How to Choose the Best Home Coffee Machine

The best small espresso machine home coffee machine will complement your style of brewing and work well in your kitchen. The most important considerations are size, capacity, and design.

This espresso maker for prosumers awed us by its speed, precision and user-friendliness. The Sage Bambino heats up quickly and efficiently, steams powerfully milk, and makes excellent 19-bar extractions.

Pod (or Capsule) Machines

If you prefer the speed and simplicity of making coffee from pre-ground pods, a pod machine is a great option. These machines eliminate the mess of brewing by eliminating the need for portafilters as well as complicated burr grinders that must be cleaned regularly to eliminate coffee oils. These machines require less maintenance. Regular cleaning and descaling reservoirs of water is a good idea.

These types of brewers have their limitations, however. They generally only work with specific types of coffee pods, which are typically in the K-Cup, Nespresso capsule or ESE (easy-serve espresso) formats. This is not an issue if the coffee is from the same brand, but it could be a problem when you want to try a variety.

Another drawback of pod machines is that they tend to have smaller water tanks and are generally less durable than best bean to cup espresso machine-to-cup models. They also take longer to brew, which might not be a problem when you're in a hurry in the morning, but it can be a pain when you're planning a long day at work.

Take into consideration the size of your bar prior to purchasing a pod machine. Some are slimmer and can be tucked away between other appliances. Also, consider how much you're willing spend and the drink options that you'd like to be able to create. Our former director of ecommerce Louise keeps her caffeine intake affordable by using the Nespresso Vertuo Next. It allows her to make both long and short espresso shots, and includes a milk frother.

This sleek, elegant pod-machine offers both high-end and low-maintenance. It's not inexpensive, but it's a chic addition to any kitchen. The sleek stainless steel design will be noticed on your counter. It's capable of making five different drinks simply by pressing a button. Each capsule is marked with an individual barcode on the underside that the machine reads to decide on the beverage to serve. It's a great choice for those who are environmentally conscious, since the capsules break down and decompose quickly. The reusable mug also makes it a viable option.

Manual Espresso Machines

Manual machines can be a fun and hands-on method of learning the art of brewing espresso. They are more time-consuming than automated espresso machines however, if you have the patience and skills to use them, they can make premium drinks that are tailored to your tastes. They are also more durable and come with designs that can stand up to the most rigorous use than other kinds of.

Manual espresso machines aren't as easy to use as automated ones, they are often lacking precise temperature control. It can be difficult to produce consistent, high-quality espresso shots. The top manual espresso machines have steep learning curves, and can be costly to purchase and maintain.

If you're a coffee aficionado looking to explore the world of manual espresso, consider a newer machine designed to be as user-friendly as you can. Some models include an integrated grinder and steamer for milk, making them relatively easy to operate for novice coffee drinkers. Some models come with a reservoir that is removable, making it easier to refill and clean. Some are programmable and allow you to set the time for the brew cycle to begin before you awaken.

Some manual espresso machines can be quite large and are an ideal choice for larger households or coffee carts. Some are smaller and require less counter space. When deciding on the size of your machine you should also take into consideration how many people will be using it at the same time. Consider a larger machine if you have more than one roommate or family member who enjoys brewing espresso.

Some of the most affordable espresso machines have a programmable frother which can heat milk automatically and froth it until you get the desired consistency. This kind of machine works well for cappuccinos, lattes and is also suitable for people who have sensitive teeth. It's important to remember that this kind of machine may not be suitable for those who prefer a larger cup of espresso, since it produces less foam than other types of espresso makers.

Automatic Espresso Machines

In this category you'll find fully automated espresso machines that control the entire brewing process, from grinding to extraction. They are simple to use and require only minimal maintenance, other than cleaning and descaling. They are ideal for those who don't want to get their hands dirty or have limited countertop space for a fully-sized coffee and espresso maker.

The best coffee machine under 100 of these models are highly programmable and come with settings for various drinks that you can save into "user profiles." They're also more likely to be Wi-Fi enabled which means you can control them via your smartphone. But all that automation and programmability is at the price of a premium: You'll need to pay more for these devices than semi-automatic or manual alternatives.

One of our favorite automatic espresso makers is the stylish Eveversys Cameo. It's a sleek and visually pleasing machine that occupies a small space on your countertop. It also scores 5/5 in our rating for ease of use - second only to Miele. It's a high-output unit with three different grinding hoppers and hoppers. You can select which one you wish to use by using the touchscreen display. It's simple to use and self-monitoring, so you don't have to fiddle with buttons or knobs.

Another option in this category is the Cuisinart Spinn. The small pill-shaped machine utilizes centrifugal force to brew espresso, which is distinct from the traditional method of pushing water through the grounds. It can create a variety of beverages, including cappuccino as well as Latte, with a bit of practice. This machine was tested in the Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab of the Good Housekeeping Institute, and received a perfect 5 on our test for ease-of-use. It's also a tiny appliance according to espresso maker standards, so it's not going to take up much space on your counter.

It's worth exploring several different kinds to find one that fits your preferences, budget, and the space available. You should also take into consideration aesthetics. You'll want to choose something that blends in with your best home espresso machine decor, and even your coffee machine. And don't forget to measure your countertop to make sure that the machine you pick will fit.

Pour-Over Machines

Pour-over machines are an excellent alternative if you want complete control over your coffee brewing. Pour-over devices such as the Hario V60 or Chemex Funnex permit you to alter a variety of variables (coffee to water ratio filter, brewing time, etc.) and allow for a customized brew. They also tend to produce more vivid flavors and aromas than drip machines with automatic controls.

Pour-over brewers are made to produce high-quality results. They have a thermometer that determines the temperature of the water to the nearest degree, and a pressure gauge that informs you when the desired amount of water that has been brewed is poured. They come with a portafilter that is large enough to accommodate the standard coffee mug and offer enough space between the portafilter and the drip tray to ensure you can pour your brew directly into your cup of coffee.

They also come with a reusable charcoal filter to eliminate impurities from the water. This is essential since coffee makers with filters that aren't of the highest quality can leave a bitter taste on your cup. The top pour-over coffee makers are made from materials that can be cleaned in the dishwasher, and don't retain or leak coffee smells.

A good pour-over should be easy to clean and should be enjoyable to use. The majority of models were easy to use and comfortable to hold in one hand. They also had the right size and form for a kitchen countertop. Some of the most basic, such as the Zojirushi Zutto, even has tiny footprints which makes it perfect for small spaces. Some, like the Melitta Cafe filter, come with a hand that can be removed, which makes it easier for you to remove and replace filters.

Philips 3200 Series is another model we like because it has a simple display and a built-in grinder. It can brew espresso, Americanos, and black coffee with a push of a button and has an attached steam wand to make cappuccinos and lattes. This model also has various settings that can be customized including different sizes for beverages and strengths, and it can start brewing up to 24 hours ahead of time.