The best option is De’Longhi Dinamica ECAM 350.55
Automatic coffee machines have many options. They can prepare different types of coffee, and in some models you can change the factory settings and program your own recipes. If there is an auto-on function, you can set the time and get hot coffee right before breakfast.
On Yandex Market, prices for coffee machines start from 26,497 ₽. The more capabilities a device has, the more expensive it costs. I’ll tell you how to choose the best automatic coffee machines in different price categories.
Team criteria
I studied the characteristics and reviews on Yandex Market, Ozone, and the DNS online electronics store and compiled a list of coffee machines that will allow you to prepare a good drink at home. Here are the criteria I took into account.
Type of coffee. Most models have a built-in coffee grinder that allows you to prepare bean coffee. All you need to do is pour in the grains, add water and select the mode. Some coffee makers offer multiple grind settings, but unless you’re a coffee aficionado, there’s probably no point in paying extra.
It is also important what kind of millstones are in the machine. Metal ones are stronger, but if you cook many servings in a row, the metal will overheat – this can affect the properties of the drink. Ceramic ones are quieter and do not change the taste of coffee, but are more fragile.
In coffee machines designed for bean coffee, you cannot use ground coffee: it will clog the millstones and you will have to disassemble and clean the coffee grinder. Some models support both types: they have a separate compartment for ground coffee and a grinder for grains.
There are also capsule coffee machines. To go with them you need to buy special capsules with roasted and pressed ground coffee. You cannot put grain or regular ground coffee into such machines.
Pump pressure. The taste of coffee and the quality of the foam depend on it. The minimum for preparing a drink is 9 bar, the standard is 15 bar. There are coffee machines with a pressure of 18-20 bar – these produce a richer drink.
Water tank volume. Affects how much drink can be prepared. It should be taken into account that part of the water will absorb the grain, another part will be spent on washing the internal elements, so the yield of finished coffee will be less.
It doesn’t always make sense to chase a larger volume, especially if only a couple of people in the family drink coffee. A device with a 1.5 liter tank is enough to prepare 6-10 cups.
Power. The speed of preparation of the drink depends on it. With little power, the machine will work for wear and tear and will more likely fail. For a coffee machine with a tank volume of about 2 liters, a power of 1450-1500 W is sufficient , with a volume of about 1.5 liters – around 1250 W.
Control type. Sometimes coffee machines have mechanical controls, but most models have electronic control systems with touch buttons and a display.
Some can be controlled remotely – via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. To do this, you need to install a special application on your smartphone.
Types of coffee. Most coffee machines can prepare not only basic cappuccino and espresso, but also latte, latte macchiato, lungo, ristretto and other types of coffee. The more drinks, the higher the price of the coffee machine. It all depends on personal preference. If you only drink two types, there is no point in overpaying for unnecessary options.
Cappuccino maker. There are two types – manual and automatic. With the first one you will have to froth the milk yourself, you will need to get used to it. You need to constantly monitor the process: control the level of foam and the degree of immersion of a special tube in a cup of milk. But there is also an advantage: coffee machines with a cappuccino maker of this type are cheaper.
An automatic cappuccino maker saves time and requires minimal effort. With it you can simply add coffee, pour water, place the cup and press the button.
Whatever the cappuccino maker, it is important to make sure how the model you choose makes the drink. Many coffee machines first pour frothed milk into the glass and then add espresso – this is wrong. It should be the other way around, but not all devices have “mastered†this method. Usually this is not written about in the specifications, but it is often mentioned in reviews and reviews – I recommend paying attention to this before purchasing.
I needed simplicity and convenience from a home coffee machine, so the selection included only machines with an automatic cappuccino maker.
Adjustment of water volume and temperature. In most models, you can adjust the volume and temperature of water – these parameters affect the taste of the drink. The recommended range for roasting is 90-96 °C , the temperature may be lower for dark roasted coffee, and higher for light roasted coffee.