How to Choose the Best Coffee Machines

Whether you're in search of a basic filter machine or a coffee pod, capsule brewer or espresso maker, there's the right model for your needs. Prices start at around PS50.

These brewers offer the convenience, consistency, and hands-off simplicity. They also be top performers in our Lab tests.

Manual

A manual machine is a good option for those who want to be in control. These machines allow the user to control the operation using a mechanical piston. This creates a precise pressure and extraction. This type of machine requires a bit more skill and experience to operate than other models but a lot of coffee drinkers believe it is worth the effort.

Manual coffee machines are constructed of top-quality materials, and can last for many years without needing any maintenance. These machines come with a range of accessories like filters, a portafilter measuring cup, tamper and funnel. They can be used to make cappuccinos and other drinks made with ground or pod coffee. Some manual coffee machines come with a steam arm that is used for milk-based drinks. Other machines have a nozzle which distributes water on the grounds.

Most manual coffee machines boil the water in a separate kettle and then pour it over the grounds inside the brewing chamber. The user then presses or raises an instrument or hand to trigger a piston that forces the hot water through the grounds before it is poured into the cup below. This kind of coffee maker isn't as precise or precise in its temperature control as a semi-automatic or fully automatic coffee maker, therefore you might have to play with various techniques to find the perfect espresso flavor.

While some manual coffee machines are built for home use, most are designed for use in hospitality businesses such as hotels or restaurants or bed and breakfasts and farmhouses. They are small, efficient and require little counter space. They are also less costly than other coffee makers and can be easily repaired or replaced.

These machines are typically made out of tough materials like brass and chrome. Some are hand-crafted, and they can bring a touch of class to the kitchen design. They are also generally easy to clean. They are available in a variety of colors that can be matched to the decor of any kitchen. They are less complicated to use than a fully automatic or semi-automatic coffee maker, and they can produce delicious coffee.

Semiautomatic

For the person who does not wish to be in total control of all the variables of brewing an ideal shot, semi-automatic machines provide an acceptable compromise. These models start to take over some of the tasks that go into making an espresso, such as steaming milk and pre-infusion. You'll still be able to modify your drink to suit your preferences.

Breville is a brand known for its wide range of kitchen appliances. It makes one of the most reliable semi-automatic coffee makers on the market. The Infuser is a versatile model that allows you to make espresso, cappuccino, and lattes with the push of the button. The machine is able to automatically pour water in the correct amount for each drink. The built-in burr grinder adjusts the size of the grind to accommodate different beans or extraction levels. The Infuser's sleek, compact design and simple-to-use controls make it an ideal choice for those with small counter space.

Another model that is highly rated by Breville is the Dedica espresso machine. The 15 bar pump can extract a great espresso shot. Its commercial design will last for years. The Dedica also comes with a removable milk reservoir and the frothing wand, which can be used to make cappuccinos and lattes.

For a semiautomatic machine that offers even more hands-off convenience consider an ultra-automatic. These machines are a step up from conventional automatics, with programmable coffee size, automatically grinding beans and often measuring and tamping for you. These machines ranked the highest in our Lab Tests for their all-in-one functionality and ease of use.

If you're looking to find get more info a fully automated that does it all look into the Philips Dinamica. The Dinamica has a large touchscreen with 16 drinks to choose from 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 completely. Its advanced features include a removable water tank with a built-in water hardness tester as well as an AquaClean filter that reduces the build-up of scale and ensures that your machine always produces the highest quality cup of coffee.

Fully automated

A fully automatic coffee machine offers an excellent, smooth cup of coffee at the touch of an button. It is an excellent choice for busy homes and offices and can be used to brew espresso-based drinks as well as filter coffee. Many models have automatic milk frothing that lets you enjoy cafe-style coffees like cappuccino or latte. Some models allow you to set your preferred drink in advance. These machines are perfect for those who work in multiple places, since you can work on your laptop while coffee is brewing.

These machines are also very well-liked in commercial coffee shops as they can brew several different drinks at the same time. However, these are usually more expensive than their semi-automatic counterparts. Some people may find that the convenience of a fully automated coffee maker is worth the extra cost.

The Mcilpoog WS203 Super-Automatic Espresso Machine and Coffee Maker is a high-end, highly configurable coffee machine that gives you the experience of the best cafes in your home. The touch screen display makes it simple to use. It only takes three steps to make coffee. It comes with a movable steel burr grinder as well as adjustable settings, so you can adjust the espresso you make to your personal preferences.

De'Longhi ECAM35020W Dinamica Automatic Coffee and Espresso Machine is a great option for busy households. This machine is characterized by a quick heat-up time, and comes with a variable steel burr grinder and a milk frother for preparing coffee and espresso-based beverages. It is also able to create a wide variety of coffee types that include iced and filter coffee.

This is a surprisingly versatile and affordable Nespresso-compatible machine that is ideal for the modern, well-equipped kitchen. It comes with a large 1.7L water tank and a coffee bean box capacity, and comes with a quiet, fast heating system for a fast and delicious cup of coffee every time. It is also incredibly simple to use and comes with user profiles that automatically prioritise the drinks that are most liked by each user making them just a tap away.

Super-automatic

A step above semi-automatic machines these models grind and dose, take a shot and frost your milk at the touch of one button. They are the ultimate option for those who want to enjoy an array of beverages and appreciate the convenience of not having to prepare them one at a time like in a manual or automatic model.

A great example is the Gaggia Velasca Prestige which combines an excellent brewing machine and an automatic milk frothing mechanism to create the perfect cappuccino, latte or macchiato. It is programmable so you can modify it to suit your specific needs and save your settings. A bypass doser is common to these machines that allow the use of pre-ground coffee instead of the beans stored in the bean hopper, an ideal feature for guests or when you want to change to a different kind of beans.

Magnifica Evo, a fully automatic machine is also a popular choice due to its versatility and ease-of-use. It comes with seven recipes that can be brewed in one touch with easy-to-read icons in color for everything from Espresso to a Latte Macchiato. It also lets you save six user profiles so that everyone can enjoy their favorite drink at the touch of an button. The machine also comes with a ceramic burr grinder which is the ideal choice for lifespan and performance.

Another model made in Switzerland to think about is the Jura ENA 4. It has an elegant and minimalist design, a huge bean box and capacity for water tanks making it ideal for commercial use. It has a highly efficient brewing system and the incredible Aroma G3 grinder. This gives you some of the best coffee and espresso you'll ever have.

The Philips 3200 LatteGo has a slightly smaller build than other super-automatic coffee machines on this list, yet can provide a top-quality cup of coffee. This machine can produce up to 5000 cups of coffee before it has to be descaled. It is ideal for busy households. It also comes with an integrated grinder with 13 settings.