How to choose a coffee machine for your home

When choosing a coffee machine for home use, the first thing to consider is your personal preferences. For example, what kind of coffee do you like? With or without milk? How much effort are you willing to put into making it? Are you ready to invest in additional accessories, or do you prefer to keep it simple? Let’s explore the different types of coffee machines available.

Espresso (Portafilter) Machine

This type of machine is the closest you can get to a professional coffee machine like those in cafés. However, it requires additional accessories. Even with budget-friendly options, you’ll need a good tamper — preferably metal instead of the plastic one that usually comes with the machine. You’ll also need a tamping mat, milk pitchers, and, of course, a coffee grinder.

You could have your coffee ground at a café, but keep in mind that ground coffee quickly loses its aroma and flavor.

The price for a good espresso machine starts at €300 and can go up indefinitely — naturally, the more expensive the machine, the better coffee it will produce. But here’s the catch — if you buy a high-end espresso machine, you might also need barista training! If you're not an experienced barista, a €500–700 machine will suit you perfectly. Consider brands like Sage, Lelit, Gaggia, and Rancilio.

Don’t forget to get a grinder as well! We recommend Eureka or Baratza, but make sure you choose a model designed specifically for espresso. Alternatively, you can get an espresso machine with a built-in grinder, but this limits your ability to fine-tune the grind size.

Another important detail: check the tamper size, which typically ranges between 53 mm and 58 mm in diameter.

Other Key Factors to Consider:

• Pressure: 9 to 15 bars is optimal.

• Build material: The less plastic, the better.

• Temperature control: A crucial setting for achieving the perfect espresso.

Capsule Coffee Machines

This is the easiest and fastest option. You can buy a machine from a specific brand and stick to their capsules, or you can experiment with specialty coffee capsules. Simply pick your favorite brand and enjoy your favorite flavors — or just classic black coffee. Nowadays, capsules are widely available, even in regular supermarkets.

Automatic Coffee Machines

Now, let’s talk about something in between simple and complex. If you want to make coffee at the press of a button but still achieve a result close to a professional machine, an automatic coffee machine is for you.

Types of Automatic Machines:

• Classic automatic – Brews only black coffee.

• With an automatic milk steamer, you can make all your favorite milk-based drinks.

• Professional automatic – Lets you adjust the strength, grind size, temperature, and water volume.

What’s Important When Choosing an Automatic Machine?

• Steel burr grinder – More durable than ceramic ones.

• Pressure: 15 bars or more.

• Adjustable grind size – Essential for flavor control.

Types of Milk Steaming Systems:

• Manual steamer – Requires effort but gives better control over foam.

• Automatic steamer – Dispenses milk directly into the cup, more convenient but harder to clean.

• Machine with a milk container – The best option for latte lovers, as the milk is stored separately and dispensed on demand.

Prices for automatic machines also start at €300 and can go up indefinitely. Brands like Saeco and De’Longhi offer great options.

Recommended Machine: Saeco Royal

A great choice for home use. Here’s why:

✔ Fully automated – Makes espresso, americano, cappuccino, and latte at the touch of a button.
✔ Built-in grinder – Ensures consistent grinding without overheating the beans.
✔ Adjustable settings – Customize strength, temperature, and volume.
✔ Automatic milk steamer (cappuccinator)  – Creates creamy milk foam effortlessly.
✔ Large reservoirs – Holds ~2.5L of water and ~500g of beans, ideal for frequent use.
✔ Touchscreen control – User-friendly interface with a color display.
✔ Self-cleaning system – Makes maintenance easy.
✔ Durable build and stylish design – Metal components for reliability and aesthetics.
✔ Suitable for offices and small cafés – Handles up to 30 cups per day.

If you ever need high-quality coffee, don’t hesitate to ask our baristas — they’ll be happy to guide you. Or feel free to send us your questions! ☕

You can buy the Saeco Royal OTC from us — get in touch to place your order!