How to Choose the Best Coffee Machines

Whether you're in search of a basic filter machine, a coffee pod or capsule brewer or espresso maker, there's an option here that will meet your needs. Prices start at PS50.

These brewers make use of pre-measured pods, which offer convenience as well as consistency and hands-off ease of use. These Brewers also score high in our Lab tests.

Manual

A manual machine is a great choice for espresso lovers who are looking to have control. These machines let you manually operate a mechanical piston, which produces an exact amount of pressure and extraction. This kind of machine requires more experience and skill to operate, however many coffee drinkers consider it worth the effort.

Manual coffee makers are generally made from high-quality materials and can be used for many years without a major maintenance requirement. These machines come with a variety of accessories including filters, portafilters, measuring cup, tamper, and funnel. They can be used to make cappuccinos and other drinks using ground or pod coffee. Some manual coffee machines feature traditional steam arms for milk-based drinks, while others have a nozzle which coffee machine is the best spreads water across the grounds.

The majority of manual smart coffee machine machines utilize a kettle that is used to heat water that is then poured over the coffee grounds in the brewing chamber. The user then raises or depresses the lever or hand to trigger a piston that forces the hot water through the grounds and into the cup below. This type of coffee machine isn't as precise or precise in its temperature control as semi-automatic or fully automated coffee maker, therefore you may need to play with different techniques to find the best espresso flavor.

While some manual coffee machines are made for home use, the majority are designed for hospitality businesses such as hotels, restaurants as well as bed and breakfasts and farmhouses. They are compact efficient, reliable and occupy a small counter space. They are also less costly than other coffee makers and can be easily repaired or replaced.

They are usually constructed with durable materials, such as chrome and brass. Some are handmade and can bring a touch of elegance to the kitchen layout. They are also often easy to clean. Some are available in a wide range of colors and will match the design of any kitchen. They are generally easier to operate than a semiautomatic or fully automatic coffee machine and can produce delicious, premium coffee.

Semiautomatic

Semi-automatic machines are a good option for espresso enthusiasts who don't want to manage all the variables involved in brewing the perfect shot. These machines begin to take on some of the tasks involved in making espresso, such as steaming milk and pre-infusion. However, you'll still have the option of tailoring your drink to your own personal tastes.

Breville is a brand that is known for its vast selection of kitchen appliances. Breville makes one of the best semi-automatic coffee makers available. The Infuser is a multi-functional model that allows you to make espresso, cappuccino, and lattes with the push of one button. The machine can also automatically pour the correct amount of water for each drink and its built-in grinder automatically adjusts the grind size to accommodate different beans and extraction levels. The Infuser is a great choice for those with a small counter space because of its slim, sleek design. It also comes with easy-to-use controls.

The Dedica espresso machine is another top-rated model by Breville. Its 15 bar pump is more than enough to get a good espresso shot and its commercial-grade construction is built to last. The Dedica comes with a removable milk tank and the frothing tool, which can be used for cappuccinos or lattes.

For a semiautomatic coffee maker that provides even more hands-free convenience, look no further than an ultra-automatic. These machines are a step above standard automatics, offering programmable coffee sizes, automatically grinding beans, and usually measuring and tamping on your behalf. These machines were able to score the highest in our Lab tests for their do-it-all capabilities and hands-free user-friendliness.

If you're looking to find a fully automated that can do everything, consider the Philips Dinamica. This model features a large touchscreen interface with 16 different drinks including cappuccino and latte. 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 altogether. Its advanced features include a removable water tank equipped with a built-in water softness tester as well as an AquaClean filter that prevents the build-up of scale and ensures that your machine always makes the highest quality coffee.

Fully automated

A fully automatic coffee machine offers a rich, smooth cup of coffee machines latte at the push of an button. It's an ideal choice for busy homes and offices and is able to brew filter coffee and espresso-based drinks. Many models also have automatic milk frothing, letting you enjoy coffees that are cafe-style, such as cappuccino and latte. Some models are even programmable which allows you to set your preferred drink prior to time. These machines are great for people who have to multitask, as they allow you to work while you make your coffee.

These machines are well-liked in commercial coffee shops because they can make different drinks at the same time. However, they are typically more expensive than semi-automatic counterparts. 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 premium, highly configurable coffee machine that provides the quality of the best cafes at home. The touch screen display makes it easy to use. It only takes three steps to make coffee. It also comes with an adjustable burr grinder and customizable settings, meaning you can customize your espresso to your personal preferences.

De'Longhi ECAM35020W Dinamica Automatic Coffee and Espresso Machine is another excellent option for busy households. This coffee machine has a quick heating time and comes with a milk frother as well as an adjustable burr mill to make espresso and coffee-based drinks. It can also produce various coffees, including filter coffee and iced.

This is a surprisingly versatile and affordable Nespresso-compatible machine that is ideal for the modern well-equipped kitchen. It comes with a large 1.7L water tank as well as a coffee bean container capacity, and comes with a quiet, fast heating system that makes a quick and delicious cup of coffee every time. It is simple to use, with user profiles that will automatically prioritize each user's preferred drinks which means they are just an easy 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 push of one button. They are the ultimate option for those who want to enjoy the wide variety of drinks and appreciate the ease of not having to prepare each one at a time like in a manual or automated model.

The Gaggia Velasca Prestige is a perfect example. It combines a top quality brewing machine with an automated milk frothing system to make the perfect cappuccino or latte. This machine is programmable, which means you can alter it to meet your exact requirements and save your settings. A bypass doser is common to these machines, allowing you to use pre-ground coffee in place of the beans in the bean hopper, which is a great feature for guests or when you need to switch to a different variety of beans.

Magnifica Evo, a fully automatic machine is also a favorite because of its versatility and user-friendly. It offers seven one-touch recipe options with easy-to-read colored icons, from Espresso to Latte Macchiato. It also lets you save six profiles of users so that everyone can enjoy their preferred 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.

The Jura ENA 4 is another model produced in Switzerland that you should consider. It features a sleek and understated design, a large bean box and capacity for water tanks which makes it perfect for commercial use. It has an advanced grinder and brewing system called the Aroma G3. It gives you the best coffee and espresso you'll ever have.

The Philips 3200 LatteGo has a slightly more compact build than some of the other super-automatic coffee machines on this list, yet manages to deliver a quality cup of coffee. It can produce up to 5000 cups of coffee before it needs to be descaled. It is perfect for busy households. It also has a built-in burr grinder, with 13 settings to provide plenty of options for personalization.