Automatic machine or manual method?
What to choose according to your habits?
Can't decide between a fully equipped automatic machine and a more traditional manual extraction method? Don't panic—each solution has its advantages. The important thing is to choose the one that suits your lifestyle, your curiosity... and your taste buds. Follow the guide!
Automatic machine: simplicity and regularity
The automatic machine promises fast, effortless coffee. It grinds beans, measures, brews, and sometimes even makes a cappuccino with a single click. Ideal for those who want a good cup of coffee without having to think about it every morning.
Benefits :
- Quick and intuitive to use
- Always the same cup, without question
- Works well for espresso or milk drinks
- Little manipulation
Boundaries :
- Less control over fine adjustments (temperature, extraction time, etc.)
- Taste sometimes “smoothed” or less expressive
- Regular maintenance required (cleaning nozzles, descaling, etc.)
- Higher purchase cost
Manual method: precision and pleasure of the gesture
Chemex, V60, Aeropress, French press, Moka… Manual extraction methods are appealing for their apparent simplicity and the aromatic richness they offer. There's no magic button here: you're in charge.
Benefits :
- Very affordable entry cost
- Total control over every parameter (grind, temperature, infusion)
- Finer, more nuanced flavors
- Ritualization of coffee time, more “slow”
Boundaries :
- Requires a little practice to master the method
- Requires a suitable mill (with burrs)
- Less practical if you are in a hurry in the morning
Express comparison
| Criteria | Automatic machine | Manual method |
|---|---|---|
| Ease of use | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ |
| Cup Control | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Purchase price | 💰💰💰💰 | 💰 |
| Preparation time | ⏱️ Very fast | ⏱️⏱️ A little longer |
| Quality of aromas | ⭐⭐ to ⭐⭐⭐ depending on the model | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ to ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Interview | Regular (automated) | Light (quick rinse) |
For which profile?
You might prefer an automatic machine if:
- You drink several coffees a day and are looking for convenience
- You like espresso and milky drinks like cappuccino
- You don't want to "play" with the settings too much
The manual method will be ideal if:
- You like to take the time to make your coffee
- You are curious to explore aromas according to origins and profiles
- You are looking for a light, aromatic “filter” cup, milder than espresso
Conclusion
There's no right or wrong choice, only the one that's right for you. One is an automatic, the other a manual transmission. Both can take you far... but not with the same sensations. Take the time to try them out and compare. And above all, remember that the most important thing is always the grain you put into it.
What if we talked about ecology ?
