How to Choose the Best Coffee Machines

If you're looking for a simple filter machine, a coffee pod or capsule brewer, or an espresso maker, you'll find the right model for your requirements. Prices start around PS50.

These brewers provide the convenience, consistency, and hands-off simplicity. They also tend to perform well 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 machine requires more experience and skill to operate, but many coffee drinkers find it worth the effort.

These manual coffee machines are constructed of top-quality materials that can last for years without needing any maintenance. They also come with a range of accessories, including a portafilter and filter, measuring cup, tamper, and funnel. They can be used with either pod or ground coffee, and they can make lattes, cappuccinos, macchiatos, and many more. Some manual coffee machines come with traditional steam arms for drinks that are milk-based, whereas others have a nozzle which disperses water over the grounds.

Most manual coffee machines boil 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 or hand to turn on a piston that forces the hot water through the grounds before it is poured into the cup below. This kind of coffee maker is not as accurate or precise in its temperature control as fully automated or semi-automatic coffee maker, therefore you may need to play with different techniques to find the ideal espresso flavor.

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

They are usually constructed using durable materials like chrome and brass. Some are even handmade and can bring a touch of class to the kitchen design. They are also generally easy to clean. Some are available in a range of colors that can be matched to the aesthetics of any kitchen. They are generally simpler to operate than a fully automated coffee maker and can also make excellent, high-quality coffee.

Semiautomatic

Semi-automatic machines are a good alternative for those who don't want to control all the variables that go into making the perfect espresso. They begin to take over some of the duties that go into making an espresso, like steaming milk and pre-infusion. You'll still have the option to customize your drinks to suit your preferences.

Breville is a brand that is known for its vast selection of kitchen appliances. It makes one of the best semi-automatic coffee makers available. The Infuser is a versatile model that permits you to make lattes, cappuccino and espresso at the click of a button. It also automatically dispensates the correct amount of water per drink, and its built-in burr grinder automatically adjusts the size of the grind to accommodate different extraction levels and beans. The Infuser's sleek, compact design and simple-to-use controls make it an ideal choice for those with a limited counter space.

The Dedica espresso machine is yet another top-rated model from Breville. The 15 bar pump can extract a great espresso shot. Its commercial design will last for years. The Dedica includes a movable milk tank as well as the frothing tool, which can be used for lattes or cappuccinos.

Super-automatics are an excellent choice for a semi-automatic coffee maker. They offer even more convenience and can be operated without any involvement from you. These machines are a step up from conventional automatics, with programmable coffee sizes, automatically grinding beans and often measuring and tamping on your behalf. These machines scored the top in our Lab Tests due to their all-in-one capabilities and ease of use.

The Philips Dinamica is a super-automatic machine that can handle everything. This model has a large touchscreen that lets you select 16 different beverages, including cappuccino, latte, and black coffee. It automatically grinds whole beans to match the selection of beverages and can save your preferred settings, so you don't have to go through the selections menu entirely. The top-of-the-line features of this machine include a movable tank with an integrated test of water hardness and an AquaClean Filter that helps reduce scale and ensures you always get the perfect cup of coffee.

Fully automatic

A fully automated machine can provide you with a rich and smooth cup of coffee at the push of one button. It is an excellent choice for busy homes and offices and can be used to make filter coffee and espresso-based drinks. Many models also have automatic milk frothing, which lets you enjoy cafe style coffees, such as cappuccino and the latte. Some models are even programmable that allows you to choose your preferred drink prior to time. These machines are perfect for anyone who needs to multitask, as they allow you to continue working while coffee is being made.

These machines are also popular in commercial coffee shops because they can make different drinks simultaneously. However, they're typically more expensive than their semi-automatic counterparts. However, the convenience provided by a fully-automated coffee maker may be worth the extra cost for some people.

The Mcilpoog WS-203 Super-Automatic Espresso and Coffee Machine is a top coffee machine that is highly customizable that gives you the experience of a top-notch cafe, all from your own home. It is easy to use, with a touch screen display which Coffee machine is the best makes coffee making as easy as just three steps. It also comes with an adjustable burr grinder and adjustable settings, so you can tailor your espresso to your own preferences.

Another option for busy households is the De'Longhi ECAM35020W Dinamica Automatic Coffee and Espresso Machine. The coffee maker boasts an instant heat-up time, and is equipped with an adjustable burr grinder made of steel and a milk frother to prepare espresso-based drinks as well as coffee. It is also able to produce a wide range of coffee flavors that include iced and filter household coffee machines.

This is a surprisingly flexible and affordable Nespresso compatible machine that is ideal for the modern well-equipped kitchen. It has a large 1.7L tank and a coffee box capacity. It also comes with a quick, quiet heating system to ensure the perfect cup of coffee at all times. It is also incredibly simple to use and comes with user profiles that automatically prioritise the drinks that are most liked by each user making them just a tap away.

Super-automatic

These models are a step above semi automatic machines. They grind and dose, take the shot, and froth milk at the touch the button. They are the ultimate option for those who wish to enjoy the wide variety of beverages and appreciate the convenience of not having to make them one at a go as in a manual or automatic model.

The Gaggia Velasca Prestige is a great example. It is a high quality brewing system with an automated milk frothing system to create the perfect cappuccino or the perfect latte. The programmability of this machine means you can tailor it to meet your needs and save your settings for the next time. A bypass doser comes standard with many of these machines, allowing the use of pre-ground coffee in place of the beans that are stored in the bean hopper. This is which is a great feature for guests or if you want to switch to a different variety of beans.

The DeLonghi Magnifica Evo Fully Automated machine is another popular option for its versatility and user-friendliness. It offers seven one-touch recipe options with easy-to-read colored icons, from Espresso to Latte Macchiato. It also allows you to save six user profiles, which means everyone can have their favorite drink brewed at the touch of the button. The machine is equipped with a ceramic grinder that is the best choice for long-term durability and performance.

Another Swiss-made model to consider is the Jura ENA 4. It features sleek and minimal design, a huge bean box and water tank capacity, making it ideal for commercial use. It comes with a sophisticated coffee brewing system as well as the amazing Aroma G3 grinder. You'll be able to enjoy the best coffee and espresso you've ever tasted.

The Philips 3200 LatteGo is a smaller than other machines that are super-automatic on this list, but still provides an excellent cup. This machine can produce up to 5000 cups before it needs to be descaled, which is ideal for any busy home. It also comes with an integrated grinder that can be set to 13 settings.