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, you'll find a model here to suit your needs. Prices start at PS50.
These brewers provide convenience with consistency, consistency, and hands-off ease. They also score highly in our Lab tests.
Manual
For espresso lovers who prefer to take full control of the process, a manual machine is the best option. These machines allow the user to control an operation that uses a piston that is mechanical. This produces a precise extraction and pressure. This type of coffee machine requires a little more experience and skill to operate than other kinds however, many coffee drinkers believe it is worth the effort.
These manual coffee machines are typically constructed from top-quality materials that can be used for many years without a major maintenance requirement. They also come with a range of accessories, such as filters and portafilters, a measuring cup, tamper, and funnel. They can be used with ground or pod coffee and they can create lattes, cappuccinos and macchiatos and much more. Some manual coffee machines come with traditional steam arms for drinks that are milk-based, whereas others have a nozzle that disperses water over the grounds.
The majority of manual coffee machines employ a separate kettle to warm water and then pour it over the grounds inside the chamber for brewing. The user then presses or raises a lever that triggers a piston which forces hot water into the cup. This type of machine doesn't have the same precision or accuracy in temperature control as a fully automatic or semi-automatic coffee maker. You may have to test your perfect espresso flavor.
Some manual coffee machines were designed for home use. However most are used for hospitality businesses such as hotels, restaurants, bed and breakfasts. They are typically small and compact, taking up only one or two square feet of counter space. They are also less expensive than other types of coffee makers and can be easily repaired or replaced.
These machines are typically constructed from durable materials, including brass and chrome. Some are handcrafted and bring a touch of elegance to your kitchen design. In addition they are usually easy to clean. They are also available in a wide range of colors and can match the design of any kitchen. They are generally easier to use than a semi-automatic or fully automatic coffee machine and can make delicious, premium coffee.
Semiautomatic
For the espresso lover who doesn't wish to be in total control of all the factors involved in making the perfect shot, semi-automatic machines offer an acceptable compromise. These models start to take on some of the tasks involved in making an espresso, including steaming milk and pre-infusion. You'll still have the option to customize your drinks to suit your tastes.
One of the best semi-automatic coffee makers available on the market is from Breville, a brand known for a wide variety of kitchen appliances. The Infuser is a versatile model that permits you to make lattes, cappuccino and espresso with a press of a button. The machine is able to automatically pour water in the correct amount for each drink. The built-in burr grinder adjusts the size of the grind to accommodate different extraction levels or beans. The Infuser is a great choice for those with a small counter space due to its sleek, compact design. It also has easy-to-use controls.
Another model that has been rated highly by Breville is the Dedica espresso machine. The 15 bar pump will extract a great espresso shot. The commercial-grade construction will last for many years. The Dedica comes with a removable milk tank as well as a frothing tool that can be used for cappuccinos or lattes.
For a semiautomatic machine that provides even more hands-free convenience consider an automatic. These machines are a step up from regular automatics, and can be programmed to adjust the coffee size, automatically grinding beans, and usually measuring and tamping automatically for you. These machines ranked the highest 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. It comes with a large touchscreen that lets you choose 16 different beverages, including latte, cappuccino, 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. Its high-tech features include a removable water tank equipped with a built-in water softness tester and an AquaClean filter that reduces scale build-up and ensures that your machine always makes the best possible cup of coffee.
Fully automatic
A fully automatic coffee machine offers an incredibly smooth, rich cup of coffee at the touch of an button. This is an excellent choice for busy homes or offices since it can brew both espresso and filter coffee. Some models also have automatic milk frothing, letting you enjoy cafe-style coffees like cappuccino and Latte. Certain models let you make your drink of choice in advance. These machines are great for multitaskers since you can work on your laptop while the coffee is brewing.
These machines are also popular in commercial coffee shops because they can make different drinks simultaneously. However, these are usually more expensive than semi-automatic counterparts. However, the convenience offered by a fully automated coffee maker might be worth the extra expense for some.
The Mcilpoog WS-203 Super-Automatic Espresso and Coffee Machine is a high-end, highly customizable coffee machine that offers the quality of a top-notch cafe, all from your own home. The touchscreen display makes it easy to use. It takes only three steps to make coffee. It is also equipped with an adjustable steel burr grinder as well as customizable settings, meaning you can tailor your espresso to your own preferences.
De'Longhi ECAM35020W Dinamica Automatic Coffee and Espresso Machine is a great option for busy households. The coffee machine has a quick heating time and is equipped with a milk frother and an adjustable steel burr mill to make espresso drinks and coffee-based drinks. It can also create a wide variety of coffee types such as iced and filter coffee.
It is a versatile and affordable Nespresso-compatible machine that is perfect for the modern well-equipped kitchen. It has a massive 1.7L tank and coffee box capacity. It also features an efficient, quiet heating system to ensure the perfect coffee drink throughout the day. It is also incredibly simple to use, with user profiles that automatically prioritise the drinks that are most liked by each user making them just a tap away.
Super-automatic
A step over semi-automatic machines these models grind and dose, take a shot, and then frost your milk at the touch of a button. They are the best option for coffee drinkers who want to enjoy the wide variety of drinks and appreciate the convenience of not having to prepare them one at a go like in a manual or automated model.
An excellent example is the Gaggia Velasca Prestige which combines a high-quality brewing machine with an automated milk frothing system to make the perfect cappuccino, lattes or macchiato. The machine's programmability allows you to customize it to your specific requirements and save your settings for the next time. A lot of these machines come with a bypass doser that allows you to use pre-ground coffee beans instead of the beans in the bean hopper. This is a fantastic feature for guests, or if you want to switch from one type of coffee to another.
Magnifica Evo, a fully automatic machine is also a top choice due to its versatility and ease of use. It has seven one-touch recipe options with easy-to-read colored icons, from Espresso to Latte Macchiato. It also allows you to save six profiles of users so that everyone can have their favorite drink at the touch of one button. The machine is equipped with ceramic grinders that are the best choice for longevity and performance.
Another model made in Switzerland to think about is the Jura ENA 4. It has a sleek, minimal design and a massive container for water and bean capacity, making it ideal for commercial use. It features an advanced brewing system and the incredible Aroma G3 grinder. It gives you the best espresso and coffee you'll ever have.
The Philips 3200 LatteGo has a slightly more compact build than other super-automatic coffee machines on this list, but can provide a top-quality cup of coffee. It can make up to 5000 cups before having to be descaled, which makes it ideal for any busy home. It also has an integrated grinder with 13 settings.