How to Choose the Best Coffee Machines
Whether you're looking for a simple filter machine, a coffee pod or capsule brewer or espresso maker, you'll find an option here that will meet your needs. Prices start around PS50.
These brewers make use of pre-measured pods that provide convenience, consistency and 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. These machines let you manually control a mechanical piston, which results in a precise amount of pressure and extraction. This type of machine requires a bit more expertise and experience to operate than other kinds however, many coffee drinkers say that it is worth the effort.
Manual coffee makers are generally constructed of high-end materials that can be used for years without a significant maintenance requirement. They also come with a variety of accessories, such as filters and portsafilters, measuring cup, tamper, and funnel. They can be used with ground or pod coffee, and can be used to create lattes, cappuccinos and macchiatos and much more. Some manual coffee machines include steam arms that are used to make milk-based drinks. Others include a nozzle that distributes water over the grounds.
The majority of manual coffee makers make the water hot in a separate kettle and then pour it over the grounds inside the chamber for brewing. The user then pushes or raises an instrument or hand to activate an engine that pushes hot water through the grounds and into the cup below. This kind of coffee maker isn't as precise or precise in its temperature control as semi-automatic or fully automated coffee maker, and you may have to experiment with various methods to discover the perfect espresso taste.
Some manual coffee machines were made for home use. However, the majority are for hospitality businesses like hotels, restaurants, breakfast and bed and breakfast establishments. They are typically small, compact, and efficient, taking up only the smallest amount of counter space. They are also less expensive than other types of machines, and they can easily be repaired or replaced.
They are usually constructed with durable materials, such as chrome and brass. Some are handmade and can bring a touch of elegance to your kitchen design. They are also often easy to clean. They are also available in a wide range of colors and can match the style of your kitchen. They are generally easier to use than a fully automated coffee machine and can also make delicious, premium coffee.
Semiautomatic
Semi-automatic machines are a good option for espresso enthusiasts who don't want control over all the variables that go into making the perfect shot. These models start to take over some of the duties involved in making espresso, including steaming milk and pre-infusion. You'll still have the option to customize your drinks to suit your preferences.
One of the most reliable semi-automatic coffee makers on the market comes made by Breville, a company known for its wide selection of kitchen appliances. The Infuser is a versatile model, allowing you to make lattes, cappuccino and espresso at the click of a button. The machine also automatically dispenses the right amount of water for each drink and its built-in grinder automatically adjusts the grind size to accommodate different beans and extraction levels. The Infuser's slim, sleek design and simple-to-use controls make it a great option for those with limited counter space.
The Dedica espresso machine is another top-rated model from Breville. Its 15 bar pump is more than enough to get a good espresso shot and its commercial-grade construction is built to last. The Dedica also comes with a removable milk reservoir as well as a frothing wand that can be used to make cappuccinos as well as lattes.
Super-automatics are a great choice for a semi-automatic coffee maker. They offer even more convenience and can be operated without your involvement. These machines go a step beyond standard automatics by offering programmable coffee sizes, automatically grinding beans, and often measuring and tamping them automatically. These machines scored the highest in our Lab Tests for their all-in-one functionality and ease of use.
If you're looking to find a fully automated that does it all, consider the Philips Dinamica. The Dinamica has a large touchscreen interface with 16 different drinks, including latte and cappuccino. It grinds whole coffee beans to match the beverage you choose and can even store the settings you prefer, so you don't have to choose the menu altogether. Its advanced features include a water tank that is removable with a built-in water hardness tester and an AquaClean filter that prevents the build-up of scale and ensures that your machine will always make the highest quality cup of coffee.
Fully automatic
A fully automated coffee machine offers an excellent, smooth cup of coffee with the push of a button. This is a fantastic option for busy homes or offices because it can make both filter and espresso. Many also feature automatic milk frothing, letting you enjoy cafe-style coffees such as cappuccino and latte. Some models allow you to program your favorite drink in advance. These machines are perfect for anyone who needs to be multi-tasking, since they allow you to carry on working while your coffee is brewing.
They are also well-liked in coffee shops that are commercial because they can be used to prepare a variety of drinks in one go. However, they're typically more expensive than their semi-automatic counterparts. Some individuals may decide that the convenience of a fully-automatic coffee maker is worth the extra cost.
The Mcilpoog WS-203 Super-Automatic Espresso and Coffee Machine is a top coffee maker that is highly customizable that gives you the experience of a top-quality cafe in the comfort of your own home. It is easy to use, with a touch screen display which makes coffee making as easy as just three steps. It also comes with a movable steel burr grinder, as well as customizable settings, meaning you can adjust your espresso to your own preferences.
Another great option for busy homes is the De'Longhi ECAM35020W Dinamica Automatic Coffee and Espresso Machine. This coffee machine boasts an instant heat-up time, and comes with a variable steel burr grinder and a milk frother to prepare coffee and espresso-based beverages. It can also make a variety of coffee types, including filter and iced coffee.
It is a versatile and affordable Nespresso-compatible machine that is perfect for the modern, well-equipped kitchen. It comes with a massive 1.7L water tank and coffee bean capacity. It also features a fast, quiet heating system that makes a quick and delicious cup of coffee every time. It's also extremely simple to use with user profiles that automatically prioritize 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 then froth milk with the click of the button. They are the best option for those who want to enjoy an array of beverages 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 an excellent brewing machine and an automatic milk frothing mechanism to create the perfect cappuccino, lattes or macchiato. This machine is programmable, which means you can alter it to meet your exact needs and save your settings. A bypass doser is standard with many of these machines, allowing the use of pre-ground coffee instead of the beans stored in the bean hopper, an ideal feature for guests or when you want to change to a different kind of beans.
The DeLonghi Magnifica Evo Fully Automated machine is a popular choice for its versatility and ease of use. It has seven one-touch recipe options that are easy to read color icons, click here ranging from Espresso to Latte Macchiato. It also lets you save six user profiles so that each can enjoy their preferred drink at the touch of a 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 has sleek and minimal design, a huge bean box and water tank capacity, making it ideal for commercial use. It has an advanced grinder and brewing system called the Aroma G3. You'll get some of the best espresso and coffee you've ever had.
The Philips 3200 LatteGo has a slightly smaller build than some of the other coffee machines that are super-automatic on this list, but 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 ideal for any busy home. It also comes with an integrated burr grinder with 13 settings that provide plenty of options for customization.