How to Choose the Best Coffee Machines

If you're looking for a simple filter machine or a coffee pod, capsule brewer or espresso maker, there's an option here that will meet your needs. Prices start around PS50.

These brewers use pre-measured pods that provide convenience as well as consistency and hand-free ease of use. These Brewers also perform well in our Lab tests.

Manual

For those who like to take full control of the process manually, a manual machine can be an ideal choice. They allow the user to control an operation that utilizes a mechanical piston. This results in precise extraction and pressure. This type of coffee machine requires a little more experience and skill to operate than other types, but many coffee drinkers say that it's worth the effort.

These manual coffee machines are typically constructed of high-end materials that can be used for many years without a major maintenance requirement. They also come with a range of accessories, including a portafilter and filter along with a measuring cup, tamper and funnel. They can be used to make cappuccinos or other drinks that use ground or pod coffee. Some manual coffee machines have a steam arm that is used for milk-based drinks. Others come with a nozzle to distribute water over the grounds.

The majority of manual coffee machines utilize an additional kettle to heat water, which is then poured over the grounds inside the brewing chamber. The user then raises or depresses an instrument or hand to turn on a piston that forces the hot water through the grounds before it is poured into the cup below. This type of coffee machine isn't as precise or precise in its temperature control as a semi-automatic or fully automatic coffee maker, and you may need to play with various methods to discover the ideal espresso flavor.

While some manual coffee machines are designed for home use, most are designed for hospitality businesses like hotels and restaurants as well as bed and breakfasts and farmhouses. They are small and efficient and require little counter space. They are also less expensive than other types of coffee makers and can be easily repaired or replaced.


These machines are typically made using durable materials like brass and chrome. Some are handmade and can provide a touch of class to the kitchen layout. Additionally, they are often very easy to clean. They are also available in a wide range of colors and will match the design of any kitchen. They are generally more simple to operate than a fully automated coffee machine and can also make excellent, high-quality coffee.

Semiautomatic

Semi-automatic machines can be a great alternative for those who don't want to control all the variables that go into making the perfect espresso. These models start to take over some of the tasks involved in making an espresso, like steaming milk and pre-infusion. However, you'll still have many options to tailor your beverage to your own personal tastes.

Breville is a brand that is known for its wide range of kitchen appliances. Breville makes one of the top semi-automatic coffee makers available. The Infuser is an extremely versatile model that allows you to make cappuccino, lattes and espresso at the push of a single button. The machine is able to automatically pour water in the correct amount for each drink. Its built-in burr grinding adjusts the size of the grind to accommodate different extraction levels or beans. The Infuser's compact, sleek design and easy-to-use controls makes it a perfect choice for those with a small counter space.

The Dedica espresso machine is a highly rated model from Breville. The 15 bar pump will make a fantastic espresso shot. Its commercial construction will last for years. The Dedica also comes with a removable milk reservoir and the frothing wand, which can be used to make cappuccinos as well as lattes.

If you are looking for a semi-automatic coffee maker that offers even more hands-off convenience consider an ultra-automatic. These machines are a step above standard automatics, offering programmable coffee size, 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 capabilities and ease of use.

If you're looking for a machine that can do everything take a look at the Philips Dinamica. It comes with a large, intuitive touchscreen interface that lets you select 16 different drinks, including cappuccino, latte, and black coffee. It automatically grinds whole beans to match the drink you choose and even save your preferred settings so that you can bypass the menu selections completely. The high-tech features of this machine include a movable tank that has an integrated test of water hardness and an AquaClean filter that reduces scale and ensures you always get the best cup of coffee.

Fully automatic

A fully automated machine will provide you with a rich and smooth cup of coffee at the touch of a button. It is an excellent choice for busy homes and offices and can be used to brew filter coffee and espresso-based drinks. Many also feature automatic milk frothing, letting you enjoy coffees that are cafe-style, such as cappuccino and Latte. Some models allow you to make your drink of choice in advance. These machines are perfect for those who work in multiple places, since you can work on your laptop while coffee is brewing.

These machines are also very well-liked in commercial coffee shops as they can brew several different beverages at the same time. However, they're typically more expensive than their semi-automatic counterparts. However, the convenience offered by a fully-automated coffee maker may be worth the extra cost for some.

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 in your home. The touchscreen display makes it simple to use. It takes just three steps to make coffee. It comes with a stainless steel burr grinder that is adjusted and programmable so you can alter the espresso to suit your preferences.

De'Longhi ECAM35020W Dinamica Automatic Coffee and Espresso Machine is another great option for busy households. The coffee maker boasts rapid heating up time, and is equipped with a variable steel burr grinder and a milk frother to prepare coffee and espresso-based beverages. It can also produce a wide range of coffee varieties that include iced and filter coffee.

It is a versatile and affordable Nespresso-compatible machine that is ideal for the modern, well-equipped kitchen. It comes with a huge 1.7L tank and coffee box capacity. It also comes with a quick, quiet heating system to ensure an excellent coffee drink every time. It is easy 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

These models are a step above semi automatic machines. They grind or dose, pull the shot, and then froth milk with the click of a button. They are the ideal option for those who want to enjoy an array of drinks and appreciate the ease of not having to prepare each one at a time like in a manual or automatic model.

The Gaggia Velasca Prestige is a great example. It combines a high quality brewing system with an automated milk frothing system to create the perfect cappuccino or Latte. This machine is programmable, so you can modify it to meet your specific requirements and save the settings. A lot of these machines have bypass dosers that allow you to use pre-ground beans instead of the beans in the bean hopper. This is a great option for guests, or if you need to switch from one kind of coffee to another.

Magnifica Evo, a fully automatic machine is also a favorite due to its versatility and user-friendly. It has seven one-touch recipes that have easy-to-read color icons, from Espresso to Latte Macchiato. It also allows you to save six user profiles so that everyone can have their own preferred drink brewed at the touch of the button. The machine is equipped with ceramic grinder that is the best option for durability and performance.

Another Swiss-made model to consider is the Jura ENA 4. It has an elegant, minimalist design and a large bean box and water tank capacity, making it perfect for commercial use. It features a sophisticated grinder and brewing system called the Aroma G3. You'll get some of the best espresso and coffee you've ever had.

The Philips 3200 LatteGo is a smaller than other super-automatic machines on this list, but still provides an excellent cup. This machine is rated to produce up to 5000 cups before it needs to be descaled, which is ideal for busy homes. It also comes with an integrated grinder that can be set to 13 settings.