How to Choose the Best Coffee Machines
Whether you're looking for a basic filter machine, a coffee pod or capsule brewer or espresso maker, you'll find an option here that will meet your needs. Prices start at around PS50.
These brewers use pre-measured pods and offer convenience, consistency and hands-off ease of use. They also perform well in our Lab tests.
Manual
For espresso lovers who prefer to take full control of the process, a manual machine is an ideal choice. They allow you to manually control a mechanical piston, which produces the exact amount of pressure and extraction. This type of coffee machine requires a little more experience and skill to operate than other models, but many coffee drinkers say that it's worth the effort.
Manual coffee machines are constructed from high-quality materials, and can last for many years without maintenance. They come with a range of accessories including filters, a portafilter measuring cup, tamper and funnel. They can be used to make cappuccinos and other drinks that use ground or pod coffee. Some manual coffee machines come with traditional steam arms for drinks that are milk-based, whereas others feature a nozzle that spreads water across the grounds.
The majority of manual coffee machines boil the water in a separate kettle and then pour it over the grounds in the brewing chamber. The user then presses or raises a lever to activate a piston which forces 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 different techniques to find the perfect espresso flavor.
While some manual coffee machines are made for home use, the majority are designed for businesses in the hospitality industry like hotels, restaurants, bed and breakfasts, and farmhouses. They are typically small and compact and take up only the smallest amount of counter space. They are also less costly than other types of coffee machines and are easily repaired or replaced.
These machines are typically made using 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. They are also available in a variety of colors and can match the style of your kitchen. They are generally more simple to operate than a semiautomatic or fully automatic coffee machine and can also make delicious, high-quality coffee.
Semiautomatic
For the person who does not want to be in complete control of all variables involved in making a perfect shot, semi-automatic machines provide an ideal compromise. These machines begin to take over some of the duties involved in making espresso, including steaming milk and pre-infusion. However, you'll still have the option of tailoring your drinks to your own personal tastes.
One of the best semi-automatic coffee makers that are available is made by Breville, a brand known for its wide selection of kitchen appliances. The Infuser is an extremely versatile model that permits you to make cappuccino, lattes and espresso with just a click of a button. The machine is able to automatically pour 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 an ideal choice for those who have a limited counter space because of its slim, sleek design. It also has easy-to-use controls.
Another top-rated model from Breville is the Dedica espresso machine. The 15 bar pump will extract a great espresso shot. Its commercial construction will last for a long time. The Dedica also features a removable milk reservoir as well as the frothing wand, which can be used to make cappuccinos and 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 go one step above the standard automatics by offering programmable coffee sizes, and automatically grinding beans, and frequently measuring and tamping them for you. These machines scored the highest in our Lab Tests due to their all-in-one features and user-friendliness.
If you're looking for a machine that does it all look into the Philips Dinamica. It has a huge intuitive touchscreen interface that coffeee lets you select 16 different beverages, including latte, cappuccino, and black coffee. It automatically grinds whole beans to match the drink you choose, and it can even save your preferred settings, so you can bypass the menu selections completely. The high-tech features of this machine include a detachable tank with an integrated water hardness test and an AquaClean filter that reduces scale and ensures that you always get the perfect cup of coffee.
Fully automatic
A fully automated coffee machine offers an excellent, smooth cup of coffee at the push of a button. This is a fantastic option for busy homes or offices because it can make both filter and espresso. Some models also have automatic milk frothing, which lets you enjoy cafe-style coffees such as cappuccino and Latte. Certain models let you program your favorite drink in advance. These machines are great for multitaskers since you can work while the coffee is brewing.
They are also popular in commercial coffee shops because they can be used to make a variety of drinks at once. However, they are typically more expensive than their semi-automatic counterparts. Some people may find that the convenience of a fully automated coffee maker is worth the extra cost.
The Mcilpoog WS203 Super-Automatic Espresso Machine and Coffee Maker is a high-end, highly configurable coffee machine that offers the same quality as a top cafe at home. The touchscreen display makes it easy to use. It takes just three steps to make coffee. It comes with a stainless steel burr grinder that can be adjustable and programmed so that you can customize your coffee to meet your needs.
De'Longhi ECAM35020W Dinamica Automatic Coffee and Espresso Machine is another excellent option for busy households. This machine is characterized by a quick heat-up time, and is equipped with a movable burr grinder in steel and a milk frother for preparing espresso-based drinks as well as coffee. It can also create a wide variety of coffee varieties that include iced and filter coffee.
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 the perfect coffee drink throughout the day. It is simple to use with user profiles that will automatically prioritize each user's preferred drinks and are just an easy tap away.
Super-automatic
A step above semi-automatic machines these models grind dose, grind, pull your shot, and make your milk frothy at the touch of a button. These machines are ideal for coffee lovers that want to enjoy different drinks simultaneously and appreciate the convenience.
The Gaggia Velasca Prestige is a perfect example. It is a high quality brewing system with a milk frothing automatic system to make the perfect cappuccino or Latte. It is programmable which means you can alter it to suit your specific needs and save your settings. A bypass doser is also standard with many of these machines, allowing you to use pre-ground coffee instead of the beans that are stored in the bean hopper, an ideal option for guests or when you need to change to a different kind of beans.
The Magnifica Evo fully automated machine is also a popular choice due to its versatility and ease of use. It has seven one-touch recipe options with easy-to-read color icons, from Espresso to Latte Macchiato. It also has the capability to save six user profiles, which means everyone can have their preferred drink at the touch of the button. This machine includes ceramic grinder that is the best option for durability and performance.
The Jura ENA 4 is another model produced in Switzerland that you ought to consider. It is sleek and minimal design, a large bean box and capacity for water tanks which makes it perfect for commercial use. It has a highly efficient brewing system and the incredible Aroma G3 grinder. This gives you some of the finest espresso and coffee you'll ever have.
The Philips 3200 LatteGo has a slightly smaller build than some of the other coffee machines that are super-automatic in this list, yet can provide a top-quality cup of coffee. It can produce up to 5000 cups of coffee before it has to be descaled. It is ideal for busy households. It also has an integrated burr grinder with 13 settings to allow plenty of room to personalize it.