How to Choose the Best Coffee Machine

There's a lot more technical power behind this machine, which is able to precisely control the temperature of the water and evenly distribute it across ground coffee in the filter basket. This ekes out more flavour than cheaper rivals.

Unlike semiautomatic machines, which require you to load the portafilter manually and decide when to stop pulling, this fully automatic machine takes care of everything.

Filter coffee machines

A filter coffee machine makes filter coffee by passing hot filtrated water through grounds of coffee. The grounds absorb the water and release flavour compounds which are then extracted into the cup of coffee. They are available in a variety of sizes, ranging from three to 13 cups, and come with a variety of features.

A couple of models we tested have an insulated jug that helps keep your coffee warm without the need for an energy-hungry hotplate. Other models have a timer that can be programmed for 24 hours so you can set it up the night before and get up to a pot of coffee waiting for you to enjoy. Other features that are useful include a long-lasting, reusable filter that reduces paper waste and a clearly visible water tank that is easily visible.

Some filter coffee machines are small enough to fit on a small kitchen worktop, while others have larger footprints. Some models also have a water tank that can be removed to make refilling easier and cleaning easier, while others have fixed tanks that can restrict where you can put yours.

If you want an espresso machine that has added functionality, choose one with a grinder integrated. This allows you to 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 alternative. There are models that make use of pre-ground coffee beans.

For those who want to be able to make multiple cups of filter coffee at once we suggest a model with a bigger capacity. We tested a variety of filter coffee makers that have this feature and found that the Melitta Look V Timer is one of the best in delivering a great filter coffee for a reasonable price. It is simple to set up and use and has a lot of user reviews, and many useful tips and guides. It is also sturdy and reliable.

Espresso machines

Espresso machines can make various specialty drinks by pressing a single button. They're like the manual coffee makers you can find in cafes. They require a bit more effort than other types of machine - users must grind their own beans and measure and built-in coffee machines tamp the grounds, and steam the milk in separate batches - however our test subjects discovered that the results made the extra work worth it.

Aiming for the same quality as baristas espresso machine, an espresso machine makes use of hot water and up to nine bars of pressure to create a stronger, more concentrated drink. They also come with an integrated milk frother for creating cappuccinos and macchiatos. They're typically more expensive than other coffee machines, but provide a premium, high-end experience.

They are a favorite among those who want to recreate the cafe coffee at home. The water is heated in an airtight container prior to it is released through an opening into the ground coffee. They can take a while to heat up, but once ready, are able to make a cup of coffee in as little as four to six minutes.

Semi-automatic espresso machines are an excellent alternative for those who want some control. They allow the user to add their own beans, but stop the water flow during the brewing process. This is to ensure consistency in the espresso. It is not for beginners, and it takes some time to master. For those who have a knack for tamping, this could be the ultimate espresso maker.

The super-automatic machine is more like an industrial coffee maker and eliminates the guesswork from the process. The machine grinds and weighs the coffee, then pumps hot water through it prior to being dispensing it into your cup. They're ideal for those who are interested in making a specific beverage instead of just the usual cup of coffee. They also tend to be the most sought-after coffee maker available.

Pod or capsule coffee machines are easiest to use but offer less of a customisable experience than their bean-to-cup counterparts. The Lavazza Jolie & Milk offers nine preset drink options, from go-tos like cappuccino and white coffee to more imaginative concoctions like ristrettos and macchiatos. It can also serve steam and hot water at the touch of the button.

Bean-to-cup machines

The most effective bean-to-cup machines crush whole roast coffee beans upon demand, and then prepare the beans to make a variety of drinks. This can be accomplished with the push of one button. Many also allow you to save your coffee preferences so that each time you turn on the machine, it can automatically produce the beverage you want. They can be connected to home tech networks or apps to provide greater flexibility.

You can control many of the finer details like the temperature and the pressure of the extraction. This gives you complete control over the flavor of each cup. They are typically made to create a higher quality of coffee than capsule or pod machines. This is because a high-quality bean-to-cup machine grinds the beans to an exact consistency, and then force hot water through them at the precise pressure and timing required to maximise flavour.

There are many bean-to-cup machines that can also make milk frothy. This is great for making the creamy, textural layers of the cappuccino and latte although there can be some learning curve in getting these drinks right. However, once you get it down they can create drinks that are easily at smart home coffee machines in a specialist coffee shop.

Sage's Oracle Touch is one of the best examples for modern bean to cup machine. It's a bit more expensive than the top capsule or pod machines, but the extra cost is well worth it. It has a huge screen that is color-coded and guides the user through each step of making a particular coffee. It features a pro-steam wand that creates the perfect texture of your milk, and allows you to customize each drink to suit your preferences. Oracle Touch can serve both cold and hot drinks. It also keeps track of your drink preference for the school run so you don't have to order a new one every time. Take a look at our complete review if you're looking for a high-quality coffee machine with a premium grinder and numerous bespoke features.

Machines for capsules or pods

The best pod built-in coffee machines machines eliminate the guesswork of brewing and deliver consistently good results with little or no fuss. These models dispense capsules of ground or instant tea, coffee and other drinks. These machines are a good option for those who have no experience with espresso machines or bean-to-cup machines and need an instant fix in the morning.

These machines are a good option for those who don't want to purchase large quantities of beans. They also work because they're more affordable even if you don't use them as often. However, they're generally less flexible than other models and will not provide the same high-quality brew that a filter or bean-to-cup machine can provide.

This pod coffee maker is perfect for those looking to make a quick cup of coffee. You just lift the top cover (which automatically ejects capsules that are used) and then insert a fresh capsule and push the button for the larger or the small cup. The machine utilizes an exclusive two-stage extraction process to make rich, satisfying coffee.

It also allows you to pour hot water for herbal teas and other hot beverages, as well as a cappuccino or latte, due to the milk frother. However, it's worth noting that pod-related milk tends to lack the luxuriously smooth texture that you can achieve using a more expensive manual frothers from Dualit or Lavazza.

This machine is more stylish coffee machines than a lot of pod coffee makers out there, and it's also quieter, so it won't create a noise when you're enjoying your caffeine fix. The machine is made to fit into any kitchen from modern to country and is a joy to use. The chunky lever springs up and launches the capsule into the receptacle. It can accommodate ten capsules.

The machine comes with a range of drinks, from tall travel mugs to short espressos. A barcode reader can also tell you which pods you are using. It's not as customizable as the machine that grinds beans to cup and can't alter the amount of coffee extraction.