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 requirements. Prices start at PS50.

These brewers offer the convenience, consistency, and hands-off simplicity. These brewers also tend to score high in our Lab tests.

Manual

For those who like to be in complete control of the process using a manual machine is an ideal choice. These machines allow the user to manually operate an operation that uses a mechanical piston. This results in a precise pressure and extraction. This kind of coffee machine requires a little more skill and experience to operate than other kinds however, many coffee drinkers say that it is worth the effort.

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

The majority of manual coffee machines employ an additional kettle to heat water, which is then poured over the coffee grounds in the chamber that is used for brewing. The user then presses or raises a lever or hand to turn on a piston that pushes the hot water through the grounds before it is poured 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 might have to play with various techniques to find the ideal espresso taste.

While some manual coffee machines are made to be used at home, the majority are designed for hospitality businesses such as hotels and restaurants as well as bed and breakfasts and farmhouses. They are small efficient, reliable, and take up little counter space. They are also less expensive than other models of machines, and they can easily be repaired or replaced.

They are typically constructed of durable materials like chrome and brass. Some are handmade and can bring a touch of elegance to your kitchen design. They are also usually easy to clean. They are available in a variety of colors that can be matched to the style of any kitchen. They are generally easier to use than a fully automated coffee maker and can make excellent, high-quality Professional Coffee Machines.

Semiautomatic

Semi-automatic machines are a great alternative for those who don't want to manage all the variables that go into making the perfect shot. These machines begin automatizing certain steps in making espresso, such as steaming milk and preinfusion. You'll still have the option to alter the drinks to meet your preferences.

One of the most reliable semi-automatic coffee makers that are available is from Breville, a company known for its wide range of kitchen appliances. The Infuser is an extremely versatile model that allows you to make cappuccino, lattes and espresso with just a click of a button. The machine automatically dispenses 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 is a great option for those with limited counter space due to its slim, sleek design. It also comes with easy-to-use controls.

Another top-rated model from Breville is the Dedica espresso machine. Its 15 bar pump is more than enough to extract a quality espresso shot and its commercial design is built to last. The Dedica has a removable milk tank and the frothing tool, which can be used to make lattes or cappuccinos.

Super-automatics are a great choice for a semi-automatic coffee maker. They offer more convenience and can be operated with no involvement. These machines are a step up from standard automatics, offering programmable coffee size, automatic grinding beans, and usually measuring and tamping on your behalf. These machines scored the highest in our Lab Tests for their all-in-one capabilities and ease of use.

The Philips Dinamica is a super-automatic machine that can do it all. It comes with a large intuitive touchscreen interface that lets you choose 16 different beverages, including cappuccino, latte 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 altogether. The advanced features of this machine include a detachable tank with an integrated test for water hardness and an AquaClean filter that reduces scale and ensures that you always get the best cup of coffee.

Fully automated

A fully automated machine can provide you with a smooth and rich cup of coffee at the touch of a button. This is a great choice for busy homes or offices, as it can brew both espresso and coffee combo machines and filter coffee. Many models also have automatic milk frothing to let you enjoy cafe-style coffees like cappuccino or latte. Certain models let you make your drink of choice in advance. These machines are perfect for those who need to work at multiple times, since they let you work while your coffee is brewing.

They are also popular in commercial coffee shops because they can prepare a variety of drinks in one go. These are more expensive than semi-automatic models. However, the convenience provided by a fully automatic coffee maker might be worth the extra cost for a few people.

The Mcilpoog WS-203 Super-Automatic Espresso and Coffee Machine is a top coffee machine that is highly customizable that gives you the experience of a top-quality cafe, all from your home. The touch screen display makes it easy to use. It takes just three steps to make coffee. It is also equipped with a movable steel burr grinder as well as customizable settings, meaning you can customize your espresso to your own preferences.

Another option that is ideal for busy households is the De'Longhi ECAM35020W Dinamica Automatic Coffee and Espresso Machine. This coffee machine has a fast 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 is also able to create a wide variety of coffee types such as iced and filter coffee.

This is an affordable and versatile Nespresso compatible machine that's perfect for a modern, well-equipped house. It has a huge 1.7L water tank as well as a coffee bean container capacity, and features a fast, quiet heating system to make a swift and professional coffee machines delicious cup of coffee every time. It's easy to use thanks to user profiles that will automatically make sure that the drinks of each user are prioritized which means they are just an easy tap away.

Super-automatic

These models are a step up from semi automatic machines. They grind and dose, take the shot, and froth milk at the touch a button. They are the ideal choice for coffee lovers who want to enjoy the wide variety of beverages and appreciate the convenience of not having to make each one at a time as in a manual or automatic model.

A good example is the Gaggia Velasca Prestige which combines the highest-quality brewing equipment with an automatic milk frothing mechanism to create the perfect cappuccino, latte, or macchiato. The programmability of this machine means you can tailor it to your specific requirements and save your settings for next time. A bypass doser is common to these machines that allow the use of pre-ground coffee in place of the beans that are stored in the bean hopper. This is an ideal feature for guests or if you want to switch to a different variety of beans.

The Magnifica Evo fully automated machine is also a top choice due to its versatility and user-friendly. It has seven one-touch recipes that have easy-to-read color icons, ranging from Espresso to Latte Macchiato. It also has the ability to save six user profiles, so everyone can have their preferred beverage brewed at the click of the button. This machine also includes a ceramic burr grinder, which is the ideal choice for longevity and performance.

Another Swiss-made model to consider is the Jura ENA 4. It has a sleek, minimal design and a large bean box and water tank capacity, which makes it perfect for commercial use. It has an advanced grinder and brewing system, the Aroma G3. This gives you some of the finest espresso and coffee you'll ever have.

The Philips 3200 LatteGo is a slightly smaller than other super-automatic machines in this list but still delivers an excellent cup. The machine can make up to 5000 coffee cups before it has to be descaled. It is ideal for families with a lot of work to do. It also comes with an integrated grinder that can be set to 13 settings.