How to Choose the Best Coffee Machines
There's a model for every need, whether you're looking for an espresso maker or a coffee pod brewer. Prices start at around PS50.
These brewers utilize pre-measured pods and offer convenience as well as consistency and easy-to-use without hands. They also tend to score highly in our Lab tests.
Manual
A manual machine is an excellent option for those who are looking to have control. They allow you to manually operate a piston, which produces an exact amount of pressure and extraction. This type of machine requires a little more expertise and experience to operate than other types however, many coffee drinkers believe it is worth the effort.
These manual coffee machines are constructed of top-quality materials that can last for many years without needing any maintenance. They also come with a range of accessories, including filters and portafilters as well as a measuring cup, tamper, and funnel. They can be used with ground or pod coffee, and they can make cappuccinos, lattes, macchiatos, and many more. Some manual coffee machines feature traditional steam arms for milk-based drinks, while others have a nozzle that distributes water over the grounds.
The majority of manual coffee machines employ a separate kettle to warm water, which is then poured over the coffee grounds in the brewing chamber. The user then presses or raises the lever or hand to activate a piston that pushes the hot water through the grounds and into the cup below. This type of machine does not 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 flavor.
Some manual coffee machines were created for home use. However they are mostly used in hospitality businesses such as hotels, restaurants, breakfast and bed and breakfast establishments. They are compact, efficient and occupy a small counter space. They are also less costly than other coffee makers and can be easily repaired or replaced.
These machines are typically constructed with durable materials, such as brass and chrome. Some are handmade and can provide 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 easier to use than a fully automated or semi-automatic coffee machine and they can make delicious coffee.
Semiautomatic
For the espresso lover who does not want to be in complete control of all the variables of brewing an ideal shot, semi-automatic machines are an acceptable compromise. They begin to take over some of the duties that go into making an espresso, such as steaming milk and pre-infusion. You'll still be able to customize your drinks to suit your tastes.
Breville is an established brand that is renowned for its extensive range of kitchen appliances. Breville makes one of the top semi-automatic coffee makers that are available. The Infuser is a multi-functional model that lets you make espresso, cappuccino, and lattes with the push of a button. The machine will automatically disperse water in the correct amount for each drink. Its built-in burr grind adjusts the size of the grind to accommodate different extraction levels or beans. The Infuser's sleek, compact design and user-friendly controls make it an ideal choice for those with limited counter space.
Another model that is highly rated by Breville is the Dedica espresso machine. Its 15 bar pump is more than enough to extract a quality espresso shot and its commercial design is built to last. The Dedica comes with a removable milk tank as well as an ice-making tool that can be used for lattes or cappuccinos.
For a here semiautomatic coffee maker that offers even more hands-off convenience consider an automatic. These machines are a step up from standard automatics, offering programmable coffee size, automatically grinding beans and often measuring and tamping for you. These machines scored the highest in our Lab Tests for their all-in-one capabilities and ease of use.
The Philips Dinamica is a super-automatic machine that can handle everything. It has a huge touchscreen that lets you choose 16 different beverages, including cappuccino, latte, and black coffee. It grinds whole coffee beans to match the beverage you choose and can even store the settings you prefer, so you can avoid the menu completely. The advanced features of this machine include a movable tank with an integrated test of water hardness and an AquaClean Filter that reduces scale and ensures you always get the best cup of coffee.
Fully automated
A fully automatic coffee machine offers a rich, smooth cup of coffee at the touch of a button. It is an excellent choice for busy homes or offices and can be used to make espresso-based drinks and filter coffee. Some models also feature automatic milk frothing, which lets you enjoy cafe-style coffees such as cappuccino or the latte. Certain models let you set your preferred drink in advance. These machines are ideal for those who need to be multi-tasking, since they allow you to carry on working while coffee is being made.
They are also well-liked in coffee shops that are commercial, as they can brew multiple types of drinks in one go. They are more expensive than semi-automatic models. However, the convenience offered by a fully automated coffee maker might be worth the extra expense for a few people.
The Mcilpoog WS203 Super-Automatic Espresso Machine and Coffee Maker is a high-end coffee maker that is highly customizable that gives you the experience of a top cafe at home. The touch screen display makes it easy to use. It takes just three steps to make coffee. It also comes with an adjustable burr grinder, as well as customizable settings, meaning you can customize your espresso to your personal preferences.
Another option that is ideal for busy homes is the De'Longhi ECAM35020W Dinamica Automatic Coffee and Espresso Machine. This coffee maker has a quick heating time and comes with a milk frother as well as an adjustable burr mill for making espresso and coffee-based drinks. It also produces various types of coffee, including filter coffee and iced.
This is a budget-friendly and versatile Nespresso compatible machine that's ideal for a modern, well-equipped home. It has a large 1.7L tank and a coffee box capacity. It also features an extremely quiet and quick heating system to ensure a delicious cup of coffee at all times. It is simple to use thanks to user profiles that will automatically prioritize each person's favorite drinks which means they are just an easy tap away.
Super-automatic
These models are a step higher than semi automatic machines. They grind, dose, pull the shot, and then froth milk with the click of a button. These machines are ideal for coffee drinkers who wish to drink a variety of drinks at the same time and appreciate the convenience.
A great example is the Gaggia Velasca Prestige which combines the highest-quality brewing equipment with an automated milk frothing system to make the perfect cappuccino, latte, or macchiato. The machine is programmable, so you can modify it to meet your specific requirements and save your settings. A bypass doser is also common to these machines which enables the use of pre-ground coffee instead of the beans that are stored in the bean hopper, an ideal feature for guests or when you need to switch to a different type of beans.
The Magnifica Evo fully automated machine is also a popular choice because of its versatility and user-friendly. It offers seven one-touch recipes that have easy-to-read color icons, from Espresso to Latte Macchiato. It also allows you to save six user profiles so that everyone can have their favorite drink at the touch of a button. The machine also comes with a ceramic burr grinder, which is the ideal option for durability and performance.
Another Swiss-made model to consider is the Jura ENA 4. It is an elegant and minimalist design, a large bean box and water tank capacity which makes it perfect for commercial use. It has a highly efficient system for brewing and an amazing Aroma G3 grinder. You'll be able to enjoy the best coffee and espresso you've ever tasted.
The Philips 3200 LatteGo has a smaller design than other coffee machines that are super-automatic on this list, but manages to deliver a quality cup of coffee. This machine is rated to produce up to 5000 cups before having to be descaled, which makes it ideal for homes with a busy schedule. It also has a built-in burr grinder, with 13 settings that give you plenty of scope to personalize it.