How to Choose the Best Coffee Machines

If 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 requirements. Prices start at PS50.

Brewers that are brewers with these features provide ease of use, consistency, and hands-off convenience. They also perform well in our Lab tests.

Manual

A manual machine is a great option for those who want to be in control. These machines allow you to manually control a mechanical piston operation, which results in an exact amount of pressure and extraction. This kind of coffee machine requires a little more experience and skill to operate than other models however, many coffee drinkers believe it's worth the effort.

These manual coffee machines are constructed of top-quality materials and will last for many years without maintenance. They also come with a variety of accessories, including filters and portsafilters along with a measuring cup, tamper and funnel. They can be used with either pod or ground coffee, and they can create lattes, cappuccinos and macchiatos, and many more. Some manual coffee machines come with a traditional steam arm for milk-based drinks, while others have a nozzle that distributes water over the grounds.

Most manual coffee machines use a kettle that is used to warm water that is then poured over the grounds in the chamber for brewing. The user then pushes or raises a lever or hand to trigger an engine that pushes hot water through the grounds before it is poured into the cup below. This type of machine does not have the same precision or accuracy in temperature control as a fully automated or semi-automatic coffee maker. You may need to play around to find the ideal espresso taste.

While some manual coffee machines are built for home use, the majority are designed for businesses in the hospitality industry, such as hotels or restaurants, bed and breakfasts, and farmhouses. They are small and efficient and occupy a small counter space. They are also less expensive than other types of machines and can easily be repaired or replaced.

These machines are typically made out of tough materials like chrome and brass. Some are even handmade and can provide a touch of luxury to the kitchen design. They are also generally easy to clean. They are available in a variety of colors that can be matched to the decor of any kitchen. They are generally more simple to use than a semi-automatic or fully automated coffee maker and can make excellent, high-quality coffee.

Semiautomatic

For the espresso lover who doesn't wish to be in total control of all of the variables involved in making a perfect shot, semi-automatic machines offer an acceptable compromise. These machines begin automatizing some of the steps involved in making espresso, including steaming milk and preinfusion. However, you'll still have a variety of options to tailor your beverage to your own personal tastes.

One of the most reliable semi-automatic coffee makers available on the market comes from Breville, a name that is well-known for its wide range of kitchen appliances. The Infuser is a multi-functional model that lets you make cappuccino, espresso, and lattes at the touch of the button. The machine will automatically disperse the right amount of water for each drink. Its built-in burr grind adjusts the size of the grind to accommodate different beans or extraction levels. The Infuser's sleek, compact design and user-friendly controls make it a perfect choice for those with limited counter space.

Another top-rated model from Breville is the Dedica espresso machine. The 15 bar pump will make a fantastic espresso shot. Its commercial design will last for many years. The Dedica has a removable milk tank and a frothing tool that can be used for cappuccinos or lattes.

Super-automatics are an excellent choice for a semi-automatic coffee maker. They provide even more convenience and can be operated without any involvement from you. These machines are a step up from standard automatics, offering programmable coffee sizes, automatically grinding beans, and often measuring and tamping for you. These machines ranked the highest in our Lab Tests due to their all-in-one features and user-friendliness.

The Philips Dinamica is a super-automatic machine that can handle everything. This model features a large touchscreen with 16 drinks to choose from including cappuccino and latte. It automatically grinds whole beans to match the selection of beverages, and it can even save your preferred settings, so you don't have to go through the menu of choices completely. The top-of-the-line features of this machine include a movable tank with an integrated water hardness test and an AquaClean Filter that helps reduce scale and ensures you always get the best cup of coffee.

Fully automatic

A fully automatic machine will give you a rich and smooth cup of coffee at the push of one button. It's an ideal choice for busy homes or offices and is able to brew both espresso-based drinks and filter coffee. Many models also have automatic milk frothing to let you enjoy cafe style coffees such as cappuccino or latte. Certain models let you program your favorite drink in advance. These machines are great for anyone who needs to be multi-tasking, since they let you continue working while your coffee is brewing.

They are also well-liked in coffee shops that are commercial because they can make a variety of drinks in one go. These are more expensive than semi-automatic ones. However, the convenience offered by a fully automatic coffee maker might be worth the extra cost for a few people.

The Mcilpoog WS203 Super-Automatic Espresso Machine and [Redirect-Meta-0] Coffee Maker is a premium coffee maker with a high-quality, highly-customizable design that offers the same quality as the best cafes in your home. The touch screen display makes it easy to use. It takes just three steps to make coffee. It comes with a stainless steel burr grinder that can be adjusted and programmable settings so you can tailor your espresso to suit your preferences.

Another option that is ideal for busy homes is the De'Longhi ECAM35020W Dinamica Automatic Coffee and Espresso Machine. This coffee maker has a quick heating time and is equipped with a milk frother as well as an adjustable burr mill made of steel to make espresso and coffee-based drinks. It can also produce a wide range of coffee types that include iced and filter coffee.

This is a surprisingly versatile and affordable Nespresso-compatible machine that is ideal for the modern, well-equipped kitchen. It has a large 1.7L tank and coffee box capacity. It also has an efficient, quiet heating system to ensure a delicious cup of coffee at all times. It is also incredibly simple to use and comes with user profiles that automatically prioritise each person's favourite drinks so they are just one tap away.

Super-automatic

These models are a step up from semi-automatic machines. They grind or dose, pull the shot, and froth milk at the touch a button. These machines are ideal for coffee lovers that want to enjoy different drinks at the same time and appreciate the convenience.

The Gaggia Velasca Prestige is a great example. It combines a high quality brewing machine with an automated milk frothing system to make the perfect cappuccino or latte. This machine is programmable, so you can customize it to meet your exact requirements and save the settings. A bypass doser comes standard with many of these machines, allowing you to use pre-ground coffee in place of the beans in the bean hopper. This is which is a great feature for guests or when you need to switch to a different type of beans.

The Magnifica Evo fully automated machine is also a popular choice due to its versatility and user-friendly coffee machines. It comes with seven recipes that can be brewed in one touch with easy to read colored icons for everything from Espresso to a Latte Macchiato. It also allows you to save six profiles of users so that everyone can enjoy their preferred beverage brewed at the touch of a button. This machine includes a ceramic grinder that is the best option for durability and performance.

Another model made in Switzerland to think about is the Jura ENA 4. It is sleek and minimal design, a large bean box and water tank capacity, making it ideal for commercial use. It comes with a sophisticated system for brewing and an amazing Aroma G3 grinder. This gives you some of the best espresso and coffee you'll ever have.

The Philips 3200 LatteGo is a slightly smaller than other super-automatic machines on this list but still delivers an excellent cup. This machine can make up to 5000 cups before it needs to be descaled, which is ideal for homes with a busy schedule. It also comes with a built-in grinder that has 13 settings.