without being recyclable.

Pod coffee machines

The pod coffee machines operate almost identically to the previous ones but use pods instead of capsules. The most common are ESE pods, with a price much lower than that of capsules, allowing us to offset the purchase price of the appliance over time. Some models in the Ariete shop also accept ground coffee in the dedicated filter holder, making them very versatile machines. Furthermore, pods respect the environment because they are compostable and can be disposed of with organic waste.

Manual coffee machines

When choosing a new coffee machine, some might be seduced by a manual model; undoubtedly the most professional one, which uses ground coffee just like in a bar. Certainly, the initial cost can be quite high for the most advanced and accessorized models, but the aroma and taste of the coffee will amaze even true enthusiasts of this drink. For maximum performance, it is advisable to choose quality coffee, such as coffee beans, with manual machines.

Automatic coffee machines

The name suggests it: with automatic coffee machines, just press a button to grind the coffee effortlessly, have it pressed, and brewed directly into the cup. They are particularly suitable for the office or for people with a busy lifestyle who need a quick coffee in the morning without sacrificing the quality of the blend. The flagship models of the Ariete range can also prepare other drinks such as cappuccino, tea, and infusions, and feature multiple advanced functions. They are also equipped with a coffee grinder to grind beans immediately before preparation, for always fresh and fragrant coffee, which will surely interest lovers of fresh grounds.

How to choose the right coffee machine

Now that we understand the types of coffee machines, which one to choose to meet our needs and those of our family? As already mentioned, the absolute best coffee machine does not exist, but we can consider some technical characteristics that can help us during the purchase phase.

Usage and capacity

First of all, we must be clear about the usage we will make of our new coffee machine. If we want to buy it for home and live in a large family, then the water tank capacity should not be too small, and we should look towards an automatic model. A single person, on the other hand, might choose a smaller and more compact type. Secondly, if you are a coffee connoisseur, you will most likely prefer models that work with ground coffee rather than those using pods or capsules.

Beverages

Modern coffee machines like those by Ariete do not just prepare coffee: cappuccino, herbal teas, and infusions are common; for this reason, if we enjoy them at breakfast, during a break, or before bed, we should purchase a complete machine equipped with a steam wand and milk frother.

Pressure

The pressure of a coffee machine - expressed in bars - indicates the force with which water is passed through the filter. Consequently, higher pressure indicates better extraction by the appliance, which will produce coffee rich in aromas and incredibly creamy. For an excellent result, make sure the new machine can reach a value between 9 and 15 bars.

Functionality

Fast heating, automatic shut-off, and automatic brewing. These are the most popular additional functions in a coffee machine, especially in automatic ones. Obviously, options vary based on the models under consideration, and it is therefore appropriate to consult the product's technical sheet before proceeding with the purchase.

Accessories

When we ask ourselves how to choose a coffee machine, we must not underestimate the accessories. Accessories are often included in the package and can expand the use and functionality of the machine.

Design

Finally, obviously, design does not affect the quality of the coffee brewed by the machine, but it could be a factor that influences the choice of model for our home or office. Let's consider the space available to us and the style of our kitchen - from classic to modern - identifying the type that best meets our tastes and practical needs.