How to Choose the Best Coffee Machines
If you're looking for a basic filter machine or a coffee pod, capsule brewer or espresso maker, you'll find the right model for your needs. Prices start around PS50.
These brewers use pre-measured pods, which offer convenience, consistency and hand-free ease of use. These Brewers also be top performers in our Lab tests.
Manual
For espresso lovers who prefer to take full control of the process manually, a manual machine can be an ideal choice. They allow the user to manually operate the operation using a mechanical piston. This produces a precise extraction and pressure. This type of coffee machine requires a little more skill and experience to operate than other types however, many people who drink coffee say it is worth the effort.
Manual coffee machines are usually constructed of high-end materials and can last for years without a significant maintenance requirement. They come with a variety of accessories like filters, portafilters, measuring cup, tamper and funnel. They can be used with either ground or pod coffee and they can make cappuccinos, lattes, macchiatos, and many more. Some manual coffee machines include steam arms that can be used to make milk-based drinks. Others have a nozzle which distributes water on the grounds.
The majority of manual coffee makers heat the water in a separate kettle, and then pour it over the grounds inside the chamber of brewing. The user then presses or raises the lever or hand to trigger a piston that forces the hot water through the grounds before it is poured into the cup below. 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 need to test your ideal espresso flavor.
Some manual coffee machines were designed to be used at home. However they are mostly used in hospitality businesses like hotels, restaurants, and bed and breakfasts. They are compact, efficient and occupy a small counter space. They are also cheaper than other kinds of machines, and they can easily be repaired or replaced.
These machines are typically constructed using durable materials like chrome and brass. Some are handmade and can bring a touch of elegance to the kitchen design. They are also often easy to clean. Some are available in a variety of colors and will match the aesthetic of any kitchen. They are generally easier to use than a semiautomatic or fully automatic coffee machine and can produce delicious, high-quality coffee.
Semiautomatic
For the person who does not wish to be in total control of all variables involved in making a perfect shot, semi-automatic machines are a comfortable compromise. They begin to take over some of the duties involved in making espresso, like steaming milk and pre-infusion. But, you'll have a variety of options to tailor your drinks to your own personal tastes.
Breville is a brand known for its wide range of kitchen appliances. It is one of the most reliable semi-automatic coffee makers available. The Infuser is a versatile model, allowing you to make cappuccino, lattes and espresso at the click of a button. The machine is able to automatically pour 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's sleek, compact design and user-friendly controls make it a perfect choice for those with a limited counter space.
Another top-rated model from Breville is the Dedica espresso machine. Its 15 bar pump is sufficient to extract a quality espresso shot and its commercial-grade construction is built to last. The Dedica includes a movable milk tank and the frothing tool, which can be used to make cappuccinos or lattes.
If you are looking for a semi-automatic coffee maker that offers even more hands-off convenience consider an ultra-automatic. These machines are a step above regular automatics, and can be programmed to adjust the coffee size, automatically grinding beans, and often measuring and tamping for you. These machines scored the highest in our Lab tests due to their all-in-one capabilities and hands-free user-friendliness.
If you're looking for a super-automatic that does it all, consider the Philips Dinamica. 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 beverage selection and can even store the settings you prefer, so you don't have to choose the menu altogether. Its high-tech features include a removable water tank equipped with a built-in water softness tester as well as an AquaClean filter that reduces scale build-up and ensures that your machine always produces the highest quality cup of coffee.
Fully automatic
A fully automated machine will give you a rich and smooth cup of coffee with the push of a button. This is a great choice for busy offices or homes because it can make both espresso and filter coffee. Many models also have automatic milk frothing, letting you enjoy cafe-style coffees such as cappuccino and Latte. Some models can even be programmed, allowing you to set your preferred drink ahead of time. These machines are ideal for people who have to be multi-tasking, since they allow you to work while coffee is being made.
These machines are also popular in commercial coffee shops because they can make different beverages at the same time. However, they're typically more expensive than semi-automatic counterparts. Some people may find that the convenience of a fully-automatic coffee maker is worth the extra cost.
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-notch cafe from the comfort of your own home. It's easy to use, and comes with a touch screen display which makes coffee making as easy as just three steps. It also comes with a movable steel burr grinder, as well as adjustable settings, so you can customize your espresso to your personal preferences.
Another great option for busy households is the De'Longhi ECAM35020W Dinamica Automatic Coffee and Espresso Machine. The coffee machine is quick to heat up and comes with a milk frother and an adjustable steel burr mill for making espresso and coffee-based drinks. It can also create a wide variety of coffee flavors such as iced and filter coffee.
This is a very flexible and affordable Nespresso compatible machine that is ideal for the modern, well-equipped kitchen. It has a large 1.7L tank and a coffee box capacity. It also has an efficient, quiet heating system that ensures an excellent coffee drink every time. It is simple to use thanks to user profiles that automatically make sure that the drinks of each user are prioritized and are just an easy tap away.
Super-automatic
These models are a step up from semi-automatic machines. They grind or dose, pull the shot, and froth milk at the touch a button. These machines are perfect for coffee drinkers who wish to drink a variety of drinks at once and appreciate the convenience.
A great example is the Gaggia Velasca Prestige which combines a high-quality brewing machine with an automatic milk frothing mechanism to create the perfect cappuccino, lattes or macchiato. The machine's programmability allows you to tailor it to your specific requirements and save your settings for the next time. Many of these machines have a bypass doser that allows you to use pre-ground 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 kind of coffee to another.
The DeLonghi Magnifica Evo Fully Automatic machine is a popular choice for its versatility and ease of use. It has check here seven one-touch recipe options that are easy to read color icons, from Espresso to Latte Macchiato. It also has the ability to save six user profiles, so everyone can have their preferred beverage brewed at the click of a button. This machine includes a ceramic grinder that is the best choice for long-term durability and performance.
The Jura ENA 4 is another model manufactured in Switzerland that you must think about. It is an elegant and minimalist design, as well as a large bean box and capacity for water tanks, making it ideal for commercial use. It features a sophisticated brewing and grinder system, the Aroma G3. You'll be able to enjoy the best espresso and coffee you've ever tasted.
The Philips 3200 LatteGo has a slightly more compact build than the other super-automatic coffee machines on this list, yet is able to provide a high-quality cup of coffee. The machine can make up to 5000 coffee cups before it needs to be descaled. It is perfect for busy households. It also has an integrated burr grinder which has 13 settings to give you plenty of scope to personalize it.