How to Choose the Best Coffee Machine

This machine is a technological marvel. It regulates the temperature of water precisely and distributes it evenly across the coffee grounds in a filter basket. The machine is more flavorful than its competitors that are less expensive.

This fully automated machine is able to handle everything. In contrast to semiautomatic machines which require you to load your portafilter manually and then decide when you're ready to stop taking the portafilter out the fully automated machine does it all for you.

Filter coffee machines

A filter coffee maker brews up a pot of filter coffee by passing hot water through the ground coffee beans that are placed in a filter. The grounds absorb the water and release flavour compounds, which are then infused into the cup of coffee. They are available in a variety sizes, from 3 to 13 cups.

A couple of models we tried have insulated jugs to help keep your brew warm without the need for an energy-hungry hotplate, while others have a 24-hour programmable timer so you can set it up at night and wake up to a jug of coffee ready for you to drink. Other features that are useful include a permanent, reusable filter to cut down on the waste of paper, and a water tank that allows you to see clearly when it's full.

Some filter coffee machines are small enough to fit on a compact kitchen countertop, while others have larger footprints. Some also come with a removable water tank for easier refilling and cleaning, while others have fixed tanks that can limit where you can place yours.

If you are looking for a filter coffee maker with extra functionality choose one that comes with an integrated grinder so that you can grind fresh coffee beans at any time and pour directly into the basket (though some offer this as an additional feature). There are models that use pre-ground coffee beans, too.

We recommend a product that can handle a greater capacity for those who want to make multiple cups at a time. We've tested several filter coffee makers with this feature and discovered that the Melitta Look V Timer is one of the best at making great filter coffee at a fair price. It's easy to use and set up, has a large number of reviews from users, and many helpful tips and guides. It's also durable and reliable.

Espresso machines

Following the example of manual coffee makers that are used in cafes Espresso machines are able to make a variety of special drinks at the click of the button. The machines require more effort than other types - users have to grind their own coffee beans, weigh the ground coffee, and then steam the milk separately. However, our test subjects found the results worth the extra work.

Looking to achieve the same level of quality as a barista espresso machine, espresso machines use hot water and up to nine bars of pressure to make an even stronger and more concentrated drink. They can have a built in milk frother to create cappuccinos or macchiatos. They are often more expensive, but they offer a premium experience.

These are a popular choice for those who want to recreate the cafe-style experience at home. The water is heated in an airtight container prior being released via a nozzle into the ground coffee. The machines can take a while to heat up and when they are fully operational, they can make a cup in 4 to 6 minutes.

If you're looking for a bit more control an espresso machine that is semi-automatic espresso machines allows the user to add their own ground beans but automatically stops the flow of water halfway through the making process. This is to ensure the consistency of the espresso. It's not ideal for beginners and requires some patience to master, but for those with a knack of tamping it, it's the ultimate coffee maker.

The super-automatic machine functions like a coffee maker from the industrial world and takes the guesswork out of the process. The machine grinds and weighs the coffee, then it pumps hot water through it prior to being dispensing it into your cup. These machines are ideal for those looking to make a particular drink and not just the cup of coffee. They tend to be among the most sought-after on the market.

The capsule and pod machines are simple to use, but they provide a less customisable experience as compared to their bean-to-cup counterparts. The Lavazza Jolie & Milk has nine pre-programmed drink options. They range from classics like cappuccino and white coffee to more imaginative drinks such as ristrettos or macchiatos. It can also dispense hot water and steam by pressing the button.

Bean-to-cup machines

The best bean-to cup machines crush whole roast beans on demand, and then brew them to create several drinks, usually by pressing one button. Many also allow you to save your coffee preferences to ensure that every time you turn on the machine, it will automatically make the drink you desire. They can be connected to home tech networks or apps for greater flexibility.

You can usually control the finer aspects, such as the temperature or the pressure of the extraction. This gives you complete control over the taste of each cup. They're typically designed to provide a higher quality of coffee than pod or capsule machines. This is because a quality bean-to-cup machine grinds the beans to an exact consistency, then force hot water through them at the exact pressure and time required to maximise flavour.

There are a lot of coffee makers that have milk that froths. This is great for creating the rich and textural layers in a cappuccino or Latte. However it can be a little tricky to get these right. Once you've got the machine mastered, it can produce drinks that are at home in a specialty Budget Coffee Machines shop.

Sage's Oracle Touch is one of the best examples for a modern bean to cup machine. It is a little more expensive than the best capsule or pod machines, but the extra cost is worth it. It has a huge touchscreen that shows the user through each process of making a certain coffee. It comes with a professional-steam wand to create the perfect texture of your milk, and lets you customize the drink to your tastes. It is also able to serve cold drinks as well as hot drinks, and the Oracle Touch will even keep your preferred drink in mind for the school run and will not require you to make up a new order every time. Check out our full review if you're looking for a high-quality coffee machine with a premium grinder and many custom features.

Machines for capsules or pods

The best pod coffee machines eliminate the guesswork of brewing and provide consistent results with little or no fuss. These models dispense capsules containing instant or ground coffee, tea and other beverages. They can be a good alternative for those not as familiar with espresso machines or bean-to cup machines and are simply looking for a quick fix on a workday morning.

They're a great choice for those looking to test different blends without having to purchase huge quantities of beans, and they can also be cheaper than other alternatives if you don't need the machine as often. However, they're generally less flexible than other models and do not provide the same high-quality brew that a filter or bean-to-cup machine can provide.

If you're looking for a straightforward cup of coffee, this pod maker from Illy is ideal. It's as simple as lifting the top flap (which automatically removes the used capsule), chuck in an additional one and then press either the big or small cup button. The machine employs a unique two-stage extraction to produce rich, rewarding coffee.

It can also provide hot water for herbal teas and other hot drinks, as well as the possibility of a cappuccino or latte thanks to the included milk frother. It's worth noting that pod-related milk can lack the luxuriously smooth texture you can get using a more expensive manual frother from Dualit or Lavazza.

It's more peaceful and stylish than many other pod coffee makers. It won't bother you while you're getting your caffeine fix. It's designed to look good in any kitchen, from country to modern and is a great pleasure to use. The lever launches capsules into the receptacle that can hold up to ten large capsules.

The machine comes with a range of drinks, including tall travel mugs and short espressos. A barcode scanner will also let you know which pods you're using. It's not as flexible as the machine that grinds beans to cup and can't alter the amount of coffee that is extracted.