How to Choose the Best Coffee Machines
If you're looking for a simple filter machine, a coffee pod or capsule brewer, or an espresso maker, there's an option here that will meet your requirements. Prices start at PS50.
These brewers utilize pre-measured pods that provide convenience, consistency and hand-free ease of use. They also perform well in our Lab tests.
Manual
A manual machine is a good choice for espresso lovers who want to be in control. These machines allow you to manually control a mechanical piston that results in a precise amount of pressure and extraction. This type of coffee machine requires a little more expertise and experience to operate than other types, but many coffee drinkers believe it's worth the effort.
These manual coffee makers are generally 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 a portafilter and filter, a measuring cup, tamper, and funnel. They can be used to make cappuccinos and other drinks that use ground or pod coffee. Some manual coffee machines come with traditional steam arms for milk-based drinks, while others have a nozzle that disperses water over the grounds.
The majority of manual coffee machines heat the water in a separate kettle and then pour it over the grounds within the chamber of brewing. The user presses or raises a lever to activate pistons that force hot water into the cup. This type of machine does not have the same precision or accuracy in temperature control as a fully automated or semi-automatic coffee maker. You may need to test your ideal espresso taste.
While some manual coffee machines are made for home use, most are designed for use in hospitality businesses, such as hotels and restaurants or bed and breakfasts and farmhouses. They are small efficient, reliable and occupy a small counter space. They are also less costly than other types of coffee machines and are easily repaired or replaced.
They are typically constructed of durable materials like chrome and brass. Some are handmade and can provide a touch of class to the kitchen design. They are also often easy to clean. Some are available in a variety of colors and will match the design of any kitchen. They are generally simpler to operate than a semiautomatic or fully automated coffee maker and can produce delicious, high-quality coffee.
Semiautomatic
Semi-automatic machines are a good compromise for espresso lovers who don't want control over all the variables involved in brewing the perfect shot. These models start to take over some of the duties involved in making an espresso, like steaming milk and pre-infusion. You'll still have the option to customize your drinks to suit your tastes.
Breville is an established brand that is renowned for its wide range of kitchen appliances. Breville makes one of the top semi-automatic coffee makers on the market. The Infuser is a versatile model, allowing you to make lattes, cappuccino and espresso with just a click of a button. The machine automatically dispenses water in the correct amount for each drink. The built-in burr grinder adjusts the size of the grind to accommodate different extraction levels or beans. The Infuser's compact, sleek design and simple-to-use controls make it a great option for people with small counter space.
The Dedica espresso machine is a highly rated model from Breville. Its 15 bar pump is more than enough to extract a quality espresso shot and its commercial-grade construction is built to last. The Dedica has a removable milk tank and a frothing tool that can be used to make lattes or cappuccinos.
If you are looking for a semi-automatic coffee maker that offers even more hands-off convenience consider a super-automatic. These machines go a step beyond standard automatics by allowing you to program coffee sizes, a system that automatically grinds beans, and sometimes measuring and tamping them automatically. These machines ranked the highest in our Lab Tests for their complete functionality and ease of use.
If you're looking for a super-automatic that can do it all take a look at the Philips Dinamica. This model features a large touchscreen with 16 different drinks including cappuccino and latte. It automatically grinds whole beans to match the selection of beverages and can save your preferred settings so that you don't have to go through the menu of choices completely. The top-of-the-line features of this machine include a movable tank with an integrated test for water hardness and an AquaClean filter that reduces scale and ensures that you always get the best cup of coffee.
Fully automatic
A fully automatic machine will make a smooth and rich cup of coffee with the touch of the button. It's an ideal choice for busy homes and offices, and can be used to make filter coffee and espresso-based drinks. Many models also have automatic milk frothing that lets you enjoy cafe-style coffees like cappuccino and Latte. Some models are even programmable which allows you to set your preferred drink ahead of time. These machines are ideal for multitaskers, as you can work while coffee is being made.
These machines are popular in commercial coffee shops because they can make different drinks simultaneously. However, they're typically more expensive than their semi-automatic counterparts. However, the convenience offered by a fully automated coffee maker might be worth the extra expense for some.
The Mcilpoog WS-203 Super-Automatic Espresso and Coffee Machine is a top, highly customizable coffee machine that provides the high-end features of a top cafe in the comfort of your home. The touchscreen display makes it easy to use. It only takes three steps to make coffee. It comes with a stainless steel burr grinder that can be adjusted and programmable settings so you can customize your espresso to suit your preferences.
De'Longhi ECAM35020W Dinamica Automatic Coffee and Espresso Machine is another great option for busy households. The coffee machine is quick to heat up and is equipped with a milk frother and an adjustable burr mill made of steel to make espresso drinks and coffee-based drinks. It is also able to produce a wide range of coffee varieties, including filter and iced coffee.
This is a low-cost and versatile Nespresso-compatible machine that is perfect for a modern, well-equipped house. It comes with a huge 1.7L tank and a coffee maker capacity. It also features an efficient, quiet heating system that ensures the perfect cup of coffee at all times. It's also very easy to use and comes with user profiles that automatically prioritise the drinks that are most liked by each user so they are just one tap away.
Super-automatic
These models are a step up from semi automatic machines. They grind and dose, take the shot, and then froth milk with the click of the button. These machines are ideal for coffee drinkers who wish to drink a variety of drinks at once and appreciate the convenience.
A great example is the Gaggia Velasca Prestige which combines the highest-quality brewing equipment with an automatic milk frothing system for the perfect cappuccino, latte or macchiato. The machine's programmability allows you to tailor it to meet your needs and save your settings for next time. A lot of these machines include a bypass doser that allows the use of pre-ground beans instead of the beans that are in the bean hopper. This is a great feature for guests or if you wish to switch from one type of coffee to another.
The Magnifica Evo fully automated machine is also a top 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 colored icons for everything from Espresso to a Latte Macchiato. It also has the capability to save six user profiles, so everyone can have their favorite beverage brewed at the click of the button. The machine also has 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 sleek and minimal design, as well as a large bean box and capacity for water tanks which makes it perfect for commercial use. It features an advanced system for brewing and an amazing Aroma G3 grinder. You'll enjoy some of the best espresso and coffee you've ever tasted.
The Philips 3200 LatteGo has a smaller design than some of the other super-automatic coffeee coffee machines on this list, but is able to provide a high-quality cup of coffee. This machine is rated to produce up to 5000 cups before needing to be descaled, which makes it ideal for homes with a busy schedule. It also includes an integrated burr grinder with 13 settings that allow plenty of room to personalize it.