How to Choose the Best Coffee Machines
Whether you're looking for a basic filter machine or a coffee pod, capsule brewer, or an espresso maker, there's a model here to suit your requirements. Prices start at PS50.
These brewers provide ease of use, consistency, and hands-off simplicity. They also tend to perform well in our Lab tests.
Manual
For espresso lovers who prefer to be in complete control of the process using a manual machine is an excellent choice. These machines allow you to manually operate a piston operation, which produces an exact amount of pressure and extraction. This kind of machine requires more knowledge and experience to operate, but many coffee drinkers consider it worth the effort.
Manual coffee machines are usually constructed from top-quality materials and can be used for a long time without any major maintenance requirement. These machines come with a range of accessories like 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 more. Some manual coffee machines include a steam arm that is used to make milk-based drinks. Some come with a nozzle to distribute water over the grounds.
The majority of manual coffee makers boil the water in a separate kettle and then pour it over the grounds within the brewing chamber. The user presses or raises a lever to trigger an engine that pushes the hot water into the cup. This type of machine does not have the same precision or accuracy in temperature control as a fully automated or semi-automatic coffee maker. You may need to experiment to find your ideal espresso taste.
While some manual coffee machines are built to be used at home, the majority are designed for use in hospitality businesses such as hotels, restaurants as well as bed and breakfasts and farmhouses. They are compact efficient, reliable, and take up little counter space. They are also less expensive than other coffee machines and are easily repaired or replaced.
They are typically constructed from durable materials such as chrome and brass. Some are handcrafted and bring a touch of elegance to the kitchen design. They are also generally easy to clean. Some are available in a variety of colors and can match the style of your kitchen. They are generally easier to operate than a semi-automatic or fully automated coffee machine and can produce delicious, premium coffee.
Semiautomatic
Semi-automatic machines are a great alternative for those who don't want to manage all the variables that go into making the perfect espresso. They automatize some of the steps involved in making espresso, such as steaming milk and preinfusion. But, you'll have the option of tailoring your drink to your individual preferences.
One of the most reliable semi-automatic coffee makers available that are available is from Breville, a name that is well-known for its wide selection of kitchen appliances. The Infuser is a multi-functional model that allows you to make cappuccino, espresso and lattes with the push of the button. The machine automatically dispenses the right amount of water for each drink. Its built-in burr grind adjusts the size of the grind to accommodate different beans or extraction levels. The Infuser's sleek, compact design and user-friendly controls make it a great option for people with limited counter space.
The Dedica espresso machine is a highly rated model from Breville. The 15 bar pump will extract a great espresso shot. Its commercial design will last for years. The Dedica also features a removable milk reservoir as well as a frothing wand that can be used to make cappuccinos and lattes.
Super-automatics are a great choice for semi-automatic coffee makers. They provide 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 usually measuring and tamping on your behalf. These machines scored the top in our Lab Tests for their all-in-one functionality click here and ease of use.
The Philips Dinamica is a super-automatic machine that can handle everything. The Dinamica has a large touchscreen with 16 different drinks such as cappuccino and latte. It grinds whole coffee beans to match the beverage you choose and can even store your preferred settings, meaning you don't have to choose the menu altogether. Its high-tech features include a water tank that is removable with a built-in water hardness tester as well as an AquaClean filter that prevents the build-up of scale and ensures that your machine always makes the highest quality cup of coffee.
Fully automatic
A fully automated coffee machine provides a rich, smooth cup of coffee with the touch of the button. This is an excellent choice for busy homes or offices because it can make both espresso and filter coffee. Many models have automatic milk frothing to let you enjoy cafe style coffees like cappuccino or the latte. Some models allow you to set your preferred drink in advance. These machines are perfect for multitaskers since you can continue working while the coffee is brewing.
They are also well-liked in coffee shops that are commercial, as they can brew multiple types of drinks simultaneously. However, they're typically more expensive than their semi-automatic counterparts. However, the convenience offered by a fully automatic coffee maker might be worth the extra cost for some.
The Mcilpoog WS203 Super-Automatic Espresso Machine and Coffee Maker is a premium coffee maker that is highly customizable that provides the quality of an excellent cafe right at home. It is easy to use, with a touch screen display that makes coffee-making as simple as just three steps. It comes with a stainless steel burr grinder that can be adjusted and programmable settings so you can customize your coffee to meet your needs.
De'Longhi ECAM35020W Dinamica Automatic Coffee and Espresso Machine is another great option for busy households. This coffee machine has a quick heating time and is equipped with a milk frother and an adjustable burr mill made of steel to make espresso drinks and coffee-based drinks. It is also able to make a variety of coffee varieties that include iced and filter coffee.
This is a surprisingly versatile and affordable Nespresso-compatible machine that is perfect for the modern well-equipped kitchen. It has a massive 1.7L tank and a coffee box capacity. It also has an efficient, quiet heating system to ensure a delicious coffee drink every time. It is also incredibly simple to use, with user profiles that automatically prioritise the drinks that are most liked by each user so they are just one tap away.
Super-automatic
These models are a step above semi-automatic machines. They grind, dose, pull the shot, and froth milk with a touch of the button. They are the best option for those who wish to enjoy a wide range of drinks and appreciate the convenience of not having to make each one at a time as in a manual or automated model.
The Gaggia Velasca Prestige is a excellent example. It combines a top quality brewing system with an automated milk frothing system to make the perfect cappuccino or the perfect latte. The machine is programmable, so you can customize it to suit your specific requirements and save your settings. A bypass doser comes common to these machines, allowing you to use coffee that has been ground in place of the beans stored in the bean hopper. It's an ideal feature for guests or when you need to switch to a different variety of beans.
The DeLonghi Magnifica Evo Fully-Automatic machine is another popular option for its flexibility and ease of use. 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 can also save six user profiles so that each can have their favorite drink at the touch of an button. The machine also comes with a ceramic burr grinder, which is the optimum choice for longevity and performance.
Another Swiss-made model to consider is the Jura ENA 4. It has a sleek, minimal design and a large bean box and water tank capacity, which makes it ideal for commercial use. It features a sophisticated brewing and grinder system, the Aroma G3. You'll enjoy some of the best coffee and espresso you've ever tasted.
The Philips 3200 LatteGo is a slightly smaller than other super-automatic machines on this list, but still provides a quality cup. It can make up to 5000 cups of coffee before it has to be descaled. It is perfect for busy households. It also comes with a built-in burr grinder, which has 13 settings to give you plenty of scope for personalization.