How to Choose the Best Coffee Machines

Whether you're in search of a basic filter machine, a coffee pod or capsule brewer, or an espresso maker, there's the right model for your needs. Prices start at PS50.

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

Manual

If you are a coffee lover and want to have complete control over the process manually, a manual machine can be an excellent choice. These machines let you manually operate a piston operation, which produces an exact amount of pressure and extraction. This type of machine requires a bit more experience and skill to operate than other types, but many coffee drinkers say that it's worth the effort.

These manual coffee machines are made of high-quality materials, and can last for a long time without maintenance. They also come with a range of accessories, such as filters and portafilters along with measuring cup, tamper, and funnel. They can be used to make cappuccinos as well as other drinks using ground or pod coffee. 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.

Most manual coffee machines use an additional kettle to warm water that is then poured over the grounds in the chamber that is used for brewing. The user then raises or depresses an instrument or hand to turn on an engine that pushes hot water through the grounds before it is poured into the cup below. This type of coffee machine is not as accurate or precise in its temperature control as fully automated or semi-automatic coffee maker, therefore you may need to play with different techniques to find the ideal espresso flavor.

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

These machines are typically made from durable materials, including brass and chrome. Some are handcrafted and add a touch elegance to the kitchen layout. They are also usually easy to clean. Some come in a variety of colors that can be matched to the style of any kitchen. They are less complicated to use than a fully automatic or semi-automatic coffee maker, and they can produce delicious coffee.

Semiautomatic

For the espresso lover who doesn't wish to be in total control of all of the variables of brewing an ideal shot, semi-automatic machines are an acceptable compromise. These models begin to automate certain steps in making espresso, including steaming milk and preinfusion. But, you'll have the option of tailoring your drink to your individual preferences.

One of the best semi-automatic coffee makers that are available is made by Breville, a company known for a wide variety of kitchen appliances. The Infuser is a versatile model that lets you make espresso, cappuccino, and lattes with the click of a button. The machine also automatically dispenses the appropriate amount of water per drink and its built-in grinder automatically adjusts the size of the grind to accommodate different beans and extraction levels. The Infuser is a great option for those with a small counter space because of its sleek, compact design. It also comes with easy-to-use controls.

The Dedica espresso machine is a top-rated model by Breville. The 15 bar pump can make a fantastic espresso shot. Its commercial construction will last for a long time. The Dedica has a removable milk tank as well as an ice-making tool that can be used for lattes or cappuccinos.

If you are looking for a semi-automatic office coffee machines maker that provides more hands-free convenience, look no further than an ultra-automatic. These machines are a step up from standard automatics, offering programmable coffee sizes, automatically grinding beans, and often measuring and tamping automatically for you. These machines scored the highest in our Lab Tests due to their all-in-one functionality and ease of use.

If you're looking to find a fully automated that can do it all look into the Philips Dinamica. It comes with a large intuitive touchscreen interface which lets you select 16 different drinks including cappuccino, latte, and black coffee. It automatically grinds whole beans to match the drink you choose, and it can even save your preferred settings so you can bypass the menu of choices completely. The top-of-the-line features of this machine include a removable tank that has an integrated test for water hardness and an AquaClean Filter that reduces scale and manual coffee machines ensures that you always get the best cup of coffee.

Fully automatic

A fully automatic machine will provide you with a smooth and rich cup of coffee with the touch of one button. It's an ideal option for busy homes or offices, and can be used to brew espresso-based drinks as well as filter coffee. Many also feature automatic milk frothing, which lets you enjoy cafe-style coffees such as cappuccino and latte. Some models allow you to program your favorite drink in advance. These machines are ideal for anyone who needs to be multi-tasking, since they let you work while coffee is being made.

These machines are also well-liked in commercial coffee shops as they can brew several different drinks simultaneously. However, they're typically more expensive than semi-automatic counterparts. However, the convenience provided by a fully-automated coffee maker could be worth the extra cost for some.

The Mcilpoog WS203 Super-Automatic Espresso Machine and Coffee Maker is a top, highly configurable coffee machine that provides the quality of an excellent cafe right in your home. The touch screen display makes it simple to use. It takes only three steps to make coffee. It is also equipped with a movable steel burr grinder as well as customizable settings, meaning you can customize your espresso to your own preferences.

De'Longhi ECAM35020W Dinamica Automatic Coffee and Espresso Machine is a great option for Manual Coffee Machines busy households. The coffee maker boasts a quick heat-up time, and comes with an adjustable burr grinder in steel and a milk frother to prepare espresso-based drinks as well as coffee. It is also able to produce a wide range of coffee varieties such as iced and filter coffee.

This is a budget-friendly and versatile Nespresso compatible machine that's perfect for an elegant, well-equipped home. It has a massive 1.7L tank and a coffee maker capacity. It also comes with an efficient, quiet heating system that ensures an excellent cup of coffee every time. It is also incredibly simple to use with user profiles that automatically prioritise each person's favourite drinks and are only a tap away.

Super-automatic

A step above semi-automatic machines these models grind dose, grind, pull your shot and frost your milk at the push of the button. They are the best option for coffee drinkers who want to drink an array of drinks and appreciate the ease of not having to prepare them one at a time like in a manual model or an automated model.

A great example is the Gaggia Velasca Prestige which combines a high-quality brewing machine with an automatic milk frothing system for the perfect cappuccino, latte, or macchiato. This machine is programmable, which means you can alter it to meet your exact needs and save your settings. A bypass doser is included in many of these machines, allowing you to use pre-ground coffee instead of the beans in the bean hopper. This is an ideal feature for guests or when you want to change to a different kind of beans.

The DeLonghi Magnifica Evo Fully Automated machine is another popular option due to its versatility and ease of use. It offers seven one-touch recipes that have easy-to-read colored icons, from Espresso to Latte Macchiato. It also has the capability to save six user profiles, so everyone can have their own preferred drink brewed at the touch of one button. This machine includes ceramic grinder that is the best choice for longevity and performance.

The Jura ENA 4 is another model manufactured in Switzerland that you should take into consideration. It features sleek and minimal design, as well as a large bean box and water tank capacity, 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 finest espresso and coffee you've ever tasted.

The Philips 3200 LatteGo has a smaller design than other coffee machines that are super-automatic on this list, yet manages to deliver a quality cup of coffee. This machine can produce up to 5000 coffee cups before it has to be descaled. It is ideal for busy households. It also includes an integrated burr grinder with 13 settings that allow plenty of room for customization.