How to Choose the Best Coffee Machines

There's a model for every need whether you're looking for an espresso maker or a coffee pod brewer. Prices start around PS50.

These brewers utilize pre-measured pods that provide convenience with consistency, as well as hand-free ease of use. They also score highly in our Lab tests.

Manual

A manual machine is an excellent choice for espresso lovers who are looking to have control. They allow you to manually operate a mechanical piston, which produces the exact amount of pressure and extraction. This type of coffee machine requires a bit more expertise and experience to operate than other kinds but a lot of coffee drinkers say that it's worth the effort.

Manual coffee machines are constructed of top-quality materials and will last for a long time without maintenance. These machines include a range of accessories like a portafilter, filter measuring cup, tamper and funnel. They can be used with either pod or ground coffee, and can be used to create lattes, cappuccinos and macchiatos, and more. Some manual coffee machines come with traditional steam arms for drinks that are milk-based, whereas others have a nozzle which spreads water across the grounds.

The majority of manual coffee machines utilize an additional kettle to warm water, which is then poured over the coffee grounds in the chamber for brewing. The user then presses or raises a lever to activate an engine that pushes the hot water into the cup. This kind of machine does not have the same precision or accuracy in temperature control as a fully automatic or semi-automatic coffee maker. It is possible to experiment to find your perfect espresso taste.

Some manual coffee machines were made to be used at home. However, the majority are for hospitality businesses such as hotels, restaurants and bed and breakfasts. They are compact efficient, reliable and occupy a small counter space. They are also less expensive than other types of machines and can easily be repaired or replaced.

These machines are usually made out of tough materials like chrome and brass. Some are handcrafted and add a touch elegance to the kitchen design. Additionally they are typically easy to clean. Some are available in a variety of colors and will match the style of your kitchen. They are generally more simple to use than a semi-automatic or fully automatic coffee machine and can also make excellent, high-quality coffee.

Semiautomatic

For the espresso lover who does not want to be in complete control of all the variables of brewing an ideal shot, semi-automatic machines are an acceptable compromise. These machines begin to take on some of the tasks involved in making espresso, including steaming milk and pre-infusion. You'll still be able alter the drinks to meet your tastes.

One of the top semi-automatic coffee makers on the market is made by Breville, a name that is well-known for its wide range of kitchen appliances. The Infuser is a multi-functional model that allows you to make cappuccino, espresso and lattes with the click of the button. The machine is able to automatically pour the right amount of water for each drink. The built-in burr grinder adjusts the size of the grind to accommodate different extraction levels or beans. The Infuser's slim, sleek design and user-friendly controls make it an ideal choice for those with small counter space.

The Dedica espresso machine is yet another highly rated model from Breville. Its 15 bar pump is enough to make a high-quality espresso shot and its commercial-grade construction is built to last. The Dedica has a removable milk tank and an ice-making tool that can be used for cappuccinos or lattes.

Super-automatics are a great choice for semi-automatic coffee makers. They provide even more convenience and can be operated without any involvement from you. These machines go a step beyond standard automated machines by offering programmable coffee sizes, a system that automatically grinds beans, and often measuring and tamping them automatically. These machines scored the top in our Lab Tests due to their all-in-one features and user-friendliness.

The Philips Dinamica is a super-automatic machine capable of doing everything. This model features a large touchscreen that can display 16 drinks to choose from such as cappuccino and latte. It automatically grinds whole beans to match the drink you choose and even save your preferred settings, so you don't have to go through the menu of choices completely. The advanced features of this machine include a removable tank that has an integrated test for water hardness and an AquaClean Filter that helps reduce scale and ensures that you always get the perfect cup of coffee.

Fully automatic

A fully automated machine will provide you with a rich and smooth cup of coffee with the click of the button. This is a great choice for busy offices or homes, as it can brew both filter and espresso. 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 great for multitaskers, as you can work on your laptop while coffee is brewing.

They are also very popular in commercial coffee shops, as they can be used to make a variety of drinks simultaneously. However, they're typically more expensive than their semi-automatic counterparts. However, the convenience offered by a fully automatic coffee maker may be worth the extra cost for some.

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-notch cafe from the comfort of your own home. The touch screen display makes it easy to use. It takes just three steps to make coffee. It comes with a steel burr grinder that is adjustable and programmed so that you can alter the espresso to your personal preferences.

De'Longhi ECAM35020W Dinamica Automatic Coffee and Espresso Machine is another excellent option for busy households. This coffee maker has a fast heating time and comes with a milk frother as well as an adjustable steel burr mill to make espresso drinks and coffee-based drinks. It is also able to create a wide variety of coffee varieties, including filter and iced coffee.

This is a very flexible 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 bean capacity. It also has a quick, quiet heating system that makes a quick and delicious cup of coffee every time. It is easy to use, with user profiles that will automatically make sure that the drinks of each user are prioritized and are just an easy tap away.

Super-automatic

These models are a step above semi automatic machines. They grind and dose, take the shot, and froth milk with the click of a button. They are the best option for those who want to drink an array of drinks and appreciate the convenience of not having to make them one at a time as in a manual or automated model.

A great example is the Gaggia Velasca Prestige which combines a high-quality brewing machine with an automatic milk frothing mechanism to create the perfect cappuccino, latte, or macchiato. The machine's programmability means you can tailor it to your exact requirements and save your settings for the next time. A lot of these machines come with bypass dosers that allow you to use pre-ground beans instead of the beans that are in the bean hopper. This is a great feature for guests or if you wish to switch from one kind of coffee pot machine to another.

The DeLonghi Magnifica Evo Fully-Automatic machine is another popular option due to its versatility and ease of use. It features seven one-touch recipes with easy-to-read colored icons for everything from Espresso to a Latte Macchiato. It also has the capability to save six user profiles, so everyone can have their preferred beverage brewed at the click of the button. The machine also has 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 a sleek, understated design and a large container for water and bean capacity, which makes it perfect for commercial use. It has an advanced brewing and grinder system, the Aroma G3. This makes the best espresso and coffee you'll ever have.

The Philips 3200 LatteGo has a slightly smaller build than the other coffee machines that are super-automatic in this list, yet is able to provide a high-quality cup of coffee. This machine is rated to produce up to 5000 cups before it needs to be descaled, which is perfect for busy homes. It also comes with a built-in burr grinder with 13 settings that allow plenty of room to personalize it.