10 Types of Coffee and Espresso Machines Explained | Nespresso Canada

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10 Types of Coffee and Espresso Machines Explained

The Ultimate Guide to Coffee Machines

Coffee machines are devices used to brew coffee by extracting its flavours and aromas from coffee grounds and hot water. They come in various types, each with their own unique mechanism and features.

Selecting the ideal coffee machine is crucial to unlocking the full potential of your coffee. This comprehensive guide will provide you with an in-depth look at different coffee machine types, their functionalities, and the factors that contribute to their popularity in order to equip you with the knowledge needed to find the right coffee machine.

Choosing the Right Coffee Machine

When selecting the right coffee machine, there are some things to consider in order to determine the right one for you from the type of coffee you prefer to the space you have for your coffee machine.

What Type of Coffee Do You Prefer?

Knowing what coffee type you prefer matters when choosing a coffee machine.

✔ Espresso: For espresso-based drinks like lattes and cappuccinos, you'll need a machine that can produce high pressure to extract the coffee's full flavour and create a rich crema.

✔ Variety of styles and sizes:  If you love a big cup of coffee in the morning and an espresso in the afternoon, the Vertuo range is the perfect coffee machine with it's variety of coffee sizes.

 Milk-Based: For lattes, cappuccinos, and other milk-based drinks, consider a machine with a built-in milk feature or a coffee machine and milk frother bundle.

What type of coffee do you prefer

What Price Point of Coffee Machine Do You Prefer?

We offer a wide range of coffee machines and espresso machines to suit everyone's budget without compromising on coffee quality.

Coffee machine price point

How Much Space Do you Have For a Coffee Machine?

Choosing a coffee machine based on the amount of space available ensures that your kitchen remains organized and functional, allowing you to enjoy your coffee without any space constraints.

Countertop Space: Measure the available space on your countertop and choose a machine that fits comfortably without overcrowding.

✔ Storage: Consider the storage space required for the machine itself, as well as any additional accessories like coffee capsules, milk frother, and other coffee accessoires.
How much space for your coffee machine

What Coffee Machine Features Do You Prefer?

The following features are important when choosing a coffee machine to meet your specific needs and preferences:

Temperature Control: Precise temperature control enables you to extract the optimal flavours from different coffee varieties. Our Creatista coffee machines offer adjustable temperature settings to accommodate all preferences.

Pressure: Higher pressure results in richer, more intense coffee. If you enjoy espresso-based drinks, a machine with high pressure (9 bars or more) like the machines in the Original range is recommended for a full-bodied espresso.

✔ Milk Frothing: If you fancy cappuccinos, lattes, or other milk-based beverages, a machine with a built-in milk frother or the ability to connect to a separate frother is essential.

Coffee machine features

The Drip Coffee Maker

Drip coffee makers are easy to use and maintain, making them a great option for both novice and experienced coffee drinkers. They are also widely available at a range of price points, making them accessible to all budgets. Additionally, drip coffee makers produce a reliable and balanced cup of coffee every time, ensuring a satisfying coffee experience.

Modern drip coffee makers offer various features to enhance the brewing experience, including timers for scheduling automatic brewing or reusable filters. These features make drip coffee makers a versatile and convenient option for coffee lovers who value simplicity.

How to Use a Drip Coffee Maker

To brew coffee with a drip coffee maker, follow these steps: fill the reservoir with water, insert a filter into the basket, add coffee grounds (adjust amount for desired strength), and start brewing. The machine will heat the water and drip it over the grounds, producing coffee in the carafe. Brewing time depends on the quantity of coffee desired.
Drip coffee machine

The Grind and Brew Coffee Maker

A grind and brew coffee maker is a versatile appliance that combines both a coffee grinder and brewer into one convenient device. This allows users to grind fresh coffee beans and brew a pot of coffee without the need for separate appliances. Grind and brew coffee makers offer the advantage of convenience, making them ideal for those who prioritize fresh, flavourful coffee without the hassle of using separate grinders and brewers.

It's important to note that these machines can be more expensive than standalone units, and the grind quality may not be as precise as with dedicated grinders. Despite these considerations, grind and brew coffee makers have gained popularity due to their convenience and versatility. They come in various sizes and designs, with some models offering programmable features and built-in grinders. To ensure optimal performance, grind and brew coffee makers require the use of a water filter and paper filters.

How to Use a Grind and Brew Coffee Maker

Using a grind and brew coffee maker is a convenient way to enjoy freshly ground and brewed coffee. To use the machine, fill the water reservoir with cold water, insert a paper filter into the filter basket, and measure and add coffee beans to the grinder compartment. Select the desired grind setting (optional) and press the "Grind" or "Grind and Brew" button. The machine will automatically grind the beans and brew the coffee. Once the brewing cycle is complete, the machine will shut off and you can remove the carafe to pour and enjoy your coffee.
Grind and brew coffee maker

The Single Serve Capsule Machine

Single-serve capsule machines have surged in popularity due to their high convenience. These machines utilize pre-packaged capsules, eliminating the need for messy measuring and grinding. Their simplicity extends to effortless cleaning and unmatched consistency and a no-fuss experience.

The convenience of capsule machines come in a variety of styles and models, some boasting built-in milk frothers, programmable settings, and connectivity features. The self-contained nature of the capsules means no additional accessories are required, as they encompass everything needed for a perfect cup of coffee.

Coffee enthusiasts can relish a fresh, flavourful brew with minimal effort, making single-serve capsule machines an ideal choice for those seeking convenience and consistency in their daily coffee ritual for the perfect coffee cup after cup.

How to Use a Single Serve Capsule Machine

Using a single serve coffee capsule machine is a convenient way to enjoy a quick and easy cup of coffee. To operate the machine, fill the water reservoir with fresh water. Insert a coffee capsule into the capsule holder and close it firmly to puncture the capsule. Select your desired brew settings if available. Press the brew button and the machine will automatically extract hot water through the capsule, releasing the coffee into your cup. Once brewing is complete, remove and discard the coffee capsule and enjoy your freshly brewed coffee.

Single serve capsule machine

The Espresso Coffee Machine

Espresso machines are a staple with coffee enthusiasts and baristas alike, due to their ability to produce a rich, concentrated coffee with a distinct crema. These machines require specialized equipment and skilled operation, offering a high level of control over the brewing process. Espresso serves as the foundation for a wide range of coffee beverages, including lattes, cappuccinos, and macchiatos.

Espresso machines come in various types, encompassing manual, semi-automatic, and super-automatic models. For optimal performance, a tamper, portafilter, and grinder are required, while some models boast built-in milk frothers for added convenience.

How to Use an Espresso Coffee Machine

To use an espresso coffee machine, grind coffee beans finely and fill the portafilter with the grounds. Pack and compress the coffee firmly to create a level surface. Insert the portafilter into the machine and lock it in place. Preheat your cups with hot water. Press the brew button and allow the espresso to flow into the cups. Once the desired amount of espresso has been brewed, press the stop button.
Espresso coffee machine

The French Press

The French press, a classic coffee brewing method, employs immersion and a plunger to extract coffee from grounds. This technique yields a rich, full-bodied cup with a slightly thicker texture compared to other brewing methods. Its simplicity and affordability have made it a beloved choice for home brewing. French presses come in various sizes and materials, with some models boasting built-in frothers or temperature control settings.

Additionally, French presses are easy to use and require minimal equipment, making them a convenient option. They typically do not require additional accessories, though some models may include a spoon or stirrer for added convenience.

How to Use a French Press

To use a French press, measure and coarsely grind your coffee. Add the grounds to the French press and pour in hot water to about 1/4 of its capacity. Stir to ensure all the grounds are wet, then fill the French press with more hot water. Insert the plunger but do not press down. Let the coffee steep for 4 minutes, then slowly press down on the plunger to separate the grounds from the coffee. Immediately pour and enjoy your freshly brewed French press coffee.
French press

The Pour Over Coffee Maker

Pour over coffee makers utilize a cone-shaped filter to brew coffee, alongside a filter paper and a mug. Unlike other coffee brewing methods, pour over coffee boasts a clean and flavourful profile with minimal bitterness. The meticulous process gives coffee drinkers precise control over water temperature, grind size, and pouring technique, empowering them to tailor the brew to their desired taste. This level of control and the immersive ritual involved have made pour over coffee makers popular among coffee enthusiasts.

In recent years, pour over coffee makers have garnered significant recognition for their ability to produce an exceptionally clean and flavourful cup of coffee. Coffee aficionados particularly value the control and precision that pour over brewing offers.

These coffee makers come in diverse shapes and sizes, with some models incorporating built-in filters or gooseneck kettles for optimal water pouring. Typically, pour over coffee makers necessitate paper filters, which are discarded after use and effectively eliminate impurities from the coffee.

How to Use a Pour Over Coffee Maker

To use a pour over coffee maker, place a paper filter in the cone-shaped filter holder and rinse it with hot water to remove any paper taste and preheat the coffee maker. Measure and grind your coffee to a medium-coarse grind size. Add the coffee grounds to the filter and distribute them evenly. Start the pouring process by slowly pouring a small amount of hot water over the grounds, allowing them to bloom for 30 seconds. Continue pouring hot water in a circular motion until you have reached your desired coffee strength. The ideal brewing time is between 2 and 3 minutes. Once the brewing is complete, remove the filter and discard the used coffee grounds, then pour the freshly brewed coffee into a mug or carafe.
Pour over coffee maker

Stovetop Coffee Maker

Stovetop coffee makers, also referred to as a moka pot, utilize steam pressure to extract a rich, flavourful brew. The device consists of three chambers: the bottom holds water, the middle contains coffee grounds, and the top collects the brewed coffee.

Known for producing a velvety crema (a layer of foam), stovetop coffee makers offer an inexpensive and portable brewing solution. They are especially popular for home use due to their ability to create a strong, satisfying cup.

Despite their advantages, these coffee makers require close monitoring during the brewing process. Additionally, they may not be ideal for making large quantities of coffee at once.

As a classic method for brewing coffee, stovetop coffee makers have been a beloved household staple, particularly in Italy, for over eight decades. They come in various sizes and materials, with some models incorporating features like built-in frothers or pressure gauges.

How to Use a Stovetop Coffee Maker

To brew coffee with a stovetop coffee maker, simply fill the bottom chamber with cold water (up to the safety valve), insert the filter basket filled with finely ground coffee, and screw on the top chamber. Place the coffee maker on the stovetop over medium heat and wait for the coffee to brew. As the water boils, steam pressure will force the water up through the coffee grounds and into the top chamber. This process usually takes a few minutes. Once brewed, carefully pour the coffee into cups and enjoy.
Stovetop coffee maker

Turkish Coffee Maker

Turkish coffee makers are traditionally used to prepare rich, flavourful Turkish coffee. These small, long-handled pots, often crafted from copper or brass, produce a thick, strong brew with a distinctive foamy top.

The unique texture and intense flavour of Turkish coffee stem from the finely ground coffee particles that can be found in the drink. Turkish coffee makers are easy to use and require minimal equipment, making them a beloved choice for traditional coffee enthusiasts.

Available in various sizes and designs, Turkish coffee makers offer a versatile way to enjoy this classic brewing method.

How to Use a Turkish Coffee Maker

To brew coffee with a Turkish coffee maker, start by grinding coffee finely. Add the desired amount of coffee to the maker and fill it with cold water (one heaping teaspoon of coffee per cup of water). Bring the coffee to a boil over medium heat. As the coffee starts to boil and a thick foam rises to the top, remove the maker from heat just before the foam boils over. Return the maker to heat and repeat the boiling process twice more to develop the coffee's rich flavour and foamy texture. Finally, pour the brewed coffee into cups and let it settle for a minute before enjoying.
Turkish coffee

The Coffee Percolator

Coffee percolators use a continuous hot water circulation method to extract the coffee from grounds. They comprise of three main components: a lower chamber for water, a filter basket to hold the coffee grounds, and an upper chamber to collect the brewed coffee.

Percolators are known for producing a robust, full-bodied coffee and are generally affordable and user-friendly, making them suitable for large gatherings or scenarios requiring a large amount of coffee at once. However, they can sometimes over-extract the coffee, leading to a bitter taste.

Percolating coffee was once quite popular, although it has become less common with the introduction of more advanced brewing techniques. They come in various sizes and designs, commonly constructed from aluminum or stainless steel, and require the use of a filter basket.

Despite their decline in popularity, coffee percolators remain a practical and efficient option for those seeking a strong, traditional cup of coffee.

How to Use a Coffee Percolator

Using a coffee percolator involves filling the lower chamber with water, inserting the filter basket with coffee grounds into the upper chamber, and assembling the two chambers. Place the percolator on a heat source and heat until the water boils. As the water boils, it will rise through a tube into the upper chamber and pass through the coffee grounds, extracting the coffee essence. The brewed coffee then drips back into the lower chamber. Continue heating until the desired coffee strength is achieved. Remove the percolator from heat and let it sit briefly to allow the grounds to settle before pouring and enjoying the coffee.
Coffee percolator

The Coffee Siphon

Coffee siphons use a vacuum and pressure process to brew exceptional coffee. Unlike traditional methods, siphons extract flavours without bitterness.

The unique design features premium materials and customizable settings. Simply add ground coffee and a heat source (butane burner or hot plate) for an immersive brewing experience.

Witness the mesmerizing dance of water and coffee between glass globes. Enjoy the rich flavours and aromas extracted by the precise control of vacuum and pressure.

How to Use a Coffee Siphon

To use a coffee siphon, assemble it by placing the filter cone in the top globe and securing the top globe to the bottom globe. Add coffee grounds to the top globe and pour hot water into the bottom globe, filling it to about 1 inch below the top. Place the siphon on the heat source and heat the water until it begins to boil. Remove the siphon from the heat, place a finger over the hole in the top of the top globe, invert the siphon, and place the top globe into the bottom globe to create a vacuum. Allow the coffee to steep for 4-5 minutes, then place the siphon back on the heat source to filter the coffee back into the bottom globe. Remove the siphon from the heat and pour the brewed coffee into cups to serve.
Siphon coffee maker

Coffee Machine Comparison

Coffee Machine Type Convenience of Use Complexity of Use Cost
($ to $$$)
Drip Coffee Maker Most Convenient Easy $
Grind and Brew Coffee Maker Most Convenient Medium $$
Single Serve Capsule Machine Most Convenient Easy $$
Espresso Coffee Machine Most Convenient Hard $$$
French Press Moderately Convenient Easy $
Pour Over Coffee Maker Moderately Convenient Medium $$
Stovetop Coffee Maker Least Convenient Hard $
Turkish Coffee Maker Least Convenient Hard $
Coffee Percolator Least Convenient Hard $$$
Coffee Siphon Least Convenient Hard $$$

To determine which coffee machine type is right for you, consider the following factors:

  • Desired coffee taste: Different brewing methods produce different coffee flavours. For example, espresso machines produce a strong, concentrated coffee, while pour over coffee makers produce a more delicate, nuanced cup.



  • Convenience: Some coffee machines are more convenient than others. For example, single serve capsule machines are very convenient, as they require minimal user input.



  • Complexity: Some coffee machines are more complex to use than others. For example, espresso machines require some skill and knowledge to use properly.



  • Cost: Coffee machines can range in price from affordable to expensive. Consider your budget when choosing a coffee machine.

Here are some additional questions to ask yourself:

  • How much coffee do you drink? If you drink a lot of coffee, you may want a machine that can brew a large pot.


  • How often do you want to clean your coffee machine? Some coffee machines require more cleaning and maintenance than others.


  • What type of coffee beans do you like? Some coffee machines are better suited for certain types of beans.


  • How much counter space do you have? Consider the size of the coffee machine and make sure you have enough counter space to accommodate it.

Still deciding?

While there is lots to choose from in the world of coffee machines, finding the right one comes with lots to think about and much to consider. At Nespresso, confidently choose from a selection of coffee machines that are guaranteed convenient to use and precise with every cup of coffee you make:

Nespresso Vertuo Coffee Machines

The Nespresso Vertuo is the perfect coffee machine for those who want to enjoy premium coffee without the hassle. With its convenient capsule system, the Vertuo makes it easy to brew a delicious cup of coffee in just seconds.

Nespresso Vertuo Coffee Machine

Nespresso Original Espresso Machines

Our line of espresso machines are convenient and easy-to-use and involve a unique capsule system to brew a variety of high-quality espressos. With its high-pressure extraction system, our machines extract the coffee grounds evenly, resulting in a rich and full-bodied flavour.

Nespresso Original Coffee Machines

Still unsure about what coffee machine to choose?

Use our Nespresso Machine Selector to find the perfect coffee machine for you.

Nespresso Coffee Machines
Coffee Machine Type Convenience of Use Complexity of Use Cost
($ to $$$)
Drip Coffee Maker Most Convenient Easy $
Grind and Brew Coffee Maker Most Convenient Medium $$
Single Serve Capsule Machine Most Convenient Easy $$
Espresso Coffee Machine Most Convenient Hard $$$
French Press Moderately Convenient Easy $
Pour Over Coffee Maker Moderately Convenient Medium $$
Stovetop Coffee Maker Least Convenient Hard $
Turkish Coffee Maker Least Convenient Hard $
Coffee Percolator Least Convenient Hard $$$
Coffee Siphon Least Convenient Hard $$$