How to Choose the Best Coffee Machines
Whether you're looking for a simple filter machine or a coffee pod, capsule brewer, or an espresso maker, you'll find a model here to suit your needs. Prices start at around PS50.
These brewers use pre-measured pods, which offer convenience as well as consistency and hands-off ease of use. They also be top performers in our Lab tests.
Manual
A manual machine is a good option for those who want to be in control. They allow the user to control an operation that utilizes an electric piston. This results in precise extraction and pressure. This type of coffee machine requires a bit more expertise and experience to operate than other types however, many coffee drinkers say that it is worth the effort.
Manual coffee machines are constructed of top-quality materials, and can last for many years without needing any maintenance. They include a range of accessories like filters, a portafilter, measuring cup, tamper and funnel. They can be used with either pod or ground coffee, and can be used to make lattes, cappuccinos, macchiatos and much more. Some manual coffee machines have a steam arm that is used to make milk-based drinks. Others include a nozzle that distributes water over the grounds.
The majority of manual coffee machines utilize an additional kettle to warm water and then pour it over the grounds inside the chamber that is used for brewing. The user then pushes or raises the lever or hand to trigger a piston that forces the hot water through the grounds before it is poured into the cup below. This kind of coffee maker isn't as precise or precise in its temperature control as semi-automatic or fully automated coffee maker, and you may have to experiment with various methods to discover the ideal espresso flavor.
While some manual coffee machines are designed for home use, the majority are designed for hospitality businesses like hotels and restaurants as well as bed and breakfasts and farmhouses. They are compact, efficient and require little counter space. They are also cheaper than other kinds of machines and are able to be repaired or replaced.
These machines are typically constructed from durable materials, including brass and chrome. Some are handcrafted and add a touch elegance to your kitchen design. In addition they are usually easy to clean. Some are available in a range of colors that can be matched to the aesthetics of any kitchen. They are generally more simple to operate than a semiautomatic or fully automated coffee maker and can produce delicious, premium coffee.
Semiautomatic
For the coffee lover who does not wish to be in total control of all variables involved in making a perfect shot, semi-automatic machines provide a comfortable compromise. These machines begin automatizing certain steps in making espresso, like steaming milk and preinfusion. You'll still be able to customize your drinks to suit your preferences.
One of the most reliable semi-automatic coffee makers on the market comes made by Breville, a name that is well-known for a wide variety of kitchen appliances. The Infuser is a versatile model that lets you make cappuccino, espresso, and lattes with the push of one button. The machine can also automatically pour the right 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's slim, sleek design and easy-to-use controls makes it an ideal choice for those with limited counter space.
The Dedica espresso machine is yet another top-rated model by Breville. Its 15 bar pump is sufficient to extract a quality espresso shot, and its commercial construction is built to last. The Dedica has a removable milk tank as well as an ice-making tool that can be used for cappuccinos or lattes.
Super-automatics are a great option for a semi-automatic coffee maker. They provide even more convenience and are operated with no involvement. These machines are a step up from standard automatics, offering programmable coffee size, automatic grinding beans, and usually measuring and tamping automatically for you. These machines ranked the highest in our Lab Tests due to their all-in-one capabilities and ease of use.
If you're looking for a super-automatic that does it all, consider the Philips Dinamica. This model features a large touchscreen interface with 16 different drinks including cappuccino and latte. It grinds whole coffee beans to match your beverage selection and even save read more the settings you prefer, so you can avoid the menu completely. The advanced features of this machine include a removable tank that has an integrated test of water hardness and an AquaClean Filter that helps reduce scale and ensures you always get the best cup of coffee.
Fully automated
A fully automated coffee maker gives you an incredibly smooth, rich cup of coffee at the touch of an button. This is an excellent choice for busy offices or homes because it can make both filter and espresso. Many models also have automatic milk frothing that lets you enjoy cafe style coffees, such as cappuccino and Latte. Some models are even programmable that allows you to choose your preferred drink ahead of time. These machines are ideal for multitaskers since you can work on your laptop while coffee is being made.
These machines are also popular in commercial coffee shops because they can make different drinks simultaneously. They are more expensive than semi-automatic models. Some individuals may decide that the convenience of a fully-automatic coffee maker is worth the additional 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 an excellent cafe right at home. The touchscreen display makes it easy to use. It takes only three steps to make coffee. It comes with a stainless steel burr grinder that can be adjustable and programmed so that you can alter the espresso to suit your preferences.
Another option for busy households is the De'Longhi ECAM35020W Dinamica Automatic Coffee and Espresso Machine. This coffee maker is quick to heat up and comes with a milk frother and an adjustable steel burr mill for making espresso drinks and coffee-based drinks. It can also make a variety of coffees such as filter coffee and iced.
This is an affordable and versatile Nespresso compatible machine that's ideal for an elegant, 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 a delicious coffee drink every time. It is easy to use with user profiles that will automatically prioritize each person's favorite drinks and are just an easy tap away.
Super-automatic
A step up from semi-automatic machines, these models grind and dose, take a shot and make your milk frothy at the push of one button. These machines are ideal for coffee drinkers who wish to drink a variety of drinks at the same time and appreciate the convenience.
The Gaggia Velasca Prestige is a perfect example. It is a high quality brewing machine with an automatic milk frothing system to make the perfect cappuccino or latte. The ability to program this machine means you can tailor it to your exact requirements and save your settings for next time. A bypass doser comes included in many of these machines that allow you to use pre-ground coffee instead of the beans in the bean hopper, an ideal option for guests or if you want to change to a different kind of beans.
Magnifica Evo, a fully automatic machine is also a popular choice because of its versatility and user-friendly. It offers seven one-touch recipe options that are easy to read colored icons, from Espresso to Latte Macchiato. It also has the ability to save six user profiles, which means everyone can have their own preferred beverage brewed at the click of the button. This machine comes with a ceramic grinder that is the best option for durability and performance.
Another model from Switzerland worth considering is the Jura ENA 4. It has an elegant and minimalist design, a large bean box and capacity for water tanks, making it ideal for commercial use. It features a sophisticated grinder and brewing system called the Aroma G3. It gives you the finest espresso and coffee you'll ever taste.
The Philips 3200 LatteGo has a smaller design than the other coffee machines that are super-automatic in this list, but can provide a top-quality cup of coffee. This machine can make up to 5000 cups before having to be descaled, which is ideal for busy homes. It also has a built-in grinder that has 13 settings.