5 Things to Know When Buying an Automatic Coffee Machine

Coffee Machines Are Getting Popular in India

More and more people in Indian cities are buying automatic coffee machines. In 2025, 62% of families in big cities prefer these machines. They let you make café-style coffee at home without spending ₹300 every day. But with so many models available, how do you choose the right one? Let’s look at the key things to consider.

1. Heating Systems: Fast vs. Stable

The heating part is what makes your coffee machine work. It affects both how well it works and how much it costs:

 

Thermoblock Technology

• How it works: Small heating part that heats water when you need it

• Best for: Home users making 1-3 cups every day

• Advantages: Quick heat-up (30-45 seconds), uses less electricity

• Limitations: Temperature changes when switching between coffee and steam

 

Dual Boiler Systems

• How it works: Two separate boilers – one for making coffee and one for steam

• Best for: Coffee lovers who make lattes and cappuccinos

• Advantages: Stable temperature (only ±1°C change), can brew coffee and froth milk at the same time

• Limitations: Heavier (8-12kg) and uses more electricity (1500-1800W)

 

Practical Tip: For Indian voltage (220V), choose machines with voltage stabilizer like the COSTAR COSMOS Master 9s. This protects the machine from power changes.

 

2. Grinders: Keeping Coffee Fresh

The grinder is important for fresh-tasting coffee:

 

Ceramic Burr Grinders

• How it works: Crushes beans between two ceramic surfaces

• Advantages: Stays cool, keeps coffee flavor better, lasts longer

• Best for: Indian Robusta beans (the most common type here)

 

Metal Burr Grinders

• How it works: Uses metal parts to grind beans

• Advantages: Grinds faster, more settings for different coffee types

• Limitations: Gets hotter, may burn coffee flavor

 

Studies show ceramic grinders keep 23% more coffee aroma than metal ones (UC Davis research).

 

3. Pressure: Why 19 Bar Isn't Always Better

You might see machines advertised with "19 Bar pressure" – but more pressure isn’t always better:

 

• Good pressure range: 9-10 Bar for espresso

• Too much pressure (>15 Bar): Makes coffee bitter

• What to look for: Machines with steady pressure, not just high numbers

 

The Specialty Coffee Association says stable pressure is more important than high pressure (SCA standards).

 

4. Water Management: Hard Water Solutions

Indian water can be hard (has minerals that build up). Look for these features:

 

Water Filters

• Activated carbon filters: Remove bad tastes from tap water

• Ion-exchange filters: Reduce minerals that cause scale

 

Cleaning Needs

• Descaling: Clean with citric acid every 3 months (or 500 cups)

• Signs you need to clean: Machine takes longer to heat, makes strange noises

 

5. Maintenance: Long-Term Costs

Think about upkeep costs before buying:

 

Regular Care

• Daily: Empty the drip tray, wipe the steam wand

• Weekly: Clean the part where coffee brews

• Monthly: Descale to remove mineral buildup

 

Part Replacement Costs

 

 

How to Choose Your Machine

By Budget

• ₹15,000-25,000: Basic models with plastic parts

• ₹25,000-40,000: Better grinders and boilers (like Master 9s)

• ₹40,000+: Professional models with two boilers

 

By Usage

• 1-2 cups/day: Focus on grinder quality

• 5+ cups/day: Get a durable machine with good heat recovery

 

By Space

• Counter space: Leave 5cm space behind for ventilation

• Height: Make sure it fits under your kitchen cabinets (usually 30-45cm tall)

 

Data sources: Specialty Coffee Association,IBEF Coffee Report,Statista Coffee Data