How to Choose the Best Coffee Machine

This machine is a technological marvel. It keeps the water temperature precisely and evenly across the ground coffee in the filter basket. This ekes out more flavour than other less expensive machines.

Contrary to semiautomatic machines that require you to fill the portafilter by hand and decide when to stop pulling, this fully automatic machine will do everything for you.

Filter coffee machines

A filter coffee machine makes up a pot of filter coffee by passing hot water through the ground coffee beans that sit in the filter. The grounds absorb the water and release flavor compounds which are then extracted into the cup of coffee. They are available in a variety sizes, from 3 to 13 cups.

Some of the models we tested feature an insulated jug that helps keep your brew warm without the need for an energy-hungry hotplate, while others have an adjustable timer that runs 24 hours a day, so you can set it up at night and pod coffee makers awake to a jug of iced coffee makers waiting for you to enjoy. Other useful features include a permanent, reusable filter that helps reduce waste paper and a easily-observable water tank.

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

For a filter maker that has additional functions choose one that comes with an integrated grinder, so you can choose to grind your own coffee beans upon demand and dispense directly into the basket (though some offer this as an optional accessory). There are models that use pre-ground beans, too.

We recommend a product that has a larger capacity for those looking to make multiple cups at once. We've tested a range of filter iced coffee makers makers that come with this feature and found that the Melitta Look V Timer is one of the top in providing excellent filter coffee at a reasonable price. It's super simple to install and use, has an impressive number of user reviews with many useful tips and guides, and is very durable and reliable.

Espresso machines

Taking a page from the manual coffee makers that are used in cafes espresso machines can be used to create a range of drinks that are special at the touch of the button. The machines require a bit more effort than other kinds that require users to grind their own coffee beans, measure the grounds, and steam the milk on their own. But our testers found the results worth the extra work.

Aiming for the same quality as a barista espresso machine, espresso machines use hot water and up to nine bars of pressure to make a stronger, more concentrated drink. They can be equipped with an inbuilt milk frother to make macchiatos or cappuccinos. They tend to be more expensive but provide a high-end experience.

They are a popular choice for those who wish to recreate the cafe style coffee at home. The water is heated in an airtight container prior being released via an opening into the ground coffee. They can be quite slow to heat up, but once ready, are able to make a cup coffee in between four and six minutes.

For those who prefer greater control, a semi-automatic espresso machine allows users to add their own ground beans, but automatically stops the flow of water halfway through the making process. This is done to ensure the consistency of the espresso. It is not for novices and requires patience to master. However, for those who are adept for tamping, this could be the ultimate espresso maker.

The advanced super-automatic espresso machine eliminates the guesswork and is more like an industrial 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 want to create a specific beverage rather than just an espresso. They tend to be among the most sought-after on the market.

Pod or capsule coffee machines are most user-friendly, but they provide less of a customizable experience than their bean-to-cup counterparts. The Lavazza Jolie & Milk offers nine preset drink options including classics such as white coffee and cappuccino to more imaginative concoctions like ristrettos and macchiatos. It also can dispense hot water and steam at the touch of one button.

Bean-to-cup machines

The most effective bean-to-cup machines crush whole coffee beans upon demand, and then make the beans into various drinks. This is usually done with the click of one button. Some machines allow you to save your preferences for coffee, so that the machine will create the drink you prefer each time it is turned on. They can also be linked to applications or home tech networks for greater flexibility and automation.

Most of the time, you are able to alter the finer points of each beverage, such as the temperature and pressure of the extraction, so you are in complete control of what each cup will taste like. They're typically designed to provide a higher quality of coffee than capsule or pod machines. This is because a high-quality bean-to-cup grinder will grind the beans to an exact consistency, and then force hot water through them at precisely the pressure and duration required to maximise flavour.

There are many bean-to cup machines that can also froth milk. This is great for creating the creamy, textural layers of the cappuccino and latte although there can be some learning curve to getting the right recipe. However, once you get it down the machines can make drinks that could be at home in a specialized coffee shop.

Sage's Oracle Touch is one of the top examples of modern bean-to-cup machine. It's a bit more expensive than the top pod or capsule machines, but it's worth the extra expense. It has a huge touchscreen that shows the user through every process of making a certain coffee. It has a pro-steam wand to produce the perfect texture of your milk, and allows you to personalize every drink to meet your tastes. It also can serve cold drinks as well as hot drinks, and the Oracle Touch will even keep your preferred drink in mind for school runs, so you don't have to make up a new order every time. If you're in the market for a top-quality coffee maker that comes with a premium burr grinder, as well as a variety of bespoke features, check out our full review of this machine.

Pod or capsule machines

The most effective pod machines eliminate the guesswork and deliver reliable results with no hassle. These machines offer capsules containing instant or ground coffee, tea, and other drinks. They are a great option for those who are less familiar with espresso or bean-to-cup machines, and are looking for an easy solution to the morning commute.

These machines are a great alternative for those who don't need to buy a lot of beans, and also because they're cheaper when you don't use them frequently. However, they're generally less flexible than other models and will not give the same quality of brew as filters or bean-to-cup machines can provide.

This pod coffee maker is perfect for those who want a quick cup of coffee. You simply lift the top cover (which automatically ejects used capsules), insert a new capsule and press the button for either the large or small cup. The machine utilizes an exclusive two-stage extraction system to create rich, satisfying coffee.

The included milk frother allows it to pour hot drinks like herbal teas, hot chocolate and cappuccinos, as well as lattes. However, it's worth noting that milk made from pods tends to lack the luxuriously smooth texture that you can get with a more expensive, manual frother from Dualit or Lavazza.

This machine is more stylish than most of the pod coffee makers on the market It's also quieter - so it won't make a racket when you're enjoying your caffeine fix. It's designed to look great in any kitchen, from country to modern and is a great pleasure to use. The lever launches capsules into the container that can accommodate up to ten large capsules.

The machine can provide a variety of beverages, from large travel mugs to short espressos. A barcode scanner will also inform you of the pods you're using. It's not as customizable as a machine that grinds beans into cups and also you can't adjust the amount of coffee extraction.