How to Choose the Best Coffee Machines
There's a model to meet every need, whether you're looking for an espresso maker or a coffee pod brewer. Prices start around PS50.
These brewers utilize pre-measured pods that provide convenience with consistency, as well as hands-off ease of use. These brewers also tend to be top performers in our Lab tests.
Manual
A manual machine is a great choice for espresso lovers who are looking to have control. These machines allow users to operate manually an operation that utilizes a mechanical piston. This produces precise extraction and pressure. This type of coffee machine requires a bit more experience and skill to operate than other types but a lot of coffee drinkers say that it is worth the effort.
These manual coffee machines are typically constructed of high-end materials and can be used for many years without a major maintenance requirement. They come with a range of accessories like filters, portafilters measuring cup, tamper and funnel. They can be used with pod or ground coffee, and can be used to create lattes, cappuccinos and macchiatos, and more. Some manual coffee machines have a traditional steam arm for milk-based drinks, while others have a nozzle that 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 presses or raises a lever that triggers an engine that pushes the hot water into the cup. This type of machine doesn't have the same precision or accuracy in temperature control as a fully automated or semi-automatic coffee maker. It is possible to play around to find the ideal espresso flavor.
Some manual coffee machines were made to be used at home. However most are used for hospitality establishments like hotels, restaurants, and breakfast and bed and breakfast establishments. They are compact and efficient and occupy a small counter space. They are also less expensive than other types of machines and are able to be repaired or replaced.
These machines are typically made using durable materials like brass and chrome. Some are made by hand and can bring a touch of elegance to your kitchen design. In addition they are usually easy to clean. Some are available in a wide range of colors that can complement the aesthetic of any kitchen. They are more user-friendly than a fully automatic or semi-automatic coffee machine and they produce delicious coffee.
Semiautomatic
Semi-automatic machines can be a great alternative for those who don't want control over 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 that is known for its wide range of kitchen appliances. It makes one of the top semi-automatic coffee makers that are available. The Infuser is a versatile model that allows you to make cappuccino, espresso, and lattes at the touch of the button. It also automatically dispensates the appropriate amount of water per drink, and its built-in burr grinder automatically adjusts the grind size to accommodate different beans and extraction levels. The Infuser's slim, sleek design and simple-to-use controls make it a perfect choice for those with limited counter space.
Another model that has been rated highly by Breville is the Dedica espresso machine. Its 15 bar pump is enough to get a good espresso shot and its commercial-grade construction is built to last. The Dedica comes with a removable milk tank as well as a frothing tool that can be used for cappuccinos or lattes.
Super-automatics are a great choice for semi-automatic coffee makers. They provide even more convenience and can be operated without any involvement from you. These machines are a step above regular automatics, and can be programmed to adjust the coffee size, automatic grinding beans, and often measuring and tamping for you. These machines ranked the highest in our Lab Tests for their all-in-one capabilities and ease of use.
The Philips Dinamica is a super-automatic machine that can handle everything. This model features a large touchscreen with 16 different drinks including cappuccino and latte. It grinds whole coffee beans to match your drink preference and can even store the settings you prefer, so you can avoid the menu completely. Its high-tech features include a water tank that is removable equipped with a built-in water softness tester and an AquaClean filter that reduces scale build-up and helps ensure that your machine will always make the highest quality coffee.
Fully automated
A fully automated machine will give you a rich and smooth cup of coffee with the click of one button. This is a fantastic option for busy homes or offices since it can brew both espresso and filter coffee. Many models 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 ideal for multitaskers, as you can work on your laptop while the coffee is brewing.
These machines are also very well-liked in commercial coffee shops since they can brew a variety of different drinks simultaneously. However, they are typically more expensive than semi-automatic counterparts. Some may feel that the convenience of a fully-automatic coffee maker is worth the additional cost.
The Mcilpoog WS-203 Super-Automatic Espresso and Coffee Machine is a high-end coffee maker that is highly customizable that provides the high-end features of a top cafe in the comfort of your home. The touch screen display makes it easy to use. It takes just three steps to make coffee. It also comes with an adjustable burr grinder and customizable settings, meaning you can adjust your espresso to your personal preferences.
Another option that is ideal for busy households is the De'Longhi ECAM35020W Dinamica Automatic Coffee and Espresso Machine. This coffee machine is quick to heat up and comes with a milk frother and an adjustable steel burr mill to make espresso drinks and coffee-based drinks. It also produces a variety of coffees such as filter coffee and iced.
This is a very versatile and affordable Nespresso-compatible machine that is perfect for the modern well-equipped kitchen. It comes with a massive 1.7L water tank as well as a coffee bean capacity. It also has a quick, quiet heating system to make a swift and delicious cup of coffee every time. It is also incredibly simple to use, with profiles for users that automatically prioritize your favourite drinks, and are only a tap away.
Super-automatic
These models are a step above semi automatic machines. They grind, dose, pull the shot, and froth milk at the touch the button. They are the ultimate option for those who wish to enjoy the wide variety 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 an excellent brewing machine and an automatic milk frothing mechanism to create the perfect cappuccino, lattes or macchiato. The machine's programmability allows you to tailor it to your specific requirements and save your settings for the next time. A bypass doser is also common to these machines which enables the use of pre-ground coffee in place of the beans that are stored in the bean hopper, which is a great feature for guests or when you need to change to a different kind of beans.
The DeLonghi Magnifica Evo Fully-Automatic machine is a popular choice due to its versatility and user-friendliness. It comes with seven recipe options that are easy to read color icons, from Espresso to Latte Macchiato. It also allows you to save six user profiles so that each can enjoy their favorite drink at the touch of an button. The machine also has a ceramic burr grinder which is the optimum option for durability and performance.
Another model from Switzerland worth considering is the Jura ENA 4. It has a sleek, minimal design, and a huge bean box and water tank capacity, making it perfect for commercial use. It features an advanced system for brewing and an amazing Aroma G3 grinder. This gives you some of the best espresso and coffee you'll ever taste.
The Philips 3200 LatteGo is a slightly smaller than other super-automatic machines on this list, but still provides a quality cup. This machine can produce up to 5000 cups of coffee before it has to be descaled. It is perfect for busy households. coffee machine for home has an integrated grinder with 13 settings.