After seeing some of the main models or ones that we recommend buying, here is some information to choose the right model.
It is clear that the information provided in the following lines also applies to the purchase of other models not included in this page .
Power
The first factor to consider is certainly the one related to the power of the machine. The actual energy capacity of the device is in fact crucial, both in the production and in the final yield of the American coffee itself.
It is clear that a very powerful machine is able to guarantee a much more precise extraction and consequent dispensing of coffee , as well as a decidedly shorter preparation time compared to less powerful machines.
Especially if you will often use the American coffee machine to prepare many coffees together, it is advisable to choose more performing models. A high power therefore goes well with a consistent capacity of the carafe, in such a way as to optimize the times for extraction, obtaining coffee for everyone.
A value of 600-800W is usually more than enough on this type of appliance.
Capacity
Capacity is therefore the second determining factor in the final choice.
The choice should in fact be made according to the number of cups of coffee you usually prepare.
In this regard, it should be noted that American coffee machines usually start with a minimum of two cups; it is not easy to find models on the market that are able to prepare even a single dose.
Since American coffee is a drink that requires cups much larger than those for espresso coffee, it often happens that the capacity on the carafe is indicated in cups rather than in millilitres. This can sometimes lead to a bit of confusion as “one cup” is a measure that everyone can interpret differently.
In reality, usually, the standard measures are the following:
- 80ml for a small cup
- 100 / 125ml for a large cup
Sometimes the jugs show both measurements – large and small cups – but if you find only one value this usually refers to the large cups.
Filters
The filtration system is another basic consideration that must be done before anything else. In a machine for the production of American coffee, the filtering systems are essentially of two specific types:
- Coffee filter;
- Water filter.
Coffee filter
The coffee filter is an American coffee machine filter that can be composed of a disposable paper layer or a reusable plastic layer with a thin metal mesh.
Comparison of reusable and paper filters
Many machines of this type accept both filter categories without too many problems, but there are also several models that prefer one rather than another.
The coffee filter, whatever it is, allows the ground coffee to be completely pervaded by the flow of boiling water which, underneath it, will drip inside the carafe.
The function of the filter is therefore very intuitive: it prevents ground coffee from falling into the jug , contaminating the freshly extracted drink.
A good quality filter greatly affects the final taste of the drink, so it is of fundamental importance to check the right quality and, above all, that it is not broken or compromised.
Water filter
The water filter, on the other hand, is present above all in the most performing machines and, consequently, more expensive than those easily available on today’s market.
The role of the water filter is to keep the water used to extract the coffee under control, removing (when necessary) impurities, lime scale and / or other minerals that could alter the final flavour of the drink.
Water filters are often very fragile and require occasional maintenance or complete replacement. Keeping a water filter in good condition contributes to the production of better coffee.
But be careful: if it is true that a water filter contributes to a better American coffee, it is also true that this constitutes an extra cost .
Additional features
In addition to what is indicated, an American coffee machine usually also offers extra goodies, additional functions that improve the general user experience, by inserting useful specifications for the production or storage of coffee, for its heating or its production. programmed by timer.
Although each machine differs from the others, the most common additional functions that can be found on any model are those found below.
- Auto-off : Recently, almost all machines are equipped with the auto-off sensor. Thanks to this small internal device, the machine will be able to turn off automatically after a specific period of inactivity time. This is a safety mechanism that also helps in reducing consumption — which is still quite low for each individual use.
- Programming timer : setting the time in which the coffee will be dispensed in advance, based on your habits and your alarms in the morning is another of the most common features in devices of this kind. Thanks to the programming timer, it is possible to set one or more times when the machine will automatically dispense American coffee. Usually you can choose any time up to 24 hours after the actual schedule.
- Heated plate : keeps the coffee released inside the jug hot for a predefined period. Usually this time interval is set to a value of 30 minutes, but there are machines capable of keeping the coffee hot for 45/60 minutes longer; once the set time has been reached, the self-shutdown will start.
- Aroma intensity : a function that allows you to adjust the intensity of the aroma of the coffee you are going to prepare, in order to create the perfect blend for your American coffee. The operation is simply based on accelerating or slowing down the flow of water that passes through the ground coffee, thus regulating its intensity. However, the same effect can also be obtained by varying the grind — as we’ll see later.
- Anti-drip system : this function is used to ensure that, if the jug is removed from the machine to pour a cup, the dispensing is stopped automatically, and then it is restarted once the jug is put back in place. The advantage of this feature is that you don’t have to wait for delivery to finish before you can pour a cup of coffee.
- Automatic cleaning : thanks to this function, the My (next) Espresso Machine is able to carry out a cleaning cycle automatically. This is to remove any coffee residues or lime scale that could accumulate inside the machine as it is used. This is usually a feature that is only present on more expensive models with an integrated water tank.
Other accessories
Finally, the presence or absence of other optional accessories expressly depends on both the brand you choose and the model.
Many of the machines mentioned at the beginning of this article do not have additional accessories, but with small incentives they could include useful tools such as glass jugs (called premium) or even coffee grinders , in order to create the perfect blend of coffee in dust.
