How to Choose the Best Coffee Machines

If you're looking for manual coffee machines a simple filter machine, a coffee pod or capsule brewer or espresso maker, you'll find the right model for your needs. Prices start at PS50.

These brewers use pre-measured pods, which offer convenience, consistency and hand-free ease of use. They also tend to score highly in our Lab tests.

Manual

For those who like to be in complete control of the process using a manual machine is an ideal choice. They allow users to operate manually an operation that utilizes a mechanical piston. This creates an exact pressure and extraction. This kind of coffee machine requires a bit more experience and skill to operate than other kinds, but many coffee drinkers say that it's worth the effort.

These manual coffee machines are made of high-quality materials and will last for a long time without any maintenance. They come with a variety of accessories like 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 much more. Some manual coffee machines have traditional steam arms for drinks that are milk-based, whereas others feature a nozzle that distributes water over the grounds.

Most manual coffee machines use a separate kettle to heat water and then pour it over the grounds inside the chamber that is used for brewing. The user then presses or raises a lever that triggers pistons that force hot water into the cup. This type of machine does not have the same precision or accuracy in temperature control as a fully automatic or semi-automatic coffee maker. You may need to experiment to find your perfect espresso flavor.

While some manual coffee machines are made for home use, the majority are designed for businesses in the hospitality industry such as hotels, restaurants as well as bed and breakfasts and farmhouses. They are usually small and compact taking up the smallest amount of counter space. They are also less expensive than other coffee makers and can be easily repaired or replaced.

They are usually constructed using durable materials like brass and chrome. Some are handcrafted and provide a touch of class to the kitchen layout. Additionally they are usually easy to clean. Some come in a variety of colors that can be matched to the decor of any kitchen. They are more user-friendly than a fully automatic or semi-automatic coffee machine and they can make delicious coffee.

Semiautomatic

For the coffee lover who does not wish to be in total control of all variables of brewing an ideal shot, semi-automatic machines are a comfortable compromise. These machines begin automatizing some of the steps involved in making espresso, such as steaming milk and preinfusion. But, you'll have a variety of options to tailor your beverage to your individual preferences.

One of the best semi automatic coffee makers on the market comes from Breville, a company known for a wide variety of kitchen appliances. The Infuser is an extremely versatile model that permits you to make lattes, cappuccino and espresso with a click of a button. The machine can also automatically pour the right amount of water for each drink and its built-in burr grinder automatically adjusts the size of the grind to accommodate different beans and extraction levels. The Infuser's sleek, compact design and simple-to-use controls make it a great option for those with a small counter space.

Another top-rated model from Breville is the Dedica espresso machine. Its 15 bar pump is more than enough to make a high-quality espresso shot, and its commercial construction is built to last. The Dedica comes with a removable milk tank and a frothing tool that can be used for cappuccinos or lattes.

If you are looking for a semi-automatic coffee maker that provides more hands-free convenience look no further than an automatic. These machines go a step above the standard automated machines by offering programmable coffee sizes, automatically grinding beans, and often measuring and tamping them automatically. These machines scored the top in our Lab tests due to their all-in-one capability and hands-free ease of use.

The Philips Dinamica is a super-automatic machine that can handle everything. This model features a large touchscreen that can display 16 drinks to choose from including cappuccino and latte. It automatically grinds whole beans to match the selection of beverages and can save your preferred settings, so you can skip the selections menu entirely. Its advanced features include a removable water tank with a built-in water hardness tester and an AquaClean filter that prevents scale build-up and ensures that your machine will always make the highest quality cup of coffee.

Fully automatic

A fully automated machine can provide you with a rich and smooth cup of coffee at the click of the button. This is a great choice for busy homes or offices since it can brew both filter and espresso. Some models also feature automatic milk frothing, which lets you enjoy cafe-style coffees such as cappuccino or Latte. Certain models let you set your preferred drink in advance. These machines are ideal for multitaskers since you can continue working while the coffee is brewing.

These machines are also popular in coffee shops that are commercial since they can brew a variety of different beverages at the same time. They are more expensive than semi-automatic ones. Some may feel that the convenience of a fully-automatic coffee maker is worth the extra cost.

The Mcilpoog WS-203 Super-Automatic Espresso and Coffee Machine is a high-end coffee machine that is highly customizable that provides the high-end features of a top cafe from the comfort of your own home. The touchscreen display makes it easy to use. It takes just three steps to make coffee. It comes with an adjustable steel burr grinder as well as customizable settings, meaning you can adjust the espresso you make to your personal preferences.

De'Longhi ECAM35020W Dinamica Automatic Coffee and Espresso Machine is another excellent option for busy households. This coffee machine boasts rapid heating up time, and comes with a movable steel burr grinder and an milk frother to prepare espresso-based drinks and coffee. It can also produce various types of coffee, including filter coffee and iced.

It is a versatile and affordable Nespresso-compatible machine that is perfect for the modern well-equipped kitchen. It has a huge 1.7L water tank as well as a coffee machine reviews bean container capacity, and has a quick, quiet heating system that makes a quick and delicious cup of coffee every time. It's also very easy to use with profiles for users that automatically prioritize each person's favourite drinks so they are just one tap away.

Super-automatic

A step over semi-automatic machines these models grind and dose, take a shot, and frost your milk at the push of one button. These machines are perfect for manual coffee machines coffee lovers that want to drink a variety of drinks at once and appreciate the convenience.

The Gaggia Velasca Prestige is a perfect example. It combines a high quality brewing system with a milk frothing automatic system to create the perfect cappuccino or Latte. This machine is programmable, so you can modify it to suit your specific requirements and save the settings. A bypass doser comes common to these machines that allow you to use pre-ground coffee in place of the beans that are stored in the bean hopper, an ideal option for guests or when you need to change to a different kind of beans.

The DeLonghi Magnifica Evo Fully Automatic machine is another favorite for its flexibility and user-friendliness. It has seven recipes that are one-touch with easy to read colored icons for everything from Espresso to a Latte Macchiato. It also lets you save six user profiles so that everyone can have their favorite beverage brewed at the touch of one button. The machine also comes with a ceramic burr grinder, which is the optimum choice for longevity and performance.

Another model from Switzerland worth considering is the Jura ENA 4. It features an elegant and minimalist design, a huge bean box and capacity for water tanks, making it ideal for commercial use. It has a highly efficient brewing system and the incredible Aroma G3 grinder. You'll enjoy some of the best espresso and coffee you've ever had.

The Philips 3200 LatteGo has a slightly smaller build than some of the other stylish coffee machines machines that are super-automatic in this list, but can provide a top-quality cup of coffee. This machine is rated to make up to 5000 cups before it needs to be descaled, which makes it ideal for homes with a busy schedule. It also has a built-in burr grinder, which has 13 settings to allow plenty of room to personalize it.