The Benefits of a Good Small Coffee Machine
There are many different types of small coffee machines available for purchase, all of which are capable of producing a great cup of coffee. While some people may think that the cost of a particular machine determines its ability to brew, the fact is that even the least expensive coffee machines can help you create consistent results if you adhere to some basic principles for brewing coffee. With that said, there are coffee makers that rise above and beyond the rest in terms of performance and reliability, offering the user some significant benefits in the process. A good small coffee machine can be defined by the following set of performance features:
• The Ability of the Machine to Properly Heat the Brew Water – drip coffee is best brewed at a temperature range between 195 and 205 degrees Fahrenheit, which is just below the temperature where water boils. The reason that this temperature range is so critical is because this is the range where the wonderful oils and flavors are best extracted. Temperatures above this point will tend to promote an over-extraction of flavors, which can lead to bitterness in the final cup. On the other hand, temperatures below this range will tend to produce a weak cup of coffee, which is also known as under-extraction. Unfortunately, manufacturers don’t provide this information within their product literature, though you can find capable coffee makers by conducting a simple online search. Coffee makers produce by Technivorm all brew coffee at the correct temperature range, though these machines aren’t cheap.
• Inclusion of a Thermal Carafe – all electronic small coffee makers include a heating element designed to keep brewed coffee hot while the machine is kept on. While this may seem like a great idea, the problem occurs when the brewed coffee is left to sit in the carafe on the burner for an extended period of time. By extended, we are referring to longer than 5-10 minutes, since any longer than this will promote burning of the coffee. Nothing tastes (or smells) worse than burnt, stale coffee, and this can be avoided by placing freshly brewed coffee into a thermal carafe. Many small coffee makers come equipped with a thermal carafe option, though they can also be purchased separately.
• Simplicity of Operation – this may or may not be considered a benefit, depending on how involved you like to be in the process. However, the average person that brews coffee day in and day out appreciates simplicity when it comes to operating their coffee maker. Perhaps the simplest option is a pod brewer, which only requires the user to insert a portioned serving (pod) inside the machine. Both Keurig and Senseo produce reliable and well reviewed pod brewers.
A good small coffee machine can offer many benefits to the user including proper brew temperature, the inclusion of a thermal carafe and simplicity of operation. Fortunately, there are many small coffee machines that provide all of these features and more. Use the points above when shopping for your own small coffee maker and you’re sure to purchase a machine that will satisfy your desire for great coffee.
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