I have personally tested 4 household coffee machines ranging from 2,500 to 6,000 yuan. Which one is the most worth buying?

[PConline horizontal review] Valentine's Day is everyone's expectation for a good relationship, and one of the best places for a Valentine's Day date is, of course, a coffee shop, where there is a romantic atmosphere everywhere. This romantic taste contains the deep love between lovers and the fragrant coffee flavor.

If you want more and want to have more privacy with your loved ones on Valentine's Day, it's also good to spend this meaningful day at home. Make two cups of coffee at home, bake some desserts, and sweetly nestle on the sofa to watch a movie...

On this day full of love, Valentine's Day, we at PConline conducted a detailed evaluation of four professional-grade home coffee machines priced between RMB 2,500 and RMB 6,000, and compiled the editor's recommended "List of Professional Home Coffee Machines Worth Buying".

Whether you just plan to replace an advanced and more professional home coffee machine, or want to give it to someone who loves to make coffee by himself, you can get an effective buying guide from this article.

Cross-commentary directory:

introduction

Basic data of high-end home professional coffee machine brands and models participating in the horizontal evaluation

Introduction to accessories of 4 high-end home professional coffee machines participating in the horizontal review

text:

1. Editor's Recommendation: List of High-end Home Professional Coffee Machines Worth Buying

1. The best coffee machine to buy

2. Coffee machines not recommended

2. Home professional coffee machine purchasing guide: How to choose a coffee machine

1. Criteria for selecting a coffee machine

2. How we test coffee machines

3. Evaluation Results

4. Other humanized design comments

3. Home Appliances Q&A: What Netizens Are Most Concerned About Home Coffee Machines

1. How to make coffee at home

Final Thoughts

The basic data of the brands and models of the four high-end home professional coffee machines participating in this horizontal review are as follows:

No. 1 – Donlim DL-KF5700 coffee machine:

The overall body of the Donlim DL-KF5700 coffee machine is a cool silver-gray color, and it uses an integrated aluminum casting process, which makes it more beautiful in appearance, not easy to deform, and has a high-end texture, allowing the machine to have better stability during operation.

No. 2 – Tsannkuen TSK-1837B coffee machine:

The Tsannkuen TSK-1837B coffee machine is made of thickened stainless steel. The whole machine is relatively small and exquisite, and the iron-gray appearance design is also good, revealing a sense of elegance.

No. 3 - Huijia kd-270S coffee machine:

Huijia kd-270S coffee machine is the largest and heaviest of the four machines, weighing 12.7KG, and it is difficult to move. But the overall design is bright silver, bright and transparent, very atmospheric.

No. 4 – Bofu BE-s840 coffee machine:

The size of the Platinum BE-s840 coffee machine is relatively moderate. The surface of the machine has a matte feel, and the exterior color is also in a high-end metal style. The silver color is calm and noble, and exudes purity and power.

The accessories of the four high-end home professional coffee machines participating in this review are as follows:

When purchasing a coffee machine, the accessories included in the coffee machine have a great impact on the taste and flavor of the coffee we make ourselves.

Complete accessories can help us achieve the ideal taste more easily when making coffee machines. Let’s first take a look at the accessories of these 4 coffee machines.

No. 1 – Donlim DL-KF5700 coffee machine:

The accessories of the Donlim DL-KF5700 coffee machine include: 58mm commercial-grade horn funnel, single and double cup filters, 43G powder hammer, as well as latte art cup, latte art needle, glass ounce cup, measuring spoon, etc.

Generally, the diameter of ordinary filters is less than or equal to 49mm, while the filter of Donlim 5700 adopts a large diameter of 58mm, which can make the entire coffee extraction process more in-depth.

No. 2 – Tsannkuen TSK-1837B coffee machine:

The TSK-1837B coffee machine comes with a set of exquisite accessories gift box, including a powder tamper, single and double cup filters, a coffee spoon and a coffee cup. The brewing head of the TSK-1837B coffee machine is the only one among the four coffee machines that does not use a horn funnel design. It is a traditional double-hole design, and the filter uses a double-layer filter.

No. 3 - Huijia kd-270S coffee machine:

Huijia kd-270S coffee machine is equipped with a horn funnel, single and double cup filters, coffee measuring spoon and powder hammer.

No. 4 – Bofu BE-s840 coffee machine:

The official standard configuration of the Bofu BE-s840 coffee machine is a bull horn funnel, single and double cup filters, a powder hammer, and a 350ml latte art cup. These accessories are what we need when making coffee at home, and cover the basic usage scenarios when we make coffee.

2

Editor's Recommendation: High-end Home Professional Coffee Machines Worth Buying

1. Editor's Recommendation: High-end Home Professional Coffee Machines Worth Buying List

After scientifically testing 4 professional home coffee machines, PConline offers you conscientious recommendations on "How to Choose a Coffee Machine"!

1. The best coffee machine: Donlim DL-KF5700 coffee machine

Whether in the coffee extraction effect or the steam milk froth test, the Donlim DL-KF5700 professional-grade coffee machine has won our recognition with its outstanding performance, with an overall score of 88.5 points.

Among the four high-end household coffee machines, the coffee oil extraction effect of the Donlim DL-KF5700 coffee machine is the most beautiful and uniform, and the milk foam it produces is dense and delicate with few bubbles.

In addition, with its preferential price of 2,598 yuan, it beat other high-priced coffee machines and was finally rated by us as the "most worthwhile coffee machine".

2. Not recommended coffee machine: Huijia kd-270S coffee machine

Many people mistakenly believe that the more expensive the coffee machine, the better, which can reduce the risk of misjudgment in purchasing. In fact, after many scientific tests, Huijia kd-270S coffee machine needs to be improved in both heating and milk foaming effects, and the machine body is the most cumbersome among the four machines, and the home use experience is not good. In addition, the price of nearly 5,000 yuan only delivered mediocre results, which is enough to be rated as "not worth recommending coffee machine."

2. Home professional coffee machine purchasing guide: How to choose a coffee machine

1. Criteria for selecting a coffee machine

The price of a coffee machine is not cheap. When purchasing a coffee machine, we should avoid blindly following the trend. The most important criterion for purchasing a coffee machine is our own actual needs. We should first set an affordable budget range.

Then figure out whether you are just trying to get started for fun or have strict requirements on the taste and flavor of coffee. It is also important to know whether you are willing to spend time to study the craft of making coffee.

Different types of coffee machines have different characteristics. After you have a clear budget, you can choose the one based on your purpose of buying the coffee machine.

If you want to drink freshly ground coffee every day without any worries, you can buy a fully automatic espresso machine. But now takeaway coffee is becoming more and more popular. If your budget is insufficient, you can just order a cup of Starbucks, COSTA or Luckin Coffee.

If you don’t like takeaway coffee, you can try a capsule coffee machine, which has higher quality control and is simple and convenient.

As for how to choose a semi-automatic espresso machine, it is more complicated. After reading our evaluation, you will have the answer.

2. How we test coffee machines

The five key variables that affect coffee quality are grind, powder dosage, water temperature, pressure and extraction time during the production process.

Therefore, when choosing a semi-automatic espresso machine, there are naturally several key criteria: heating system, extraction system and steam system.

Too high or too low temperature will affect the quality of coffee. Therefore, the temperature control technology of the coffee machine is very important. Donlim DL-KF5700 coffee machine and Bofu S840 coffee machine both use PID electronic constant temperature technology, while Huijia and Tsannkuen each use their own precise temperature control technology and dual temperature control technology.

Regarding the temperature control technology, we are currently unable to verify whether it has reached the golden 92°C, but we can then evaluate these four high-end home professional coffee machines through two other key tests: the extraction system and the steam system!

(1) Extraction system test

In the extraction system test, we will test the preheating time, the time for the first coffee , and the total coffee extraction time of the four machines respectively.

Finally, we will record the coffee produced by the four coffee machines separately and test the temperature, quantity, oil thickness, color, bubbles and persistence of the four coffees.

(2) Steam system test

When we buy a coffee machine, it is often not just to drink a cup of espresso. More consumers hope to get a cup of high-quality base coffee (Espresso) while making more fancy coffees, such as latte, mocha, etc.

Therefore, making milk froth becomes an important part of this. We will test the preheating time and steam durability of the steam systems of 4 coffee machines respectively.

In addition, we will also test the time it takes for steam to rise from 0-65℃ . 65℃ is the most suitable temperature for making milk foam.

Finally, through actual milk foam making , we observed how the milk foam produced by 4 coffee machines was.

3

Comparison and test results of 4 professional home coffee machines - extraction system

3. Test results

In the evaluation results, we will give corresponding scores to the four high-end home professional coffee machines based on the results of each test item, and give the final score results based on the scores of each test item.

(1) Extraction system test results:

1. Warm-up time test

Summary: When making coffee, coffee lovers will preheat the machine first. The preheating time is inevitably related to the heating system of the coffee machine. The better the heating boiler of the coffee machine, the shorter the preheating time and the faster the heating can be achieved.

In the preheating time test, the preheating time of Bofu, Tsannkuen and Donlim is comparable, among which Bofu takes the shortest time, only 42 seconds, while Huijia takes the longest time, nearly two minutes to complete the preheating.

2. First coffee time test:

Summary: When using a professional coffee machine to make coffee, we will clearly see that the machine will pause for a short time before the coffee comes out. This is called the pre-soaking function. The pre-soaking function can make the oil extraction effect of coffee better. Pre-soaking can reduce the possibility of drainage and fine powder movement, making the oil more stable.

In terms of the time it takes to make coffee, Donlim takes the shortest time, while Huijia takes the longest, taking nearly half a minute.

3. Total coffee extraction time:

Summary: The total extraction time of the four coffee machines is similar, and all can complete a cup of coffee within 30 seconds. The closer to 25 seconds the better the coffee extraction time is. If you are making a single cup of coffee, it can be 2 seconds lower, and if you are making a double cup of coffee, it can be 2-3 seconds higher.

4. Grease effect test (thickness, color, bubbles, etc.)

No. 1 – Donlim DL-KF5700 coffee machine:

The coffee produced by Donlim coffee machine has no bubbles in the oil layer, and has a rich color and moderate thickness.

No. 2 – Tsannkuen TSK-1837B coffee machine:

The coffee oil layer of the Tsannkuen coffee machine contains more bubbles, which is the coffee with the most bubbles in the comparison of the coffees produced by the four coffee machines, and the color of the oil is uneven.

No. 3 - Huijia kd-270S coffee machine:

The coffee crema produced by Huijia coffee machine is also relatively uniform in color, but contains a few bubbles and has a full and moderate thickness.

No. 4 – Bofu BE-s840 coffee machine:

The coffee produced by the Platinum Coffee Machine has the worst crema effect, with obvious bubbles and uneven crema distribution.

5. Grease durability test: (check the effect every 5 minutes)

No. 1 – Donlim DL-KF5700 coffee machine:

No. 2 – Tsannkuen TSK-1837B coffee machine:

No. 3 - Huijia kd-270S coffee machine:

No. 4 – Bofu BE-s840 coffee machine:

Summary: Although the coffee crema produced by the four coffee machines is not the same, the crema durability is still good. After the coffee is made, we recorded their crema durability at intervals of 5 minutes, as shown in the comparison above.

Among them, except for the coffee produced by the Platinum BE-s840 coffee machine, which had obvious changes in the fat content, there was no obvious change in the coffee fat produced by the Donlim DL-KF5700 coffee machine, Tsannkuen TSK-1837B coffee machine and Huijia kd-270S coffee machine.

7. Temperature test of coffee in cup:

Summary: The temperature of the coffee in the cup also has a certain effect on the taste of the coffee. 70℃-80℃ is more suitable. The temperature of the coffee produced by the four coffee machines is good.

8. Coffee quantity test in cup:

Summary: We observed the portion sizes of 4 cups of coffee and found that the portions of coffee produced by the 4 coffee machines were all moderate, with no significant differences.

4

Comparison test results of 4 professional home coffee machines - steam system

(2) Steam system test results

After making a good cup of base coffee, making milk foam is another place for coffee lovers to show their skills. Coffee lovers can make different flavors of coffee such as cappuccino, mocha, latte, caramel macchiato, etc. according to their taste preferences.

The quality of the steam system is the key to whether a coffee machine can produce beautiful milk foam.

1. Steam preheating time test:

Summary: Judging from the preheating time alone, Huijia coffee machine can produce steam without preheating after turning on the steam function. However, Donlim, Tsannkuen and Bofu all need a certain amount of time to preheat the steam, among which Donlim takes the longest time, which is 28 seconds.

2. 0-65℃ time test:

Summary: The preheating time of steam is only a reference value for the operating experience. The key to whether you can make beautiful milk foam is whether the coffee machine can reach a steam temperature of 65°C. All four professional-grade home coffee machines achieved this in this test. However, the Donlim coffee machine took the shortest time. After preheating, it took only 7 seconds to reach the most suitable temperature for making milk foam.

3. Steam duration

During the test of the steam systems of four professional-grade household coffee machines priced between 2,500 and 6,000 yuan, the steam durability of all four coffee machines was good, and none of them got stuck midway.

Some entry-level coffee machines often have problems with insufficient steam power and short lasting steam, so professional-grade home coffee machines are more reliable!

4. Milk foam making

No. 1 – Donlim DL-KF5700 coffee machine:

No. 2 – Tsannkuen TSK-1837B coffee machine:

No. 3 - Huijia kd-270S coffee machine:

No. 4 – Bofu BE-s840 coffee machine:

Summary: The milk foam should be dense and smooth enough, with as little coarse foam as possible to be called beautiful milk foam. Among the milk foams made by the four coffee machines, the surface foam of Donlim is the least among the four machines, while that of Tsannkuen is the most.

Summary of test results:

5

4 high-end home professional coffee machines practical experience review

4. Other humanized design comments: (details, operation/cleaning experience)

For many coffee lovers, in addition to making a good cup of coffee, the user-friendly design of an excellent coffee machine is also very important. Therefore, we will also comment on the detailed design and operation/cleaning experience of 4 home-use coffee machines for your reference when purchasing a coffee machine.

Regarding the user-friendly design of coffee machines, many people focus on whether the coffee machine is easy to clean. If you spend a lot of money to buy a high-end coffee machine, but it is covered with stains and cannot be cleaned after a short time of use, I think this is something many coffee lovers don’t want to see.

No. 1 – Donlim DL-KF5700 coffee machine:

When choosing a coffee machine, the metal body material can not only reduce daily wear and tear, but also it is easier to clean. When we use the Donlim coffee machine, the streamlined one-piece aluminum casting design is very convenient to wipe and clean.

There is also a filter device in the water tank. In addition, when we use it, there are also user-friendly designs such as custom cup volume settings, missing alarm prompts, automatic shutdown after half an hour of unattended operation, and water tray full water prompts. It is simply high-end and considerate in every detail.

No. 2 – Tsannkuen TSK-1837B coffee machine:

The stainless steel design of Tsannkuen is also easy to wipe, but the lines of the overall design are too obvious, which is easy to hide dirt. And it is the only one of the four coffee machines that is not equipped with a water tank filter, which makes it slightly inferior in terms of experience.

In other aspects, Tsannkuen also has its own characteristics. Tsannkuen TSK-1837B has triple safety protection, which can prevent dry burning, leakage and automatic pressure relief. There is no need to worry about safety accidents when using the machine!

No. 3 - Huijia kd-270S coffee machine:

This Huijia coffee machine is the heaviest among the four machines and the most difficult to move. If the water tank is full of water, it takes two people to move it. But in terms of cleaning performance, it is still excellent enough.

Moreover, Huijia uses a dual instrument display, which can not only show the extraction pressure, but also the temperature changes of the milk foam. The steam pipe is equipped with a built-in temperature sensor.

No. 4 – Bofu BE-s840 coffee machine:

The overall design of this Bofu coffee machine is very compact. The whole machine is small and light. Even the powder tamping hammer can be attached to the machine without taking up space.

In terms of cleaning, the matte texture design is not easy to scratch, and the detachable water tray is also easy to clean.

But other than that, there are no other highlights in terms of human design.

3. Home Appliances Q&A: What Netizens Are Most Concerned About Home Professional Coffee Machines

1. How to make coffee at home

The art of making coffee at home is worth a lifetime of study. In addition to a professional home coffee machine, it also requires solid knowledge, the ability to distinguish what are high-quality ingredients, and diligent practice of brewing skills.

After reading this, you may have mastered how to choose a professional home coffee machine that suits you, but this is not enough. You also need to know about grinders, understand different ways of brewing coffee, and understand what is good coffee. For more content, please check out the PConline Coffee Skills Science column. Click me to learn more.

Final Thoughts

I have personally tested 4 professional home coffee machines ranging from RMB 2,500 to RMB 6,000. Which one is the most worth buying? I believe you will have the answer in your mind after reading this article.

The Donlim DL-KF5700 coffee machine was rated as "the most worthwhile professional coffee machine for home use" due to its affordable price and excellent performance in tests of both the extraction system and the steam system.

Many people mistakenly believe that the more expensive the coffee machine, the better, but they don’t know that good products need to be “sought out”. The Huijia kd-270S coffee machine needs to be improved in terms of both heating and milk frothing. In addition, at a price of nearly 5,000 yuan, it only produces “ordinary” results, and was ultimately rated as a “not recommended professional home coffee machine.”

Today is the romantic Valentine's Day, but after spending time with your partner, a coffee machine is still an excellent "social tool", whether you are a family sharing a wonderful breakfast time, or having a party with friends at home, or having a cup of coffee to refresh yourself during your free time at work, an excellent professional home coffee machine can put you in a good mood, and bring you warm family, friendship, love, and a new life with higher taste, higher quality, more refinement and more romance.