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The 3 Main Coffee Machine Types To Consider For Your Home

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It's no secret that Australians love their coffee. The coffee industry generates around $8 billion for the economy every year, which is pretty extraordinary for a country with a relatively small population. As well as enjoying coffee in social settings such as cafes and restaurants, an increasing number of people also want to enjoy barista quality coffee at home.

As a response to this demand, there's a huge range of coffee machines available that are suitable for home use. With so much choice, it can be tricky trying to figure out which type of machine is right for you. If you'd like to enjoy freshly brewed coffee in your home, here is a rundown of the three main types of coffee machines for sale to choose from.

1. Capsule machines

Capsule machines are an ideal choice if you want to make coffees quickly and conveniently. These machines operate using small, ready measured capsules of ground coffee which slot into the top of the machine. With just one push of a button, you'll have your coffee in less than a minute. The capsules come in a range of flavours, blends and strengths.

Some people are uncertain about pod machines because of the amount of waste they produce. However, many coffee capsule manufacturers are now using recyclable or biodegradable capsules to address this issue. Although capsule machines are generally on the low end of the price scale, the cost per serve is higher than other machines.

2. Automatic machines

The next level up from pod machines is automatic machines. They're still ultra convenient and you won't need a barista qualification to operate it. You add coffee beans into the top of the machine, and these beans are ground as required. These machines measure out a metered shot of espresso with the touch of a button.

Most automatic machines also come with a built-in milk frother. This means you can make a cafe-quality latte or cappuccino with no skill required. The downside to automatic machines is the price tag. Ease and convenience come at a price, and even low-end models are more expensive than other machine styles.

3. Manual machines

Manual coffee machines are ideal if you're a true coffee aficionado. They're basically scaled-down versions of commercial coffee machines and will give you a true cafe experience right in your own kitchen. If you like a perfect espresso complete with a silken crema on top, this is the machine type for you.

With manual machines, you'll need a separate coffee grinder to pre-grind your beans, but they generally have a built-in manual milk frother. Unless you have experience with manual coffee machines, it may take a little while to perfect your technique for a really great coffee.


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