How to Choose the Best Coffee Machines

Whether you're looking for a basic filter machine or a coffee pod, capsule brewer or espresso maker, there's the right model for your needs. Prices start around PS50.

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

Manual

For those who like to take full control of the process, a manual machine is the best home coffee Machine option. They allow you to manually control a mechanical piston, which results in a precise amount of pressure and extraction. This kind of machine requires more experience and skill to operate, but many coffee drinkers find it worth the effort.

Manual coffee machines coffee are usually made from high-quality materials and can last for a long time without any major maintenance requirement. These machines come with a range of accessories like a portafilter, filter, measuring cup, tamper, and funnel. They can be used with either ground or pod coffee, and can be used to make cappuccinos, lattes, macchiatos, and many more. Some manual coffee machines have a traditional steam arm for drinks made with milk, whereas others feature a nozzle that distributes water over the grounds.

The majority of manual coffee machines employ a separate kettle to heat water that is then poured over the grounds in the chamber that is used for brewing. The user then presses or raises a lever to activate pistons that force the hot water into the cup. This type of machine doesn't have the same precision or accuracy in temperature control as a fully automated or semi-automatic coffee maker. You may have to test your perfect 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 and restaurants as well as bed and breakfasts and farmhouses. They are usually small, compact, and efficient, taking up only the smallest amount of counter space. They are also less costly than other coffee machines and can be easily repaired or replaced.

These machines are typically constructed with durable materials, such as chrome and brass. Some are made by hand and can bring a touch of elegance to your kitchen design. They are also often easy to clean. Some are available in a variety of colors and will match the design of any kitchen. They are easier to use than a fully automated or semiautomatic coffee machine, and they produce delicious coffee.

Semiautomatic

Semi-automatic machines are a good compromise for espresso lovers who don't want control over all the variables involved in brewing the perfect shot. These models start to take over some of the tasks involved in making espresso, including steaming milk and pre-infusion. But, you'll have the option of tailoring your drinks to your personal preferences.

One of the top semi-automatic coffee makers available on the market is made by Breville, a company known for its wide selection of kitchen appliances. The Infuser is a versatile model that lets you make cappuccino, espresso and lattes with the click of the button. The machine is able to automatically pour the right amount of water for each drink. Its built-in burr grind adjusts the size of the grind to accommodate different extraction levels or beans. The Infuser's slim, sleek design and easy-to-use controls makes it a perfect choice for people with small counter space.

The Dedica espresso machine is a top-rated model from Breville. The 15 bar pump can make a fantastic espresso shot. Its commercial construction will last for many years. The Dedica has a removable milk tank as well as the frothing tool, which can be used to make lattes or cappuccinos.

If you are looking for a semi-automatic coffee maker that provides even more hands-free convenience, look no further than an automatic. These machines are a step above regular automatics, and can be programmed to adjust the coffee sizes, automatically grinding beans, and often measuring and tamping automatically for you. These machines scored the top in our Lab Tests due to their all-in-one functionality and ease of use.

If you're looking for a machine that does it all, consider the Philips Dinamica. It comes with a large, intuitive touchscreen interface that lets you select 16 different drinks including latte, cappuccino, and black coffee. It grinds whole coffee beans to match your drink preference and even save your preferred settings, meaning you can skip selecting the menu completely. Its advanced features include a removable water tank equipped with a built-in water softness tester and an AquaClean filter that reduces the build-up of scale and ensures that your machine always produces the highest quality fresh coffee maker.

Fully automated

A fully automated coffee machine offers an excellent, smooth cup of coffee at the touch of an button. It's an ideal choice for busy homes and offices, and can be used to brew filter coffee and espresso-based drinks. Many models also have automatic milk frothing that lets you enjoy cafe style coffees like cappuccino or latte. Some models can even be programmed that allows you to choose your preferred drink ahead of time. These machines are ideal for anyone who needs to work at multiple times, since they let you work while coffee is being made.

They are also well-liked in coffee shops that are commercial, as they can be used to make a variety of drinks in one go. These are more expensive than semi-automatic models. However, the convenience provided by a fully-automated coffee maker might be worth the extra cost for some.

The Mcilpoog WS-203 Super-Automatic Espresso and Coffee Machine is a premium coffee machine that is highly customizable that gives you the experience of a top cafe in the comfort of your home. It's easy to use, and comes with a touch screen display which makes coffee making as easy as just three steps. It comes with a steel burr grinder that is adjusted and programmable so you can alter the coffee to meet your needs.

Another option for busy households is the De'Longhi ECAM35020W Dinamica Automatic Coffee and Espresso Machine. The coffee machine has a quick heating time and is equipped with a milk frother as well as an adjustable steel burr mill to make espresso and coffee-based drinks. It can also make a variety of coffee types, including filter and iced coffee.

This is an affordable and versatile Nespresso compatible machine that's perfect for an elegant, well-equipped home. It comes with a large 1.7L water tank and a coffee bean container capacity, and has a quick, quiet heating system that makes a quick and delicious cup of coffee every time. It's also extremely simple to use, with user profiles that automatically prioritise your favourite drinks, and are only a tap away.

Super-automatic

These models are a step higher than semi-automatic machines. They grind, dose, pull the shot, and froth milk with a touch of the button. They are the ultimate choice for coffee lovers who wish to enjoy the wide variety of drinks and appreciate the ease of not having to make them one at a go as in a manual or automatic model.

An excellent example is the Gaggia Velasca Prestige which combines a high-quality brewing machine with an automated milk frothing system to make the perfect cappuccino, latte, or macchiato. It is programmable so you can customize it to meet your specific requirements and save your settings. A bypass doser is included in many of these machines which enables the use of pre-ground coffee instead of the beans that are stored in the bean hopper. This is which is a great feature for guests or when you need to change to a different kind of beans.

Magnifica Evo, a fully automatic machine is also a favorite because of its versatility and ease of use. It offers seven one-touch recipe options with easy-to-read color icons, ranging from Espresso to Latte Macchiato. It also has the capability to save six user profiles, so everyone can have their favorite drink brewed at the touch of one button. This machine also includes a ceramic burr grinder, which is the optimum choice for longevity and performance.

Another model made in Switzerland to think about is the Jura ENA 4. It has a sleek, understated design and a large bean box and water tank capacity, which makes it perfect for commercial use. It features an advanced system for brewing and an amazing Aroma G3 grinder. You'll enjoy some of the best espresso and coffee you've ever had.

The Philips 3200 LatteGo has a smaller design than the other coffee machines that are super-automatic on this list, yet can provide a top-quality cup of coffee. It can produce up to 5000 coffee machines for home cups before it has to be descaled. It is ideal for busy households. It also has an integrated grinder that can be set to 13 settings.