How to Choose the Best Coffee Machines
Whether you're looking for a simple filter machine, a coffee pod or capsule brewer, or an espresso maker, there's the right model for your needs. Prices start at around PS50.
These brewers use 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 espresso lovers who prefer to have complete control over the process manually, a manual machine can be the best option. These machines allow users to operate manually an operation that uses an electric piston. This results in precise extraction and pressure. This kind of machine requires more knowledge and experience to operate, however many coffee drinkers consider it worth the effort.
Manual coffee machines are usually made from high-quality materials and can last for years without a significant maintenance requirement. They also come with a variety of accessories, such as filters and portafilters as well as measuring cup, tamper and funnel. They can be used to make cappuccinos or other drinks made with ground or pod coffee. Some manual coffee machines come with a steam arm that is used for milk-based drinks. Other machines have a nozzle which distributes water over the grounds.
Most manual coffee machines boil the water in a separate kettle, and then pour it over the grounds inside the chamber for brewing. The user then presses or raises the lever or hand to activate a piston that forces the hot water through the grounds and into the cup below. This type of machine doesn't have the same precision or accuracy in temperature control as a fully automatic or semi-automatic coffee maker. It is possible to play around to find the perfect espresso taste.
While some manual coffee machines are built for home use, the majority are designed for businesses in the hospitality industry like hotels or restaurants, bed and breakfasts, and farmhouses. They are small and efficient and require little counter space. They are also cheaper than other kinds of machines and can easily be repaired or replaced.
They are usually constructed with durable materials, such as brass and chrome. 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 wide range of colors and can match the aesthetic of any kitchen. They are easier to use than a fully automated or semi-automatic coffee machine and they can produce delicious coffee.
Semiautomatic
Semi-automatic machines are a great alternative for those who don't want to control all the variables involved in brewing the perfect shot. These models begin to automate certain steps in making espresso, including steaming milk and preinfusion. However, you'll still have a variety of options to tailor your drink to your individual preferences.
Breville is an established brand that is renowned for its extensive range of kitchen appliances. Breville makes one of the top semi-automatic coffee makers on the market. The Infuser is an extremely versatile model that permits you to make cappuccino, lattes and espresso with a click of a button. The machine can also automatically pour the right amount of water for each drink and its built-in burr grinder automatically adjusts the size of the grind to accommodate different extraction levels and beans. The Infuser's sleek, compact design and simple-to-use controls make it a great option for those with limited counter space.
The Dedica espresso machine is a highly rated model from Breville. Its 15 bar pump is more than enough to extract a quality espresso shot and its commercial design is built to last. The Dedica also has a movable milk reservoir as well as a frothing wand that can be used to make cappuccinos as well as lattes.
Super-automatics are a great option for semi-automatic coffee makers. They provide even more convenience and are operated with no involvement. These machines are a step above conventional automatics, with programmable coffee size, automatic grinding beans, and usually measuring and tamping automatically for you. These machines scored the top in our Lab tests for their do-it-all capability and hands-free user-friendliness.
If you're looking to find a fully automated that does it all take a look at the Philips Dinamica. It has a huge intuitive touchscreen interface which lets you select 16 different beverages, 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 advanced features of this machine include a movable tank with an integrated test for water hardness and an AquaClean filter that reduces scale and ensures you always get the best cup of coffee.
Fully automatic
A fully automated coffee machine gives you a rich, smooth cup of coffee at the touch of a button. This is an excellent choice for busy offices or homes, as it can brew both filter and espresso. Some models also have automatic milk frothing, letting you enjoy cafe-style coffees such as cappuccino and latte. Certain models let you make your drink of choice in advance. These machines are great for multitaskers, as you can continue working while coffee is being made.
These machines are popular in commercial coffee shops because they can make different drinks at the same time. They are more expensive than semi-automatic ones. However, the convenience provided by a fully automated coffee maker might be worth the extra expense for some.
The Mcilpoog WS-203 Super-Automatic Espresso and Coffee Machine is a premium coffee maker that is highly customizable that offers the quality of a top-notch cafe from the comfort of your own home. The touchscreen display makes it simple to use. It takes just three steps to make coffee. It also comes with an adjustable burr grinder as well as adjustable settings, so you can adjust the espresso you make to your personal preferences.
Another great option for busy homes is the De'Longhi ECAM35020W Dinamica Automatic Coffee and Espresso Machine. This machine is characterized by a quick heat-up time, and comes with a variable steel burr grinder and a milk frother for preparing coffee and espresso-based beverages. It can also produce a wide range of coffee varieties such as iced and filter coffee.
This is a very flexible and affordable Nespresso compatible machine that is perfect for the modern well-equipped kitchen. It has a massive 1.7L tank and a coffee maker capacity. It also has an extremely quiet and quick heating system that ensures an excellent coffee drink throughout the day. It's also extremely simple to use and comes with user profiles that automatically prioritize the drinks that are most liked by each user so they are just one tap away.
Super-automatic
These models are a step higher than semi-automatic machines. They grind or dose, pull the shot, and froth milk at the touch a button. They are the best choice for coffee lovers who wish to enjoy an array of beverages and appreciate the ease of not having to prepare them one at a time as in a manual or automated model.
The Gaggia Velasca Prestige is a excellent example. It combines a top quality brewing machine and an automatic milk frothing system to make the perfect cappuccino or the perfect latte. The machine's programmability allows you to tailor it to your exact requirements and save your settings for the next time. Many of these machines check here have a bypass doser that allows you to use pre-ground beans instead of the beans in the bean hopper. This is a fantastic feature for guests, or if you wish to switch from one type of coffee to another.
The Magnifica Evo fully automated machine is also a top choice because of 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 have their preferred drink at the touch of a button. This machine includes ceramic grinders that are the best choice for long-term durability and performance.
The Jura ENA 4 is another model produced in Switzerland that you should think about. It has a sleek and understated design, a huge bean box and water tank capacity making it ideal for commercial use. It comes with a sophisticated brewing system and the incredible Aroma G3 grinder. You'll get some of the best espresso and coffee you've ever had.
The Philips 3200 LatteGo has a slightly more compact build than some of the other coffee machines that are super-automatic in this list, but is able to provide a high-quality cup of coffee. It can produce up to 5000 coffee cups before it needs to be descaled. It is ideal for busy households. It also has an integrated grinder that can be set to 13 settings.