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, you'll find a model here to suit your requirements. Prices start at around PS50.
These brewers make use of pre-measured pods that provide convenience, consistency and hands-off ease of use. These brewers also tend to score high in our Lab tests.
Manual
If you are a coffee lover and want to have complete control over the process using a manual machine is an ideal choice. These machines allow you to manually control a mechanical piston that results in the exact amount of pressure and extraction. This kind of machine requires more knowledge and experience to operate, however many coffee drinkers find it worth the effort.
These manual coffee machines are constructed from high-quality materials and will last for years without any maintenance. These machines come with a variety of accessories including filters, portafilters 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 include a steam arm that is used to make milk-based drinks. Some have a nozzle which distributes water over the grounds.
Most manual coffee machines boil the water in a separate kettle, and then pour it over the grounds within the chamber of brewing. The user then presses or raises a lever to trigger pistons that force hot water into the cup. This kind of machine doesn't have the same precision or accuracy in temperature control as a fully automated or semi-automatic coffee maker. You may need to play around to find the ideal espresso flavor.
While some manual coffee machines are built for home use, most are designed for hospitality businesses such as hotels and restaurants or bed and breakfasts and farmhouses. They are small, efficient and require little counter space. They are also less expensive than other types of machines, and they can easily be repaired or replaced.
These machines are usually made of durable materials like brass and chrome. Some are even handcrafted and can provide a touch of luxury to the kitchen design. They are also often easy to clean. Some are available in a range of colors that can be matched to the aesthetics of any kitchen. They are less complicated to use than a fully automatic or semi-automatic coffee machine and they can make delicious coffee.
Semiautomatic
For the coffee lover who does not wish to be in total control of all the variables of brewing an ideal shot, semi-automatic machines offer an ideal compromise. These machines begin automatizing certain steps in making espresso, including steaming milk and preinfusion. You'll still be able modify your drink to suit your preferences.
One of the most reliable semi automatic coffee makers on the market comes made by Breville, a brand known for a wide variety of kitchen appliances. The Infuser is a versatile model that allows you to make cappuccino, lattes and espresso at the press of a button. The machine will automatically disperse water in the correct amount for each drink. Its built-in burr grind adjusts the size of the grind to accommodate different beans or extraction levels. The Infuser is a great option for those who have a limited counter space due to its slim, 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 sufficient to make a high-quality espresso shot and its commercial-grade construction is built to last. The Dedica also features a removable milk reservoir and a frothing wand that can be used to make cappuccinos as well as lattes.
cream coffee machines -automatics are an excellent choice for a semi-automatic coffee maker. They provide even more convenience and can be operated without your involvement. These machines go a step above standard automatics by offering programmable coffee sizes, a system that automatically grinds beans, and frequently measuring and tamping them for you. These machines were able to score the highest in our Lab tests for their comprehensive capabilities and hands-free user-friendliness.
If you're looking for a machine that does it all take a look at the Philips Dinamica. It has a huge touchscreen with 16 drinks to choose from, including latte and cappuccino. It grinds whole coffee beans to match the beverage you choose and can even store your preferred settings, meaning you can skip selecting the menu altogether. The high-tech features of this machine include a movable tank with 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 coffee maker provides an incredibly smooth, rich cup of coffee at the push of an button. This is an excellent choice for busy homes or offices, as it can brew both espresso and filter coffee. Some models also feature automatic milk frothing to let you enjoy cafe style coffees such as cappuccino or Latte. Some models are even programmable which allows you to set your preferred drink ahead of time. These machines are perfect for those who need to multitask, as they allow you to work while you make your coffee.
These machines are also well-liked in commercial coffee shops because they can make different beverages simultaneously. They are more expensive than semi-automatic models. However, the convenience offered by a fully automatic 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 a top cafe in your home. It is easy to use, and comes with touchscreen display which makes coffee making as easy as three steps. It comes with an adjustable burr grinder as well as customizable settings, meaning you can adjust the espresso you make to your personal preferences.
Another great option for busy homes 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 burr mill to make espresso and coffee-based drinks. It can also produce a wide range of coffee flavors such as iced and filter coffee.
This is a surprisingly flexible 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 features a quick, quiet heating system to ensure a delicious coffee drink every time. It's easy to use with user profiles that will automatically make sure that the drinks of each user are prioritized which means they are just a tap away.
Super-automatic
These models are a step up from semi-automatic machines. They grind and dose, take the shot, and froth milk at the touch the button. They are the best choice for coffee lovers who want to enjoy a wide range of drinks and appreciate the convenience of not having to make them one at a go as in a manual or automatic model.
The Gaggia Velasca Prestige is a perfect example. It combines a high quality brewing machine with a milk frothing automatic system to create the perfect cappuccino or latte. The ability to program this machine allows you to tailor it to your specific requirements and save your settings for the next time. A bypass doser is standard with many of these machines which enables the use of pre-ground coffee in place of the beans that are stored in the bean hopper. It's an ideal feature for guests or if you want to switch to a different variety of beans.
The DeLonghi Magnifica Evo Fully Automatic machine is a popular choice for its versatility and user-friendliness. It features seven one-touch recipes with easy to read icons in color for everything from Espresso to a Latte Macchiato. It can also save six user profiles so that everyone can enjoy their preferred drink at the touch of a button. This machine comes with ceramic grinders that are the best choice for longevity and performance.
The Jura ENA 4 is another model made in Switzerland that you ought to think about. It has sleek and minimal design, a large bean box and capacity for water tanks making it ideal for commercial use. It has an advanced brewing and grinder system, the Aroma G3. You'll be able to enjoy the best coffee and espresso you've ever tasted.
The Philips 3200 LatteGo is a slightly smaller than other super-automatic machines in this list, but still provides an excellent cup. This machine can make up to 5000 cups before having to be descaled, which is ideal for homes with a busy schedule. It also comes with a built-in burr grinder, with 13 settings that allow plenty of room to personalize it.