How to Choose the Best Coffee Machines
Whether you're looking for a basic filter machine, a coffee pod or capsule brewer or espresso maker, you'll find a model here to suit your needs. Prices start at PS50.
These brewers use pre-measured pods and offer 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 want to be in control. These machines permit users to operate manually an operation that uses a mechanical piston. This produces precise pressure and extraction. This type of coffee machine requires a little more skill and experience to operate than other kinds but a lot of coffee drinkers say that it's worth the effort.
These manual coffee machines are made of high-quality materials that can last for many years without maintenance. They also come with a variety of accessories, including filters and portafilters along with measuring cup, tamper and funnel. They can be used with pod or ground coffee, and can be used to create lattes, cappuccinos and macchiatos, and many more. Some manual coffee machines have a steam arm that is used for milk-based drinks. Some have a nozzle which distributes water on the grounds.
The majority of manual coffee machines utilize a separate kettle to heat water, which is then poured over the grounds in the chamber that is used for brewing. The user then raises or depresses an instrument or hand to activate an engine that pushes hot water through the grounds and into the cup below. This type of machine doesn't have the same precision or accuracy in temperature control as a fully automated or semi-automatic coffee maker. You may have to play around to find the ideal espresso taste.
While some manual coffee machines are designed to be used at home, the majority are designed for hospitality businesses like hotels, restaurants or bed and breakfasts and farmhouses. They are typically small compact and efficient, taking up only a small amount of counter space. They are also less costly than other types of coffee machines and are easily repaired or replaced.
They are typically constructed of durable materials like brass and chrome. Some are made by hand and can add a touch elegance to the kitchen design. They are also generally easy to clean. Some come in a variety of colors that can be matched to the decor of any kitchen. They are more user-friendly than a fully automated or semi-automatic coffee machine and they produce delicious 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 are a comfortable compromise. These models start to take over some of the duties that go into making an espresso, including steaming milk and pre-infusion. You'll still have the option to customize your drinks to suit your preferences.
Breville is a brand known for its wide range of kitchen appliances. Breville makes one of the best semi-automatic coffee makers that are available. The Infuser is an extremely versatile model that permits you to make lattes, cappuccino and espresso at the push of a single button. The machine also automatically dispenses the appropriate 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 compact, sleek design and easy-to-use controls makes it a perfect choice for those with small counter space.
Another model that has been rated highly by Breville is the Dedica espresso machine. The 15 bar pump can make a fantastic espresso shot. Its commercial construction will last for a long time. The Dedica also features a removable milk reservoir as well as the frothing wand, which can be used to make cappuccinos as well as lattes.
Super-automatics are a great choice for a semi-automatic coffee maker. They offer more convenience and can be operated with no involvement. These machines go a step above the standard automatics by offering programmable coffee sizes, and automatically grinding beans, and sometimes measuring and tamping them for you. These machines scored the highest in our Lab tests for their do-it-all capability and hands-free user-friendliness.
If you're looking for a machine that can do it all take a look at the Philips Dinamica. This model features a large touchscreen that can display 16 different drinks such as cappuccino and latte. It automatically grinds whole beans to match the selection of beverages and even save your preferred settings, so you don't have to go through the selections menu entirely. Its advanced features include a removable water tank with a built-in hardness tester and an AquaClean filter that reduces the build-up of scale and ensures that your machine will always make the highest quality cup of coffee.
Fully automated
A fully automatic machine will make a rich and smooth cup of coffee with the click of a button. This is a fantastic option for busy homes or offices, as it can brew both filter and espresso. Many models also have automatic milk frothing that lets you enjoy cafe style coffees such as cappuccino or latte. Certain models let you make your drink of choice in advance. These machines are great for multitaskers since you can work while coffee is brewing.
They are also well-liked in coffee shops that are commercial as they can make a variety of drinks in one go. They are more expensive than semi-automatic ones. Some people may find 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 premium, highly customizable coffee machine that offers the quality of a top cafe in the comfort of your home. The touch screen display makes it simple to use. It takes just three steps to make coffee. It comes with an adjustable steel burr grinder as well as customizable settings, meaning you can customize the espresso you make to your personal preferences.
Another great option for busy households is the De'Longhi ECAM35020W Dinamica Automatic Coffee and Espresso Machine. This machine is characterized by rapid heating up time, and is equipped with a movable burr grinder in steel and an milk frother to prepare espresso-based drinks as well as coffee. It can also produce various types of coffee such as filter coffee and iced.
This is an affordable and versatile Nespresso compatible machine that's ideal for a modern, well-equipped home. It comes with a huge 1.7L tank and a coffee maker capacity. It also comes with an extremely quiet and quick heating system that ensures an excellent coffee drink throughout the day. It's also very easy to use with user profiles that automatically prioritize your favourite drinks, making them just a tap away.
Super-automatic
These models are a step above semi automatic machines. They grind or dose, pull the shot, and froth milk with a touch 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 make them one at a time as in a manual or automatic model.
The Gaggia Velasca Prestige is a excellent example. It combines a high quality brewing system with an automated milk frothing system to make the perfect cappuccino or the perfect latte. The programmability of this machine means you can tailor it to your specific requirements and save your settings for next time. A bypass doser is also included in many of these machines, allowing the use of pre-ground coffee instead of the beans in the bean hopper. This is an ideal option for guests or when you need to change to a different kind of beans.
The DeLonghi Magnifica Evo Fully Automated machine is a popular choice for its flexibility and user-friendliness. It comes with seven recipes that have easy-to-read color icons, ranging from Espresso to Latte Macchiato. coffeee machines has the ability to save six user profiles so that everyone can have their favorite drink at the touch of the button. This machine comes with ceramic grinders that are the best choice for long-term durability and performance.
Another model from Switzerland worth considering is the Jura ENA 4. It has a sleek, understated design, and a huge container for water and bean capacity, making it perfect for commercial use. It has an advanced grinder and brewing system, the Aroma G3. You'll be able to enjoy the finest espresso and coffee you've ever had.
The Philips 3200 LatteGo has a smaller design than some of the other coffee machines that are super-automatic in this list, but still can provide a top-quality cup of coffee. This machine can make up to 5000 cups of coffee before it has to be descaled. It is ideal for families with a lot of work to do. It also has an integrated burr grinder with 13 settings that allow plenty of room for personalization.