If I wanted to, I could get apocalyptic. It is very simple to imagine that in the near future capsule coffee machines will dominate the planet and the universal currency will be precisely the aluminum capsule. I could get apocalyptic and I could also reflect on how small cars we are and how little we like coffee. Because, let's face it, capsule coffee machines succeed because brewing our morning concoction with them is clean, fast, and easy. But the result is lousy.

Hey, what a surprise, something good that requires time, and love turns into bad when done quickly and in any way. Anyway, if we were to start listing the list of gastronomic products that we have ruined by hurrying them up, we would not end up - soon I can think of beer, wine, bread, cheese ... - and I do not want to go out of my way.

We have consulted experts in the world of coffee to develop a practical guide to alternative extraction systems to these ubiquitous machines. It is in our hands that the future of coffee is bright.

Chambord, French name. BODUM


Also known as the french press, these coffee machines consist of a jug with a plunger filter inside that is mechanically actuated to separate the solids - the ground coffee - from the already infused water. Axel Simon, barista champion of Spain 2017, illustrates this extraction method: “It is a simple method with good results, if you like coffee with milder flavors it is one of the most recommended. Plus, it's easy to clean and maintain, ”says Simon.

For Kike M. Del Sol, founder of the Don Gallo roaster, the best coffee maker of this type is the Bodum Chambord. Honorio García, director of Trike Coffee Roasters, leans towards the model that Aicok sells. "The fact that it is made of stainless steel helps and makes it last and not break so easily," says García. Meanwhile, Joaquín Parra, from Right Side Coffee, recommends the Espro Press P7, also made of stainless steel but more expensive than the previous ones.

The Brikka and its foam. BIALETTI

Best coffee maker under 100

The Italian or Moka coffee maker is the typical two-body coffee maker, usually made of aluminum, which infuses coffee by pushing hot water into a saucepan that serves both to contain ground coffee and filter. Axel Simon emphasizes the importance of its maintenance: "If we keep it clean and in good condition, practically anyone will work well for us."

For Honorio García, the best we can find is the Bialetti Brikka: "It has a pressure valve that makes the coffees come out with an incredible cream as if you did it in an espresso machine." Joaquín Parra tells us that he does not have a favorite: "The technique allows you to make good coffee in any more."
By the way, if you want to perfect your technique with this type of coffee maker, in El Comidista we published a video that compiled the advice of Jordi Mestre, master roaster of Nomad Coffee.

You won't waste a drop. moccamaster


It is the same method, but in one case the process is done by hand and in the second it is left to the coffee maker. It consists of pouring hot water into a chalice covered with a paper filter in which the ground coffee is deposited. The infused water will fall into a container below the chalice.
For Axel Simon, manual drip systems are ideal: "They have the best result for me." As for the automatic ones, he says that "they are the best option if you want filtered coffee and you don't want to mess around."

As for the manual systems, Kike M. del Sol recommends the Kalita, while Honorio García opts for the Chemex, "unknown to many coffee lovers but highly valued among baristas." Joaquín Parra prefers the V60 Coffee Dripper 01.

About automatic drip machines, Jordi Mestre confesses that he has a Wilfa in his house, but he recommends the Moccamasters for the ease of finding spare parts. Kike, Honorio, and Joaquín agree on the recommendation.

ESPRESSO COFFEE MAKER


We could call it the cafe in the bars. An electric resistance heats the water that is led to a bowl in which the water is infused into the ground grain at fairly high pressure and for a few seconds.
Axel Simon warns us of its high price: "It is the best option if you like espresso, but if you want a good result, prepare your pocket."

Kike and Joaquín opt for those manufactured by La Marzocco, the Ferrari of coffee machines, a comparison that also alludes to its price. The first one stays with the Mini Line models of the Italian manufacturer while the second suggests the GS3. Be careful, we are talking about machines that cost thousands of euros.

Mini of name, a lot of prices. THE MARZOCCO


Honorius makes us a more affordable recommendation: “I prefer one with an integrated grinder, as this will help to obtain closer extractions in intensity and flavor to espresso. Saeco and Gaggia have these benefits in their domestic models ”.
I would like to add that, for less than 300 euros, which is still a respectable amount but is close to what some high-end capsule coffee machines cost, you can find the Gaggia RI9403 / 11, without a grinder, but very satisfactory.

AEROPRESS

Finally, there is the Aeropress. It is not a system in itself, but a specific machine that bases its operation on a piston with the filter that is operated manually. Unlike the French coffee machines, with Aeropress you exert more pressure and you get a coffee more similar to an espresso.
Axel Simon recommends it: "It is another method that is easy to use and can give a really complex and rich drink to enjoy perfectly at home." And it is also cheap.