How to Choose the Best Home Coffee Machine

The best home coffee machine will complement your style of brewing and work well in your kitchen. The most important considerations are capacity, size and design.

During lab testing the espresso maker that is a prosumer wowed us by its speed and precision. The Sage Bambino heats up quickly and efficiently, effectively steaming milk, and produces fantastic 19-bar extractions.

Pod (or capsule) machines

If you like the speed and ease of making coffee from pre-ground pods, a pod machine is a good option. They take the messiest elements out of brewing, and eliminate the need for expensive burr grinders as well as portafilters that have to be regularly cleaned free of coffee oils. They also typically require less maintenance, making regular cleaning and descaling of the reservoirs of water an excellent idea.

However these brewers have their limitations. They typically only work with a specific type of coffee pods, which are typically in the K-Cup, Nespresso capsule or ESE (easy-serve espresso) formats. This isn't an issue if you stick to a specific brand of coffee but could be an issue if you are looking to test different brands.

Pod machines are less durable and come with a smaller tank of water. They are also slower to brew, which might not be an issue for those who are in a hurry in the morning, but it can be a pain in the event of preparing for a long day at work.

It is recommended to consider the size of your coffee bar prior to purchasing a pod machine because some are smaller than others and can be tucked within the space of other appliances on your counter. Think about how much you're willing to spend and what beverages you would like to be able make. Our former editor in charge of e-commerce Louise keeps her caffeine intake on a budget using the Nespresso Vertuo Next, which allows her to dispense espresso shots of either length or short and comes with a handy milk frother for lattes.

This elegantly sleek pod-machine by Sage gives you the best pod coffee machines uk of both worlds: high-end technology and low-maintenance. It's not inexpensive, but it's an fashionable addition to your kitchen, and its sleek stainless steel design is sure to be noticed on your worktop. It can create five different drinks with the press of the button. Each capsule has a barcode on its underside which the machine uses to determine the drink to be served. It's a great option for eco-conscious people, since the capsules break down and decay rapidly. The reusable mug also makes it a viable option.

Manual Espresso Machines

Manual machines can be a great, hands-on way to learn the art of making espresso. Manual espresso machines take longer however they can make drinks of high quality. They are also more durable and have designs that can withstand heavy use, unlike other types of.

Manual espresso machines are, however, not as user-friendly as automatic espresso machines, and typically do not have precise temperature controls. This can make it difficult to create consistent, high-quality espresso shots. The best manual espresso machine comes with steep learning curve and can be costly to buy and maintain.

If you're keen to discover the world of manual espresso, you should try an updated machine that is designed to be as user-friendly as you can. Some models include an integrated grinder and milk steamer, making them relatively easy to operate for those who are new to coffee. Some models have an open reservoir that makes it easier to refill and clean. Some are programmable, allowing you to set the time for the brewing process to begin prior to waking.

Some manual espresso makers can be large, which makes them ideal for larger families or coffee carts. Others are a bit smaller and occupy less counter space. When choosing the size of your machine you should also think about how many people are going to be using it at once. If you have several roommates or family members who enjoy brewing espresso, you might want to consider an extra large model with a larger boiler.

The most affordable espresso machines have an adjustable frother that can automatically heat milk and froth it until you get the desired consistency. This kind of machine is suitable well for lattes, cappuccinos and is also suitable for those with sensitive teeth. This kind of machine is not suitable for those who prefer an espresso with a thicker consistency. It makes less foam.

Automatic Espresso Machines

This category contains fully automatic espresso machines, which manage the entire process of making espresso from grinding to extracting. These machines are easy to use and require little maintenance, other than cleaning and descaling. They are ideal for those who aren't keen on getting their hands dirty or have a limited counter space to accommodate a full sized coffee and espresso machine.

The best dolce gusto machine of these models are highly programmable and come with different settings for drinks that you can save into "user profiles." They're also more likely to be Wi-Fi enabled so you can control them using your smartphone. All that automation and programmability is expensive: These machines are more expensive than semi-automatics and manuals.

One of our top espresso makers that is automatic is the stylish Eveversys Cameo. It's a sleek and aesthetically appealing machine that occupies the smallest amount of space on your counter. Plus, it gets 5 out of 5 in our user-friendliness ratings, which is second only to the Miele. It's a high output model that can accommodate three different hoppers and grinders and you can choose which one to use from the touchscreen display. It's easy to use and self-monitoring, so you don't have to fiddle with buttons or knobs.

Another option in this category is the Cuisinart Spinn. The tiny pill-shaped machine makes use of centrifugal force for espresso, which is different from the traditional method of pushing water down through the grounds. With some practice, it can produce a variety of drinks like cappuccino and the latte. We tested the machine at the Good Housekeeping Institute's Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab and it was awarded the top spot in our ease-of-use ratings with a perfect 5. It's also a teeny appliance according to espresso maker standards, so it's unlikely to take up a lot of room on your counter.

It's worth trying a few different types of espresso machines to find the one that suits your personal taste as well as your space and budget. It is also important to consider aesthetics. You'll want to choose something that blends in with your home decor, and also your coffee cart. Don't forget to measure your countertop to ensure your chosen machine will fit.

Pour-Over Machines

If you want to brew a cup of coffee in complete control using a pour-over machine, it's an excellent choice. Pour-over machines such as the Hario V60 or Chemex Funnex allow you to adjust various variables (coffee to ratio filter, brewing time, etc.) and allow the brewing process to be customized. They tend to produce more vibrant flavors and aromas than drip machines.

The top pour-over brewers make it easy to achieve high-quality results. They have a thermometer which measures the temperature of the water to the closest degree, and they have a precise pressure gauge that lets you know when the amount you want to pour water is pour. They also have a large enough portafilter to accommodate a standard coffee mug and they have enough space between the portafilter and the drip tray to allow direct brewing into your coffee mug.

They also come with a removable charcoal filter that removes impurities from the water. This is crucial because coffee makers that have a poor-quality filter can create a bitter taste in your cup. The top pour-over coffee makers are constructed from materials that can be cleaned in the dishwasher and do not retain or leak coffee odors.

A good pour-over is simple to clean and should be enjoyable to use. We found that most models we tested were comfortable to hold in one hand, and were the perfect size and shape for an kitchen counter. Some of the simplest models, like the Zojirushi Zutto, even has tiny footprints which makes it perfect for smaller spaces. Some, such as the Melitta Cafe filter, come with a hand that can be removed, which makes it easier to remove and replace filters.

We also love the Philips 3200 Series, which has a built-in burr grinder as well as a simple display. It can brew espresso, Americanos, and black coffee at the touch of a button. It also comes with an attached steam wand to make cappuccinos and lattes. The model also comes with a range of customizable settings that include different sizes of beverages and strengths, and it can start brewing up to 24 hours ahead of time.