How to Choose the Best Coffee Machines
There's a model to meet every need regardless of whether you're looking to buy an espresso maker or a coffee pod brewer. Prices start at around PS50.
These brewers make use of pre-measured pods and offer convenience, consistency and easy-to-use without hands. They also perform well in our Lab tests.
Manual
For espresso lovers who prefer to take full control of the process, a manual machine is an ideal choice. They allow you to manually operate a mechanical piston operation, which results in a precise amount of pressure and extraction. This type of machine requires a bit more skill and experience to operate than other models but a lot of people who drink coffee say it's worth the effort.
These manual coffee machines are usually constructed from top-quality materials that can be used for many years without a major maintenance requirement. These machines come with a variety of accessories like filters, a portafilter measuring cup, tamper and funnel. They can be used to make cappuccinos as well as other drinks made with ground or pod coffee. Some manual coffee machines feature traditional steam arms for milk-based drinks, while others have a nozzle which spreads water across 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 a lever to activate pistons that force 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 ideal espresso flavor.
While some manual coffee machines are made to be used at home, the majority are designed for use in hospitality businesses, such as hotels, restaurants, bed and breakfasts, and farmhouses. They are usually small compact and efficient taking up the smallest amount of counter space. They are also less expensive than other types of coffee makers and can be easily repaired or replaced.
They are usually constructed from durable materials, including brass and chrome. Some are made by hand and can bring a touch of elegance to the kitchen design. Additionally they are typically easy to clean. Some come in a variety of colors that can be matched to the decor of any kitchen. They are more user-friendly than a fully automated or semi-automatic coffee machine and they produce delicious coffee.
Semiautomatic
For the person who does not want to be in complete control of all factors involved in making the perfect shot, semi-automatic machines are an acceptable compromise. These machines begin to take over some of the tasks involved in making espresso, like steaming milk and pre-infusion. You'll still have the option to customize your drinks to suit your preferences.
One of the most reliable semi-automatic coffee makers available on the market is from Breville, a name that is well-known for its wide selection of kitchen appliances. The Infuser is a multi-functional model that allows you to make cappuccino, espresso and lattes with the push of a button. The machine also automatically dispenses the correct 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 easy-to-use controls makes it an ideal choice for those with a limited counter space.
premium coffee machine that is highly rated by Breville is the Dedica espresso machine. The 15 bar pump can create a delicious espresso shot. The commercial-grade construction will last for years. The Dedica also comes with a removable milk reservoir and an ice-making wand that can be used to make cappuccinos and lattes.
Super-automatics are an excellent choice for a semi-automatic coffee maker. They offer more convenience and can be operated with no involvement. These machines go a step above the standard automatics by offering programmable coffee sizes, and automatically grinding beans, and sometimes measuring and tamping them for you. These machines tended to score the best in our Lab tests for their do-it-all functionality and hands-off ease of use.
If you're looking to find a fully automated that can do it all, consider the Philips Dinamica. It has a huge touchscreen interface with 16 different drinks, including latte and cappuccino. It automatically grinds whole beans to match the beverage selection, and it can even save your preferred settings so that you can bypass the selections menu entirely. The top-of-the-line features of this machine include a detachable tank with an integrated water hardness test and an AquaClean Filter that reduces scale and ensures that you always get the best cup of coffee.
Fully automatic
A fully automated coffee maker gives you a rich, smooth cup of coffee at the touch of the button. It's a great choice for busy homes and offices and is able to make filter coffee and espresso-based drinks. Some models also have automatic milk frothing that lets you enjoy coffees that are cafe-style, such as cappuccino and Latte. Some models allow you to make your drink of choice in advance. These machines are great for people who have to multitask, as they let you work while coffee is being made.
These machines are also very popular in coffee shops that are commercial as they can brew several different drinks at the same time. However, they are typically more expensive than their semi-automatic counterparts. Some people may find that the convenience of a fully-automatic coffee maker is worth the additional cost.
The Mcilpoog WS203 Super-Automatic Espresso Machine and Coffee Maker is a high-end coffee maker with a high-quality, highly-customizable design that provides the quality of the best cafes in your home. It is easy to use, and comes with touchscreen display that makes coffee-making as simple as just three steps. It is also equipped with an adjustable burr grinder and adjustable settings, so you can tailor your espresso to your own preferences.
Another option that is ideal for busy households is the De'Longhi ECAM35020W Dinamica Automatic Coffee and Espresso Machine. The coffee maker boasts rapid heating up time, and comes with an adjustable burr grinder in steel and a milk frother for preparing coffee and espresso-based beverages. It is also able to create a wide variety of coffee varieties that include iced and filter coffee.
This is a very versatile and affordable Nespresso-compatible machine that is ideal for the modern well-equipped kitchen. It has a huge 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 very easy to use and comes with user profiles that automatically prioritise the drinks that are most liked by each user and are only a tap away.
Super-automatic
These models are a step above semi-automatic machines. They grind and dose, take the shot, and then froth milk at the touch the button. They are the ultimate option for coffee drinkers who want to drink a wide range of drinks and appreciate the convenience of not having to make them one at a time like in a manual or automatic model.
A great example is the Gaggia Velasca Prestige which combines the highest-quality brewing equipment with an automated milk frothing system to make the perfect cappuccino, latte, or macchiato. The machine is programmable, so you can modify it to meet your specific requirements and save your settings. A lot of these machines include a bypass doser that allows you to use pre-ground beans instead of the beans in the bean hopper. This is an excellent feature for guests or if you need to switch from one kind of coffee to another.
The DeLonghi Magnifica Evo Fully-Automatic machine is another favorite for its flexibility and ease of use. It features seven one-touch recipes with easy to read icons in color for everything from Espresso to a Latte Macchiato. It also has the ability to save six user profiles so that everyone can have their preferred drink at the touch of the button. This machine comes with 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 is a sleek and understated design, a huge bean box and capacity for water tanks making it ideal for commercial use. It features an advanced coffee brewing system as well as the amazing Aroma G3 grinder. You'll be able to enjoy the finest espresso and coffee you've ever tasted.
The Philips 3200 LatteGo has a slightly smaller build than some of the other super-automatic coffee machines on this list, yet can provide a top-quality cup of coffee. It can produce up to 5000 cups before having to be descaled, which makes it ideal for busy homes. It also has an integrated grinder that can be set to 13 settings.