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 around PS50.

These brewers use pre-measured pods, which offer convenience with consistency, as well as easy-to-use without hands. They also tend to be top performers in our Lab tests.

Manual

A manual machine is a good option for those who are looking to have control. They allow you to manually control a mechanical piston, which produces a precise amount of pressure and extraction. This kind of coffee machine requires a bit more skill and experience to operate than other kinds, but many coffee drinkers say that it's worth the effort.

Manual coffee machines are constructed of top-quality materials, and can last for many years without maintenance. These machines come with a variety of accessories, including filters, portafilters, measuring cup, tamper and funnel. They can be used to make cappuccinos as well as other drinks made with ground or pod coffee. Some manual coffee machines have traditional steam arms for drinks made with milk, whereas others feature a nozzle that spreads water across the grounds.

Most manual coffee machines use a kettle that is used to warm water and then pour it over the coffee grounds in the chamber that is used for brewing. The user then presses or raises a lever that triggers an engine that pushes the hot water into the cup. This type of coffee maker is not as accurate or precise in its temperature control as a semi-automatic or fully automatic coffee maker, and you might have to play with various methods to discover the best espresso flavor.

Some manual coffee machines were made to be used at home. However they are mostly used in hospitality establishments like hotels, restaurants, breakfast and bed and breakfast establishments. They are usually small, compact, and efficient taking up a small amount of counter space. They are also cheaper than other types of machines and are able to be repaired or replaced.

These machines are typically made out of tough materials like chrome and brass. Some are even handcrafted, and they can bring a touch of class to the kitchen design. They are also often easy to clean. Some are available in a range of colors that can be matched to the style of any kitchen. They are generally easier to use than a semiautomatic or fully automatic coffee machine and can produce delicious, premium coffee.

Semiautomatic

For the coffee lover who doesn't want to be in full control of all variables involved in making a perfect shot, semi-automatic machines offer a comfortable compromise. These models begin to automate some of the steps involved in making espresso, like steaming milk and preinfusion. You'll still be able to alter the drinks to meet your preferences.

One of the top semi automatic coffee makers on the market is made by Breville, a name that is well-known for its wide range of kitchen appliances. The Infuser is a multi-functional model that allows you to make cappuccino, espresso and lattes with the push of a button. It also automatically dispensates the correct amount of water per drink, and its built-in burr grinder automatically adjusts the grind size to accommodate various extraction levels and beans. The Infuser is a great option for those with limited counter space due to its compact, sleek design. It also has simple controls.

The Dedica espresso machine is another top-rated model from Breville. The 15 bar pump can extract a great espresso shot. Its commercial construction will last for a long time. The Dedica also comes with a removable milk reservoir and the frothing wand, which can be used to make cappuccinos and lattes.

For a semiautomatic coffee maker that offers even more hands-off convenience, look no further than a super-automatic. These machines are a step above standard automated machines by offering programmable coffee sizes, automatically grinding beans, and sometimes measuring and tamping them for you. These machines scored the highest in our Lab Tests for their all-in-one functionality and ease of use.

The Philips Dinamica is a super-automatic machine that can handle everything. It has a huge touchscreen interface with 16 different drinks including cappuccino and latte. It automatically grinds whole beans to match the drink you choose, and it can even save your preferred settings so that you can bypass the menu of choices completely. The advanced features of this machine include a detachable tank that has an integrated test of water hardness and an AquaClean Filter that reduces scale and ensures you always get the perfect cup of coffee.

Fully automated

A fully automatic coffee machine offers a rich, smooth cup of coffee at the touch of an button. This is a fantastic option for busy offices or homes since it can brew both filter and espresso. Many models also have automatic milk frothing, which lets you enjoy cafe style coffees, such as cappuccino and latte. Some models can even be programmed that allows you to choose your preferred beverage ahead of time. These machines are perfect for people who have to multitask, as they let you 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 make a variety of drinks at once. These are more expensive than semi-automatic ones. Some may feel 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 high-end, highly customizable coffee machine that gives you the experience of a top cafe from the comfort of your own home. It's easy to use, with an LCD touch screen that makes coffee-making as simple as three steps. It comes with an adjustable steel burr grinder, as well as adjustable settings, so you can customize your espresso to your own preferences.

De'Longhi ECAM35020W Dinamica Automatic Coffee and Espresso Machine is a great option for busy households. The coffee maker boasts a quick heat-up time, and is equipped with a variable burr grinder in steel and an milk frother to prepare espresso-based drinks and coffee. It also produces a variety of coffees, including filter coffee and iced.

This is an affordable and versatile Nespresso VertuoPlus by Breville: Ink Black with Frother compatible machine that's perfect for a modern, well-equipped home. It comes with a large 1.7L water tank and coffee machines industrial bean box capacity, and comes with a quiet, fast heating system for a fast and delicious cup of coffee every time. It's also extremely simple to use and comes with user profiles that automatically prioritize each person's favourite drinks and are only a tap away.

Super-automatic

These models are a step higher than semi-automatic machines. They grind, dose, pull the shot, and froth milk with the click of the 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 prepare them one at a time like in a manual or automated model.

An excellent example is the Gaggia Velasca Prestige which combines a high-quality brewing machine with an automatic milk frothing mechanism to create the perfect cappuccino, latte, or macchiato. The machine is programmable, which means you can alter it to meet your specific requirements and save your settings. A lot of these machines include bypass dosers that permit you to use pre-ground coffee beans instead of the beans in the bean hopper. This is a great feature for guests, or if you need to switch from one kind of coffee to another.

Magnifica Evo, a fully automatic machine is also a top choice because of its versatility and user-friendly. It comes with seven recipes that can be brewed in one touch with easy-to-read color icons for everything from Espresso to a Latte Macchiato. It also allows you to save six user profiles so that everyone can have their preferred drink at the touch of one button. The machine also has a ceramic burr grinder, which is the ideal option for durability and performance.

The Jura ENA 4 is another model manufactured in Switzerland that you must consider. It has an elegant, minimalist design, and a huge container for water and bean capacity, making it perfect for commercial use. It features an advanced brewing system and the incredible Aroma G3 grinder. It gives you the finest espresso and coffee you'll ever have.

The Philips 3200 LatteGo has a slightly smaller build than some of the other super-automatic coffee machines on this list, but still is able to provide a high-quality cup of coffee. This machine can make up to 5000 coffee cups before it needs to be descaled. It is ideal for busy households. It also comes with an integrated grinder that can be set to 13 settings.