How to Choose the Best Coffee Machines
There's a model for every need regardless of whether you're looking to buy an espresso maker or a coffee pod brewer. Prices start at PS50.
These brewers use pre-measured pods that provide convenience with consistency, as well as hand-free ease of use. They also tend to perform well in our Lab tests.
Manual
A manual machine is a good choice for espresso lovers who want to be in control. They allow you to manually operate a mechanical piston, which produces a precise amount of pressure and extraction. This kind of coffee machine requires a little more skill and experience to operate than other kinds but a lot of people who drink coffee say it is worth the effort.
These manual coffee makers are generally made from high-quality materials and can last for years without a significant maintenance requirement. They also come with a variety of accessories, including filters and portafilters, a 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 much more. Some manual coffee machines have traditional steam arms for drinks made with milk, whereas others have a nozzle which spreads water across the grounds.
Most manual coffee machines use an additional kettle to warm water and then pour it over the grounds inside the chamber for brewing. The user presses or raises a lever to activate 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 automatic or semi-automatic coffee maker. You may have to test your perfect espresso taste.
Some manual coffee machines were designed for home use. However they are mostly used in hospitality establishments like hotels, restaurants, and bed and breakfasts. They are usually small compact and efficient and take up only the smallest amount of counter space. They are also less expensive than other types of machines and can easily be repaired or replaced.
These machines are typically constructed from durable materials, including brass and chrome. Some are handcrafted and provide a touch of class to your kitchen design. In addition they are usually easy to clean. Some are available in a range of colors that can be matched to the decor of any kitchen. They are generally simpler to operate than a semi-automatic or fully automatic coffee machine and can also make delicious, high-quality coffee.
Semiautomatic
For the person who doesn't want to be in full control of all the variables involved in making a perfect shot, semi-automatic machines offer an acceptable compromise. These models start to take over some of the duties that go into making an espresso, including steaming milk and pre-infusion. You'll still be able to customize your drinks to suit your tastes.
Breville is a brand that is known for its vast selection of kitchen appliances. It makes one of the most reliable semi-automatic coffee makers on the market. The Infuser is a versatile model that permits you to make cappuccino, lattes and espresso with just a click of a button. It also automatically dispensates the right amount of water per drink and its built-in grinder automatically adjusts the grind size to accommodate various extraction levels and beans. The Infuser is an ideal choice for those who have a limited counter space due to its sleek, compact design. It also comes with easy-to-use controls.
The Dedica espresso machine is a top-rated model by Breville. Its 15 bar pump is sufficient to get a good espresso shot and its commercial design is built to last. The Dedica also has a movable milk reservoir as well as an ice-making wand that can be used to make cappuccinos as well as lattes.
For a semiautomatic coffee maker that provides more hands-free convenience consider a super-automatic. These machines go one step beyond standard automatics by offering programmable coffee sizes, a system that automatically grinds beans, and often measuring and tamping them automatically. These machines tended to score the highest 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 comes with a large, intuitive touchscreen interface that lets you choose 16 different beverages, including cappuccino, latte and black coffee. It automatically grinds whole beans to match the drink you choose, and it can even save your preferred settings so you can skip the menu of choices completely. The advanced features of this machine include a movable tank with an integrated water hardness test and an AquaClean Filter that helps reduce scale and ensures that you always get the perfect cup of coffee.
Fully automatic
A fully automated machine can give you a rich and smooth cup of coffee with the click of one button. This is a fantastic option for busy homes or offices, 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. Some models are even programmable which allows you to set your preferred drink ahead of time. These machines are ideal for multitaskers since you can work while coffee is being made.
These machines are also well-liked in commercial coffee shops as they can brew several different drinks simultaneously. However, they're typically more expensive than their semi-automatic counterparts. Some people may find that the convenience of a fully automated coffee maker is worth the extra cost.
The Mcilpoog WS203 Super-Automatic Espresso Machine and Coffee Maker is a premium, highly configurable coffee machine that provides the quality of an excellent cafe right at home. The touch screen display makes it simple to use. It takes only three steps to make coffee. It comes with a steel burr grinder that can be adjusted and programmable settings so you can alter the coffee to meet your needs.
Another great option for busy households is the De'Longhi ECAM35020W Dinamica Automatic Coffee and Espresso Machine. This coffee maker has a quick heating time and comes with a milk frother and an adjustable burr mill for making espresso drinks and coffee-based drinks. It can also create a wide variety of coffee types such as iced and filter coffee.
This is a very versatile and affordable Nespresso-compatible machine that is ideal for the modern, well-equipped kitchen. It comes with a massive 1.7L water tank and a coffee bean box capacity, and comes with a quiet, fast heating system for a fast and delicious cup of coffee every time. It is simple to use with user profiles that will automatically make sure that the drinks of each user are prioritized, so they are only an easy tap away.
Super-automatic
A step over semi-automatic machines these models grind and dose, take a shot, and make your milk frothy at the push of a button. They are the ideal option for those who want to enjoy a wide range of beverages and appreciate the convenience of not having to make them one at a time like in a manual or automatic model.
The Gaggia Velasca Prestige is a great example. It combines a high quality brewing machine with an automated milk frothing system to create the perfect cappuccino or Latte. The machine's programmability allows you to tailor it to meet your needs and save your settings for next time. A bypass doser is also standard with many of these machines which enables you to use coffee that has been ground instead of the beans that are stored in the bean hopper, which is a great feature for guests or when you need to change to a different kind of beans.
DeLonghi's Magnifica Evo fully automatic machine is also a top choice because of its versatility and ease-of-use. It has seven recipes that are one-touch with easy to read icons in color for everything from Espresso to a Latte Macchiato. It also has the ability to save six user profiles, which means everyone can have their preferred drink brewed at the touch of the button. This machine comes with ceramic grinders that are the best choice for coffeee machines longevity and performance.
The Jura ENA 4 is another model manufactured in Switzerland that you ought to take into consideration. It has a sleek and understated design, as well as a large bean box and capacity for water tanks which makes it perfect 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 had.
The Philips 3200 LatteGo is a smaller than other super-automatic machines in this list, but it still produces an excellent cup. This machine is rated to make up to 5000 cups before needing to be descaled, which is ideal for any busy home. It also has a built-in burr grinder with 13 settings that allow plenty of room for customization.