How to Choose the Best Coffee Machine

There's a lot of technological power behind this machine, which is able to precisely control the temperature of the water and evenly distribute it across ground coffee in the filter basket. The machine is more flavorful than its competitors that are less expensive.

This fully automatic machine takes care of everything. In contrast to semiautomatic machines which require you to pack your portafilter manually and decide when you're ready to stop pulling the portafilter This fully automated machine will do it all for you.

Filter coffee machines

A filter coffee machine makes up a pot of filter coffee by passing hot water through ground coffee beans, which are then placed in the filter. The grounds absorb the water, releasing the flavour compounds that are then extracted into your cup of coffee. They are available in a variety of sizes, ranging from 3 to 13 cups, and are available with a variety of options.

The models we tested have insulated containers that keep your coffee warm without an energy-hungry heat plate. Others have a 24-hour timer, which means you can set it for the night before and wake up to an ice-filled jug waiting for you. Other helpful features include a permanent reusable filter that reduces paper waste and the ability to see the water tank and allow you to easily gauge the amount of water left.

Some filter coffee machines are compact enough to fit on a small kitchen worktop, while others have bigger footprints. Some have a removable water tank for easier refilling and cleaning some have fixed tanks that may restrict the location you can put yours.

If you're looking for a filter coffee maker with added functions, pick one that comes with a grinder integrated. This allows you to grind freshly brewed coffee beans as you please and then disperse the ground beans directly into the filter basket. Some models offer this accessory as an alternative. You can find models which use coffee beans that have been ground.

If you're looking to be able to make multiple cups of filter coffee in one go we suggest a model with a bigger capacity. We've tested a range of filter coffee makers with this feature and discovered that the Melitta Look V Timer is one of the top in making great filter coffee at a fair price. It's extremely easy to install and use, comes with an impressive number of user reviews and numerous useful tips and guidelines, and is very robust and reliable.

Espresso machines

Following the example of manual coffee makers that are used in cafes espresso machines can be used to make a variety of drinks that are special at the click of the button. They require a little more effort than other types of coffee (you can look here) as users grind their own coffee beans, weigh the grounds, and steam the milk separately. However, our test subjects found the results worth the extra work.

Espresso machines make use of hot water and pressure of up to nine bar to create an even stronger, more concentrated drink. They can also have a built-in milk frother for creating cappuccinos and macchiatos. They're generally more expensive than other coffee machines, but they provide a premium, high-end experience.

These are popular for those who wish to recreate the cafe coffee at home. They have an airtight tank where the water heats up to boiling point before releasing through a nozzle into ground coffee. The machines can take some time to heat up and once they are in place, they can create the cup in between 4 and 6 minutes.

If you're looking for a bit more control an espresso machine that is semi-automatic allows users to add their own ground beans but automatically stops the flow of water midway through the making process. This is done to ensure the consistency of the espresso. It is not for types of coffee beginners, and it takes some patience to master. But for those who have a knack to tamp, this can be the ultimate espresso maker.

The super-automatic machine is more like a coffee maker from the industrial world and eliminates the guesswork from the process. The machine grinds and weighs the coffee, then pumps hot water through it before it is poured into your cup. They're perfect for those who are interested in creating a particular beverage, rather than just an ordinary cup of coffee. They also tend to be the most well-known coffee maker available.

The capsule and pod machines are easy to use, but they offer a less customisable experience compared to their bean-to cup counterparts. The Lavazza Jolie & Milk has nine pre-programmed drink options. They range from the classics like white coffee and cappuccino to more imaginative drinks such as ristrettos or macchiatos. It can also dispense hot and steam at the push of one button.

Bean-to-cup machines

The top bean to cup machines crush whole coffee beans at the touch of a button and then prepare the beans to make many drinks. This can be accomplished with the push of a button. Many also allow you to save your coffee preferences so that every time you turn the machine on it will automatically make the beverage you want. They can also be connected to apps or home tech networks for types of coffee greater flexibility and automation.

Often, you can manage the finer aspects of each beverage, such as the temperature and the pressure of the extraction, so you are in complete control of what each cup will taste like. They're often also designed to produce a higher quality of coffee than capsule or pod machines. A good bean-to-cup machine will grind the coffee beans to a specific consistency and then force hot filtrated water through the beans at precisely the pressure and duration needed to maximize flavor.

There are also plenty of bean-to-cup machines with milk foaming capabilities. This is great for creating the creamy, textural layers of a cappuccino or latte - although there can be some learning curve in getting the right recipe. However, once you get it down, these machines can produce drinks that could be at home in a specialty coffee shop.

One of the best examples of a modern bean-to-cup machine is Sage's Oracle Touch. It is a little more expensive than some of the top capsule or pod machines, but the added cost is worth it. The machine has a large, colour touchscreen that guides the user through each process of making a certain coffee gifts. It also comes with a professional steam wand to create the perfect texture of milk and allows you to customize every drink to your preference. It also can serve cold drinks as well as hot drinks, and the Oracle Touch will even remember your drink of choice for school runs, so you don't have to make a fresh order every time. Take a look at our complete review if you're looking to buy an espresso machine that is of the highest quality, with a premium grinder and a lot of customized features.

The capsule or pod machines

The best pod coffee machines take the guesswork out of brewing, and give consistently good results with little or no fuss. These models dispense capsules of instant or ground coffee, tea and other beverages. These machines are a great choice for those who have little experience with espresso or bean to cup machines and want an easy fix in the morning.

These machines are a great option for those who don't wish to buy large quantities of beans and also because they're more affordable if you're not using them frequently. But, they're typically less versatile than other models and do not offer the same high-quality brew that filters or bean-to-cup machines can offer.

If you're looking for a simple cup of coffee, this pod maker from Illy is the ideal choice. It's as simple as lifting the flap on top (which automatically ejects the used capsule) then put in an additional one and then press either the big cup or small cup button. The machine utilizes an exclusive two-stage extraction system to create delicious, rich coffee.

The included milk frother lets it to dispense hot drinks like herbal teas, hot chocolate, and cappuccinos or lattes. It is important to remember that milk made from pods doesn't have the same texture and richness as milk made with manual frothers like Dualit or Lavazza.

It's more peaceful and elegant than other pod coffee makers. It won't annoy you while you're getting your caffeine fix. The machine is designed to be a perfect fit for any kitchen from modern to rustic and is enjoyable to use. The lever is large and catapults the used capsule away into the receptacle, which can accommodate ten capsules.

The machine offers a wide range of beverage options, from short black espressos to tall travel mugs, and the barcode reader inside can tell which type of pod you're using. But it's not as flexible as a bean-to-cup machine in terms of customizing your coffee, and there's no way to alter the amount of extraction.