How to Choose the Best Coffee Machine

There's a lot of technical excellence behind this machine, which manages to precisely control the temperature of the water and evenly disperse it over ground coffee in the filter basket. This machine produces more flavour than its cheaper competitors.

This fully automatic machine will take care of everything. In contrast to semiautomatic machines which require you to load your portafilter manually and then decide when you want to stop pulling the portafilter the fully automated machine takes care of everything for you.

Filter coffee machines

A filter coffee maker brews the pot of filter coffee by passing hot water through the ground coffee beans, which are then placed in the filter. The grounds soak up the water, and release the flavor compounds, which are extracted into your cup of coffee. They are available in a range sizes, ranging from 3 to 13 cups.

Some of the models we tested feature insulation to keep your coffee warm without the need for a consuming hotplate, while others have a timer that can be programmed for 24 hours so you can set it up at night and wake up to a jug of coffee waiting for you to drink. Other helpful features include a reusable and permanent filter that reduces paper waste and a water tank that allows you to easily gauge the amount of water left.

Some filter coffee machines are small enough to fit on a small kitchen countertop, while others have larger footprints. Some have a removable tank for easy refilling and cleaning. Some have fixed tanks which may limit the space you use.

If you are looking for a filter coffee maker with added features, select one with a grinder integrated. This lets you grind your fresh coffee beans at your own pace and then pour the ground beans directly into the basket. Certain models come with this accessory as an option. There are models that use pre-ground coffee beans.

We recommend a model that has a larger capacity for those looking to make multiple cups at a time. We've tested several filter coffee makers that have this feature and discovered that the Melitta Look V Timer is one of the best in delivering a great filter coffee for a reasonable price. It's incredibly easy to install and use, has an impressive amount of user reviews with numerous useful tips and guidelines and is extremely robust and reliable.

Espresso machines

Espresso machines can make various specialty drinks by pressing a single button. They're like the manual coffee makers found in cafes. The machines require more effort than other models as users grind their own coffee gift set beans, measure the ground coffee, and then steam the milk on their own. But our testers have found the results to be worth the effort.

Aiming for the same quality as a barista espresso machine, an espresso machine makes use of hot water and up to nine bars of pressure to make a stronger, more concentrated drink. They can have a built in milk frother to make macchiatos or cappuccinos. They are often more expensive but provide a high-end experience.

They are a popular choice for those who wish to recreate cafe-style coffee at home. They have an airtight tank in which the water is heated to boiling point before releasing through a nozzle and into ground coffee. The machines can take a while to heat up however when they are fully operational, they can make cups in 4 to 6 minutes.

For those who want a bit more control, a semi-automatic espresso maker allows the user to add their own ground beans but automatically stops the flow of water midway through the making process. This is to ensure consistency in the espresso. It is not for novices and requires some patience to master. However, for those with a knack to tamp, this can be the ultimate espresso maker.

The more sophisticated super-automatic espresso machine takes away the guesswork and is more like a commercial coffee maker. The machine is able to measure and grind the coffee prior to pumping hot water through it. These machines are ideal for those who wish to make a particular drink rather than just the cup of coffee. They are among the most popular on the market.

Pod and capsule machines are simple to use, but they provide an uncustomizable experience when in comparison to their bean-to-cup counterparts. The Lavazza Jolie & Milk has nine pre-programmed drinks to choose from. They range from the classics like cappuccino and white coffee to more innovative drinks like ristrettos and macchiatos. It can also dispense hot water and steam at the push of a button.

Bean-to-cup machines

The best bean-to cup machines crush whole roast beans on demand, and then make various drinks - typically at the press of a button. A lot of them allow you to save your coffee preferences so that every time you turn the machine on it will automatically create the drink you desire. They can also be connected to apps or home tech networks to provide greater flexibility and automation.

You can often control the finer details such as the temperature or the pressure of the extraction. This gives you complete control over the flavor of each cup. They're also often designed to produce a higher quality of coffee than pod or capsule machines. A good bean-to cup machine will grind the coffee beans to a precise consistency and then push hot filtering water through the beans at the precise pressure and time needed to maximize flavour.

There are many bean-to cup machines that can also frost milk. This is great for making the rich, creamy texture of the cappuccino and latte although there can be a bit of a learning curve in getting the right recipe. Once you have it sussed the machines can make drinks that are easily at home in a specialized coffee shop.

Sage's Oracle Touch is one of the best examples for modern bean to cup machine. It is a little more expensive than the best capsule or pod machines, but the added cost is worth it. It has a huge screen that is color-coded, and helps the user through every stage of making a specific coffee. It comes with a professional-steam wand to create the perfect texture of your milk and allows you to personalize the drink to your tastes. Oracle Touch can serve both hot and cold drinks. It also keeps track of your drink preference for the school run, so you won't have to purchase an entirely new one each time. Read our full review if you're looking for an excellent coffee maker with a premium grinder and numerous bespoke features.

Pod or capsule machines

The best pod coffee machines eliminate the guesswork of brewing, and give consistently good results with little or no effort. These machines offer capsules of instant or ground tea, coffee and other beverages. These machines are a great option for those with little experience with espresso or bean to cup machines and are looking for an easy fix in the morning.

They're a great choice for those who wish to test different blends without buying huge quantities of beans, and they're cheaper than other options if you don't use the machine as frequently. They're not as versatile and don't provide the same quality of coffee as filters or a bean-to- cup machine.

If you're looking for a straightforward cup of coffee, this pod coffee maker from Illy is the ideal choice. You simply lift the top cover (which automatically releases capsules that have been used) and then insert a fresh capsule, then push the button for the large cup or the small cup. The machine utilizes an innovative two-stage extraction process to create rich and satisfying coffee.

It also allows you to pour hot water for herbal teas and other hot beverages in addition to the possibility of a cappuccino or latte because of the milk frother. It's important to note that pod-related milk can lack the luxuriously smooth texture you can get with a more expensive, coffee shop manual frothers from Dualit or Lavazza.

This machine is more quiet and stylish than many other pod coffee makers. It won't annoy you while you get your caffeine fix. The machine is made to fit into any kitchen from contemporary to traditional, and it's a pleasure to use. The chunky lever springs up and flies the capsule away into the receptacle, which can hold up to ten capsules.

The machine can provide a variety of drinks, including tall travel mugs and short espressos. A barcode scanner will also let you know which pods are being used. However, it's not as flexible as a bean-to-cup machine in terms of customising the coffee you drink and there's no option to alter the amount of extraction.