How to Choose the Best Coffee Machines
There's a model for every need regardless of whether you're looking to buy an espresso maker or a coffee pod brewer. Prices start at PS50.
These brewers offer convenience as well as consistency and hands-off convenience. They also be top performers in our Lab tests.
Manual
A manual machine is a great choice for espresso lovers who want to be in control. These machines allow the user to manually operate an operation that utilizes a mechanical piston. This results in an exact pressure and extraction. This kind of coffee machine requires a bit more skill and experience to operate than other kinds, but many people who drink coffee say 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 include a range of accessories including filters, a portafilter measuring cup, tamper, and funnel. They can be used with either ground or pod coffee, and they can create lattes, cappuccinos and macchiatos, and many more. Some manual coffee machines have steam arms that are used for milk-based drinks. Some have a nozzle which distributes water onto the grounds.
The majority of manual coffee makers boil the water in a separate kettle, and then pour it over the grounds inside the chamber of brewing. The user then presses or raises the lever 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 need to play around to find the perfect espresso taste.
Some manual coffee machines were made for home use. However they are mostly used in hospitality businesses like hotels, restaurants, breakfast and bed and breakfast establishments. They are typically small, compact, and efficient taking up one or two square feet of counter space. They are also less expensive than other kinds of machines and are able to be repaired or replaced.
They are typically constructed of durable materials like brass and chrome. Some are even handcrafted, and they can provide a touch of luxury to the kitchen design. Additionally, they are often very easy to clean. Some are available in a variety of colors and can match the design of any kitchen. They are less complicated to use than a fully automated or semi-automatic coffee maker, and they produce delicious coffee.
Semiautomatic
For the person who doesn't wish to be in total control of all the variables involved in making a perfect shot, semi-automatic machines offer an acceptable compromise. These models begin to automate certain steps in making espresso, such as steaming milk and preinfusion. You'll still be able to alter the drinks to meet your tastes.
One of the top semi-automatic coffee makers on the market comes from Breville, a company known for its wide range of kitchen appliances. The Infuser is a versatile model that lets you make cappuccino, espresso and lattes with the click of a button. The machine can also automatically pour the right amount of water per drink and its built-in burr grinder automatically adjusts the size of the grind to accommodate different beans and extraction levels. The Infuser is a great choice for those with a small counter space due to its sleek, compact design. It also comes with easy-to-use controls.
The Dedica espresso machine is another top-rated model from Breville. The 15 bar pump will make a fantastic espresso shot. The commercial-grade construction will last for a long time. The Dedica also comes with a removable milk reservoir and an ice-making wand that can be used to make cappuccinos and lattes.
Super-automatics are an excellent choice for a semi-automatic coffee maker. They offer more convenience and can be operated without your involvement. These machines are a step above regular automatics, and can be programmed to adjust the coffee sizes, automatically grinding beans, and often measuring and tamping on your behalf. These machines ranked the highest in our Lab Tests due to their all-in-one click here capabilities and ease of use.
The Philips Dinamica is a super-automatic machine capable of doing everything. It comes with a large intuitive touchscreen interface which lets you select 16 different drinks, including cappuccino, latte, and black coffee. It automatically grinds whole beans to match the selection of beverages, and it can even save your preferred settings so that you can skip the menu of choices completely. The top-of-the-line features of this machine include a removable tank with an integrated test of water hardness and an AquaClean filter that reduces scale and ensures you always get the perfect cup of coffee.
Fully automatic
A fully automated coffee machine provides a rich, smooth cup of coffee with the touch of a button. This is a fantastic option for busy homes or offices, as it can brew both espresso and filter coffee. Many models have automatic milk frothing to let you enjoy cafe-style coffees like cappuccino or Latte. Certain models let you set your preferred drink in advance. These machines are great for those who work in multiple places, since you can work while the 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. These are more expensive than semi-automatic models. However, the convenience offered by a fully-automated coffee maker might be worth the extra expense for some people.
The Mcilpoog WS-203 Super-Automatic Espresso and Coffee Machine is a top, highly customizable coffee machine that gives you the experience of a top cafe in the comfort of your own home. It is easy to use, with a touch screen display that makes making coffee as easy as just three steps. It comes with a stainless steel burr grinder that can be adjustable and programmed so that you can tailor your espresso to your personal preferences.
Another option that is ideal for busy households is the De'Longhi ECAM35020W Dinamica Automatic Coffee and Espresso Machine. This coffee maker has a quick heating time and is equipped with a milk frother as well as an adjustable steel burr mill for making espresso drinks and coffee-based drinks. It can also make various types of coffee that include filter coffee as well as iced.
This is an affordable and versatile Nespresso-compatible machine that is perfect 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 to ensure an excellent cup of coffee throughout the day. It's also extremely 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 above semi-automatic machines these models grind and dose, take a shot and froth your milk all at the touch of one button. They are the ultimate option for coffee drinkers who wish to enjoy a wide range of drinks and appreciate the ease of not having to make each one at a time like in a manual model or an automatic model.
A good example is the Gaggia Velasca Prestige which combines an excellent brewing machine and an automated milk frothing system to make the perfect cappuccino, latte or macchiato. This machine is programmable, so you can modify it to meet your specific needs and save your settings. Many of these machines come with a bypass doser that allows you to use pre-ground beans instead of the beans that are in the bean hopper. This is a fantastic feature for guests or if you wish to switch from one kind of coffee to another.
The Magnifica Evo fully automated machine is also a popular choice due to its versatility and user-friendly. It comes with seven recipes that have easy-to-read color icons, ranging from Espresso to Latte Macchiato. It can also save six user profiles so that each can have their favorite drink brewed with the push of one button. This machine comes with a ceramic grinder that is the best choice for longevity and performance.
Another model made in Switzerland to think about is the Jura ENA 4. It is an elegant and minimalist design, a large bean box and capacity for water tanks making it ideal for commercial use. It comes with a sophisticated system for brewing and an amazing Aroma G3 grinder. You'll enjoy some of the finest espresso and coffee you've ever had.
The Philips 3200 LatteGo has a slightly smaller build than some of the other super-automatic coffee machines 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 any busy home. It also has an integrated burr grinder with 13 settings to give you plenty of scope for personalization.