French Press To Moka Pot: 10 Coffee Machines & How They Shape Flavour, Body & Aroma Of Your Brew

If you are a coffee lover, then you would agree. No two cups of coffee taste the same. Yes, the coffee beans make a difference, but the machine used to brew the coffee is also responsible for the overall taste and flavour profile. From espresso machines to moka pots and French presses, every coffee machine changes the flavour and texture of your morning cuppa! Keep reading to know the types of coffee machines and how the taste differs in each.

Types Of Coffee Machines

1. Espresso Machine

An espresso machine is the first thing that comes to our mind when we think about a coffee machine. It is the one you usually see in an aesthetic coffee shop near your home. The espresso machine works by forcing hot water under high pressure through very finely ground coffee. The result? A strong shot of concentrated coffee with a rich aroma and a creamy layer on top. Talking about the taste, this coffee machine type promises a bold and concentrated flavour of coffee without any drama. The machine also comes with a frother to froth your milk! If you are interested in latte art or making a perfect cup of cappuccino, then this is for you!

2. Drip Coffee Maker 

A drip coffee maker is the fuss-free coffee machine for those who like their coffee in the morning without having to struggle with the equipment. The machine automatically heats water and slowly drips it over ground coffee beans placed in a paper filter. The taste is smooth, balanced and clean. Honestly, a drip coffee maker is perfect for people who are starting to try their hands at brewing good coffee at home or someone who just wants some convenience in their lives. The best part? You do not need any special skills to use this. 

3. Pour Over Coffee Machine 

This coffee machine might be a tad similar to the drip coffee machine. But the only difference is that it requires you to slowly and patiently pour hot water over coffee grounds held in either a paper or a metal filter. The water then drips through the filter and goes into the jar below. A pour-over coffee machine is also easy to use and brews coffee which is quite flavourful and aromatic. The result also depends on the type of coffee beans you use, such as floral, fruity or those with chocolate notes. The best part? This machine ensures less bitter coffee because the water flows quickly through the coffee grounds.

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4. French Press

A French press is a kind of pitcher which comes with a mesh plunger. It is simple to use, as you just have to mix coarse coffee grounds with hot water, let them steep and then press the plunger down. This traps the grounds at the bottom and leaves you with a rich and flavourful cup of coffee. Talking about the taste, a French press coffee machine is perfect for people who like their coffee bold, heavy, thick and with earthy flavours. The best part is that with a French press, you will not have to buy expensive paper coffee filters, too! 

5. South Indian Filter Coffee Maker 

A South Indian filter coffee maker is also called a ‘dabarah filter’. It comes with four metal parts: a top container with tiny holes, a pressing disc, a container and a lid. This coffee maker slowly brews the coffee by dripping hot water through dark roasted coffee grounds mixed with chicory. This combination creates a thick and rich liquid called ‘decoction’. This mixture is often mixed with hot frothy milk and sugar. The taste is aromatic and creamy with a caramel-like sweetness. Perfect for those who often go to South Indian restaurants just for this cup of coffee with their helping of dosas.

6. Moka Pot 

This is a classic Italian coffee machine or maker which works on a stovetop. It is perfect for people who prefer a bold, espresso-like taste but do not want to get an expensive espresso machine. A moka pot comes with a bottom chamber for water, a filter basket for your coffee grounds and a top chamber where the brewed coffee collects. When you place the moka pot on a stove, the water inside gets boiled, creating steam and pressure. This then pushes the hot water through the coffee grounds and into the top chamber. The taste is strong and quite intense, just something an Italian coffee lover would like! 

7. AeroPress

An AeroPress is a portable coffee maker which uses air pressure to brew a rich cup of your morning cuppa! It comes with a tube, a plunger and a filter cap. The process is super simple, as you just have to put a paper filter into the cap and screw it onto the bottom of the tube. You then have to put your ground coffee into the tube and pour hot water over it before stirring and letting it sit for a minute or two. After that, you push the plunger down, due to which the air pressure forces the liquid through the paper filter and straight into your mug. This type of coffee machine is quite similar to a French press and creates a strong cup of concentrated coffee. You can either drink it black or mix it with milk to prepare creamy lattes.

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8. Pod Coffee Machine

A premium pod coffee machine can be very expensive, which means that it is perfect for coffee lovers who are ready to splurge extra.  You just have to place the sealed coffee pod, which already has coffee grounds in it, into the machine and push a button. The machine will automatically pierce the sealed pod, force hot water into it and pour it straight into your mug. Coffee made using a pod machine can taste consistent, not bitter, light and just like what you would expect in a cafe. However, the taste also depends on the espresso pods.

9. Syphon Coffee Maker

A syphon coffee maker uses heat, vacuum and steam pressure to brew that rich cuppa. Yes, the machine looks like it belongs in a science laboratory, but trust us, the coffee turns out quite smooth and aromatic. A syphon usually has a bottom glass pot for water and an upper glass bowl for coffee grounds. Both these are connected by a tube and a filter.  A syphon is not recommended for beginners as the brewing process is manual and a bit complicated. But it can bring out the best notes in your coffee grounds, whether they are fruity, sweet or floral.

10. Vietnamese Coffee Maker 

A Vietnamese coffee maker, which is also called a ‘phin’, is one of the easiest ways to brew your coffee at home. It is basically a small metal cup which sits right on top of your mug. It comes with a plate, a chamber, a metal press and a lid. You simply have to add ground coffee into the chamber and then place a metal press on top to pack it down.  After that, you pour hot water and cover it with a lid. The water slowly drips through the metal holes straight into your mug. To make a traditional Vietnamese coffee, make sure to add sweet condensed milk to your mug. The brewed coffee will then drip directly over it, which ensures a beverage that is dark, sweet and rich. This is definitely one of the best types of coffee machines!

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So, which of these coffee machines are you planning to buy?

Cover Image Courtesy: Canva Pro/ Microgen and Bebuntoon