How to Choose the Best Coffee Machines

If you're in search of a basic filter machine or a coffee pod, capsule brewer or espresso maker, you'll find a model here to suit your needs. Prices start at PS50.

These brewers make use of pre-measured pods, which offer convenience, consistency and hands-off ease of use. They also tend to be top performers in our Lab tests.

Manual

If you are a coffee lover and want to be in complete control of the process using a manual machine is an excellent choice. They allow the user to manually operate an operation that utilizes an electric piston. This creates precise pressure and extraction. This type of coffee machine requires a little more expertise and experience to operate than other kinds, but many coffee drinkers believe it is worth the effort.

These manual coffee machines are constructed from high-quality materials, and can last for many years without any maintenance. They come with a range of accessories like filters, portafilters, 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 feature a traditional steam arm for drinks that are milk-based, whereas others have a nozzle that distributes water over the grounds.

Most manual coffee machines use an additional kettle to heat water that is then poured over the coffee grounds in the chamber for brewing. The user then raises or depresses a lever or hand to trigger an engine that pushes hot water through the grounds and into the cup below. This type of coffee maker is not as accurate or precise in its temperature control as semi-automatic or fully automated coffee maker, so you may need to play with various methods to discover the perfect espresso taste.

While some manual coffee machines are made for home use, the majority are designed for businesses in the hospitality industry like hotels, restaurants, bed and breakfasts, and farmhouses. They are compact efficient, reliable, and take up little counter space. They are also less expensive than other coffee machines and can be easily repaired or replaced.

They are usually constructed with durable coffee machines materials, such as chrome and brass. Some are handmade and can bring a touch of elegance to the kitchen design. Additionally, they are often very 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 use than a fully automated coffee machine and can make excellent, high-quality coffee.

Semiautomatic

Semi-automatic machines are a great compromise for espresso lovers who don't want to manage all the variables that go into making the perfect shot. These machines begin automatizing certain steps in making espresso, like steaming milk and preinfusion. You'll still have the option to alter the drinks to meet your preferences.

One of the best semi-automatic coffee makers on the market is from Breville, a company known for its wide range of kitchen appliances. The Infuser is a versatile model that allows you to make cappuccino, espresso and manual Coffee machines lattes at the touch of the button. The machine also automatically dispenses the correct amount of water per drink, and its built-in burr grinder automatically adjusts the size of the grind to accommodate different extraction levels and beans. The Infuser's sleek, compact design and simple-to-use controls make it a great option for those with a limited counter space.

The Dedica espresso machine is a top-rated model by Breville. Its 15 bar pump is sufficient to extract a quality espresso shot and its commercial-grade construction is built to last. The Dedica also comes with a removable milk reservoir and a frothing 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 provide even more convenience and can be operated without your involvement. These machines are a step above regular automatics, and can be programmed to adjust the barista-style coffee machines sizes, automatically grinding beans and often measuring and tamping automatically for you. These machines scored the top in our Lab Tests for their all-in-one functionality and ease of use.

If you're looking to find a fully automated that can do everything, consider the Philips Dinamica. This model has a large intuitive touchscreen interface which lets you select 16 different beverages, including cappuccino, latte, and black coffee. It automatically grinds whole beans to match the selection of beverages and can save your preferred settings so you don't have to go through the menu selections completely. Its advanced features include a water tank that is removable with a built-in water hardness tester and an AquaClean filter that prevents scale build-up and ensures that your machine always produces the highest quality cup of coffee.

Fully automatic

A fully automatic coffee machine offers an incredibly smooth, rich cup of coffee with the touch of a button. This is a great choice for busy homes or offices, as it can brew both filter and espresso. Many also feature automatic milk frothing, letting you enjoy coffees that are cafe-style, such as cappuccino and latte. Some models are even programmable which allows you to set your preferred drink ahead of time. These machines are great for multitaskers, as you can continue working while coffee is brewing.

They are also well-liked in coffee shops that are commercial because they can brew multiple types of drinks simultaneously. However, they're typically more expensive than their semi-automatic counterparts. Some may feel that the convenience of a fully-automatic coffee maker is worth the extra cost.

The Mcilpoog WS-203 Super-Automatic Espresso and Coffee Machine is a top, highly customizable coffee machine that provides the high-end features of a top-quality cafe in the comfort of your home. The touchscreen display makes it simple to use. It takes only three steps to make coffee. It comes with a stainless steel burr grinder that can be adjusted and programmable settings so you can alter the coffee to meet your needs.

Another option that is ideal for busy homes is the De'Longhi ECAM35020W Dinamica Automatic Coffee and Espresso Machine. This coffee machine is quick to heat up and comes with a milk frother and an adjustable burr mill for making espresso and coffee-based drinks. It is also able to make a variety of coffee varieties, including filter and iced coffee.

This is a low-cost and versatile Nespresso compatible machine that's perfect for an elegant, well-equipped home. It comes with a large 1.7L water tank and a coffee bean capacity. It also features a fast, quiet heating system for a fast and delicious cup of coffee every time. It's also very easy to use with user profiles that automatically prioritize each person's favourite drinks so they are just one tap away.

Super-automatic

These models are a step above semi-automatic machines. They grind, dose, pull the shot, and froth milk at the touch the button. These machines are ideal for coffee drinkers who want to enjoy different drinks simultaneously and appreciate the convenience.

The Gaggia Velasca Prestige is a perfect example. It is a high quality brewing machine and an automated milk frothing system to make the perfect cappuccino or latte. It is programmable which means you can alter it to meet your exact requirements and save your settings. A bypass doser is also common to these machines that allow the use of pre-ground coffee instead of the beans stored in the bean hopper. This is which is a great feature for guests or if you want to switch to a different type of beans.

DeLonghi's Magnifica Evo fully automatic machine is also a favorite due to its versatility and ease of use. It offers seven one-touch recipe options with easy-to-read colored icons, from Espresso to Latte Macchiato. It also allows you to save six user profiles so that everyone can have their favorite drink brewed with the push of one button. The machine also comes with a ceramic burr grinder, which is the best option for durability and performance.

Another Swiss-made model to consider is the Jura ENA 4. It is a sleek and understated design, a huge bean box and capacity for water tanks making it ideal for commercial use. It has an advanced grinder and brewing system called the Aroma G3. This makes the best coffee and espresso you'll ever taste.

The Philips 3200 LatteGo is a smaller than other super-automatic machines in this list, but still provides high-quality cups. It can produce up to 5000 cups before having 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.