How to Choose the Best Coffee Machines
If you're in search of a basic filter machine or a coffee pod, capsule brewer or espresso maker, you'll find the right model for your needs. Prices start at around PS50.
These brewers use pre-measured pods and offer convenience with consistency, as well as hand-free ease of use. These Brewers also be top performers in our Lab tests.
Manual
A manual machine is a great choice for espresso lovers who want to be in control. These machines let you manually operate a mechanical piston that produces a precise amount of pressure and extraction. This type of machine requires more knowledge and experience to operate, however many coffee drinkers consider it worth the effort.
These coffee machines manual are constructed from high-quality materials that can last for years without maintenance. These machines come with a range of accessories like filters, a portafilter, measuring cup, tamper and funnel. They can be used with either ground or pod coffee and can be used to create lattes, cappuccinos and macchiatos, and many more. Some manual coffee machines have steam arms that are used for milk-based drinks. Others have a nozzle which distributes water on the grounds.
Most manual coffee machines heat the water in a separate kettle and then pour it over the grounds in the chamber for brewing. The user presses or raises a lever to trigger pistons that force the hot water into the cup. This kind 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 ideal espresso flavor.
While some manual coffee machines are designed to be used at home, the majority are designed for use in hospitality businesses like hotels and 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 coffee makers and can be easily repaired or replaced.
These machines are typically constructed from durable materials, including chrome and brass. Some are handmade and can provide a touch of class to the kitchen design. They are also generally easy to clean. Some are available in a range of colors that can be matched to the style of any kitchen. They are generally simpler to operate than a semi-automatic or fully automated coffee maker and can produce delicious, premium coffee.
Semiautomatic
For the espresso lover who doesn't wish to be in total control of all variables of brewing an ideal shot, semi-automatic machines provide a comfortable compromise. These models start to take over some of the duties that go into making an espresso, such as steaming milk and pre-infusion. But, you'll have many options to tailor your beverage to your own personal tastes.
Breville is an established brand that is renowned for its vast selection of kitchen appliances. Breville makes one of the best semi-automatic coffee makers available. The Infuser is a multi-functional model that allows you to make cappuccino, espresso, and lattes with the push of a button. The machine automatically dispenses water in the correct amount for each drink. The built-in burr grinder adjusts the size of the grind to accommodate different beans or extraction levels. The Infuser is a great choice for those with limited counter space due to its sleek, compact design. It also has easy-to-use controls.
Another model that has been rated highly by Breville is the Dedica espresso machine. Its 15 bar pump is sufficient to get a good espresso shot and its commercial design is built to last. The Dedica comes with a removable milk tank as well as the frothing tool, which can be used to make lattes or cappuccinos.
For a semiautomatic machine that offers even more hands-off convenience look no further than an ultra-automatic. These machines go a step beyond standard automated machines by offering programmable coffee sizes, automatically grinding beans, and frequently measuring and tamping them for you. These machines were able to score the highest in our Lab tests for their do-it-all functionality and hands-off ease of use.
The Philips Dinamica is a super-automatic machine that can do it all. This model has a large touchscreen that lets you select 16 different drinks, including latte, cappuccino, and black coffee. It grinds whole coffee beans to match your drink preference and even save your preferred settings, so you don't have to choose the menu completely. The top-of-the-line features of this machine include a movable tank that has an integrated water hardness test and an AquaClean filter that reduces scale and ensures you always get the best cup of coffee.
Fully automated
A fully automated coffee machine offers an incredibly smooth, rich cup of coffee at the push of the button. This is a fantastic option for busy offices or homes since it can brew both filter and espresso. Some models also have automatic milk frothing that lets you enjoy coffees that are cafe-style, such as cappuccino and latte. Some models can even be programmed, allowing you to set your preferred beverage ahead of time. These machines are perfect for people who have to be multi-tasking, since they allow you to work while you make your coffee.
They are also very popular in commercial coffee shops, as they can be used to prepare a variety of drinks in one go. However, these are usually more expensive than semi-automatic counterparts. Some individuals may decide that the convenience of a fully automated coffee maker is worth the additional cost.
The Mcilpoog WS-203 Super-Automatic Espresso and Coffee Machine is a top, highly customizable coffee machine that offers the quality of a top-notch cafe from the comfort of your home. The touchscreen display makes it simple to use. It takes only three steps to make coffee. It comes with a steel burr grinder that is adjustable and programmed so that you can customize your espresso to suit your preferences.
Another option for busy homes is the De'Longhi ECAM35020W Dinamica Automatic Coffee and Espresso Machine. This coffee machine boasts rapid heating up time, and comes with a movable burr grinder in steel and a milk frother to prepare coffee and espresso-based beverages. It is also able to make a variety of coffee varieties such as iced and filter coffee.
This is a budget-friendly and versatile Nespresso compatible machine that's ideal for an elegant, well-equipped home. It comes with a large 1.7L water tank and coffee bean capacity. It also features a fast, quiet heating system for a fast and delicious cup of coffee every time. It's also very easy to use and comes with user profiles that automatically prioritise the drinks that are most liked by each user making them just a tap away.
Super-automatic
A step up from semi-automatic machines, these models grind dose, grind, pull your shot and make your milk frothy at the push of the button. They are the ideal choice for coffee lovers who want to enjoy an array of drinks and appreciate the convenience of not having to make each one at a time as in a manual or automated model.
The Gaggia Velasca Prestige is a excellent example. It is a high quality brewing system with an automatic milk frothing system to make the perfect cappuccino or latte. The machine's programmability allows you to tailor it to your specific requirements and save your settings for next time. Many of these machines come with a bypass doser that allows the use of pre-ground beans instead of the beans that are in the bean hopper. This is a fantastic option for guests, or if you want to switch from one kind of coffee to another.
DeLonghi's Magnifica Evo fully automatic machine is also a popular choice due to its versatility and user-friendly. It comes with seven recipes that can be brewed in one touch with easy to read color icons for everything from Espresso to a Latte Macchiato. It also allows you to save six user profiles so that everyone can enjoy their preferred drink brewed with the push of one button. This machine includes a ceramic grinder that is the best choice for longevity and performance.
Another Swiss-made model to consider is the Jura ENA 4. It features a sleek, understated design and a large bean box and water tank capacity, which makes it ideal for commercial use. It comes with a highly sophisticated grinder and brewing system, the Aroma G3. You'll get some of the best espresso and coffee you've ever tasted.
The Philips 3200 LatteGo has a smaller design than the other coffee machines that are super-automatic on this list, but manages to deliver a quality cup of coffee. This machine can produce up to 5000 cups before needing to be descaled, which is perfect for homes with a busy schedule. cream coffee machines comes with an integrated grinder with 13 settings.