How to Choose the Best Coffee Machines
If you're looking for a basic filter machine, a coffee pod or capsule brewer or espresso maker, you'll find a model here to suit your needs. Prices start at PS50.
filter coffee machines utilize pre-measured pods that provide convenience as well as consistency and easy-to-use without hands. These brewers also tend to score high in our Lab tests.
Manual
A manual machine is a good choice for espresso lovers who want to be in control. These machines permit users to operate manually an operation that uses an electric piston. This results in precise extraction and pressure. This type of coffee machine requires a little more expertise and experience to operate than other kinds, but many coffee drinkers believe it is worth the effort.
Manual coffee machines are usually constructed from top-quality materials and can last for a long time without any major maintenance requirement. They also come with a range of accessories, including filters and portsafilters along with a measuring cup, tamper and funnel. They can be used with either ground or pod coffee, and can be used to make cappuccinos, lattes, macchiatos, and many more. Some manual coffee machines have a traditional steam arm for drinks that are milk-based, whereas others have a nozzle that disperses water over the grounds.
The majority of manual coffee makers boil 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 an engine that pushes hot water into the cup. This kind of machine does not 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 taste.
While some manual coffee machines are made to be used at home, the majority are designed for use in hospitality businesses like hotels, restaurants or bed and breakfasts and farmhouses. They are small efficient, reliable and occupy a small counter space. They are also less costly than other types of coffee machines and are easily repaired or replaced.
They are usually constructed with durable materials, such as brass and chrome. Some are handcrafted and bring a touch of elegance to the kitchen layout. They are also generally easy to clean. They are also available in a wide range of colors that can complement the aesthetic of any kitchen. They are generally simpler to use than a fully automated coffee machine and can make excellent, high-quality coffee.
Semiautomatic
Semi-automatic machines are a great option for espresso enthusiasts who don't want control over all the variables involved in brewing the perfect shot. These machines begin to take on some of the tasks involved in making espresso, like steaming milk and pre-infusion. You'll still have the option to alter the drinks to meet your preferences.
One of the best semi automatic coffee makers on the market is made by Breville, a company known for its wide range of kitchen appliances. The Infuser is a multi-functional model that lets you make espresso, cappuccino, and lattes at the touch of one button. It also automatically dispensates the right amount of water per drink and its built-in grinder automatically adjusts the size of the grind to accommodate different beans and extraction levels. The Infuser's compact, sleek design and user-friendly controls make it a perfect choice for those with a small counter space.
The Dedica espresso machine is yet another top-rated model from Breville. The 15 bar pump will make a fantastic espresso shot. Its commercial construction will last for a long time. The Dedica has a removable milk tank and a frothing tool that can be used for lattes or cappuccinos.
If you are looking for a semi-automatic coffee maker that provides even more hands-free convenience, look no further than an automatic. These machines go a step above the standard automated machines by offering programmable coffee sizes, and automatically grinding beans, and sometimes measuring and tamping them for you. These machines scored the highest in our Lab Tests for their all-in-one capabilities and ease of use.
If you're looking for a machine that does it all take a look at the Philips Dinamica. The Dinamica has a large touchscreen interface with 16 drinks to choose from such as cappuccino and latte. It automatically grinds whole beans to match the selection of beverages and can save your preferred settings so you don't have to go through the menu selections completely. The advanced features of this machine include a movable tank that has an integrated test for water hardness and an AquaClean Filter that reduces scale and ensures that you always get the best cup of coffee.
Fully automatic
A fully automated coffee maker offers a rich, smooth cup of coffee at the touch of a button. This is an excellent choice for busy homes or offices, as it can brew both filter and espresso. Many models have automatic milk frothing, which lets you enjoy cafe style coffees like cappuccino or the latte. Some models allow you to program your favorite drink in advance. These machines are perfect for those who need to multitask, as they let you work while your coffee is brewing.
These machines are also popular in commercial coffee shops because they can make different beverages at the same time. These are more expensive than semi-automatic ones. However, the convenience offered by a fully-automated 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, highly customizable coffee machine that offers the quality of a top cafe from the comfort of your home. It's easy to use, with an LCD touch screen that makes making coffee as easy as three steps. It comes with a stainless steel burr grinder that is adjusted and programmable settings so you can customize your espresso to suit your preferences.
De'Longhi ECAM35020W Dinamica Automatic Coffee and Espresso Machine is another excellent option for busy households. This coffee machine boasts rapid heating up time, and comes with a variable steel burr grinder and an milk frother to prepare espresso-based drinks and coffee. It also produces various types of coffee that include filter coffee as well as iced.
It is a versatile and affordable Nespresso-compatible machine that is perfect for the modern, well-equipped kitchen. It has a huge 1.7L water tank and a coffee bean container capacity, and features a fast, quiet heating system to make a swift and delicious cup of coffee every time. It's easy to use with user profiles that automatically prioritize each user's preferred drinks which means they 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 then froth milk at the touch the button. These machines are ideal for coffee lovers that want to enjoy different drinks at once and appreciate the convenience.
An excellent example is the Gaggia Velasca Prestige which combines the highest-quality brewing equipment with an automated milk frothing system to make the perfect cappuccino, latte or macchiato. The programmability of this machine allows you to customize it to meet your needs and save your settings for the next time. A bypass doser is also common to these machines, allowing you to use coffee that has been ground instead of the beans that are stored in the bean hopper. It's which is a great feature for guests or when you want to change to a different kind of beans.
Magnifica Evo, a fully automatic machine is also a favorite because of its versatility and ease of use. It offers seven one-touch recipes that have easy-to-read colored icons, from Espresso to Latte Macchiato. It also allows you to save six user profiles, which means everyone can have their favorite drink brewed at the touch of a button. This machine also includes a ceramic burr grinder which is the ideal option for durability and performance.
Another Swiss-made model to consider is the Jura ENA 4. It has an elegant, minimalist design, and a huge bean box and water tank capacity, which makes it perfect for commercial use. It features a sophisticated grinder and brewing system called the Aroma G3. You'll enjoy some of the best coffee and espresso you've ever had.
The Philips 3200 LatteGo has a slightly smaller build than some of the other coffee machines that are super-automatic on this list, yet is able to provide a high-quality cup of coffee. It can produce up to 5000 cups before needing to be descaled, which makes it ideal for any busy home. It also has a built-in burr grinder, with 13 settings that allow plenty of room for personalization.