What Machine Makes the Best Coffee?

When it comes to making the best cup of coffee, there’s no simple answer. It all depends on the type of coffee you’re going for and what kind of beans you’re using. If you’ve got something rare and unique (and probably a bit pricey), you’re not going to want to chuck it into a bean-to-cup machine as a throwaway brew. Those types of beans are best saved for a slower, more considered method, like a pour-over filter or an Aeropress. But for your standard morning hit, a bean-to-cup or espresso machine might be just the ticket.

The truth is, each coffee machine has its own quirks, strengths, and weaknesses. Let’s break down the main contenders and help you figure out what might work best for your daily brew routine.

1. Bean-to-Cup Machines: The All-in-One Convenience

Best For: Quick, consistent cups without much fuss
Drawbacks: Can flatten out the more delicate flavours of specialty beans

Bean-to-cup machines are ideal if you want good coffee fast. They grind, brew, and froth (if you’re into milky coffees) at the touch of a button. They’re brilliant if you need a hassle-free caffeine fix, especially when you’re half-awake in the morning. But because they grind the beans right before brewing, they’re best for a standard morning roast rather than something unique. If you’ve got our Coffee Morning blend, a straightforward, rich Colombian coffee, it’ll work brilliantly here.

However, bean-to-cup machines can fall short with complex beans like our La Cabaña. You might not get the full spectrum of its fruity and fragrant notes, so save those for a different brew method.

2. Espresso Machines: The Classic Italian Choice

Best For: Espresso lovers and anyone who wants a strong, punchy brew
Drawbacks: Takes a bit of practice to get right

Espresso machines are fantastic if you’re a bit of a coffee geek and love the process as much as the product. They’re versatile too, as you can make anything from a straight-up espresso shot to a flat white or cappuccino. If you like experimenting with grind sizes and extraction times, you’ll love the control an espresso machine gives you.

This is where our beans really shine. Use Vendum’s Colombian Decaf if you’re making an afternoon flat white — it’s got that smooth, nutty taste without the late-night jitters. Just make sure you’ve got a good grinder, or you’ll be fighting an uphill battle trying to get the perfect shot.

3. Pour-Over Methods: V60 and Chemex for the Purists

Best For: Highlighting delicate, complex flavours in specialty beans
Drawbacks: Slower, requires more attention

If you’ve got a bag of beans you’re particularly excited about, a pour-over method like the V60 or Chemex is your best bet. These methods give you full control over the brewing process, allowing you to tweak every variable — from grind size to water temperature — to get the most out of the bean.

We’d recommend using something like our La Cabaña here. It’s a fruity, fragrant coffee that really comes alive when brewed slowly. You’ll taste layers of flavour that might get lost in a quicker brewing method.

For a bit more ease, you can opt for an automatic pour-over like the Moccamaster, which brews consistently at the right temperature without much effort on your part. It’s ideal for when you want the best of both worlds: the depth of a pour-over without the faff.

4. French Press: Rich, Full-Bodied Flavours

Best For: A strong, hearty brew with lots of body
Drawbacks: Can be a bit gritty if you’re not careful

The French Press (or cafetière if you’re feeling fancy) is a great option if you like your coffee strong and full-bodied. It’s also super simple — just add coarse-ground coffee, pour in hot water, and let it steep for about four minutes. The result is a rich, robust coffee with a thick mouthfeel.

For a French Press, go for something like Coffee Morning. Its smooth, balanced flavour profile pairs perfectly with this method, giving you a hearty brew that stands up well to milk.

5. Aeropress: The Travellers’ Favourite

Best For: Quick, versatile brewing on the go
Drawbacks: Smaller capacity; not ideal for making large batches

The Aeropress is a bit of a cult favourite, known for its portability and versatility. It’s perfect if you want a strong, espresso-like coffee without lugging around a full machine. You can play around with grind size, steep time, and even water temperature to create your own perfect cup.

This is the method I’d use for our Colombian Decaf when I’m in need of a lighter, smooth brew in the afternoon. It’s also a great option if you’re just making one cup and don’t want the hassle of setting up a full machine.

6. Moka Pot: The Stovetop Espresso Maker

Best For: Strong, concentrated coffee with a nostalgic touch
Drawbacks: Can easily over-extract if you’re not careful

The Moka Pot is a classic choice, particularly popular in Italy. It brews strong, rich coffee that’s somewhere between espresso and drip coffee. It’s simple but requires a bit of practice to get right, as it’s easy to overheat and burn the coffee.

If you’re using Vendum beans, go for something bold, like our Coffee Morning. Its balanced profile can handle the intensity of a Moka Pot brew, delivering a deep, satisfying flavour.

What’s the Best Machine for Vendum Coffee?

When it comes down to it, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Our beans work well across different methods, but to get the most out of them, match the brew method to the coffee’s flavour profile. For our La Cabaña or any unique, complex beans, try a pour-over to bring out the best flavours. If you’re after a straightforward morning cup, a bean-to-cup machine with our Coffee Morning blend is a great choice. And for those afternoons when you want a smoother decaf, the Aeropress with our Colombian Decaf won’t let you down.

The Final Verdict

Ultimately, it’s your choice. You’ll need to experiment and see what fits into your daily routine. Maybe the French Press is perfect for your lazy Sunday mornings, while the bean-to-cup is your go-to on hectic weekdays. Whatever you choose, just make sure it brings out the best in the beans you’ve got. And remember, good coffee is all about exploring and enjoying the process — so have a bit of fun with it.

If you’re ready to try some new beans, check out our Vendum Coffee range. From a morning pick-me-up to a smooth decaf, we’ve got you covered. Happy brewing!