How to Choose the Best Coffee Machines
Whether you're in search of a basic filter machine, a coffee pod or capsule brewer, or an espresso maker, you'll find an option here that will meet your requirements. Prices start at PS50.
These brewers use pre-measured pods that provide convenience as well as consistency and hands-off ease of use. These brewers also tend to be top performers in our Lab tests.
Manual
For those who like to take full control of the process manually, a manual machine can be an excellent choice. They allow the user to manually operate an operation that uses an electric piston. This results in a precise extraction and pressure. This type of coffee machine requires a bit 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 made of high-quality materials, and can last for a long time without needing any maintenance. They also come with a variety of accessories, including filters and portsafilters along with measuring cup, tamper, and funnel. They can be used to make cappuccinos as well as other drinks that use ground or pod coffee. Some manual coffee machines have steam arms that are used for milk-based drinks. Other machines have a nozzle which distributes water on the grounds.
The majority of manual coffee machines employ an additional kettle to heat water, which is then poured over the coffee grounds in the brewing chamber. The user then raises or depresses a lever or hand to turn on an engine that pushes hot water through the grounds and 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, so you might have to play with various methods to discover the perfect espresso taste.
While some manual coffee machines are built to be used at home, the majority are designed for businesses in the hospitality industry like hotels or restaurants or bed and breakfasts and farmhouses. They are typically small and compact, taking up only a small amount of counter space. They are also less expensive than other types of machines and can easily be repaired or replaced.
These machines are typically made from durable materials such as chrome and brass. Some are even handcrafted, and they can bring a touch of class to the kitchen design. Additionally they are typically easy to clean. Some are available in a range of colors that can be matched to the decor of any kitchen. They are generally simpler to use than a semiautomatic or fully automated coffee machine and can make delicious, high-quality coffee.
Semiautomatic
For the espresso lover who does not wish to be in total control of all of the variables of brewing an ideal shot, semi-automatic machines provide an ideal compromise. These machines begin automatizing some of the steps involved in making espresso, like steaming milk and preinfusion. You'll still be able customize your drinks to suit your tastes.
Breville is a brand that is known for its wide range of kitchen appliances. It is one of the most reliable semi-automatic coffee makers available. The Infuser is a multi-functional model that allows you to make espresso, cappuccino, and lattes with the push of a button. The machine automatically dispenses the right amount of water 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 user-friendly controls make it an ideal choice for those with a small counter space.
Another top-rated model from Breville is the Dedica espresso machine. Its 15 bar pump is enough to get a good espresso shot and its commercial-grade 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.
For a semiautomatic coffee maker that provides even more hands-free convenience, look no further than a super-automatic. These machines are a step up from standard automatics, offering programmable coffee size, automatic grinding beans, and usually measuring and tamping on your behalf. These machines scored the highest in our Lab Tests for their all-in-one functionality and ease of use.
The Philips Dinamica is a super-automatic machine that can do it all. It comes with a large, intuitive touchscreen interface that lets you choose 16 different drinks 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 that you can bypass the selections menu entirely. Its advanced features include a removable water tank equipped with a built-in water softness tester and an AquaClean filter that helps reduce scale build-up and ensures that your machine always produces the highest quality coffee.
Fully automated
A fully automatic coffee machine provides an incredibly smooth, rich cup of coffee with the touch of a button. It is an excellent choice for busy homes or offices, and can be used to brew both espresso-based drinks as well as filter coffee. Many also feature automatic milk frothing, which lets you enjoy coffees that are cafe-style, such as cappuccino and latte. Some models are even programmable which allows you to set your preferred beverage ahead of time. These machines are perfect for multitaskers, as you can work on your laptop while coffee is being made.
These machines are also popular in commercial coffee shops as they can brew several different beverages at the same time. However, they are typically more expensive than semi-automatic counterparts. However, the convenience coffee machine best provided by a fully-automated coffee maker could be worth the extra expense for some people.
The Mcilpoog WS-203 Super-Automatic Espresso and Coffee Machine is a top coffee machine that is highly customizable that gives you the experience of a top cafe in the comfort of your own home. It's easy to use, and comes with touchscreen display that makes making coffee as easy as just three steps. It also comes with a movable steel burr grinder as well as programmable settings, so you can adjust the espresso you make to your personal preferences.
Another option for busy homes is the De'Longhi ECAM35020W Dinamica Automatic Coffee and Espresso Machine. This coffee maker has a quick heating time and is equipped with a milk frother as well as an adjustable burr mill made of steel to make espresso drinks and coffee-based drinks. It is also able to produce a wide range of coffee flavors, including filter and iced coffee.
This is an affordable and versatile Nespresso compatible machine that's ideal for a modern, well-equipped home. It comes with a large 1.7L water tank as well as a coffee bean box capacity, and features a fast, quiet heating system to make a swift and delicious cup of coffee every time. It's also very easy to use, with user profiles that automatically prioritize your favourite drinks, and are only a tap away.
Super-automatic
These models are a step up from semi-automatic machines. They grind, dose, pull the shot, and then froth milk at the touch the button. They are the ultimate choice for coffee lovers who want to enjoy the wide variety of drinks and appreciate the ease of not having to make each one at a time as in a manual or automatic model.
The Gaggia Velasca Prestige is a perfect example. It combines a high quality brewing machine with an automatic milk frothing system to make the perfect cappuccino or Latte. This machine is programmable, so you can modify it to suit your specific requirements and save your settings. A bypass doser is standard with many of these machines which enables you to use pre-ground coffee instead of the beans in the bean hopper. It's an ideal option for guests or when you want to switch to a different type of beans.
The Magnifica Evo fully automated machine is also a top choice due to its versatility and ease-of-use. It comes with seven recipes that can be brewed in 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, which means everyone can have their own preferred drink at the touch of a button. This machine includes a ceramic grinder that is the best choice for long-term durability and performance.
The Jura ENA 4 is another model made in Switzerland that you ought to take into consideration. It features an elegant, minimalist design and a large container for water and bean capacity, making it perfect for commercial use. It has a highly efficient brewing system and the incredible Aroma G3 grinder. This makes 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 delivers an excellent cup. This machine can produce up to 5000 coffee cups before it needs to be descaled. It is ideal for busy households. It also has a built-in grinder that has 13 settings.