How to Choose the Best Coffee Machines

There's a model to meet every need, whether you're looking for an espresso maker or a coffee pod brewer. Prices start around PS50.

These brewers utilize pre-measured pods that provide convenience, consistency and hand-free ease of use. These brewers also tend to score high in our Lab tests.

Manual

For espresso lovers who prefer to have complete control over the process using a manual machine is the best option. They allow the user to control an operation that utilizes a mechanical piston. This creates an exact extraction and pressure. This kind of machine requires more expertise and experience to operate, but many coffee drinkers consider it worth the effort.

These manual coffee makers are generally made from high-quality materials and can be used for years without a significant maintenance requirement. They come with a range of accessories, including a portafilter, filter measuring cup, tamper and funnel. They can be used to make cappuccinos or other drinks made with ground or pod coffee. Some manual coffee machines have a steam arm that is used for milk-based drinks. Others have a nozzle which distributes water onto the grounds.

The majority of manual coffee machines utilize an additional kettle to heat water that is then poured over the coffee grounds in the chamber that is used for brewing. The user then presses or raises a lever to activate a piston which forces the hot water into the cup. This type of coffee machine isn't as precise or precise in its temperature control as fully automated or semi-automatic coffee maker, and you might have to play with different techniques to find the ideal espresso taste.

Some manual coffee machines were created for home use. However they are mostly used in hospitality businesses such as hotels, restaurants, bed and breakfasts. They are small and efficient, and take up little counter space. They are also less expensive than other types of machines and are able to be repaired or replaced.

They are typically constructed out of tough materials like chrome and brass. Some are made by hand and can bring a touch of elegance to the kitchen design. In addition they are usually easy to clean. Some are available in a range of colors that can be matched to the style of any kitchen. They are easier to use than a fully automated or semi-automatic coffee machine and they can produce delicious coffee.

Semiautomatic

For the coffee lover who doesn't want to be in complete control of all the variables involved in making a perfect shot, semi-automatic machines offer an acceptable compromise. These models begin to automate certain steps in making espresso, like steaming milk and preinfusion. But, you'll have the option of tailoring your beverage to your personal preferences.

One of the best semi automatic coffee makers that are available is made by Breville, a name that is well-known for a wide variety of kitchen appliances. The Infuser is an extremely versatile model that allows you to make lattes, cappuccino and espresso with just a push of a single button. It also automatically dispensates the appropriate amount of water for each drink and its built-in burr grinder automatically adjusts the grind size to accommodate various extraction levels and beans. The Infuser is an ideal choice for those with limited counter space because of its slim, sleek design. It also comes with easy-to-use controls.

The Dedica espresso machine is a top-rated model from Breville. Its 15 bar pump is more than enough to make a high-quality espresso shot and its commercial-grade construction is built to last. The Dedica includes a movable milk tank and a frothing tool that can be used to make lattes or cappuccinos.

For a semiautomatic coffee maker that provides more hands-free convenience look no further than an automatic. These machines are a step up from conventional automatics, with programmable coffee size, automatic grinding beans, and often 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 capable of doing everything. The Dinamica has a large touchscreen with 16 different drinks such as cappuccino and latte. It grinds whole coffee beans to match your beverage selection and can even store your preferred settings, so you can skip selecting the menu altogether. Its high-tech features include a water tank that is removable equipped with a built-in water softness tester as well as an AquaClean filter that helps reduce scale build-up and helps ensure that your machine will always make the highest quality cup of coffee.

Fully automated

A fully automated coffee maker gives you an incredibly smooth, rich cup of coffee with the touch of an button. This is an excellent choice for busy homes or offices since it can brew both espresso and filter coffee. Many models also have automatic milk frothing to let you enjoy cafe-style coffees such as cappuccino or latte. Some models can even be programmed which allows you to set your preferred drink prior to time. These machines are ideal for those who need to work at multiple times, since they let you work while coffee is being made.

They are also well-liked in coffee shops that are commercial, as they can be used to make a variety of drinks at once. However, they are typically more expensive than semi-automatic counterparts. Some people may find that the convenience of a fully-automatic coffee maker is worth the additional cost.

The Mcilpoog WS-203 Super-Automatic Espresso and Coffee Machine is a premium, highly customizable coffee machine that offers the quality of a top cafe from the comfort of your own home. It's easy to use, and comes with an LCD touch screen which makes coffee making as easy as just three steps. It comes with a stainless steel burr grinder that is adjusted and programmable so you can customize your espresso to suit your preferences.

Another great option for busy households is the De'Longhi ECAM35020W Dinamica Automatic Coffee and Espresso Machine. The coffee maker boasts rapid heating up time, and is equipped with an adjustable burr grinder made of steel and a milk frother for preparing espresso-based drinks and coffee. It is also able to create a wide variety of coffee types such as iced and filter coffee.

This is a low-cost and versatile Nespresso compatible machine that's perfect for a modern, well-equipped home. It comes with a huge 1.7L tank and a coffee box capacity. It also has an efficient, quiet heating system that ensures an excellent coffee drink throughout the day. It's also very easy to use and comes with profiles for users that automatically prioritize your favourite drinks, so they are just one tap away.

Super-automatic

These models are a step higher than semi-automatic machines. They grind, dose, pull the shot, and then froth milk with a touch of a button. They are the ideal option for coffee drinkers who wish to enjoy a wide range of drinks and appreciate the convenience of not having to make each one at a time as in a manual or automated model.

A great example is the Gaggia Velasca Prestige which combines the highest-quality brewing equipment with an automatic milk frothing system for the perfect cappuccino, lattes or macchiato. It is programmable so you can customize it to meet your exact requirements and save your settings. A bypass doser is also common to these machines, allowing you to use pre-ground coffee instead of the beans stored in the bean hopper. This is an ideal option for guests or when you need to switch to a different type of beans.

Magnifica Evo, a fully automatic machine is also a top choice because of its versatility and ease-of-use. It has seven one-touch recipe options that are easy to read color icons, from Espresso to Latte Macchiato. It also allows you to save six profiles of users so that everyone can enjoy their preferred drink brewed with the push of one button. The machine also has a ceramic burr grinder, which is the best option for durability and performance.

Another model made in Switzerland to think about is the Jura ENA 4. It features a sleek, minimal design and a large bean box and water tank capacity, making it perfect for commercial use. It features an advanced system for brewing and an amazing Aroma G3 grinder. You'll get some of the best espresso and coffee you've ever had.

The Philips 3200 LatteGo has a slightly smaller build than some of the other coffee machines that are super-automatic on this list, but manages to deliver a quality cup of coffee. It can make up to 5000 coffee cups before it needs to be descaled. It is perfect for families with a lot of work to do. It also has a built-in burr grinder with 13 settings to provide plenty of options for personalization.