THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO...Coffee machines

While they might cost an arm and a leg, a bean-to-cup coffee machine is a huge step in the right direction if you've been on the hunt for that elusive perfect cup of coffee

-  Beth Girdler-Maslen

In the current economic climate, many of us are looking to save some money, so your daily takeaway coffee is becoming increasingly hard to justify. While a full coffee station set-up is a real investment, bean-to-cup coffee machines can offer significant long-term savings while still allowing you to get a top-quality, barista-level caffeine fix to power you through the day.

WHY ARE BEAN-TO-CUP COFFEE MACHINES BETTER?

Compared to other coffee making methods, bean-to-cup coffee machines can come across as too technical, overly complicated and time-consuming. But while they might have additional parts and accessories compared to the simple kettle, bean-to-cup coffee machines are easier to set-up, maintain and use than you might think.

But first, let's look at the many different coffee makers you can buy today, and why (in T3's opinion), bean-to-cup coffee machines reign supreme. Starting off with the most basic method, there's the kettle, which you guessed it - heats water before you pour it into a mug containing instant coffee. Next, there's the cafetiere or French press, a heat-proof jug that brews coffee by adding hot water directly to the coffee grounds before plunging the strainer to separate the grounds.

Other methods include pour over and drip coffee makers. The former uses a cone that holds a coffee filter and grounds, and sits over a mug before hot water is poured over the grounds, whereas the latter includes a similar process but on a larger scale. Drip coffee makers feature a reservoir you fill with water, which is heated up and passes through ground coffee in a filter. Then this drips down into a pot sitting on a hot plate, making multiple cups at a time, which is why you tend to see these used a lot in offices.