How to Choose the Best Coffee Machines
There's a model that will meet your need regardless of whether you're looking to buy an espresso maker or a coffee pod brewer. Prices start at PS50.
These brewers offer convenience, consistency, and hands-off convenience. They also be top performers in our Lab tests.
Manual
A manual machine is a good choice for espresso lovers who are looking to have control. These machines let you manually control a mechanical piston that results in a precise amount of pressure and extraction. This type of machine requires more knowledge and experience to operate, but many coffee drinkers appreciate the effort.
Manual coffee machines are typically constructed from top-quality materials and can be used for years without a significant maintenance requirement. They also come with a variety of accessories, including a portafilter and filter along with measuring cup, tamper, and funnel. They can be used to make cappuccinos and other drinks made with ground or pod coffee. Some manual coffee machines come with a traditional steam arm for milk-based drinks, while others have a nozzle which distributes water over the grounds.
The majority of manual coffee machines utilize a kettle that is used to warm water, which is then poured over the grounds inside the chamber for brewing. 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 kind of machine doesn't have the same precision or accuracy in temperature control as a fully automatic or semi-automatic coffee maker. You may have to experiment to find your ideal espresso taste.
Some manual coffee machines were created for home use. However most are used for hospitality businesses such as hotels, restaurants, and breakfast and bed and breakfast establishments. They are typically small and compact taking up a small amount of counter space. They are also less expensive than other types of coffee machines and can be easily repaired or replaced.
These machines are typically constructed using durable materials like brass and chrome. Some are handcrafted and add a touch elegance to your kitchen design. They are also often easy to clean. Some come in a variety of colors that can be matched to the style of any kitchen. They are generally simpler to operate than a fully automated coffee machine and can make delicious, premium coffee.
Semiautomatic
For the espresso lover who doesn't wish to be in total control of all the factors involved in making the perfect shot, semi-automatic machines provide an acceptable compromise. These machines begin to take on some of the tasks involved in making espresso, such as steaming milk and pre-infusion. You'll still have the option to alter the drinks to meet your preferences.
One of the best semi automatic coffee makers that are available is from Breville, a brand known for a wide variety of kitchen appliances. The Infuser is an extremely versatile model, allowing you to make lattes, cappuccino and espresso at the push of a single button. The machine can also automatically pour the appropriate amount of water per drink, and its built-in burr grinder automatically adjusts the size of the grind to accommodate various extraction levels and beans. The Infuser is an ideal choice for those who have a limited counter space because of its compact, sleek design. It also comes with easy-to-use controls.
The Dedica espresso machine is a highly rated model from Breville. Its 15 bar pump is more than enough to get a good espresso shot, and its commercial construction is built to last. The Dedica also has a movable milk reservoir as well as an ice-making wand that can be used to make cappuccinos as well as lattes.
Super-automatics are a great option for a semi-automatic coffee maker. They offer even more convenience and are operated with no involvement. coffee pot machine are a step above 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 due to their all-in-one capability and hands-free ease of use.
If you're looking for a machine that does it all take a look at the Philips Dinamica. The Dinamica has a large touchscreen with 16 drinks to choose from, including latte and cappuccino. It grinds whole coffee beans to match your beverage selection and even save your preferred settings, meaning you can avoid the menu altogether. Its high-tech features include a removable water tank equipped with a built-in water softness tester and an AquaClean filter that prevents the build-up of scale and ensures that your machine will always make the highest quality cup of coffee.
Fully automated
A fully automatic coffee machine provides an excellent, smooth cup of coffee at the push of the button. It's an ideal choice for busy homes and offices and is able to brew both espresso-based drinks and filter coffee. Many models have automatic milk frothing, which lets you enjoy cafe style coffees such as cappuccino or the latte. Some models are even programmable that allows you to choose your preferred beverage ahead of time. These machines are great for those who need to be multi-tasking, since they allow you to carry on working while your coffee is brewing.
They are also well-liked in coffee shops that are commercial because they can be used to brew multiple types of drinks simultaneously. However, they are typically more expensive than semi-automatic counterparts. However, the convenience offered by a fully automated coffee maker could be worth the extra expense for a few people.
The Mcilpoog WS203 Super-Automatic Espresso Machine and Coffee Maker is a premium coffee maker with a high-quality, highly-customizable design that offers the same quality as an excellent cafe right at home. It is easy to use, and comes with a touch screen display which makes coffee making as easy as just three steps. It comes with a steel burr grinder that is adjusted and programmable so you can alter the coffee to meet your needs.
Another great option for busy households is the De'Longhi ECAM35020W Dinamica Automatic Coffee and Espresso Machine. This coffee machine boasts rapid heating up time, and comes with a variable steel burr grinder and a milk frother for preparing espresso-based drinks as well as coffee. It is also able to produce a wide range of coffee varieties that include iced and filter coffee.
This is a very 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 an extremely quiet and quick heating system that ensures the perfect cup of coffee throughout the day. It's also very easy to use with profiles for users that automatically prioritize your favourite drinks, so they are just one tap away.
Super-automatic
These models are a step up from semi automatic machines. They grind or dose, pull the shot, and froth milk with a touch of the button. They are the ultimate choice for coffee lovers who wish to enjoy the wide variety of beverages and appreciate the ease of not having to prepare them one at a time as in a manual or automated model.
A good example is the Gaggia Velasca Prestige which combines the highest-quality brewing equipment with an automatic milk frothing mechanism to create the perfect cappuccino, lattes or macchiato. This machine is programmable, which means you can alter it to meet your exact requirements and save the settings. A bypass doser is included in many of these machines which enables you to use pre-ground coffee instead of the beans that are stored in the bean hopper. It's an ideal option for guests or when you want to switch to a different variety of beans.
The DeLonghi Magnifica Evo Fully Automated machine is another popular option for its versatility and ease of use. It comes with seven recipe options that are easy to read colored icons, from Espresso to Latte Macchiato. It also allows you to save six user profiles, so everyone can have their favorite beverage brewed at the click of one button. This machine comes with ceramic grinder that is the best option for durability and performance.
Another Swiss-made model to consider is the Jura ENA 4. It features sleek and minimal design, a huge bean box and capacity for water tanks making it ideal for commercial use. It features an advanced brewing system and the incredible Aroma G3 grinder. You'll enjoy some of the finest espresso and coffee you've ever tasted.
The Philips 3200 LatteGo has a slightly smaller build than the other coffee machines that are super-automatic on this list, but still manages to deliver a quality cup of coffee. This machine is rated to produce up to 5000 cups before needing to be descaled, which is perfect for homes with a busy schedule. It also has an integrated grinder that can be set to 13 settings.