Method of preparing milk and coffee drinks (cappuccino, latte, latte macchiato, etc. - see “Preset programs”) provided in the coffee maker. The differences between the methods lie primarily in the method of preparing milk froth:
-
Manual. With this method, the customer must independently froth the milk - the coffee maker only provides the hot steam under pressure necessary for this. Steam is supplied through a tube, which usually has a special “panarello” nozzle - it makes it easier to whip up the foam. Occasionally there are models without such an attachment, with a “bare” tube - they are designed mainly for professionals. Manual systems are simple and inexpensive in themselves, and they also provide a certain “freedom of imagination”, allowing you to experiment with the cooking process; however, using such systems requires some skill.
—
Semi-automatic. This method involves the presence of a separate spout from which milk foam is dispensed. The coffee maker prepares this foam on its own, drawing milk from an external vessel through a special tube (however, there are also models with a built-in milk reservoir). When using such a device, you first need to make espresso, and then move the cup under the “milk” spout and press the foam button (or in the reverse order if you are preparing a latte macchiato). The spouts can be located next to each other - then there is no need to move the cup;
...however, coffee and foam are still prepared separately in such devices. However, this method is still noticeably simpler and faster than manual.
— Automatic. The most automated cooking process, allowing you to get drinks with milk foam literally in one click: just put the cup under the spout, turn on the program - and the coffee maker will automatically dispense a portion of espresso and the required amount of foam. As a rule, such models are equipped with their own milk tank (see below). This method is the most convenient, but it is worth remembering that different recipes require a different order of ingredients: for example, when preparing latte and cappuccino, milk is added to the coffee, when preparing latte macchiato, vice versa. At the same time, not all automatic coffee makers have the ability to choose the order; This nuance should be clarified before purchasing.
— Automatic and manual. Some advanced models of coffee makers provide both methods for preparing milk drinks, thereby providing flexibility in choosing an approach. A manual milk frother may be preferable if you want to have more control over the process, while an automatic one is a convenient option for those who appreciate ease of use.
There are also coffee makers without a milk frother. Due to the specifics of their work, they significantly save time on preparing drinks and do not require careful maintenance. The system of such coffee makers does not have a milk tract, which requires close attention in terms of regular and labor-intensive maintenance. Models without the function of preparing cappuccino and other coffee and milk drinks are well suited for office premises and public places.—
Grinding degree. Choosing the degree of coffee grinding is crucial for achieving the desired strength and consistency of the final coffee. Different types of coffee drinks require varying degrees of grinding. For espresso and related drinks like cappuccino and latte, a fine grind is necessary. Turkish coffee requires an extremely fine grind, almost like "dust." Cream coffee and filter coffee are best with a medium grind, while a coarse grind works well for French press.
—
Pre-wetting. One option available in some coffee makers is the ability to pre-moisten the ground coffee with hot water before brewing the drink. This feature allows users to customize the duration of coffee wetting, although there may be exceptions. Pre-wetting plays a crucial role in enhancing the taste and aroma of coffee, resulting in a more intense and flavorful beverage. Automatic coffee makers often include this feature.
—
The strength of the drink. Coffee enthusiasts have the option to manually adjust the strength of their beverage. This adjustment can be achieved through various methods, such as changing the coffee-to-water ratio, adjusting the water temperature, or controlling the brewing speed. The number of available settings may vary, ranging from a basic choice between "strong" and "mild" to more advanced options. Regardless of the number of settings, this function allows
...individuals to personalize the taste of their coffee according to their preferences, providing additional customization features.
— Drink volume. Coffee makers offer the feature of selecting the desired volume of the final beverage according to individual preferences. Different models may have varying methods for making this choice. Some machines provide fixed settings (20 mL, 35 mL, etc.) from hich users can select their preferred option. Other models allow for manual adjustment of the volume, sometimes even allowing users to gauge it visually. This feature enables users to customize standard programs to their liking and provides opportunities for experimenting with unique recipes.
— Temperature control. Coffee makers offer the ability to regulate the water temperature for brewing coffee. The taste of the final beverage is heavily influenced by this factor. Higher temperatures result in a brighter and more intense flavor, but excessive heating (96 °C and above) can release compounds from the coffee that add bitterness. The optimal brewing temperature is generally considered to be within the range of 92 — 95 °C. However, coffee makers may provide a wider range of temperature adjustments. Some believe that even a difference of just 1 °C can significantly impact the properties of the coffee, making this adjustment essential for those who appreciate the subtle nuances of taste and aroma in their coffee.
— Steam pressure. Coffee makers offer the feature to adjust the steam pressure coming out of the panarello nozzle. This nozzle is used for frothing milk, especially when preparing cappuccino, as well as for heating milk. By modifying the steam outlet pressure, users can control the intensity of the steam and achieve varying foam densities. It also allows them to omit foam altogether if the intention is solely to heat the milk.
— Foam volume / density. For coffee and milk beverage enthusiasts, the ability to adjust the volume and thickness of the foam "cap" is highly useful. This feature is particularly valuable when preparing drinks like cappuccino, latte, and macchiato. The quality of the final beverage is influenced by the quantity and density of the foam. By customizing these parameters, users can tailor the drink to their personal taste preferences.
— Water hardness. Coffee makers offer the capability to adjust the settings based on the hardness of the water being used. Over time, the heating element of the coffee machine accumulates scale and requires regular cleaning or descaling. The rate of scale buildup increases with harder water, necessitating more frequent cleaning. However, the coffee machine evaluates the condition of the heating element not based on the actual scale amount, but by considering the water hardness setting and the duration of operation since the last cleaning. Therefore, it is crucial to correctly set the water hardness settings to receive timely notifications for descaling. Coffee machines equipped with this feature often include a water hardness indicator with four settings: very soft, soft, hard, and very hard.
