How to Choose the Best Coffee Machines

Whether you're looking for a basic filter machine or a coffee pod, capsule brewer, or an espresso maker, there's a model here to suit your needs. Prices start at PS50.

Brewers that are brewers with these features provide ease of use, consistency, and hands-off ease. They also score highly in our Lab tests.

Manual

A manual machine is a good choice for espresso lovers who are looking to have control. These machines allow you to manually control a mechanical piston, which results in the exact amount of pressure and extraction. This type of coffee machine requires a little more experience and skill to operate than other types, but many coffee drinkers say that it's worth the effort.

Manual coffee machines are usually made from high-quality materials and can last for a long time without any major maintenance requirement. They come with a range of accessories including filters, portafilters, measuring cup, tamper, and funnel. They can be used to make cappuccinos and other drinks using ground or pod coffee. Some manual coffee machines feature a traditional steam arm for milk-based drinks, while others feature a nozzle that disperses water over the grounds.

The majority of manual coffee makers heat the water in a separate kettle, and then pour it over the grounds within the chamber of brewing. The user then presses or raises a lever to trigger an engine that pushes hot water into the cup. This kind of machine does not have the same precision or accuracy in temperature control as a fully automated or semi-automatic coffee maker. It is possible to experiment to find your ideal espresso flavor.

While some manual coffee machines are made for home use, the majority are designed for hospitality businesses, such as hotels or restaurants or bed and breakfasts and farmhouses. They are small, efficient and occupy a small counter space. They are also less expensive than other types of coffee makers and can be easily repaired or replaced.

These machines are typically made out of tough materials like brass and chrome. Some are even handmade and can add a touch of elegance to the kitchen design. They are also generally easy to clean. Some are available in a wide range of colors and will match the design of any kitchen. They are easier to use than a fully automated or semi-automatic coffee machine and they produce delicious coffee.

Semiautomatic

For the espresso lover who does not want to be in full control of all of the variables of brewing an ideal shot, semi-automatic machines are a comfortable compromise. These machines begin automatizing certain steps in making espresso, such as steaming milk and preinfusion. But, you'll have a variety of options to tailor your drink to your personal preferences.

Breville is a brand known for its vast selection of kitchen appliances. It is one of the most reliable semi-automatic coffee makers on the market. The Infuser is a multi-functional model that lets you make espresso, cappuccino, and lattes at the touch of one button. It also automatically dispensates the correct amount of water for each drink, and its built-in burr grinder automatically adjusts the size of the grind to accommodate different beans and extraction levels. The Infuser's sleek, compact design and easy-to-use controls makes it a perfect choice for people with limited counter space.

The Dedica espresso machine is yet another top-rated model from Breville. Its 15 bar pump is sufficient to get a good espresso shot and its commercial-grade construction is built to last. The Dedica also comes with a removable milk reservoir and a frothing wand that can be used to make cappuccinos and lattes.

Super-automatics are a great option for semi-automatic coffee makers. They provide even more convenience and are operated without your involvement. These machines are a step above conventional automatics, with programmable coffee sizes, automatically grinding beans, and often measuring and tamping for you. These machines were able to score the best in our Lab tests for their do-it-all capability and hands-free ease of use.

The Philips Dinamica is a super-automatic machine capable of doing everything. This model features a large touchscreen that can display 16 different drinks including cappuccino and latte. It automatically grinds whole beans to match the selection of beverages, and it can even save your preferred settings so that you can skip the selections menu entirely. The advanced features of this machine include a movable tank that has an integrated test of water hardness and an AquaClean filter that reduces scale and ensures you always get the best cup of coffee.

Fully automatic

A fully automated coffee maker offers a rich, smooth cup of coffee with the touch of an button. It's a great choice for busy homes and offices, and can be used to brew filter coffee and espresso-based drinks. Many models have automatic milk frothing, which lets you enjoy cafe style coffees like cappuccino or latte. Some models allow you to program your favorite drink in advance. These machines are great for anyone who needs to multitask, as they let you continue working while your coffee is brewing.

They are also well-liked in coffee shops that are commercial, as they can prepare a variety of drinks simultaneously. However, they are typically more expensive than semi-automatic counterparts. However, the convenience provided by a fully-automated coffee maker could be worth the extra cost for a few people.

The Mcilpoog WS-203 Super-Automatic Espresso and Coffee Machine is a top, highly customizable coffee machine that gives you the experience of a top-quality cafe in the comfort of your home. The touchscreen display makes it simple to use. It only takes three steps to make bean-to-cup coffee machines. It comes with a steel burr grinder that is adjusted and programmable settings so you can customize your espresso to suit your preferences.

Another option for busy households is the De'Longhi ECAM35020W Dinamica Automatic Coffee and Espresso Machine. The coffee maker boasts a quick heat-up time, and comes with a movable burr grinder made of steel and Coffee roaster machine an milk frother to prepare espresso-based drinks and coffee. It also produces various coffees such as filter coffee and iced.

This is a very versatile and affordable Nespresso-compatible machine that is perfect for the modern well-equipped kitchen. It has a large 1.7L tank and a coffee maker capacity. It also comes with an efficient, quiet heating system to ensure the perfect coffee drink every time. It's also very easy to use and comes with user profiles that automatically prioritise each person's favourite drinks so they are just one tap away.

Super-automatic

A step over semi-automatic machines these models grind, dose, pull your shot, and make your milk frothy at the push of a button. They are the ideal option for those who wish to enjoy a wide range of beverages and appreciate the ease of not having to prepare them one at a time as in a manual or automatic model.

A good 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. It is programmable which means you can alter it to meet your specific requirements and save the settings. A bypass doser is also standard with many of these machines, allowing you to use pre-ground coffee in place of the beans that are stored in the bean hopper. This is an ideal option for guests or if you want to switch to a different type of beans.

DeLonghi's Magnifica Evo fully automatic machine is also a top choice because of its versatility and ease of use. It features seven one-touch recipes with easy to read color icons for everything from Espresso to a Latte Macchiato. It can also save six user profiles so that everyone can have their favorite drink at the touch of an button. This machine comes with ceramic grinders that are the best choice for longevity and performance.

The Jura ENA 4 is another model manufactured in Switzerland that you must think about. It features a sleek and understated design, a large bean box and capacity for water tanks, making it ideal for commercial use. It features a sophisticated grinder and brewing system called the Aroma G3. You'll get some of the best coffee and espresso you've ever tasted.

The Philips 3200 LatteGo is a smaller than other super-automatic machines on this list, but it still produces a quality cup. It can make up to 5000 coffee cups before it needs to be descaled. It is ideal for busy households. It also has a built-in grinder that has 13 settings.