How to Choose the Best Coffee Machines
Whether you're looking for a simple filter machine, a coffee pod or capsule brewer or espresso maker, you'll find a model here to suit your needs. Prices start around PS50.
These brewers make use of pre-measured pods that provide convenience, consistency and easy-to-use without hands. These Brewers also 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 an excellent choice. These machines allow you to manually operate a piston operation, which produces a precise amount of pressure and extraction. This kind of machine requires more expertise and experience to operate, but many coffee drinkers find it worth the effort.
Manual coffee machines are typically made from high-quality materials and can last for years without a significant maintenance requirement. They also come with a variety of accessories, such as filters and portsafilters as well as measuring cup, tamper, and funnel. They can be used to make cappuccinos as well as other drinks using ground or pod coffee. Some manual coffee machines include a steam arm that is used to make milk-based drinks. Some have a nozzle which distributes water onto the grounds.
The majority of manual coffee machines make the water hot in a separate kettle and then pour it over the grounds inside the brewing chamber. The user then presses or raises a lever or hand to activate an engine that pushes hot water through the grounds before it is poured into the cup below. This type of coffee maker is not as accurate or precise in its temperature control as semi-automatic or fully automated coffee maker, and you might have to play with various methods to discover the ideal espresso taste.
Some manual coffee machines were created for home use. However, the majority are for hospitality establishments like hotels, restaurants, and breakfast and bed and breakfast establishments. They are compact, efficient and occupy a small counter space. They are also cheaper than other types of machines and can easily be repaired or replaced.
These machines are typically made from durable materials, including chrome and brass. Some are even handcrafted, and they can provide a touch of luxury to the kitchen design. In addition they are typically easy to clean. Some are available in a range of colors that can be matched to the decor of any kitchen. They are generally more simple to operate than a fully automated coffee maker and can produce delicious, premium coffee.
Semiautomatic
For the person who doesn't wish to be in total control of all the variables of brewing an ideal shot, semi-automatic machines provide an acceptable compromise. They begin to take on some of the tasks involved in making an espresso, such as steaming milk and pre-infusion. You'll still be able alter the drinks to meet your preferences.
One of the top semi-automatic coffee makers available that are available is made by Breville, a name that is well-known for a wide variety of kitchen appliances. The Infuser is a versatile model, allowing you to make cappuccino, lattes and espresso at the click of a button. The machine can also automatically pour the right amount of water per drink and its built-in burr grinder automatically adjusts the size of the grind to accommodate different extraction levels and beans. The Infuser is a great option for those with a small counter space because of its sleek, compact design. It also has simple controls.
The Dedica espresso machine is a top-rated model from Breville. Its 15 bar pump is enough to extract a quality espresso shot and its commercial design 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 as well as lattes.
If you are looking for a semi-automatic coffee maker that provides more hands-free convenience consider a super-automatic. These machines are a step up from regular automatics, and can be programmed to adjust the coffee size, automatic grinding beans, and usually measuring and tamping for you. These machines scored the highest in our Lab Tests due to their all-in-one features and user-friendliness.
The Philips Dinamica is a super-automatic machine that can do it all. It comes with a large touchscreen that lets you choose 16 different drinks including cappuccino, latte, and black coffee. It grinds whole coffee beans to match the beverage you choose and even save your preferred settings, meaning you don't have to choose the menu completely. The top-of-the-line features of this machine include a removable tank that has an integrated test of water hardness and an AquaClean Filter that helps reduce scale and ensures you always get the best cup of coffee.
Fully automatic
A fully automatic machine will provide you with a smooth and rich cup of coffee with the push of one button. It's an ideal choice for busy homes and offices and is able to make espresso-based drinks as well as filter coffee. Many models also have automatic milk frothing, which lets you enjoy cafe-style coffees such as cappuccino or latte. Some models are even programmable which allows you to set your preferred drink ahead of time. These machines are ideal for those who need to be multi-tasking, since they allow you to 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 simultaneously. They are more expensive than semi-automatic ones. Some may feel that the convenience of a fully automated coffee maker is worth the additional cost.
The Mcilpoog WS203 Super-Automatic Espresso Machine and Coffee Maker is a premium coffee maker with a high-quality, highly-customizable design that provides the quality of a top cafe in your home. It's easy to use, and comes with an LCD touch screen that makes coffee-making as simple as three steps. It comes with an adjustable burr grinder, as well as customizable settings, meaning you can tailor 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 coffee maker is quick to heat up and comes with a milk frother as well as an adjustable burr mill to make espresso and coffee-based drinks. It can also make various coffees that include filter coffee as well as iced.
This is a very versatile and affordable Nespresso-compatible machine that is perfect for the modern well-equipped kitchen. It has a large 1.7L tank and coffee box capacity. It also has a quick, quiet heating system to ensure a delicious cup of coffee at all times. It's also very easy to use 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. These machines are ideal for coffee drinkers who want to drink a variety of drinks at once and appreciate the convenience.
The Gaggia Velasca Prestige is a great example. It is a high quality brewing machine and an automatic milk frothing system to create the perfect cappuccino or the perfect latte. This machine is programmable, so you can modify it to suit your specific requirements and save your settings. Many of these machines have bypass dosers that allow the use of pre-ground beans instead of the beans that are in the bean hopper. This is an excellent option for guests, or if you want to switch from one type of coffee to another.
Magnifica Evo, a fully automatic machine is also a favorite due to its versatility and user-friendly. It has seven recipes that are one-touch with easy-to-read color icons for everything from Espresso to a Latte Macchiato. It also allows you to save six user profiles, so everyone can have their own preferred drink at the touch of a button. This machine also includes a ceramic burr grinder which is the best choice for longevity and performance.
The Jura ENA 4 is another model produced in Switzerland that you must think about. It features a sleek, minimal design and a massive container for water and bean capacity, making it ideal for commercial use. It comes with a highly sophisticated grinder and brewing system called the Aroma G3. You'll enjoy some of the best coffee and espresso you've ever had.
The Philips 3200 LatteGo has a slightly more compact build than the other super-automatic coffee machines on this list, but manages to deliver a quality cup of coffee. The machine can make up to 5000 cups of coffee before it needs to be descaled. It is ideal for families with a lot of work to do. It also has a built-in burr grinder, which has 13 settings to allow plenty of room for customization.