Coffee machines vs. Self-brew coffee | Is it worth it?

With rising price of coffee at your local cafes as well as people spending more time at home working - you’d probably have gone tired with instant coffee and may start looking for a bespoke coffee machine - could either be Nespresso series, Breville, Delonghi or Lavazza - the choice is endless, let along choosing your coffee beans or coffee pods.

But their price tags are wide-ranging from $200 for a capsule machine to thousands of dollars for a high-end La Marzocco.

 

You wonder if it’s worth buying a coffee machine at home.

Will I be using it a lot to justify for its price?

Is it better to keep it simple and easy to avoid all the fuss?

 

When choosing between a coffee machine and a manual coffee setup, there are several considerations to keep in mind. Your choice will depend on your personal preferences, lifestyle, and how you like to enjoy your coffee.

Here are some factors to consider:

Coffee Quality:

• Manual Setup: With a manual setup, such as a pour-over or French press, you have more control over the brewing process. This can lead to a more hands-on approach and potentially better coffee quality if done correctly.

• Coffee Machine: Some coffee machines, especially high-end espresso machines, can produce excellent coffee. However, lower-quality machines might not offer the same level of control or coffee quality - if you drink coffee long enough you’d tell the difference in taste.

Convenience:

• Manual Setup: Manual coffee brewing methods require more time and effort. You'll need to grind beans, heat water, and manually pour and brew. This can be a more time-consuming process.

• Coffee Machine: Coffee machines, especially automatic drip machines or pod machines, are typically more convenient and faster. You can set them up, press a button, and have coffee ready without much effort.

Customisation:

• Manual Setup: Manual methods allow for a high degree of customization. You can adjust the grind size, water temperature, and brewing time to fine-tune the flavor to your liking.

• Coffee Machine: While some coffee machines offer customization options, they may not be as versatile or flexible as manual methods. Higher-end espresso machines provide more control, but basic drip machines might offer limited customization.

Cost:

• Manual Setup: Manual coffee setups tend to be more budget-friendly. You need basic equipment like a grinder, filter, and brewing device. Specialty coffee setups may require a larger investment, but it's often a one-time expense.

• Coffee Machine: Coffee machines can vary significantly in price. High-quality espresso machines, for example, can be quite expensive, while basic drip machines are more affordable. Consider your budget when making a decision.

Space:

• Manual Setup: Manual methods usually require less counter space since they involve minimal equipment.
• Coffee Machine: Coffee machines, especially espresso machines, can be bulky and take up more space in your kitchen.

Maintenance:

• Manual Setup: Manual setups are generally low maintenance. You'll need to clean your equipment after each use, but there are no complex parts to worry about.
• Coffee Machine: Coffee machines may require regular maintenance, including cleaning the machine, descaling, and occasionally replacing parts. Espresso machines, in particular, need more upkeep.

 

 

Ultimately, the choice between a coffee machine and a manual setup depends on the following questions:

• Do I like specialty coffee or milk-based coffee?
• How many cups of coffee do I drink in a week?
• Do I have the time in the morning for coffee-making?
• Will I be bothered to clean up afterwards or regular maintenance?
• Do I like to try different variety of roasting, source of origins coffee beans?

 

Your preferences for coffee quality, convenience, budget, and how involved you want to be in the coffee-making process. You may even find that you enjoy both methods for different occasions or moods.