How to Choose the Best Coffee Machines

Whether you're in search of a basic filter machine, a coffee pod or capsule brewer, or an espresso maker, there's a model here to suit your needs. Prices start at around PS50.

These brewers utilize pre-measured pods, which offer convenience as well as consistency and easy-to-use without hands. They also tend to be top performers in our Lab tests.

Manual

For espresso lovers who prefer to be in complete control of the process, a manual machine is the best option. These machines let you manually control a mechanical piston operation, which produces the exact amount of pressure and extraction. This type of machine requires a bit more experience and skill to operate than other types but a lot of people who drink coffee say it is worth the effort.

Manual coffee machines are made of high-quality materials and will last for a long time without maintenance. They also come with a range of accessories, including filters and portafilters along with measuring cup, tamper, and funnel. They can be used to make cappuccinos or other drinks using ground or pod coffee. Some manual coffee machines have a steam arm that is used to make milk-based drinks. Some have a nozzle which distributes water on the grounds.

Most manual coffee machines boil the water in a separate kettle, and then pour it over the grounds inside the chamber of brewing. The user then raises or depresses the lever or hand to turn on a piston that pushes the hot water through the grounds and into the cup below. This type of coffee machine isn't as precise or precise in its temperature control as fully automated or semi-automatic coffee maker, and you may need to play with various techniques to find the ideal espresso flavor.

While some manual coffee machines are built to be used at home, the majority are designed for businesses in the hospitality industry, such as hotels or restaurants or bed and breakfasts and farmhouses. They are compact coffee machines efficient, reliable and require little counter space. They are also less expensive than other coffee makers and can be easily repaired or replaced.

These machines are typically made from durable materials, including brass and chrome. Some are handcrafted and add a touch elegance to the kitchen layout. They are also usually easy to clean. Some are available in a wide range of colors and will match the aesthetic of any kitchen. They are more user-friendly than a fully automatic or semiautomatic coffee machine, and they produce delicious coffee.

Semiautomatic

For the person who does not want to be in complete control of all factors involved in making the perfect shot, semi-automatic machines are a comfortable compromise. They begin to take on some of the tasks involved in making an espresso, like steaming milk and pre-infusion. However, you'll still have the option of tailoring your beverage to your personal preferences.

One of the best semi automatic coffee makers on the market comes from Breville, a brand known for a wide variety of kitchen appliances. The Infuser is an extremely versatile model that allows you to make cappuccino, lattes and espresso with just a push of a single button. It also automatically dispensates the correct amount of water for each drink and its built-in burr grinder automatically adjusts the grind size to accommodate different beans and extraction levels. The Infuser's sleek, compact design and easy-to-use controls makes it an ideal choice for those with small counter space.

The Dedica espresso machine is another top-rated model from Breville. The 15 bar pump will make a fantastic espresso shot. Its commercial construction will last for years. The Dedica also comes with a removable milk reservoir and an ice-making wand that can be used to make cappuccinos as well as lattes.

Super-automatics are a great option for semi-automatic coffee makers. They offer more convenience and can be operated without any involvement from you. These machines go one step above standard automatics by offering programmable coffee sizes, automatically grinding beans, and frequently measuring and automatic coffee makers tamping them for you. These machines scored the top in our Lab Tests due to their all-in-one functionality and ease of use.

The Philips Dinamica is a super-automatic machine that can handle everything. It has a huge touchscreen with 16 different drinks including cappuccino and latte. It grinds whole coffee beans to match your drink preference and can even store your preferred settings, so you can avoid the menu completely. The top-of-the-line features of this machine include a removable tank with an integrated test of water hardness and an AquaClean Filter that helps reduce scale and ensures you always get the best cup of coffee.

Fully automatic

A fully automated machine will give you a rich and smooth cup of coffee with the push of one button. This is an excellent choice for busy offices or homes since it can brew both espresso and filter coffee. Some models also feature automatic milk frothing to let you enjoy cafe-style coffees, such as cappuccino and Latte. Certain models let you set your preferred drink in advance. These machines are ideal for anyone who needs to work at multiple times, since they let you continue working while your coffee is brewing.

These machines are also very popular in coffee shops that are commercial as they can brew several different beverages at the same time. However, these are usually more expensive than their semi-automatic counterparts. Some individuals may decide that the convenience of a fully-automatic coffee maker is worth the extra cost.

The Mcilpoog WS203 Super-Automatic Espresso Machine and Coffee Maker is a high-end, highly configurable coffee machine that provides the quality of a top cafe at home. The touchscreen display makes it easy to use. It only takes three steps to make coffee. It comes with a steel burr grinder that is adjustable and programmed so that you can tailor your coffee to meet your needs.

De'Longhi ECAM35020W Dinamica Automatic Coffee and Espresso Machine is another excellent option for busy households. This coffee machine has a quick heating time and is equipped with a milk frother and an adjustable steel burr mill to make espresso and coffee-based drinks. It is also able to make a variety of coffee flavors such as iced and filter coffee.

This is an affordable and versatile Nespresso compatible machine that's ideal for an elegant, well-equipped home. It comes with a huge 1.7L tank and a coffee box capacity. It also features an extremely quiet and quick heating system that ensures a delicious cup of coffee throughout the day. It's easy to use, with user profiles that will automatically prioritize each user's preferred drinks and are just one tap away.

Super-automatic

A step over semi-automatic machines these models grind and dose, take a shot, Automatic Coffee Makers and then make your milk frothy at the push of the button. These machines are perfect for coffee drinkers who want to enjoy different drinks at once and appreciate the convenience.

The Gaggia Velasca Prestige is a perfect example. It combines a top quality brewing machine with an automated milk frothing system to create the perfect cappuccino or the perfect latte. The machine's programmability means you can tailor it to your specific requirements and save your settings for next time. A lot of these machines come with a bypass doser that allows you to use pre-ground beans instead of the beans that are in the bean hopper. This is an excellent feature for guests or if you wish to switch from one kind of coffee to another.

The DeLonghi Magnifica Evo Fully-Automatic machine is a popular choice for its versatility and user-friendliness. It comes with seven recipes that can be brewed in one touch with easy to read color icons for everything from Espresso to a Latte Macchiato. It also allows you to save six user profiles so that everyone can enjoy their favorite beverage brewed at the touch of a button. This machine also includes a ceramic burr grinder, which is the best option for durability and performance.

The Jura ENA 4 is another model made in Switzerland that you must think about. It is an elegant and minimalist design, a large bean box and water tank capacity making it ideal for commercial use. It comes with a sophisticated coffee brewing system as well as the amazing Aroma G3 grinder. This makes the best espresso and coffee you'll ever taste.

The Philips 3200 LatteGo has a slightly smaller build than the other coffee machines that are super-automatic in this list, but is able to provide a high-quality cup of coffee. It can produce up to 5000 cups before needing to be descaled, which is ideal for homes with a busy schedule. It also includes a built-in burr grinder which has 13 settings to give you plenty of scope for personalization.