To each their own coffee machine: find the one that suits you best!

11 mars 2024 | By Tanguay

Whether you prefer a light, medium, or dark roast, enjoy every cup just the way you like it! It's no secret that coffee is a delicious nectar that energizes us and can be enjoyed in many ways, and everyone has their own coffee machine! Because the subtleties of an automatic coffee machine, a semi-automatic coffee machine, or a manual coffee machine can change everything in your daily life.

Find the one that suits not only your needs, but also your lifestyle and desires, so that you can enjoy every sip.

It is important to ask yourself the following questions:

1. What is your budget?
2. How much time do you want to spend preparing your coffee?
3. What type of coffee/beans do you like?
4. What results are you looking for?

With the answers at your fingertips, it will be easier for you to make an informed choice. Now, let us introduce you to the three types of coffee machines so you can discover which one is right for you: automatic, semi-automatic, or manual.

The automatic machine: consistency and regularity

1. Profile : Pressed, turnkey
2. Philosophy : Simple, fast, efficient
3. Budget : Starting at around $650. The price can go up to several thousand dollars depending on the machine range.
4. Maintenance : Requires little maintenance

If your philosophy in life is “the simpler, the better,” then an automatic coffee machine is just what you need!

An automatic espresso machine is truly turnkey. It does all the work for you: grinding the beans, measuring, tamping, and brewing the coffee just the way you like it. All you have to do is add water and beans as needed, press a button, and make sure to maintain it properly—it's incredibly simple—for long-lasting durability.

Equipped with a grinder, the automatic coffee machine offers customizations such as the strength of your coffee, the amount of water and/or milk in your drink, and more. It even remembers the required dosage to give you the perfect cup every time. It's the ideal machine for making a variety of drinks with ease and consistent brewing quality. Here, there will be no surprises, just comfort for your taste buds.

The semi-automatic machine: the best of both worlds

1. Profile : Flexible, willing to experiment without too much difficulty, ambivalent
2. Philosophy : I have some time available
3. Budget : Starting at around $300 without a built-in grinder or $650 with a built-in grinder
4. Maintenance : Requires moderate maintenance

The semi-automatic machine is the magical combination of the special features of the manual machine and the practicality of the automatic machine.

This is an ideal choice if you are looking for flexibility. Easier to use than manual machines, semi-automatic coffee machines give you a certain amount of control so you can play at being a barista on your days off.

Unlike an automatic machine, you have to grind the beans yourself, using either the built-in grinder or a separate one, then measure out and tamp the coffee into the filter holder. This gives you control over the grind size and the amount of coffee to be produced. But once these steps are complete, the machine does the rest of the work! You can also adjust the temperature and turn the water pump on or off. And don't forget that the machine's steam can be used to froth milk.

In summary, you get the experience of a manual machine while leaving the complicated part to the semi-automatic machine. It will find the perfect brewing parameters.

The coffee machine Espresso Barista Pro by Breville illustrates this perfectly. With its intuitive interface, you'll have all the information you need to prepare coffee just the way you like it or add a little something extra. Its innovative Thermojet heating system is also highly appreciated, as it reaches the optimal extraction temperature for your grind in just three seconds.

The manual machine: full control

1. Profile : Curious, likes to be surprised, likes to be in control, wants to become a barista.
2. Philosophy : I like to do things myself.
3. Budget : Starting at a few hundred dollars. Wide variety of prices ranging from very low-end to very high-end.
4. Maintenance : Requires more maintenance.

Do you like to take the time to make and drink a good cup of coffee before starting your day? The manual machine is exactly what you need!

Known as a “traditional” coffee machine, the manual coffee machine allows you to precisely achieve the desired taste. Thanks to its levers, you have full control over the grind, temperature, amount of water, and even the milk foam if your machine is equipped with a steam nozzle. This allows you to recreate the taste of your favorite coffee, just like at your local roaster, but right in your own kitchen!

A manual coffee machine gives you the opportunity to explore flavors like no other and satisfy your barista cravings. The pump, coffee group, reservoir, size, cup warmer, and maintenance may vary depending on the model. You will also need to purchase a coffee grinder if you want freshly ground coffee. Keep your needs in mind and it will be easy to find the machine and grinder that are right for you.

You will understand that this machine allows you to be the coffee expert from start to finish.

To prepare coffee with precision and pleasure, consider the Lelit MaraX manual machine. Its dual pressure gauge allows you to monitor the pressure of the boiler and the coffee infusion. Its silent pump, whose water flow adapts to different types of coffee and roasts, will also be an ally in your production, whatever your tastes.

Once you've made your choice, all that's left to do is enjoy your coffee your way!