How to Choose the Best Home Coffee Machine

The best home coffee machine will complement your style of brewing and will fit into your kitchen. The most important factors are capacity, size, and design.

This espresso maker for prosumers awed us with its speed, accuracy and user-friendliness. The Sage Bambino heats up quickly and efficiently, effectively steaming milk, and produces excellent 19-bar extractions.

Pod (or Capsule) Machines

A pod machine is the ideal choice if you want to make coffee quickly and efficiently by using pre-ground pods. They take the messiest bits out of brewing, removing the necessity for expensive burr grinders as well as portafilters that have to be regularly cleaned free of coffee oils. These machines require less maintenance. Regular cleaning and descaling reservoirs of water is a good idea.

These brewers have their limitations, however. They are restricted to certain types of coffee pods, like K-Cups Nespresso capsules or ESE (easy serve espresso). This isn't an issue if your coffee is from the same brand, but it could be a problem if want to try a variety.

The other drawback to pod machines is that they typically have a smaller water tank and are typically less durable than bean-to-cup machines. They can also take longer to make. This isn't an issue if you're trying to get ready in the morning, but it can be a problem when you have a long day of work ahead.

Think about the size of your bar prior to purchasing a pod machine. Some are smaller and can fit between other appliances. Also think about how much you're willing to spend and the beverage options you'd like to create. Our former editor for ecommerce Louise stays caffeinated on a tight budget by using the Nespresso Vertuo Next, which allows her to dispense espresso shots of either length or short and comes with an efficient milk frother for lattes.

This sleek, elegant pod-machine offers both high-end and low-maintenance. It's not cheap but it's a chic addition to any kitchen. The sleek stainless steel design will make a statement on your counter. It's capable of creating five different drinks with just pressing a button and each capsule is marked with a unique barcode on the underside that the machine reads to decide which beverage to dispense. It's an excellent choice for sustainability enthusiasts, as the pods decompose and breakdown rapidly. The reusable mug makes it a viable option.

Manual Espresso Machines

For those who love the art of making espresso manual machines can offer an enjoyable hands-on experience. They can be more time-consuming than automated espresso machines but if you have the patience and skill to use them, they can produce high-quality drinks tailored to your tastes. They are also more durable and have designs that can stand up to the most rigorous usage than other types.

Manual espresso machines, however, are not as easy-to-use as automatic espresso machines, and typically lack precise temperature controls. It can be difficult to create consistently high-quality espresso shots. The best coffee machines for home manual espresso machines have a a steep learning curve, and they can be costly to purchase and maintain.

If you're a coffee lover looking to explore the world of manual espresso, consider a newer machine designed to be as user-friendly as you can. Some models come with a built-in grinder as well as a steamer for milk, which makes them relatively easy to operate for those who are new to coffee. Some have a water reservoir that is removable which makes it easier to clean and refill. Some are programmable and allow you to set the time when the brewing process to begin prior to waking.

Some manual espresso makers can be quite big, making them ideal for larger households or coffee carts. Others are smaller and require less counter space. Consider how many people you plan to serve at one time when deciding on the size of your machine, in addition. Consider a larger model in the event that you have more than one family member or roommate who loves making espresso.

Some of the most affordable manual espresso machines come with the ability to program a milk frother that can be set to automatically heat and froth milk to your preferred consistency. This kind of machine works well for cappuccinos, lattes and is also suitable for people who have sensitive teeth. It's important to note that this type of machine may not be suitable for those who prefer a more substantial cup of espresso since it produces less foam than other types of espresso makers.

Automatic Espresso Machines

This category comprises fully automated espresso machines that handle the entire process of making espresso, from grinding to extraction. These machines are simple to use and require little maintenance, aside from cleaning and descaling. These are great for people who don't like getting their hands dirty or have limited countertop space for a fully-sized espresso and coffee maker.

These models tend to have Wi-Fi capability, so you can control the machine using your smartphone. However, all this automation and programmability is at a premium: Expect to spend more money on these machines than semi-automatic and manual alternatives.

One of our favorite automatic espresso makers is the snazzy Eveversys Cameo. It's a sleek, aesthetically appealing machine that takes up only a small amount of space on your counter. Additionally, it ranks 5/5 in our user-friendliness ratings, which is second only to the Miele. It is a high-output machine with three different hoppers and grinds. You can select which one you want to use with the touchscreen display. It's simple to use and self-monitoring, meaning you don't have to play with buttons or knobs.

Another option in this category is the Cuisinart Spinn. The small pill-shaped machine utilizes centrifugal force to make espresso, which differs from the traditional method of forcing water through the grounds. With some practice, it can produce a variety of drinks, such as cappuccino or the latte. We tested this machine at the Good Housekeeping Institute's Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab and it scored a top score in our ratings for ease-of-use, scoring 5 stars. This machine is also small by espresso maker standards. It doesn't require any space on your counter.

It's worth trying several different types of espresso machines until you find the one that best small coffee machine suits your style as well as your space and budget. Consider aesthetics, too--you'll want one that blends seamlessly with your decor and coffee cart. Don't forget to measure your countertop to make sure the machine you choose will be a good fit.

Pour-Over Machines

If you want to brew a cup of coffee with total control using a pour-over machine, it's an ideal option. Manual pour-over machines like the Chemex Funnex or the Hario V60, allow you to alter a range of variables (coffee grounds to ratio of water filter type, time of brewing) to create a brew that is unique. They are more likely to create more intense aromas and flavors than drip machines.

Pour-over brewers are designed to give top-quality results. They have a thermometer that determines the temperature of the water to the nearest degree and an indicator of pressure that informs you when the desired amount of water that has been brewed has been pour. They also have a big enough portafilter to hold a regular coffee mug, and they provide enough space between the drip tray and the portafilter so you can brew directly into your coffee mug.

The coffee makers also come with charcoal filters which can be removed to remove impurities in the water. This is important since any coffee maker that has an inferior filter can create a bitter taste in your cup. Additionally, the best coffee machine bean-to-cup pour-over brewers are constructed of materials that are safe to wash in dishwashers and don't leak or hold on to coffee smells.

A good pour-over should be easy to clean and should be enjoyable to use. The majority of models were simple to use and easy to hold with one hand. They also had the right size and form to be used as a countertop in the kitchen. Some of the most basic models, such as the Zojirushi Zutto have a small footprint and are perfect for small spaces. Others, like the Melitta Cafe filter have a handle that can be removed, which makes it easier to lift and change the filter.

We also love the Philips 3200 Series, which comes with a built-in grinder and an intuitive display. It can make espresso, Americanos, and black coffee with a push of a button and has an integrated steam wand that can be used for cappuccinos and lattes. This model has a variety of settings that can be customized, including various sizes and strengths for beverages. It is also able to start brewing up until 24 hours in advance.