How to Choose the Best Coffee Machines

There's a model for every need whether you're looking for an espresso maker or a coffee pod brewer. Prices start around PS50.

These brewers offer ease of use, 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, a manual machine is an excellent choice. These machines allow you to manually operate a piston operation, which produces a precise amount of pressure and extraction. This type of coffee machine requires a little more experience and skill to operate than other types but a lot of coffee drinkers say that it is worth the effort.

Manual coffee machines are constructed from high-quality materials, and can last for a long time without needing any maintenance. They include a range of accessories, including filters, a portafilter measuring cup, tamper and funnel. They can be used with 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 that are milk-based, whereas others have a nozzle that disperses water over the grounds.

The majority of manual coffee machines utilize a separate kettle to warm water and then pour it over the grounds in the chamber that is used for brewing. The user then presses or raises a lever or hand to trigger a piston that forces the hot water through the grounds and into the cup below. 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 need to test your ideal espresso taste.

Some manual coffee machines were created for home use. However they are mostly used in hospitality businesses like hotels, restaurants, and breakfast and bed and breakfast establishments. They are compact and efficient and occupy a small counter space. They are also less costly than other coffee machines and can be easily repaired or replaced.

These machines are typically made from durable materials, including brass and chrome. Some are hand-crafted and can provide a touch of luxury to the kitchen design. Additionally they are usually easy to clean. Some are available in a variety of colors that can complement the design of any kitchen. They are generally simpler to use than a semi-automatic or fully automatic coffee machine and can produce delicious, premium coffee.

Semiautomatic

For the person who does not want to be in complete control of all variables involved in making a perfect shot, semi-automatic machines are an ideal compromise. These machines begin to take over some of the duties involved in making espresso, such as steaming milk and pre-infusion. You'll still have the option to modify your drink to suit your tastes.

One of the top semi automatic coffee makers that are available is from Breville, a company known for its wide selection of kitchen appliances. The Infuser is an extremely versatile model that allows you to make lattes, cappuccino and espresso with a click of a button. The machine is able to automatically pour the right amount of water for each drink. Its built-in burr grinding adjusts the size of the grind to accommodate different beans or extraction levels. The Infuser's slim, sleek design and user-friendly controls make it a great option for people with limited counter space.

The Dedica espresso machine is a top-rated model by Breville. The 15 bar pump will make a fantastic espresso shot. The commercial-grade construction will last for many years. The Dedica includes a movable milk tank as well as a frothing tool that can be used to make lattes or cappuccinos.

Super-automatics are a great option for semi-automatic coffee makers. They offer more convenience and can be operated without any involvement from you. These machines are a step up from standard automatics, offering programmable coffee sizes, automatically grinding beans, and often measuring and tamping for you. These machines scored the highest in our Lab Tests for their complete features and user-friendliness.

The Philips Dinamica is a super-automatic machine that can do it all. It has a huge touchscreen that can display 16 different drinks such as cappuccino and latte machines. It grinds whole coffee beans to match your drink preference and automatic coffee makers even save the settings you prefer, so you can skip selecting the menu altogether. The high-tech features of this machine include a movable tank with an integrated test for water hardness and an AquaClean Filter that reduces scale and ensures that you always get the perfect cup of coffee.

Fully automatic

A fully automated coffee maker gives you an excellent, smooth cup of coffee with the push of an button. This is an excellent choice for busy offices or homes because it can make both espresso and filter coffee. Many models have automatic milk frothing, which lets you enjoy cafe style coffees such as cappuccino or Latte. Some models can even be programmed, allowing you to set your preferred drink prior to time. These machines are perfect for multitaskers, as you can continue working while coffee is brewing.

They are also very popular in commercial coffee shops, as they can brew multiple types of drinks at once. They are more expensive than semi-automatic ones. However, the convenience offered by a fully automated coffee maker might be worth the extra expense for some people.

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 at home. The touchscreen display makes it easy to use. It takes just three steps to make coffee. It comes with a stainless steel burr grinder that can be adjusted and programmable settings so you can customize your espresso to suit your preferences.

Another great option for busy households is the De'Longhi ECAM35020W Dinamica Automatic Coffee and Espresso Machine. This coffee machine boasts an instant heat-up time, and comes with a variable burr grinder in steel and an milk frother to prepare espresso-based drinks and coffee. It is also able to produce a wide range of coffee flavors such as iced and filter coffee.

It is a flexible and affordable Nespresso compatible machine that is ideal for the modern, well-equipped kitchen. It comes with a large 1.7L water tank as well as a coffee bean box capacity, and has a quick, quiet heating system for a fast and delicious cup of coffee every time. It's also extremely simple to use, with user profiles that automatically prioritise the drinks that are most liked by each user so they are just one tap away.

Super-automatic

These models are a step above semi automatic machines. They grind or dose, pull the shot, and then froth milk with a touch of a button. These machines are perfect for coffee drinkers who wish to enjoy different drinks simultaneously and appreciate the convenience.

The Gaggia Velasca Prestige is a great example. It is a high quality brewing system with a milk frothing automatic system to make the perfect cappuccino or the perfect latte. The machine is programmable, so you can customize it to meet your exact requirements and save your settings. A lot of these machines come with bypass dosers that permit you to use pre-ground beans instead of the beans in the bean hopper. This is a fantastic feature for guests or if you need to switch from one type of coffee to another.

The Magnifica Evo fully automated machine is also a top choice due to its versatility and user-friendly. It has seven recipes that are one-touch with easy-to-read icons in color for everything from Espresso to a Latte Macchiato. It also allows you to save six user profiles so that everyone can have their favorite beverage brewed at the touch of a button. The machine also comes with 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 and understated design, a huge bean box and capacity for water tanks making it ideal for commercial use. It comes with a highly sophisticated grinder and brewing system, the Aroma G3. You'll enjoy some of the best espresso and coffee you've ever had.

The Philips 3200 LatteGo has a slightly smaller build than the other coffee machines that are super-automatic on this list, yet is able to provide a high-quality cup of coffee. This machine can make up to 5000 coffee cups before it has to be descaled. It is ideal for busy households. It also comes with a built-in grinder that has 13 settings.