The high popularity of coffee machines stimulates a high level of competition in this segment. Therefore, the companies constantly improve the competitiveness of its models due to innovative technologies. As a consequence, the expansion of functionality has become a major trend in recent years. Today, this criteria significantly affects the choice of coffee machine. Of course, the choice also depends on the technical values of the model and its type. Today the market offers traditional drip coffee machines,espresso coffee machines and Bialetti (Moka) coffee machines, each of which has its own features.
Automatic decalcification
Of course, the intensity of scale formation directly depends on the water hardness. Unfortunately, it reduces the service life and the device performance. Therefore, all manufacturers try to solve this problem in one way or another. Today, automatic decalcification optimally solves this problem. This mode removes the coffee oils and a scale on the walls and on the inner surface of the hoses with the help of the special cleaning tablets.
Moreover, the screen of some models displays a message about the need for cleaning.
Cup warmer and cappuccinatore
Many modern models have this function that provides pre-heating the cups or reheat of finished coffee.
According to experts, the use of preheated cups enhances the taste and aroma of coffee. Typically, the cup warmer on the top surface heats cup up to optimal 40 degrees.
The implementation of this function in DeLonghi ECAM 25.462 is shown in the video at the end.
Cappuccinatore provides whipping the milk and cream. Today companies offer mechanical and automatic models. Of course, automatic cappuccinatore is much more convenient. Pressurized steam passes through a Panarello Milk Frother and forms the foam into a milk container.
Unfortunately, mechanical models are effective only for whole milk or cream.
Depending on the model, foam supply to the coffee can be carried out automatically or manually.
Programming
Typically, all expensive models support the user mode, providing setting the coffee strength, its temperature, etc. Moreover, device memory saves these values.
Programmable timer provides coffee making at the set time. But, of course, all ingredients must be pre-loaded into the device.
Modern models provide adjustment of the coffee strength by various methods. Of course, it depends on the water temperature, velocity of its passage through the coffee, from ratio between ground coffee and water, etc. Accordingly, companies use a particular technology in their models. For example, E-Plus system adjustments the coffee strength by changing the water pressure. Of course, water amount in cup also directly affects the coffee strength.
Automatic dispenser, water level, built-in coffee grinder and espresso
Some premium models have automatic dosing. Typically, such device displays a list and amount of required ingredients for a selected recipe of coffee. Of course, all this information is displayed on the screen.
Water indicator provides control of water level. But some models additionally have a special scale with recommended amount of coffee for beverage preparation with a certain taste. Actually, this is a more simple modification of automatic dosing function.
Most modern models have built-in coffee grinder. But more expensive models provide an adjustment of the grinding degree. Moreover, this function also often calculates the required amount of coffee beans for specified number of cups. Of course, freshly ground coffee provides maximum flavor and saturation of the coffee.
Espresso mode provides espresso making in an automatic or semi-automatic mode. Auto mode provides automatic calculation of required amount of coffee, water and milk. Semiautomatic mode requires self-calculation for ingredients volume and hand pressing ground coffee.
Water quality, filter condition, pre-wetting, LED screen and automatic shut-off
Filter surface requires regular cleaning. Therefore, the expensive models often have the special indicators of water purity and filter condition. This function is especially useful at intensive operation or use of reusable nylon filters.
Pre-wetting option wets the coffee powder before the making coffee. According to experts, this technology improves the taste and aroma of coffee.
Many modern models have touch screen that displays the selected program, temperature and technical data, for example, the absence of water, coffee beans, etc.
Of course, integrated touch screen greatly simplifies сare due to the lack of protruding parts.
Usually, duration of auto shutdown timer in modern models reaches 3-5 hours.
Rapid steam, two portions, temperature adjustment and Drop Stop
Rapid steam mode provides instantly switch between espresso and cappuccino modes. Such models have enhanced power and performance of the boiler for providing the rapid steam generation.
Some devices provide simultaneous preparation of two portions per one cycle. Espresso models often have this function.
As known, taste qualities of the coffee greatly depend on the water temperature. Therefore, some coffee fans prefer its manual adjustment. According to experts, optimal temperature for espresso equals 90-95 degrees.
Mechanical Drop Stop system blocks the supply coffee without coffee pot. The shutter of operating device is designed on time about 5 minutes. This is enough to pour cooked beverage from coffee pot into cups.
Other options
Some models have a special unit for preparation of hot chocolate.
The portion counter.
A built-in counter is useful, for example, for self-control of coffee consumption.
Additional noise insulation.
Some models of top price segment are equipped with additional noise insulation.
Additional container for coffee.
Of course, separate container for grains and grinded coffee is convenient in some cases. This function is useful, for example, for making coffee from new variety if compartment for coffee is already full. Additional compartment easily solves this problem.
The waste container.
This container is designed to collect coffee grounds. Capacity of container usually is calculated for 15-50 servings.
Aroma protection.
This system sometimes found in drip models. It uses narrow neck between the upper and lower compartments and special design of the spout and lid.
Protection against transfusion.
This system automatically turns off the device when filling the coffee pot.
