How to Choose the Best Coffee Machines
Whether you're in search of a basic filter machine, a coffee pod or capsule brewer, or an espresso maker, there's an option here that will meet your needs. Prices start at PS50.
These brewers make use of pre-measured pods and offer convenience, consistency and easy-to-use without hands. These brewers also tend to be top performers in our Lab tests.
Manual
A manual machine is a great choice for espresso lovers who want to be in control. They allow you to manually operate a mechanical piston, which produces the exact amount of pressure and extraction. This kind of coffee machine requires a little more experience and skill to operate than other kinds but a lot of coffee drinkers believe it's worth the effort.
These manual coffee machines are made of high-quality materials, and can last for a long time without needing any maintenance. They include a range of accessories like a portafilter, filter, measuring cup, tamper and funnel. They can be used with ground or pod coffee, and can be used to make cappuccinos, lattes, macchiatos and much more. Some manual coffee machines include steam arms that are used to make milk-based drinks. Some include a nozzle that distributes water over the grounds.
Most manual coffee machines use an additional kettle to warm water, which is then poured over the grounds inside the chamber for brewing. The user then presses or raises an instrument or hand to turn on 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 may need to play with various techniques to find the perfect espresso taste.
While some manual coffee machines are built for home use, the majority are designed for businesses in the hospitality industry such as hotels or restaurants as well as bed and breakfasts and farmhouses. They are small efficient, reliable and occupy a small counter space. They are also less expensive than other kinds of machines and are able to be repaired or replaced.
These machines are typically made out of tough materials like brass and chrome. Some are handcrafted and provide a touch of class to the kitchen design. They are also usually easy to clean. They are also available in a variety of colors and can match the style of your kitchen. They are generally more simple to use than a fully automatic coffee machine and can produce delicious, premium coffee.
Semiautomatic
For the person who does not want to be in complete control of all variables involved in making a perfect shot, semi-automatic machines provide an acceptable compromise. These machines begin to take over some of the duties involved in making espresso, including steaming milk and pre-infusion. 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 vast selection of kitchen appliances. It is one of the top semi-automatic coffee makers available. The Infuser is a multi-functional model that allows you to make espresso, cappuccino, and lattes with the click of one button. The machine will automatically disperse the right amount of water for each drink. Its built-in burr grind adjusts the size of the grind to accommodate different extraction levels or beans. The Infuser is an ideal choice for those who have a limited counter space because of its slim, sleek design. It also has simple controls.
The Dedica espresso machine is yet another top-rated model by Breville. The 15 bar pump can make a fantastic espresso shot. Its commercial construction will last for many years. The Dedica comes with a removable milk tank and the frothing tool, which can be used for lattes or cappuccinos.
Super-automatics are a great choice for a semi-automatic coffee maker. They offer more convenience and can be operated without any involvement from you. These machines are a step up from regular automatics, and can be programmed to adjust the coffee size, automatic grinding beans and often measuring and tamping on your behalf. These machines were able to score the best in our Lab tests for their comprehensive capability and hands-free ease of use.
The Philips Dinamica is a super-automatic machine that can handle everything. This model features a large touchscreen that can display 16 drinks to choose from including cappuccino and latte. It automatically grinds whole beans to match the drink you choose, and it can even save your preferred settings, so you can bypass the selections menu entirely. The advanced features of this machine include a detachable tank that has an integrated test of water hardness and an AquaClean filter that reduces scale and ensures you always get the perfect cup of coffee.
Fully automatic
A fully
automatic coffee machine gives you a rich, smooth cup of coffee with the push of the button. This is a fantastic option for busy offices or homes because it can make both filter and espresso. Many 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 program your favorite drink in advance. These machines are perfect for people who have to be multi-tasking, since they allow you to continue working while your coffee is brewing.
These machines are popular in commercial coffee shops as they can brew several different drinks simultaneously. They are more expensive than semi-automatic ones. However, the convenience provided by a fully automatic coffee maker might be worth the extra cost for a few people.
The Mcilpoog WS-203 Super-Automatic Espresso and Coffee Machine is a high-end coffee maker that is highly customizable that offers the quality of a top-notch cafe from the comfort of your home. It's easy to use, and comes with a touch screen display that makes making coffee as easy as three steps. It comes with a movable steel burr grinder and programmable settings, so you can adjust your espresso to your own preferences.
De'Longhi ECAM35020W Dinamica Automatic Coffee and Espresso Machine is another great option for busy households. This machine is characterized by an instant heat-up time, and comes with an adjustable burr grinder made of steel and a milk frother for preparing espresso-based drinks as well as coffee. It can also produce various coffees that include filter coffee as well as iced.
This is a very flexible and affordable Nespresso compatible machine that is ideal for the modern well-equipped kitchen. It comes with a massive 1.7L water tank as well as a coffee bean container capacity, and features a fast, quiet heating system to make a swift and delicious cup of coffee every time. It's also extremely simple to use with user profiles that automatically prioritize your favourite drinks, and are only a tap away.
Super-automatic
A step above semi-automatic machines these models grind dose, grind, pull your shot and froth your milk all at the touch of a button. These machines are ideal for coffee drinkers who want to drink multiple drinks at once and appreciate the convenience.
The Gaggia Velasca Prestige is a excellent example. It is a high quality brewing machine and a milk frothing automatic system to make the perfect cappuccino or Latte. This machine is programmable, which means you can alter it to meet your exact requirements and save your settings. A bypass doser comes common to these machines which enables you to use pre-ground coffee instead of the beans that are stored in the bean hopper, an ideal feature for guests or when you need to change to a different kind of beans.
The DeLonghi Magnifica Evo Fully Automated machine is another popular option for its versatility and user-friendliness. It comes with seven recipe options with easy-to-read color icons, from Espresso to Latte Macchiato. It also allows you to save six user profiles, which means everyone can have their favorite beverage brewed at the click of the button. This machine also includes the ceramic burr grinder which is the optimum choice for lifespan and performance.
The Jura ENA 4 is another model produced in Switzerland that you must consider. It is a sleek and understated design, as well as a large bean box and water tank capacity which makes it perfect for commercial use. It has an advanced grinder and brewing system, the Aroma G3. It gives you the best espresso and coffee you'll ever taste.
The Philips 3200 LatteGo has a slightly more compact build than some of the other super-automatic coffee machines on this list, yet manages to deliver a quality cup of coffee. It can make up to 5000 cups before needing to be descaled, which is ideal for busy homes. It also has an integrated grinder with 13 settings.