How to Choose the Best Coffee Machines
If you’re in search of a basic filter machine, a coffee pod or capsule brewer or espresso maker, you’ll find the right model for your needs. Prices start at around PS50.
These brewers make use of pre-measured pods that provide convenience, consistency and hands-off ease of use. They also tend to score highly in our Lab tests.
Manual
For those who like to take full control of the process using a manual machine is an excellent choice. These machines allow the user to control the operation using a piston that is mechanical. This creates precise extraction and pressure. This type of machine requires more expertise and experience to operate, however many coffee drinkers appreciate the effort.
Manual coffee machines are made of high-quality materials that can last for years without maintenance. They include a range of accessories including filters, portafilters, measuring cup, tamper, and funnel. They can be used with pod or ground coffee, and they can create lattes, cappuccinos and macchiatos and much more. Some manual coffee machines have a steam arm that is used to make milk-based drinks. Some come with a nozzle to distribute water over the grounds.
The majority of manual coffee machines utilize an additional kettle to warm water and then pour it over the coffee grounds in the chamber that is used for brewing. The user then raises or depresses an instrument or hand to trigger a piston that pushes the hot water through the grounds before it is poured into the cup below. 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 play around to find the perfect espresso taste.
While some manual coffee machines are designed for home use, most are designed for hospitality businesses, such as hotels, restaurants, bed and breakfasts, and farmhouses. They are typically small and compact, taking up only one or two square feet of counter space. They are also less costly than other types of coffee makers and can be easily repaired or replaced.
They are typically constructed out of tough materials like brass and chrome. Some are even handmade and can provide a touch of luxury to the kitchen design. Additionally they are usually easy to clean. Some are available in a variety of colors that can complement the design of any kitchen. They are generally simpler to use than a semi-automatic or fully automated coffee machine and can produce excellent, high-quality coffee.
Semiautomatic
Semi-automatic machines can be a great option for espresso enthusiasts who don’t want control over all the variables that go into making the perfect shot. These machines begin to take over some of the duties that go into making an espresso, such as steaming milk and pre-infusion. You’ll still have the option to customize your drinks to suit your tastes.
Breville is a brand known for its wide range of kitchen appliances. Breville makes one of the most reliable semi-automatic coffee makers that are available. The Infuser is a multi-functional model that lets you make cappuccino, espresso, and lattes with the click of the button. The machine automatically dispenses the right amount of water for each drink. Its built-in burr grinding adjusts the size of the grind to accommodate different beans or extraction levels. The Infuser is a great option for those who have a limited counter space because of its slim, sleek design. It also has simple controls.
Another model that is highly rated by Breville is the Dedica espresso machine. The 15 bar pump can make a fantastic espresso shot. Its commercial design will last for years. The Dedica also features a removable milk reservoir and an ice-making wand that can be used to make cappuccinos as well as lattes.
If you are looking for a semi-automatic coffee maker that offers even more hands-off convenience, look no further than an automatic. These machines are a step up from standard automatics, offering programmable coffee size, automatically grinding beans, and usually measuring and tamping for you. These machines scored the top in our Lab Tests due to their all-in-one capabilities and ease of use.
The Philips Dinamica is a super-automatic machine that can handle everything. It has a huge, intuitive touchscreen interface that lets you select 16 different drinks including cappuccino, latte, and black coffee. It grinds whole coffee beans to match your drink preference and can even store your preferred settings, so you can avoid the menu completely. The high-tech features of this machine include a detachable tank with an integrated water hardness test and an AquaClean Filter that helps reduce scale and ensures you always get the best cup of coffee.
Fully automated
A fully automated machine can provide you with a rich and smooth cup of coffee with the click of the button. It’s an ideal option for busy homes or offices and is able to brew filter coffee and espresso-based drinks. Many models also have automatic milk frothing, which lets you enjoy cafe-style coffees like cappuccino or Latte. Some models can even be programmed that allows you to choose your preferred drink ahead of time. These machines are great for multitaskers since you can work while the coffee is brewing.
These machines are well-liked in commercial coffee shops because they can make different beverages simultaneously. These are more expensive than semi-automatic models. Some may feel that the convenience of a fully-automatic coffee maker is worth the additional cost.
The Mcilpoog WS203 Super-Automatic Espresso Machine and Coffee Maker is a top coffee maker that is highly customizable that gives you the experience of a top cafe in your home. The touchscreen display makes it simple to use. It takes only three steps to make stylish coffee machines. It also comes with a movable steel burr grinder and programmable settings, so you can customize the espresso you make to your personal preferences.
Another option that is ideal for busy households is the De’Longhi ECAM35020W Dinamica Automatic Coffee and Espresso Machine. The coffee machine has a fast heating time and is equipped with a milk frother as well as an adjustable steel burr mill for making espresso and coffee-based drinks. It also produces various types of coffee, including filter coffee and iced.
This is an affordable and versatile Nespresso-compatible machine that is perfect for an elegant, well-equipped home. It has a large 1.7L tank and a coffee maker capacity. It also has an efficient, quiet heating system to ensure the perfect cup of coffee every time. It’s also very easy to use, with profiles for users that automatically prioritize the drinks that are most liked by each user making them just a tap away.
Super-automatic
These models are a step above semi-automatic machines. They grind and dose, take the shot, and froth milk with the click of the button. They are the best option for coffee drinkers who want to enjoy the wide variety of drinks and appreciate the ease of not having to make them one at a time like in a manual or automatic model.
The Gaggia Velasca Prestige is a perfect example. It combines a high quality brewing system with an automatic milk frothing system to create the perfect cappuccino or Latte. The machine’s programmability allows you to customize it to meet your needs and save your settings for the next time. A bypass doser comes standard with many of these machines which enables you to use pre-ground coffee in place of the beans in the bean hopper. It’s an ideal option for guests or if you want to switch to a different type of beans.
The DeLonghi Magnifica Evo Fully-Automatic machine is another favorite due to its versatility and user-friendliness. It offers seven one-touch recipe options that are easy to read colored icons, best coffee machines from Espresso to Latte Macchiato. It also has the capability to save six user profiles, which means everyone can have their preferred beverage brewed at the click of one button. The machine is equipped with a ceramic grinder that is the best option for durability and performance.
Another model made in Switzerland to think about 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 a sophisticated brewing and grinder system, the Aroma G3. It gives you the best espresso and coffee you’ll ever taste.
The Philips 3200 LatteGo is a little more compact than some other machines that are super-automatic on this list, but it still produces a quality cup. This machine can make up to 5000 cups before having to be descaled, which is ideal for any busy home. It also includes a built-in burr grinder with 13 settings that allow plenty of room for personalization.