Method of preparing milk and coffee drinks (cappuccino, latte, latte macchiato, etc. - see “Preset programs”) provided in the coffee maker. The differences between the methods lie primarily in the method of preparing milk froth:
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Manual. With this method, the customer must independently froth the milk - the coffee maker only provides the hot steam under pressure necessary for this. Steam is supplied through a tube, which usually has a special “panarello” nozzle - it makes it easier to whip up the foam. Occasionally there are models without such an attachment, with a “bare” tube - they are designed mainly for professionals. Manual systems are simple and inexpensive in themselves, and they also provide a certain “freedom of imagination”, allowing you to experiment with the cooking process; however, using such systems requires some skill.
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Semi-automatic. This method involves the presence of a separate spout from which milk foam is dispensed. The coffee maker prepares this foam on its own, drawing milk from an external vessel through a special tube (however, there are also models with a built-in milk reservoir). When using such a device, you first need to make espresso, and then move the cup under the “milk” spout and press the foam button (or in the reverse order if you are preparing a latte macchiato). The spouts can be located next to each other - then there is no need to move the cup;
...however, coffee and foam are still prepared separately in such devices. However, this method is still noticeably simpler and faster than manual.
— Automatic. The most automated cooking process, allowing you to get drinks with milk foam literally in one click: just put the cup under the spout, turn on the program - and the coffee maker will automatically dispense a portion of espresso and the required amount of foam. As a rule, such models are equipped with their own milk tank (see below). This method is the most convenient, but it is worth remembering that different recipes require a different order of ingredients: for example, when preparing latte and cappuccino, milk is added to the coffee, when preparing latte macchiato, vice versa. At the same time, not all automatic coffee makers have the ability to choose the order; This nuance should be clarified before purchasing.
— Automatic and manual. Some advanced models of coffee makers provide both methods for preparing milk drinks, thereby providing flexibility in choosing an approach. A manual milk frother may be preferable if you want to have more control over the process, while an automatic one is a convenient option for those who appreciate ease of use.
There are also coffee makers without a milk frother. Due to the specifics of their work, they significantly save time on preparing drinks and do not require careful maintenance. The system of such coffee makers does not have a milk tract, which requires close attention in terms of regular and labor-intensive maintenance. Models without the function of preparing cappuccino and other coffee and milk drinks are well suited for office premises and public places.
