How to Choose the Best Coffee Machines
Whether you're looking for a basic filter machine, a coffee pod or capsule brewer or espresso maker, there's a model here to suit your needs. Prices start around 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
For those who like to have complete control over the process using a manual machine is an ideal choice. These machines allow users to operate manually an operation that uses an electric piston. This creates an exact extraction and pressure. This kind of coffee machine requires a little more experience and skill to operate than other types however, many coffee drinkers believe it's worth the effort.
Manual coffee makers are generally constructed of high-end materials and can last for many years without a major maintenance requirement. They come with a variety of accessories, including a portafilter, filter measuring cup, tamper, and funnel. They can be used with either ground or pod coffee, and they can create lattes, cappuccinos and macchiatos and much more. Some manual coffee machines have a traditional steam arm for drinks that are milk-based, whereas others feature a nozzle that spreads water across the grounds.
Most manual coffee machines use a kettle that is used to heat water and then pour it over the coffee grounds in the chamber for brewing. The user then presses or raises a lever that triggers an engine that pushes hot water into the cup. This kind of machine does not have the same precision or accuracy in temperature control as a fully automatic or semi-automatic coffee maker. It is possible to experiment to find your perfect espresso flavor.
While some manual coffee machines are designed for home use, most are designed for hospitality businesses, such as hotels, restaurants or bed and breakfasts and farmhouses. They are small efficient, reliable and occupy a small counter space. They are also less expensive than other types of coffee makers and can be easily repaired or replaced.
These machines are typically made from durable materials such as chrome and brass. Some are made by hand and can provide a touch of class to the kitchen layout. In addition they are typically easy to clean. Some come in a variety of colors that can be matched to the aesthetics of any kitchen. They are more user-friendly than a fully automated or semi-automatic coffee machine and they can make delicious coffee.
Semiautomatic
Semi-automatic machines can be a great compromise for espresso lovers who don't want control over all the variables involved in brewing the perfect shot. They begin to take over some of the tasks involved in making espresso, such as steaming milk and pre-infusion. You'll still have the option to alter the drinks to meet your tastes.
Breville is a brand known for its vast selection of kitchen appliances. Breville makes one of the most reliable semi-automatic coffee makers that are available. The Infuser is a versatile model, allowing you to make cappuccino, lattes and espresso at the press of a button. The machine can also automatically pour the appropriate amount of water for each drink, and its built-in burr grinder automatically adjusts the size of the grind to accommodate different beans and extraction levels. The Infuser's slim, sleek design and simple-to-use controls make it a perfect choice for people with small counter space.
The Dedica espresso machine is another top-rated model by Breville. Its 15 bar pump is enough to get a good espresso shot, and its commercial construction is built to last. The Dedica also features a removable milk reservoir as well as a frothing wand that can be used to make cappuccinos and lattes.
Super-automatics are a great choice for a semi-automatic coffee maker. They provide even more convenience and can be operated without your involvement. These machines are a step above standard automatics, offering programmable coffee sizes, automatically grinding beans, and usually measuring and tamping automatically for you. These machines scored the highest in our Lab tests for their comprehensive functionality and hands-off ease of use.
If you're looking for a machine that does it all, consider the Philips Dinamica. It has a huge, intuitive touchscreen interface that lets you select 16 different drinks, including cappuccino, latte, and black coffee. It automatically grinds whole beans to match the beverage selection, and it can even save your preferred settings so you can skip the menu selections completely. Its high-tech features include a removable water tank equipped with a built-in water softness tester and an AquaClean filter that reduces the build-up of scale and ensures that your machine always produces the highest quality coffee.
Fully automated
A fully automated machine can make a smooth and rich cup of coffee with the click of one button. It's a great choice for busy homes or offices and can be used to make espresso-based drinks and filter coffee. Many models also have automatic milk frothing that lets you enjoy cafe-style coffees such as cappuccino and latte. Some models can even be programmed, allowing you to set your preferred drink prior to time. These machines are perfect for anyone who needs to work at multiple times, since they let you continue working while you make your coffee.
These machines are well-liked in commercial coffee shops since they can brew a variety of different beverages simultaneously. These are more expensive than semi-automatic models. However, the convenience provided by a fully-automated coffee maker could be worth the extra expense for some.
The Mcilpoog WS203 Super-Automatic Espresso Machine and Coffee Maker is a high-end coffee maker that is highly customizable that offers the same quality as a top cafe at home. coffee press machines makes it simple to use. It takes only three steps to make coffee. It comes with a steel burr grinder that is adjusted and programmable settings so you can customize your espresso to suit your preferences.
De'Longhi ECAM35020W Dinamica Automatic Coffee and Espresso Machine is another excellent option for busy households. The coffee machine has a quick heating time and is equipped with a milk frother and an adjustable steel burr mill for making espresso drinks and coffee-based drinks. It can also make various types of coffee such as filter coffee and iced.
This is a very versatile and affordable Nespresso-compatible machine that is ideal for the modern well-equipped kitchen. It comes with a huge 1.7L tank and coffee box capacity. It also features a quick, quiet heating system to ensure an excellent coffee drink at all times. It's also very easy to use with profiles for users that automatically prioritize the drinks that are most liked by each user making them just a tap away.
Super-automatic
A step over semi-automatic machines these models grind dose, grind, pull your shot, and froth your milk all at the push of a button. These machines are ideal for coffee drinkers who want to enjoy different drinks at once and appreciate the convenience.
The Gaggia Velasca Prestige is a excellent example. It combines a top quality brewing machine with an automatic milk frothing system to make the perfect cappuccino or latte. The machine is programmable, so you can modify it to meet your specific requirements and save your settings. A bypass doser is also common to these machines, allowing you to use coffee that has been ground instead of the beans stored 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 user-friendly. It has seven one-touch recipe options with easy-to-read color icons, from Espresso to Latte Macchiato. It also allows you to save six user profiles so that everyone can have their own preferred beverage brewed at the click of the button. The machine also comes with the ceramic burr grinder which is the ideal option for durability and performance.
The Jura ENA 4 is another model manufactured in Switzerland that you should think about. It features a sleek, minimal design and a large water tank and bean box capacity, which makes it ideal for commercial use. It comes with a sophisticated system for brewing and an amazing Aroma G3 grinder. It gives you the best espresso and coffee you'll ever taste.
The Philips 3200 LatteGo is a little more compact than some other machines that are super-automatic on this list but still delivers a quality cup. The machine can produce up to 5000 cups of coffee before it needs to be descaled. It is ideal for busy households. It also includes a built-in burr grinder with 13 settings that allow plenty of room for customization.