How to Choose the Best Coffee Machines
If you're looking for a basic filter machine, a coffee pod or capsule brewer, or an espresso maker, you'll find a model here to suit your needs. Prices start around PS50.
These brewers use pre-measured pods and offer convenience as well as consistency and easy-to-use without hands. They also tend to be top performers in our Lab tests.
Manual
If you are a coffee lover and want to have complete control over the process, a manual machine is the best option. These machines let you manually operate a piston that produces an exact amount of pressure and extraction. This type of coffee machine requires a little more expertise and experience to operate than other types but a lot of people who drink coffee say it's worth the effort.
These manual coffee machines are typically constructed from top-quality materials and can be used for many years without a major maintenance requirement. They also come with a variety of accessories, including filters and portsafilters as well as 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 more. Some manual coffee machines include a steam arm that is used to make milk-based drinks. Other machines come with a nozzle to distribute water on the grounds.
The majority of manual coffee machines employ an additional kettle to warm water that is then poured over the grounds in the chamber that is used for brewing. The user presses or raises a lever to activate a piston which forces the hot water into the cup. This kind of coffee maker isn't as precise or precise in its temperature control as a semi-automatic or fully automatic coffee maker, and you may need to play with various techniques to find the ideal espresso flavor.
Some manual coffee machines were created to be used at home. However they are mostly used in hospitality businesses such as hotels, restaurants, and bed and breakfasts. They are compact efficient, reliable and require little counter space. They are also cheaper than other kinds of machines, and they can easily be repaired or replaced.
These machines are typically constructed from durable materials, including brass and chrome. Some are hand-crafted, and they can provide a touch of luxury to the kitchen design. Additionally they are typically easy to clean. They are also available in a variety of colors and can match the design of any kitchen. They are generally easier to operate than a semi-automatic or fully automated coffee maker and can make excellent, high-quality coffee.
Semiautomatic
Semi-automatic machines are a good compromise for espresso lovers who don't want to manage all the variables involved in brewing the perfect shot. These machines begin automatizing some of the steps involved in making espresso, including steaming milk and preinfusion. You'll still be able to alter the drinks to meet your tastes.
Breville is a brand known for its extensive range of kitchen appliances. It is one of the top semi-automatic coffee makers on the market. The Infuser is a versatile model that permits you to make cappuccino, lattes and espresso with a click of a button. The machine also automatically dispenses the right amount of water for each drink and its built-in grinder automatically adjusts the grind size to accommodate different beans and extraction levels. The Infuser is a great choice for those with a small 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 by Breville. Its 15 bar pump is enough to get a good espresso shot and its commercial design is built to last. The Dedica also has a movable milk reservoir as well as the frothing wand, which can be used to make cappuccinos as well as lattes.
Super-automatics are a great choice for semi-automatic coffee makers. They offer even more convenience and can be operated without any involvement from you. These machines are a step up from conventional automatics, with programmable coffee size, automatic grinding beans and often measuring and tamping automatically for you. These machines scored the top in our Lab Tests for their complete capabilities and ease of use.
If you're looking for a machine that does it all, consider the Philips Dinamica. The Dinamica has a large touchscreen with 16 different drinks such as cappuccino and latte. It grinds whole coffee beans to match the beverage you choose and can even store your preferred settings, so you can skip selecting the menu altogether. The advanced features of this machine include a movable tank that has an integrated test of water hardness and an AquaClean Filter that helps reduce scale and ensures that you always get the best cup of coffee.
Fully automatic
A fully automated machine can give you a smooth and rich cup of coffee with the push of the button. It's an ideal choice for busy homes and offices and can be used to brew both espresso-based drinks as well as filter coffee. Many also feature automatic milk frothing, which lets you enjoy coffees that are cafe-style, such as cappuccino and Latte. Some models can even be programmed which allows you to set your preferred drink prior to time. These machines are ideal for anyone who needs to be multi-tasking, since they allow you to work while coffee is being made.
These machines are also very popular in coffee shops that are commercial because they can make different drinks at the same time. These are more expensive than semi-automatic models. However, the convenience offered by a fully automated coffee maker might be worth the extra cost for a few people.
The Mcilpoog WS-203 Super-Automatic Espresso and Coffee Machine is a high-end coffee machine that is highly customizable that provides the high-end features of a top cafe from the comfort of your home. The touchscreen display makes it easy to use. It only takes three steps to make coffee. It also comes with an adjustable steel burr grinder, as well as customizable settings, meaning you can customize the espresso you make to your personal preferences.
De'Longhi ECAM35020W Dinamica Automatic Coffee and Espresso Machine is another excellent option for busy households. This coffee machine is quick to heat up and comes with a milk frother as well as an adjustable burr mill made of steel to make espresso and coffee-based drinks. It can also make various coffees such as filter coffee and iced.
This is a budget-friendly and versatile Nespresso compatible machine that's ideal for an elegant, well-equipped home. It comes with a massive 1.7L water tank as well as a coffee bean capacity. It also has a quick, quiet heating system that makes a quick and delicious cup of coffee every time. It's also extremely simple to use with user profiles that automatically prioritize your favourite drinks, making them just a tap away.
Super-automatic
These models are a step up here from semi automatic machines. They grind, dose, pull the shot, and then froth milk with a touch of a button. They are the best choice for coffee lovers who want to drink the wide variety of beverages and appreciate the ease of not having to make them one at a go as in a manual or automatic model.
A great example is the Gaggia Velasca Prestige which combines a high-quality brewing machine with an automated milk frothing system to make the perfect cappuccino, latte or macchiato. The ability to program this machine allows you to tailor it to your specific requirements and save your settings for the next time. A lot of these machines come with a bypass doser that allows you to use pre-ground coffee beans instead of the beans in the bean hopper. This is an excellent option for guests, or if you want to switch from one type of coffee to another.
The DeLonghi Magnifica Evo Fully Automatic machine is another favorite due to its versatility and user-friendliness. It features seven one-touch recipes with easy to read color icons for everything from Espresso to a Latte Macchiato. It also allows you to save six user profiles, which means everyone can have their favorite drink at the touch of the button. This machine includes ceramic grinders that are the best option for durability and performance.
Another model made in Switzerland to think about is the Jura ENA 4. It features a sleek and understated design, a large bean box and capacity for water tanks which makes it perfect for commercial use. It comes with a highly sophisticated brewing and grinder system, the Aroma G3. This gives you some of the best espresso and coffee you'll ever taste.
The Philips 3200 LatteGo is a smaller than other super-automatic machines on this list but still delivers a quality 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 an integrated grinder that can be set to 13 settings.