Sometimes cocktail recipes call for coffee or espresso. What sort of coffee maker do you need, if you make these cocktails regularly?
And do you need one coffee machine for the whole house, or a separate one for your bar? Either way, having a high-quality coffee machine at home allows you to enjoy a barista-level experience without leaving the comfort of your own home.
Our Top Picks
You can browse our top choices here, or scroll down for more detailed reviews.
What Type Do You Need for a Bar?
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Since recipes can call for hot coffee, cold coffee and espresso, there’s only one kind of machine that can do it all: a pod coffee maker. This list includes two.
Those will be your simplest one-and-done options. The downside is that the pods will be an ongoing expense forever, and most of them are not recyclable.
Another option: if you already have a coffee machine you’re happy with, you may want a dedicated espresso machine that allows you to brew espresso like a pro.
Or you may want to invest in both a new coffee maker and an espresso machine. Or a coffee maker for your household (and cocktail recipes) and an espresso machine for the bar.
When it comes to choosing a coffee machine for your home bar, it’s essential to understand the different types available. Let’s explore each type in detail:
Drip Coffee Machines
Drip coffee machines are the most common type found in households. They work by pouring hot water over ground coffee beans, which then drips into a carafe or pot.
They are easy to use, affordable, and brew coffee quickly. However, they may not offer as much control over the brewing process compared to other types.
If a recipe calls for a “strong coffee” versus a regular one, it’s up to you to figure out how many grounds to add. And if it calls for espresso, most drip machines won’t cut it.
Espresso Machines
Espresso machines are a popular choice for those who enjoy strong and concentrated coffee beverages like espresso shots, lattes, and cappuccinos. They use pressure to force hot water through finely ground coffee, resulting in a rich and intense flavor.
Espresso machines come in various types, including manual, semi-automatic, and fully automatic, each offering different levels of control and convenience.
The downside is that they don’t make regular coffee.
Pod Coffee Makers
Pod coffee machines, also known as capsule machines, have become incredibly popular in recent years for their convenience and wide variety of flavors. These machines use pre-packaged coffee pods or capsules that are simply inserted into the machine, eliminating the need for grinding coffee beans or measuring out the right amount of grounds.
They can make anything you can find in a pod, but they do tend to be more expensive in the long run. And those pods aren’t recyclable, so that’s a lot of environmental waste.
Coffee Machine Buying Guide
Now that we have explored the different types of coffee machines available, let’s delve into the key factors you should consider before making a purchase:
Brewing Capacity
Consider how many cups of coffee you typically need to brew at once. If you entertain guests often or have a large household, opt for a machine with a larger brewing capacity.
On the other hand, if you only need to brew a single cup at a time, a single-serve coffee maker may be more suitable.
Budget
Coffee machines come in a wide range of prices, so it’s essential to determine your budget before starting your search. Consider how much you are willing to invest in a high-quality machine that meets your needs and preferences.
Ease of Use
If you’re new to brewing coffee at home or prefer convenience, look for a machine that is user-friendly and straightforward to operate. Automatic features such as programmable timers and one-touch brewing can make your morning routine more convenient.
Customization Options
Different coffee machines offer varying levels of customization options. If you enjoy experimenting with different brewing techniques or prefer specific strength and flavor profiles, choose a machine that allows you to adjust variables such as water temperature, brew strength, and extraction time.
Maintenance and Cleaning
Consider how much time and effort you are willing to invest in cleaning and maintaining your coffee machine. Some machines require regular descaling or cleaning of intricate parts, while others have self-cleaning features or are easier to maintain.
Top Recommendations for Coffee Machines
Now that you have a better understanding of the different types of coffee machines and the factors to consider, let’s explore our top recommendations.
By using pods, this machine can make coffee, espresso, and anything else in a pod. The only downside is that it doesn't allow for regular brewing. But if you have a regular brewer you're happy with, that's not a problem.
The K-Cafe coffee maker is a versatile and convenient addition to any kitchen, offering the perfect solution for coffee lovers who enjoy a variety of drinks. It's designed with quality, ease of use, and the ability to produce excellent espresso drinks.
The built-in frother adds an amazing flavor to the coffee, making it the perfect machine for lattes, cappuccinos, and more. The large water reservoir and variety of cup sizes make it easy to brew drinks for every occasion.
- Makes really good espresso drinks
- Easy to use and clean
- Built-in frother adds amazing flavor to the coffee
- Large water reservoir for convenience
- Offers a variety of cup sizes and drink selections
- Pods required. No regular brewing.
- Some users experienced issues with frother durability
This machine does it all: coffee and espresso. The only drawback is that it does it all cup by cup, pod by pod, and you can only use pods specially designed for it.
The Nespresso VertuoPlus Deluxe Coffee and Espresso Machine by Breville with Milk Frother provides outstanding coffee and espresso quality and a variety of cup sizes to suit different preferences.
The sleek and modern design fits seamlessly into any kitchen decor, and the large water tank allows for multiple brews without constant refilling, making it particularly convenient when hosting guests or preparing several cups in quick succession. With its user-friendly operation and wide range of coffee capsules, this machine has become an integral part of many customers' daily routines.
- Outstanding coffee and espresso quality
- Variety of cup sizes to suit different preferences
- Sleek and modern design
- Large water tank for convenience
- User-friendly operation
- Wide range of coffee capsules available
- The pods are expensive and not as widely available as other types
If you're happy with your home coffee maker and want an espresso machine for cocktails, you can't beat this one. The Breville Barista Express is a top-of-the-line espresso maker that has garnered high praise from its users.
It does not make regular coffee, so it's an add-on to your normal coffee maker, not a replacement. But if your household enjoys espressos, on their own or as part of a cocktail, this is a great espresso maker.
This machine offers a wide range of features that make it a favorite among coffee enthusiasts. With its user-friendly design and exceptional performance, the Breville Barista Express promises to elevate your coffee-making experience to new heights.
- The machine produces consistent and high-quality espresso, Americano, and lattes.
- It features a well-designed grinder that allows for easy adjustment of grind size and amount.
- The steam wand creates rich milk foam, perfect for lattes and cappuccinos.
- The included tamper and dosing tool enhance the coffee-making process.
- The hot water dispenser is a convenient addition for making Americanos.
- The machine is compact, visually appealing, and built with high-quality materials.
- It comes with an automated cleaning cycle for easy maintenance.
- The detailed user instructions provide valuable information for optimal use and maintenance.
- It doesn't make regular coffee.
- Some users found the water tank to require frequent refilling.
- The coffee grind separator may not be entirely effective in preventing spills.
The Mr. Coffee Cafe Barista is a versatile coffee maker that allows you to create delicious lattes and espressos with ease. Whether you're a coffee enthusiast or a beginner, this machine offers a convenient and cost-effective way to enjoy your favorite coffee drinks at home. With simple controls and a sleek design, it's a practical addition to any kitchen.
- Capable pump for making great lattes and espressos
- Easy setup and use, suitable for beginners
- Convenient cleaning process with a cleaning setting for the steaming wand
- Good value for the money, saving you from frequent trips to the coffee shop
- Quick heating for efficient coffee making
- Some customers have reported issues with noise during operation
The Cuisinart Combo Coffee Maker is by far the most versatile on the list, offering the convenience of both single-serve and carafe coffee brewing options. It also makes coffee from pods.
The big advantage for cocktail makers is that this machine can brew a single cup at a time. That's perfect for many cocktail recipes.
And it can also make iced coffee, which is also called for in a number of coffee recipes.
- Dual Functionality: Enjoy the flexibility of brewing a single cup or a full carafe, catering to your specific coffee needs.
- User-Friendly Design: The intuitive design allows for easy operation, making it suitable for both novice and experienced users.
- Sleek Appearance: With its modern and attractive stainless steel finish, this coffee maker adds a touch of elegance to your kitchen.
- Removable Water Reservoirs: The separate water tanks and removable reservoirs make refilling and cleaning a breeze.
- Hot and Cold Coffee Options: Whether you crave a steaming hot cup or a refreshing iced coffee, this machine has you covered.
- Cleaning the machine, especially after pod brewing, may be time-consuming and require extra effort.
The Ninja CE201 Coffee Maker is a top-notch choice for coffee enthusiasts seeking a high-quality and user-friendly coffee maker. It’s known for its performance, ease of use, and the quality of the coffee it produces.
Note that it does not make espresso, but does have a "rich" setting that might work as an espresso substitute in cocktails that call for it.
- Has rich and strong brew options.
- Easy settings with a convenient removable water reservoir.
- Sleek and modern design looks great in any kitchen.
- Dishwasher-safe components make cleaning and maintenance a breeze.
- Some users have reported issues with dripping during the brewing process or occasional leaks, detracting from an otherwise positive experience.
- A few customers have mentioned minor concerns about temperature control and the length of the power cord, suggesting room for improvement in these areas.
Maintenance and Care Tips
To ensure your coffee machine remains in optimal condition and continues to brew delicious cups of coffee, it’s essential to follow proper maintenance and care practices. Here are some tips:
- Regularly clean removable parts such as filters, carafes, and frothing wands according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Descale your machine periodically if necessary to remove mineral buildup.
- Use high-quality water or consider using a water filter to prevent limescale deposits.
- Store coffee beans or pods in an airtight container away from direct sunlight or moisture.
- Follow the recommended brewing guidelines for each type of coffee machine to avoid over-extraction or under-extraction.