How to Choose the Best Coffee Machines

If you're looking for a simple filter machine, a coffee pod or manual coffee machines capsule brewer, or an espresso maker, there's a model here to suit your requirements. Prices start at around PS50.

These brewers provide convenience as well as consistency and hands-off simplicity. They also tend to score highly in our Lab tests.

Manual

A manual machine is a good option for those who want to control their coffee. They allow the user to manually operate an operation that uses an electric piston. This creates an exact extraction and pressure. This type of machine requires more experience and skill to operate, however many coffee drinkers consider it worth the effort.

These manual coffee machines are constructed from high-quality materials, and can last for a long time without any maintenance. They come with a variety of accessories like a portafilter, filter, measuring cup, tamper, and funnel. They can be used to make cappuccinos and other drinks that use ground or pod coffee. Some manual coffee machines come with traditional steam arms for milk-based drinks, while others feature a nozzle that disperses water over the grounds.

Most manual coffee machines use a separate kettle to warm water, which is then poured over the grounds in the chamber that is used for brewing. The user presses or raises a lever that triggers pistons that force hot water into the cup. This kind 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 to be used at home, the majority are designed for use in hospitality businesses like hotels and restaurants, bed and breakfasts, and farmhouses. They are typically small compact and efficient taking up a small amount of counter space. They are also less costly than other coffee makers and can be easily repaired or replaced.

These machines are usually made of durable materials like brass and chrome. Some are even handmade and can bring a touch of class to the kitchen design. Additionally, they are often very easy to clean. They are also available in a variety of colors and can match the design of any kitchen. They are easier to use than a fully automatic or semi-automatic coffee machine and they can produce delicious coffee.

Semiautomatic

For the espresso lover who doesn't want to be in complete control of all the factors involved in making the perfect shot, semi-automatic machines are a comfortable compromise. They automatize certain steps in making espresso, like steaming milk and preinfusion. You'll still be able to modify your drink to suit your preferences.

One of the top semi-automatic coffee makers on the market is from Breville, a company known for its wide range of kitchen appliances. The Infuser is an extremely versatile model, allowing you to make cappuccino, lattes and espresso at the press of a button. The machine will automatically disperse water in the correct amount for each drink. Its built-in burr grinding adjusts the size of the grind to accommodate different beans or extraction levels. The Infuser is a great option for those who have a limited counter space due to its sleek, compact design. It also comes with easy-to-use controls.

Another top-rated model from Breville is the Dedica espresso machine. The 15 bar pump can create a delicious espresso shot. Its commercial design will last for years. The Dedica comes with a removable milk tank and an ice-making tool that can be used for cappuccinos or lattes.

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

If you're looking for a super-automatic that can do it all take a look at the Philips Dinamica. The Dinamica has a large touchscreen interface with 16 different drinks such as cappuccino and latte. It automatically grinds whole beans to match the selection of beverages and can save your preferred settings so you can bypass the selections menu entirely. Its high-tech features include a removable water tank equipped with a built-in water softness tester as well as an AquaClean filter that helps reduce scale build-up and ensures that your machine will always make the highest quality coffee.

Fully automatic

A fully automated machine can give you an incredibly smooth and rich cup of coffee with the touch of one button. It's an ideal choice for busy homes or offices and is able to make filter coffee and espresso-based drinks. Some models also have automatic milk frothing that lets you enjoy cafe-style coffees like cappuccino and latte. Some models can even be programmed, allowing you to set your preferred drink ahead of time. These machines are great for people who have to multitask, as they allow you to carry on working while your coffee is brewing.

They are also popular in commercial coffee shops because they can be used to brew multiple types of drinks at once. They are more expensive than semi-automatic ones. Some individuals may decide that the convenience of a fully-automatic coffee maker is worth the extra cost.

The Mcilpoog WS203 Super-Automatic Espresso Machine and Coffee Maker is a high-end, highly configurable coffee machine that provides the quality of a top cafe in your home. The touch screen display makes it easy to use. It only takes three steps to make coffee. It comes with a steel burr grinder that can be adjustable and programmed so that you can customize your espresso to your personal preferences.

De'Longhi ECAM35020W Dinamica Automatic Coffee and Espresso Machine is another excellent option for busy households. This coffee machine boasts an instant heat-up time, and comes with a variable burr grinder made of steel and an milk frother to prepare coffee and espresso-based beverages. It is also able to make a variety of coffee flavors such as iced and filter coffee.

This is a very flexible and affordable Nespresso compatible machine that is ideal for the modern, well-equipped kitchen. It has a huge 1.7L water tank as well as a coffee bean capacity. It also features a fast, 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 prioritize your favourite drinks, making them just a tap away.

Super-automatic

These models are a step higher than semi automatic machines. They grind or dose, pull the shot, and froth milk with a touch of a button. These machines are ideal for coffee drinkers who want to drink a variety of drinks simultaneously and appreciate the convenience.

The Gaggia Velasca Prestige is a perfect example. It is a high quality brewing machine with a milk frothing automatic system to create the perfect cappuccino or the perfect latte. The programmability of this machine allows you to customize it to your exact requirements and save your settings for the next time. Many of these barista machines come with a bypass doser that allows the use of pre-ground beans instead of the beans that are in the bean hopper. This is an excellent option for guests, or if you want to switch from one type of coffee to another.

Magnifica Evo, a fully automatic machine is also a top choice because of its versatility and ease-of-use. It features seven one-touch recipes with easy to read color icons for everything from Espresso to a Latte Macchiato. It also allows you to save six user profiles so that each can enjoy their favorite drink brewed with the push of an button. This machine includes ceramic grinders that are the best option for durability and performance.

Another Swiss-made model to consider is the Jura ENA 4. It has a sleek, understated design, and a huge bean box and water tank capacity, which makes it ideal for commercial use. It comes with a sophisticated system for brewing and an amazing Aroma G3 grinder. You'll enjoy some of the best coffee and espresso you've ever tasted.

The Philips 3200 LatteGo is a little more compact than some other super-automatic machines on this list, but it still produces high-quality cups. This machine can make up to 5000 cups before it needs to be descaled, which is perfect for homes with a busy schedule. It also includes a built-in burr grinder, with 13 settings that provide plenty of options for customization.