How to Choose the Best Coffee Machines
Whether you're looking for a simple filter machine or a coffee pod, capsule brewer, or an espresso maker, there's an option here that will meet your needs. Prices start at around PS50.
Brewers that are brewers with these features provide ease of use, consistency, and hands-off convenience. They also perform well in our Lab tests.
Manual
If you are a coffee lover and want to be in complete control of the process manually, a manual machine can be an excellent choice. These machines allow you to manually control a mechanical piston operation, which results in a precise amount of pressure and extraction. This type of machine requires more experience and skill to operate, however many coffee drinkers consider it worth the effort.
These manual coffee machines are made of high-quality materials and will last for years without maintenance. They also come with a variety of accessories, such as filters and portafilters as well as a measuring cup, tamper and funnel. They can be used with either ground or pod coffee and they can make lattes, cappuccinos, macchiatos, and many more. Some manual coffee machines feature traditional steam arms for milk-based drinks, while others have a nozzle which disperses water over the grounds.
Most manual coffee machines heat the water in a separate kettle, and then pour it over the grounds within the brewing chamber. The user presses or raises a lever to trigger pistons that force 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. You may have to test your perfect espresso flavor.
While some manual coffee machines are built for home use, the majority are designed for hospitality businesses such as hotels, restaurants or bed and breakfasts and farmhouses. They are compact efficient, reliable, and take up little counter space. coffee machine pods and beans are also less costly than other coffee machines and can be easily repaired or replaced.
These machines are typically constructed using durable materials like chrome and brass. Some are made by hand and can provide a touch of class to your kitchen design. Additionally they are typically easy to clean. Some are available in a variety of colors and will match the aesthetic of any kitchen. They are more user-friendly than a fully automatic or semi-automatic coffee maker, and they can produce delicious coffee.
Semiautomatic
For the person who does not want to be in complete control of all variables of brewing an ideal shot, semi-automatic machines are an acceptable compromise. They automatize certain steps in making espresso, including steaming milk and preinfusion. But, you'll have many options to tailor your drink to your own personal tastes.
Breville is an established brand that is renowned for its extensive range of kitchen appliances. It makes one of the top semi-automatic coffee makers that are available. The Infuser is a versatile model, allowing you to make cappuccino, lattes and espresso at the press of a 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 extraction levels or beans. The Infuser is a great option for those with a small counter space because of its sleek, compact design. It also comes with easy-to-use controls.
Another model that is highly rated by Breville is the Dedica espresso machine. The 15 bar pump can make a fantastic espresso shot. The commercial-grade construction will last for a long time. The Dedica also comes with a removable milk reservoir as well as an ice-making wand that can be used to make cappuccinos and lattes.
For a semiautomatic machine that offers even more hands-off convenience consider a super-automatic. These machines go one step beyond standard automatics by allowing you to program coffee sizes, automatically grinding beans, and frequently measuring and tamping them automatically. These machines scored the highest in our Lab Tests for their complete functionality and ease of use.
If you're looking for a machine that does it all take a look at the Philips Dinamica. The Dinamica has a large touchscreen with 16 drinks to choose from, including latte and cappuccino. It grinds whole coffee beans to match your beverage selection and even save your preferred settings, meaning you don't have to choose the menu completely. Its high-tech features include a removable water tank with a built-in hardness tester as well as an AquaClean filter that helps reduce the build-up of scale and ensures that your machine will always make the highest quality cup of coffee.
Fully automatic
A fully automated machine will provide you with an incredibly smooth and rich cup of coffee at the click of the button. This is a great choice for busy homes or offices because it can make both espresso and filter coffee. Many models have automatic milk frothing to let you enjoy cafe style coffees, such as cappuccino and the 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 while coffee is brewing.
These machines are well-liked in commercial coffee shops since they can brew a variety of different beverages at the same time. These are more expensive than semi-automatic models. However, the convenience offered by a fully automated coffee maker could be worth the extra cost for a few people.
The Mcilpoog WS-203 Super-Automatic Espresso and Coffee Machine is a premium coffee machine that is highly customizable that provides the high-end features of a top-notch cafe, all from your home. The touch screen display makes it simple to use. It only takes three steps to make coffee. It comes with a steel burr grinder that can be adjusted and programmable settings so you can tailor your espresso to suit your preferences.
De'Longhi ECAM35020W Dinamica Automatic Coffee and Espresso Machine is another great option for busy households. This machine is characterized by a quick heat-up time, and comes with an adjustable burr grinder made of steel and a milk frother to prepare espresso-based drinks as well as coffee. It can also produce a variety of coffees that include filter coffee as well as iced.
This is a very flexible 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 box capacity, and features a fast, quiet heating system for a fast and delicious cup of coffee every time. It's also extremely simple to use and comes with user profiles that automatically prioritize each person's favourite drinks so they are just one tap away.
Super-automatic
A step over semi-automatic machines these models grind, dose, pull your shot, and froth your milk all at the push of a button. They are the best choice for coffee lovers who want to drink the wide variety of beverages and appreciate the ease of not having to prepare them one at a go like in a manual model or an automated model.
The Gaggia Velasca Prestige is a perfect example. It is a high quality brewing machine and an automated milk frothing system to create the perfect cappuccino or the perfect latte. The ability to program this machine allows you to tailor it to your exact requirements and save your settings for next time. A lot of these machines have a bypass doser that allows the use of pre-ground beans instead of the beans in the bean hopper. This is a great feature for guests or if you need to switch from one kind of coffee to another.
The Magnifica Evo fully automated machine is also a top choice due to its versatility and user-friendly. It features seven one-touch recipes with easy-to-read icons in color for everything from Espresso to a Latte Macchiato. It also allows you to save six user profiles, so everyone can have their preferred drink brewed at the touch of the button. The machine also comes with a ceramic burr grinder, which is the optimum choice for longevity and performance.
Another model from Switzerland worth considering is the Jura ENA 4. It has an elegant, minimalist design, and a huge bean box and water tank capacity, making it ideal for commercial use. It comes with a sophisticated coffee brewing system as well as the amazing Aroma G3 grinder. You'll be able to enjoy the best coffee and espresso you've ever tasted.
The Philips 3200 LatteGo is a little more compact than some other super-automatic machines in this list but still delivers a quality cup. It can make up to 5000 coffee cups before it needs to be descaled. It is perfect for busy households. It also comes with an integrated burr grinder with 13 settings that allow plenty of room for personalization.