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 at PS50.
These brewers provide the convenience, consistency, and hands-off ease. These brewers also tend to score high in our Lab tests.
Manual
For those who like to be in complete control of the process, a manual machine is an ideal choice. These machines allow you to manually operate a mechanical piston operation, which results in an exact amount of pressure and extraction. This type of machine requires more experience and skill to operate, however many coffee drinkers find it worth the effort.
Manual coffee machines are made of high-quality materials, and can last for many years without any maintenance. They also come with a variety of accessories, including a portafilter and filter along with a measuring cup, tamper, and funnel. They can be used with pod or ground coffee, and they can make cappuccinos, lattes, macchiatos, and many more. Some manual coffee machines have a traditional steam arm for milk-based drinks, while others have a nozzle which disperses water over the grounds.
The majority of manual coffee machines utilize an additional kettle to heat water, which is then poured over the coffee grounds in the chamber for brewing. The user presses or raises a lever to trigger an engine that pushes the hot water into the cup. This kind of machine doesn't have the same precision or accuracy in temperature control as a fully automatic or semi-automatic coffee maker. You may have to play around to find the ideal espresso flavor.
Some manual coffee machines were designed to be used at home. However they are mostly used in hospitality businesses such as hotels, restaurants and bed and breakfasts. They are small and efficient and require little counter space. They are also cheaper than other kinds of machines, and they can easily be repaired or replaced.
These machines are usually made from durable materials such as brass and chrome. Some are even handcrafted, and they can bring a touch of class to the kitchen design. In addition they are usually easy to clean. They are also available in a wide range of colors and can match the aesthetic of any kitchen. They are generally easier to operate than a semi-automatic or fully automatic coffee machine and can make delicious, high-quality coffee.
Semiautomatic
Semi-automatic machines are a good alternative for those who don't want control over all the variables involved in brewing the perfect shot. These machines begin automatizing certain steps in making espresso, like steaming milk and preinfusion. You'll still have the option to modify your drink to suit your tastes.
One of the top semi-automatic coffee makers available on the market is from Breville, a name that is well-known for its wide selection of kitchen appliances. The Infuser is a versatile model that allows you to make cappuccino, espresso, and lattes at the touch of one button. It also automatically dispensates the correct amount of water for each drink and its built-in grinder automatically adjusts the size of the grind to accommodate different extraction levels and beans. The Infuser is an ideal choice for those who have a limited counter space due to its slim, sleek design. It also has simple controls.
The Dedica espresso machine is another top-rated model from Breville. Its 15 bar pump is sufficient to make a high-quality espresso shot, and its commercial construction is built to last. The Dedica also comes with a removable milk reservoir and the frothing wand, which can be used to make cappuccinos and lattes.
For a semiautomatic coffee maker that provides more hands-free convenience look no further than a super-automatic. These machines are a step above standard automatics, offering programmable coffee sizes, automatically grinding beans, and often measuring and tamping for you. These machines ranked the highest in our Lab Tests due to their all-in-one capabilities and ease of use.
If you're looking for a super-automatic that can do everything, consider the Philips Dinamica. This model has a large intuitive touchscreen interface which lets you select 16 different beverages, including cappuccino, latte and black coffee. It grinds whole coffee beans to match your beverage selection and even save your preferred settings, meaning you can avoid 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 scale build-up and ensures that your machine always produces the best possible cup of coffee.
Fully automated
A fully automated machine can provide you with an incredibly smooth and rich cup of coffee at the push of a button. This is an excellent choice for busy offices or homes, as it can brew both filter and espresso. Many models have automatic milk frothing, which lets you enjoy cafe-style coffees such as buy coffee machines cappuccino or latte. Some models are even programmable which allows you to set your preferred beverage ahead of time. These machines are ideal for multitaskers, as you can work on your laptop while coffee is brewing.
These machines are popular in coffee shops that are commercial as they can brew several different drinks simultaneously. However, they're typically more expensive than their semi-automatic counterparts. However, the convenience offered 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 top coffee maker that is highly customizable that provides the high-end features of a top-quality cafe from the comfort of your own home. It is simple to use, and comes with a touch screen display which makes coffee making as easy as three steps. It comes with a steel burr grinder that is adjusted and programmable so you can alter the espresso to your personal preferences.
Another great option for busy homes is the De'Longhi ECAM35020W Dinamica Automatic Coffee and Espresso Machine. This coffee machine boasts an instant heat-up time, and is equipped with an adjustable burr grinder made of steel and an milk frother to prepare espresso-based drinks as well as coffee. It can also produce a variety of coffees such as filter coffee and iced.
This is a low-cost and versatile Nespresso compatible machine that's ideal for a modern, well-equipped home. It has a large 1.7L tank and coffee box capacity. It also features an efficient, quiet heating system that ensures an excellent cup of coffee every time. It's also extremely simple to use, with user profiles that automatically prioritise each person's favourite drinks and are only a tap away.
Super-automatic
A step over semi-automatic machines these models grind dose, grind, pull your shot, and then make your milk frothy at the touch of one button. These machines are perfect for coffee lovers that want to drink a variety of drinks at the same time and appreciate the convenience.
The Gaggia Velasca Prestige is a great example. It is a high quality brewing system with an automatic milk frothing system to create the perfect cappuccino or latte. This machine is programmable, so you can customize it to suit your specific requirements and save the settings. Many of these machines include bypass dosers that allow you to use pre-ground coffee beans instead of the beans that are in the bean hopper. This is a fantastic feature for guests, or if you need to switch from one type of coffee to another.
Magnifica Evo, a fully automatic machine is also a favorite because of its versatility and ease-of-use. It has seven one-touch recipes that have easy-to-read color icons, ranging from Espresso to Latte Macchiato. It also allows you to save six profiles of users so that everyone can enjoy their preferred drink brewed with the push of an button. This machine also includes the ceramic burr grinder which is the optimum choice for lifespan and performance.
Another model from Switzerland worth considering is the Jura ENA 4. It is sleek and minimal design, a huge bean box and capacity for water tanks, making it ideal for commercial use. It features an advanced system for brewing and an amazing Aroma G3 grinder. You'll get some of the best coffee and espresso you've ever had.
The Philips 3200 LatteGo is a little more compact than some other super-automatic machines in this list, but still provides an excellent cup. This machine can produce up to 5000 coffee cups before it has to be descaled. It is ideal for families with a lot of work to do. It also has an integrated burr grinder with 13 settings to provide plenty of options for customization.