How to Choose the Best Coffee Machine
There's a lot of technical power behind this machine, which is able to precisely regulate the temperature of water and evenly distribute it over ground coffee in the filter basket. This machine produces more flavour than its cheaper competitors.
Contrary to semiautomatic machines that require you to fill the portafilter by hand and decide when to stop pulling, this fully automatic machine takes care of everything.
Filter coffee machines
A filter coffee machine produces filter coffee by passing hot filtered water through grounds of coffee. The grounds absorb the water and release flavour compounds which are then extracted into the cup of coffee. They come in a range of sizes, ranging from three to 13 cups, and are available with a variety of features.
A couple of models we tested feature an insulated jug that helps keep your brew warm without the need for a consuming hotplate, while others have a 24-hour programmable timer so you can set it up at night and get up to a pot of coffee waiting for you to enjoy. Other helpful features include a permanent, reusable filter to cut down on paper waste and an insulated water tank that allows you to see clearly the level of water in it.
Some filter coffee makers are small enough to be able to fit on the countertop of a small kitchen while others are larger. Some have a removable tank for easy refilling and cleaning. Others have fixed tanks, which could limit the space you can make use of.
If you want a filter coffee maker with added functions, pick one that comes with an integrated grinder. premium coffee machine allows you to grind fresh coffee beans at your own pace and then disperse the ground beans directly into the filter basket. Certain models come with this accessory as an alternative. You can also find model that use pre-ground coffee beans, too.
We recommend a model that has a larger capacity for those who want to make several cups at once. We've tested many filter coffee makers that have this capability and we found the Melitta Look V Timer to be among the best for providing a delicious cup of filter coffee at reasonable prices. It's super simple to setup and use, comes with an impressive number of user reviews, as well as many useful tips and guides and is extremely robust and reliable.
Espresso machines
Drawing inspiration from manual coffee makers used in cafes, espresso machines are able to make a variety of specialty drinks with just the click of a button. They require a bit more effort than other types of machine - users must grind their own beans, measure and tamp their grounds, and steam the milk separately - but our test participants discovered that the results made the extra work worth it.
Espresso machines make use of hot water and pressure up to nine bar to create a stronger, concentrated drink. They can also have a built in milk frother to make macchiatos and cappuccinos. They're typically more expensive than other coffee makers, but offer a high-end, premium experience.
They are a popular option for those looking to recreate the cafe-style coffee at home. They have an airtight tank where the water heats up to a boiling point before being released through a nozzle, and then into ground coffee. They can take a while to heat up but once they are ready, they are able to make a cup of coffee in between four and six minutes.
Semi-automatic espresso machines are a great option for those who prefer some more control. They allow the user to add their own beans, but stop the flow of water during the brewing process. This is done to maintain consistency in the espresso. It's not ideal for beginners and requires some patience to master, but for those with the ability to tamp it, it's the ultimate coffee maker.
The super-automatic machine is more like an industrial coffee maker and eliminates the guesswork from the process. The machine is able to measure and grind the coffee prior to pumping hot water through it. These machines are ideal for those who wish to make a particular drink rather than just the cup of coffee. They are one of the most well-known available.
Pod and capsule machines are simple to use, but they offer a less customisable experience in comparison to their bean-to-cup counterparts. The Lavazza Jolie & Milk has nine pre-programmed drinks to choose from. They range from classics like white coffee and cappuccino to more imaginative drinks such as ristrettos or macchiatos. It also can dispense hot and steam at the press of a button.
Bean-to-cup machines
The best bean-to cup machines crush whole beans on demand, and then make a range of drinks - typically at the press of the button. Some also let you save your preferences for coffee to ensure that every time you turn the machine on it will automatically make the drink you desire. They can be connected to home tech networks or apps to provide greater flexibility.
In most cases, you can alter the finer points of each beverage, such as the temperature and the pressure of extraction, meaning you have complete control over what each cup will taste like. They are often made to create a higher quality coffee than pod or capsule machines. A good bean-to cup machine will grind the coffee beans to a precise consistency, and then push hot, filtered water through the beans at the exact pressure and time needed to enhance the flavor.
There are also plenty of bean-to-cup machines with milk foaming capabilities. This is great for creating the creamy, textural layers of a cappuccino or latte - although there can be a bit of a learning curve to get these right. Once you've mastered the machine it is able to make drinks that can be enjoyed in specialty coffee shops.
Sage's Oracle Touch is one of the most impressive examples of modern bean to cup machine. It's a bit more expensive than the best capsule or pod machines, but the added cost is well worth it. It has a huge screen that is color-coded, and helps the user through every step of making a certain coffee. It comes with a professional-steam wand to create the perfect texture of your milk, and allows you to customize the drink to your preferences. Oracle Touch can offer cold and hot drinks. It will also remember your preferred beverage for the school run and you won't need to order another one each time. Read our full review if you're looking for an espresso machine that is of the highest quality, with a top-quality grinder and many custom features.
Pod or capsule machines
The best pod coffee machines take the guesswork out of brewing and deliver consistent results with little or no effort. These machines offer capsules containing instant or ground coffee, tea and other beverages. They can be a good alternative for those less experienced with espresso or bean-to-cup machines, and are simply looking for an easy fix for the morning commute.
These machines are a good alternative for those who don't wish to buy large quantities of beans and also because they're more affordable when you don't use them as often. But, they're typically less versatile than other models and do not offer the same quality of brew that filters or bean-to-cup machines can provide.
This pod coffee maker is perfect for those looking to make an instant cup of coffee. Simply lift the top cover (which automatically removes capsules that have been used) and then insert a new capsule, and then press the button to select either the larger or the small cup. The machine utilizes a unique two-stage extraction method to create rich and satisfying coffee.
It also allows you to pour hot water for herbal teas and other hot drinks in addition to coffee or latte, because of the milk frother. It is important to remember that the milk from pods doesn't have the same rich texture as milk made with a manual frother like Dualit or Lavazza.
This machine is more stylish than the majority of pod coffee makers available It's also quieter, which means it won't cause a ruckus while you're getting your caffeine fix. It's designed to look nice in any kitchen, from traditional to modern and is a true pleasure to use. The lever catapults used capsules into the container that can hold up to ten capsules.
The machine comes with a selection of drinks including short black espressos to large travel mugs and the barcode reader can identify which pod you're using. It's not as customizable as a machine that grinds beans into cups and also you can't adjust the amount of coffee that is extracted.