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 around PS50.
These brewers offer ease of use, consistency, and hands-off ease. They also tend to score highly in our Lab tests.
Manual
For espresso lovers who prefer to take full control of the process manually, a manual machine can be the best option. These machines let you manually operate a mechanical piston that results in the exact amount of pressure and extraction. This type of machine requires more expertise and experience to operate, however many coffee drinkers find it worth the effort.
These manual coffee machines are constructed of top-quality materials that can last for years without needing any maintenance. They also come with a range of accessories, such as filters and portafilters as well as measuring cup, tamper and funnel. They can be used with either pod or ground coffee, and can be used to create lattes, cappuccinos and macchiatos and much more. Some manual coffee machines include a steam arm that is used for milk-based drinks. Other machines have a nozzle which distributes water on the grounds.
The majority of manual coffee machines employ a separate kettle to warm water, which is then poured over the grounds inside the chamber that is used for brewing. The user presses or raises a lever to trigger an engine that pushes the hot water into the cup. This type of coffee machine is not as accurate or precise in its temperature control as semi-automatic or fully automated coffee maker, so you might have to play with various techniques to find the best espresso flavor.
While some manual coffee machines are made for home use, the majority are designed for businesses in the hospitality industry like hotels or restaurants as well as bed and breakfasts and farmhouses. They are small efficient, reliable and require little counter space. They are also less expensive than other models of machines, and they can easily be repaired or replaced.
These machines are typically constructed with durable materials, such as brass and chrome. Some are hand-crafted and can provide a touch of luxury to the kitchen design. They are also usually easy to clean. Some come in a variety of colors that can be matched to the style of any kitchen. They are generally easier to use than a semi-automatic or fully automated coffee machine and can also make delicious, premium coffee.
Semiautomatic
Semi-automatic machines are a good alternative for those who don't want control over all the variables that go into making the perfect shot. These machines begin automatizing certain steps in making espresso, including steaming milk and preinfusion. But, you'll have many options to tailor your drinks to your individual preferences.
Breville is an established brand that is renowned for its vast selection of kitchen appliances. It makes one of the top semi-automatic coffee makers available. The Infuser is an extremely versatile model that allows you to make lattes, cappuccino and espresso with just a push of a single button. The machine will automatically disperse the right amount of water for each drink. The built-in burr grinder adjusts the size of the grind to accommodate different extraction levels or beans. The Infuser is a great choice for those with limited counter space because of its compact, sleek design. It also comes with easy-to-use controls.
Another top-rated model from Breville is the Dedica espresso machine. Its 15 bar pump is enough to extract a quality espresso shot, and its commercial construction is built to last. 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 even more convenience and are operated without your involvement. These machines are a step up from regular automatics, and can be programmed to adjust the coffee sizes, automatically grinding beans, and often measuring and tamping for you. These machines scored the top in our Lab Tests for their complete features and user-friendliness.
The Philips Dinamica is a super-automatic machine capable of doing everything. It has a huge intuitive touchscreen interface which lets you select 16 different drinks including cappuccino, here latte, and black coffee. It automatically grinds whole beans to match the drink you choose and can save your preferred settings, so you can skip the selections menu entirely. The top-of-the-line features of this machine include a movable tank with an integrated water hardness test and an AquaClean Filter that helps reduce scale and ensures that you always get the best cup of coffee.
Fully automated
A fully automated coffee maker provides an incredibly smooth, rich cup of coffee at the touch of a button. It is an excellent choice for busy homes and offices and is able to brew both espresso-based drinks and filter coffee. Many also feature automatic milk frothing, letting you enjoy cafe-style coffees such as cappuccino and latte. Some models are even programmable which allows you to set your preferred beverage ahead of time. These machines are ideal for multitaskers, as you can work while the coffee is brewing.
These machines are also very popular in commercial coffee shops because they can make different drinks simultaneously. However, they're typically more expensive than their semi-automatic counterparts. Some may feel that the convenience of a fully-automatic coffee maker is worth the extra cost.
The Mcilpoog WS203 Super-Automatic Espresso Machine and Coffee Maker is a top coffee maker that is highly customizable that offers the same quality as an excellent cafe right in your home. The touchscreen display makes it easy to use. It takes just three steps to make coffee. It comes with a steel burr grinder that can be adjusted and programmable so you can customize your espresso to suit your preferences.
Another option that is ideal for busy households is the De'Longhi ECAM35020W Dinamica Automatic Coffee and Espresso Machine. This machine is characterized by a quick heat-up time, and comes with an adjustable burr grinder in steel and a milk frother to prepare coffee and espresso-based beverages. It is also able to create a wide variety of coffee varieties that include iced and filter coffee.
It is a flexible and affordable Nespresso compatible machine that is perfect for the modern, well-equipped kitchen. It comes with a massive 1.7L water tank as well as a coffee bean box capacity, and comes with a quiet, fast heating system that makes a quick and delicious cup of coffee every time. It's also very easy 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 a button. These machines are ideal for coffee drinkers who wish to drink multiple drinks simultaneously and appreciate the convenience.
A good example is the Gaggia Velasca Prestige which combines an excellent brewing machine and an automatic milk frothing mechanism to create the perfect cappuccino, latte or macchiato. The ability to program this machine means you can tailor it to your exact requirements and save your settings for next time. A bypass doser is included in many of these machines that allow the use of pre-ground coffee instead of the beans stored in the bean hopper. This is an ideal option for guests or when you want to switch to a different variety of beans.
DeLonghi's Magnifica Evo fully automatic machine is also a top choice because of its versatility and ease-of-use. It has seven recipes that are one-touch with easy-to-read colored icons for everything from Espresso to a Latte Macchiato. It also allows you to save six user profiles, so everyone can have their own preferred beverage brewed at the click of one button. This machine comes with a ceramic grinder that is the best choice for long-term durability and performance.
Another model from Switzerland worth considering is the Jura ENA 4. It has a sleek, minimal design and a massive container for water and bean capacity, which makes it perfect for commercial use. It has a highly efficient system for brewing and an amazing Aroma G3 grinder. It gives you the finest espresso and coffee you'll ever taste.
The Philips 3200 LatteGo is a smaller than other machines that are super-automatic on this list, but still provides a quality cup. It can make up to 5000 cups before having to be descaled, which is ideal for busy homes. It also comes with an integrated grinder that can be set to 13 settings.