Best Home Coffee Machine in Egypt: Turkish, Espresso, or Pods?
The bottom line: If you drink Turkish coffee, an automatic Turkish machine is the best choice. Arzum Okka Minio or Philips Series 5000 are reasonably priced, and the Okka OK002 is for a higher level. If you like espresso and cappuccino, go for De'Longhi Dedica. And if you want the easiest option with no grinding or cleaning, Nespresso Essenza Mini pods, though a cup will cost you more.
Photo: Eaeeae — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons
What do you actually drink?
- Turkish coffee: An automatic Turkish machine. It heats the coffee slowly and shuts off before it boils over, so the foam comes out consistent every time.
- Espresso, cappuccino, and latte: An espresso machine with at least 15 bar pressure, plus a milk frother.
- You want the easiest option: Pods. But the cup is more expensive, and the pods must always be available.
- American or filter coffee: A regular filter machine, which is the cheapest.
The Turkish Coffee Machine
Look at two things: the number of cups at a time, and whether it has an automatic shut-off before boiling over. Machines with a water tank don't need you to measure the water every time, but they need more cleaning.
The Espresso Machine
Espresso relies more on the coffee beans than the machine: they must be finely ground specifically for espresso and fresh. If you are buying pre-ground coffee, ask for "espresso grind". And if you intend to grind yourself, the grinder will make a difference in taste.
The Pods
Nespresso and Dolce Gusto are two different systems, and the pods of one do not work in the other. Before you buy the machine, make sure the pods you like are consistently available on Amazon Egypt.
The Filter Machine (American Coffee)
If you drink large cups of coffee throughout the day, the filter machine is cheaper and simpler than espresso, and it makes a whole pot at once. Use medium-ground coffee, and don't leave the pot on the warmer for more than half an hour so the taste doesn't burn.
The Coffee is More Important Than the Machine
The most expensive machine won't make a good cup from old coffee. Buy coffee in small quantities that finish in two or three weeks, and store it in an airtight container away from light and heat, and not in the fridge because it absorbs moisture and odor. Ask for the grind that suits your machine: very fine for Turkish, fine for espresso, and a bit coarser for filter.
Water and Limescale
Water in Egypt contains minerals that build up limescale inside the machine over time, which ruins the taste and slows down heating. Clean the machine from limescale every month or two with a machine cleaner or diluted white vinegar if the manual allows, and use filtered water if you can.
Check Before You Buy
- Check who the seller is, and the type of warranty: local from the agent or "international".
- Make sure the machine is 220 volts.
- In expensive machines, the price difference between one seller and another can be large. Compare, but buy from a seller with a clear warranty.
FAQ
Does the Turkish coffee machine make foam like the traditional pot?
Yes, and often more consistent, because it heats slowly and stops before the coffee boils over. Use finely ground Turkish coffee, the amount specified in the manual, and cold water.
Can I make Turkish coffee in an espresso machine?
No. Espresso forces hot water under high pressure through packed coffee grounds, while Turkish coffee is boiled with the grounds themselves. The taste and texture are completely different.
Do pods cost more than coffee beans?
Yes, a cup from a pod is often much more expensive than a cup from ground coffee. What you pay extra for is convenience and speed.
How do I clean the coffee machine from limescale?
Using specialized machine descaler or the method in the manual, every month or two depending on usage. If the machine has a tank, empty and dry it from time to time.
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