But a coffee maker takes up space and can be an investment, to name just a couple of considerations. To help you make your choice, we're rounding up the pros, cons, costs, and uses for owning a coffee machine.
What does a coffee machine really offer?
At the risk of stating the obvious, a coffee machine allows you to brew your own coffee at home, anytime. Here's why many people would never go without one.
Convenience and time-saving perks
If you're a daily coffee drinker, having a way to make it at home is undoubtedly convenient. You can brew a cup or pot whenever you like, which can make your mornings more efficient. Plus, you'll save time by not having to stop by a café.
Quality and customisation at home
Making coffee at home vs. buying out gives you more control over the quality. You can select your own beans (ideally freshly roasted) based on your personal preferences, grind them fresh each time you make coffee, and ensure the temperature is exactly right. Beyond that, you can customise your morning coffee with your choice of milk and flavourings.
Variety of brewing options
More people are making coffee at home than ever before. With this in mind, manufacturers are coming out with new innovations to expand the brewing options for each model. Lots of coffee makers on the market do much more than brew a single pot or cup. You'll also find options that can make espresso, cold brew, iced coffee, and café drinks like lattes and cappuccinos with microfoam milk.
Cost breakdown: coffee machine vs. café coffee
Owning a coffee machine has countless benefits, but you should consider the overall cost before making a decision.
Upfront costs of different machines
First, there's the upfront cost of purchasing a coffee maker. Prices range from under £50 to over £1,000. Buying a latte from a coffee shop may only cost you a few dollars, but if it's a daily habit, the price can add up.
Long-term savings over time
By skipping the coffee shop and instead brewing your morning cup at home each day, you can save substantial money on coffee over time. This can make up for the initial investment in a high-quality coffee machine.
Extra costs: maintenance, beans, filters
Apart from buying the actual machine, there are other ongoing costs to consider. For instance, you'll need to purchase your own beans or coffee pods. Depending on the type of coffee maker, you may also need a coffee grinder, paper filters, replacement water filters, a descaler, or another special cleaning solution for occasional maintenance.
Who will benefit most from a coffee machine?
This is who will get the most use and overall benefits from owning a coffee machine:
● Daily coffee drinkers – Anyone who drinks coffee every day can appreciate the convenience, time-saving advantages, and customisation options of an at-home coffee system.
● Espresso enthusiasts – You don't have to be a barista (or visit one at a café) to enjoy premium espresso. It's relatively easy to make at home with the right espresso machine.
● Households with multiple coffee lovers – If multiple people in your household drink coffee daily, a coffee machine is likely worth the cost and counter space.
● People who host overnight guests – If you host overnight guests—even occasionally—it's nice to have the option of brewing a fresh pot of coffee for everyone in the morning or offering single-serve beverages.
● Remote workers – If you work from home, an at-home coffee maker will ensure you have your morning brew when you can’t get to a coffee shop.
Are there downsides to owning a coffee machine?
Here are a few potential drawbacks to consider:
● Maintenance and cleaning – When you make coffee at home, it's up to you to clean the machine regularly and perform maintenance as needed, such as descaling or running a cleaning cycle.
● Counter space and storage – Think about where you'll place the coffee maker, how much available space you have, and whether it'll be a permanent countertop fixture or put away after each use.
● Learning curve for some models – Though most coffee machines are simple and user-friendly, there can be a learning curve with more sophisticated models and certain espresso-making techniques.
Comparing types of coffee machines
You should also have an idea of the different types of coffee machines available, including drip, pod, espresso, and manual systems.
Drip coffee makers
Automatic drip coffee makers are easy to use and often programmable. They're good for homes with multiple coffee drinkers, as they can make a full pot of coffee or smaller batches. Discover more coffee hacks to maximise your machine.
Pod-based machines
Pod-based coffee machines are also very easy to use. This type of compact, single-serve coffee maker is a nice option for those who live alone or only drink one cup of coffee a day.
Espresso machines
Are espresso machines worth it? They can be worth the investment for those who love the rich, bold flavour of the concentrated brew.
Manual vs. automatic
There are automatic machines, including drip, pod, and high-tech espresso makers. You can also get manual espresso makers, as well as French press, stovetop, and pour-over systems that don't require a plug-in—only hot water or a heat source.
Final verdict: Is a coffee machine worth it for you?
For a lot of people, owning a coffee machine is wholly worth the initial investment, ongoing costs, and kitchen space.
If you love café-quality drinks, consider getting an espresso machine or a pod coffee machine—even better if it's certified by the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA), which tells you a coffee maker meets professional standards for optimal brewing time and water temperature. A coffee grinder, an airtight coffee bean storage container, and other coffee accessories can elevate your at-home setup as well.
Explore the premium kitchen appliances from Sage.
Sources:
1. Perfect Daily Grind. More people are brewing coffee per household – but does that really matter?. https://perfectdailygrind.com/2024/09/more-people-drinking-coffee-at-home/
2. Specialty Coffee Association (SCA). SCA Certified Home Brewer Program. https://sca.coffee/certified-home-brewer
3. CoffeeGeek. Five Tips for Better Home Coffee. https://coffeegeek.com/blog/beginners/five-tips-for-better-home-coffee/
4. Perfect Daily Grind. Home coffee machines: How are manufacturers innovating?. https://perfectdailygrind.com/2024/02/home-coffee-machines-innovation/
5. Perfect Daily Grind. How can consumers make better espresso at home?. https://perfectdailygrind.com/2023/04/how-can-consumers-make-better-espresso-at-home
