How to Choose the Best Coffee Machines
If you're looking for a simple filter machine or a coffee pod, capsule brewer, or an espresso maker, you'll find an option here that will meet your requirements. Prices start at around PS50.
These brewers use pre-measured pods and offer convenience, consistency and hands-off ease of use. These brewers also tend to score high in our Lab tests.
Manual
A manual machine is an excellent option for those who are looking to have control. These machines allow the user to manually operate the operation using a mechanical piston. This produces a precise pressure and extraction. This kind of machine requires more experience and skill to operate, but many coffee drinkers appreciate the effort.
These coffee machines manual are constructed from high-quality materials that can last for a long time without any maintenance. They also come with a variety of accessories, including filters and portsafilters along with a measuring cup, tamper and funnel. They can be used with pod or ground coffee, and they can make lattes, cappuccinos, macchiatos, and many more. Some manual coffee machines have steam arms that can be used to make milk-based drinks. Some include a nozzle that distributes water over the grounds.
The majority of manual coffee machines utilize a separate kettle to warm water and then pour it over the grounds in the chamber for brewing. The user presses or raises a lever to activate pistons that force the hot water into the cup. This type of coffee maker is not as accurate or precise in its temperature control as fully automated or semi-automatic coffee maker, so you might have to play with various methods to discover the best espresso taste.
While some manual coffee machines are built to be used at home, the majority are designed for use in hospitality businesses like hotels or restaurants, bed and breakfasts, and farmhouses. They are small efficient, reliable, and take up little counter space. They are also cheaper than other models of machines, and they can easily be repaired or replaced.
These machines are typically constructed from durable materials, including brass and chrome. Some are handcrafted and bring a touch of elegance to your kitchen design. They are also generally easy to clean. Some are available in a wide range of colors and can match the design of any kitchen. They are more user-friendly than a fully automatic or semi-automatic coffee machine and they can produce delicious coffee.
Semiautomatic
For the coffee lover who does not wish to be in total control of all variables of brewing an ideal shot, semi-automatic machines provide a comfortable compromise. They begin to take on some of the tasks involved in making an espresso, such as steaming milk and pre-infusion. But, you'll have many options to tailor your drinks to your individual preferences.
One of the most reliable semi automatic coffee makers on the market is made by Breville, a name that is well-known for a wide variety of kitchen appliances. The Infuser is a multi-functional model that lets you make cappuccino, espresso and lattes with the push of the button. The machine also automatically dispenses the right amount of water for each 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 great option for those with a limited counter space.
Another model that is highly rated by Breville is the Dedica espresso machine. Its 15 bar pump is enough to get a good espresso shot, and its commercial construction is built to last. The Dedica also comes with a removable milk reservoir and the frothing wand, which can be used to make cappuccinos and lattes.
Super-automatics are a great option for semi-automatic coffee makers. They offer even more convenience and can be operated with no involvement. These machines go one step above the standard automatics by offering programmable coffee sizes, a system that automatically grinds beans, and often measuring and tamping them automatically. These machines were able to score the top in our Lab tests for their do-it-all functionality and hands-off ease of use.
If you're looking for a machine that can do everything take a look at the Philips Dinamica. It comes with a large touchscreen which lets you select 16 different beverages, including latte, cappuccino, and black coffee. It automatically grinds whole beans to match the drink you choose, and it can even save your preferred settings so that you don't have to go through the menu selections completely. Its high-tech features include a removable water tank with a built-in hardness tester as well as an AquaClean filter that reduces scale build-up and ensures that your machine will always make the highest quality coffee.
Fully automatic
A fully automated machine will make an incredibly smooth and rich cup of coffee at the push of one button. It's a great choice for busy homes or offices and is able to brew espresso-based drinks as well as filter coffee. Some models also feature automatic milk frothing to let you enjoy cafe style coffees, such as cappuccino and the latte. Certain models let you make your drink of choice in advance. These machines are perfect for those who work in multiple places, since you can continue working while coffee is brewing.
These machines are also well-liked in commercial coffee shops because they can make different beverages simultaneously. However, they're typically more expensive than semi-automatic counterparts. Some people may find that the convenience of a fully automated coffee maker is worth the additional cost.
The Mcilpoog WS-203 Super-Automatic Espresso and Coffee Machine is a high-end coffee maker that is highly customizable that gives you the experience of a top cafe from the comfort of your own home. It is simple to use, and comes with a touch screen display that makes coffee-making as simple as three steps. It comes with a stainless steel burr grinder that is adjusted and programmable so you can customize your espresso to your personal preferences.
De'Longhi ECAM35020W Dinamica Automatic Coffee and Espresso Machine is another excellent option for busy households. The coffee maker boasts a quick heat-up time, and comes with a movable steel burr grinder and a milk frother for preparing coffee and espresso-based beverages. It can also produce a wide range of coffee types, including filter and iced coffee.
This is a surprisingly flexible and affordable Nespresso compatible machine that is ideal for the modern well-equipped kitchen. It comes with a huge 1.7L tank and coffee box capacity. It also has an efficient, quiet heating system that ensures an excellent coffee drink at all times. It is easy to use, with user profiles that automatically make sure that the drinks of each user are prioritized and are just a tap away.
Super-automatic
These models are a step up from semi-automatic machines. They grind, dose, pull the shot, and then froth milk at the touch the button. These machines are ideal for coffee drinkers who want to drink a variety of drinks at once and appreciate the convenience.
The Gaggia Velasca Prestige is a perfect example. It combines a top quality brewing machine with a milk frothing automatic system to create the perfect cappuccino or latte. The machine is programmable, so you can customize it to meet your specific needs and save your settings. A bypass doser comes common to these machines that allow you to use pre-ground coffee instead of the beans in the bean hopper. It's an ideal option for guests or if you want to switch to a different type of beans.
Magnifica Evo, a fully automatic machine is also a top choice because of its versatility and user-friendly. It has seven recipes that are one-touch with easy to read color icons for everything from Espresso to a Latte Macchiato. It also lets you save six profiles of users so that everyone can have their favorite beverage brewed at the touch of one button. This machine includes ceramic grinders that are the best choice for longevity and performance.
Another Swiss-made model to consider is the Jura ENA 4. It is sleek and minimal design, a huge bean box and water tank capacity which makes it perfect for commercial use. It has a highly efficient system for brewing and an amazing Aroma G3 grinder. This makes the finest espresso and coffee you'll ever have.
The Philips 3200 LatteGo has a slightly more compact build than the other super-automatic coffee machines on this list, but can provide a top-quality cup of coffee. It can produce up to 5000 cups of coffee before it has to be descaled. It is perfect for busy households. It also comes with an integrated grinder that can be set to 13 settings.