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, you'll find the right model for your needs. Prices start at PS50.
Brewers that are brewers with these features provide the convenience as well as consistency and hands-off ease. They also score highly in our Lab tests.
Manual
If you are a coffee lover and want to have complete control over the process, a manual machine is the best option. They allow you to manually operate a piston, which produces the exact amount of pressure and extraction. This type of machine requires more expertise and experience to operate, but many coffee drinkers appreciate the effort.
Manual coffee machines are constructed from high-quality materials, and can last for a long time without needing any maintenance. These machines come with a variety of accessories like filters, portafilters measuring cup, tamper, and funnel. They can be used to make cappuccinos and other drinks that use ground or pod coffee. Some manual coffee machines come with traditional steam arms for drinks made with milk, whereas others have a nozzle that spreads water across the grounds.
Most manual coffee machines make the water hot in a separate kettle, and then pour it over the grounds in the brewing chamber. The user then presses or raises a lever to trigger a piston which forces hot water into the cup. This type of coffee machine isn't as precise or precise in its temperature control as semi-automatic or fully automated coffee maker, and you might have to play with various techniques to find the perfect espresso taste.
Some manual coffee machines were made to be used at home. However they are mostly used in hospitality businesses such as hotels, restaurants, and bed and breakfasts. They are compact efficient, reliable and occupy a small counter space. They are also less expensive than other coffee machines and can be easily repaired or replaced.
They are usually constructed with durable materials, such as chrome and brass. Some are handmade and can bring a touch of elegance to the kitchen design. Additionally, they are often very easy to clean. Some are available in a range of colors that can be matched to the style of any kitchen. They are generally simpler to use than a semiautomatic or fully automated coffee maker and can produce delicious, high-quality coffee.
Semiautomatic
For the coffee lover who doesn't want to be in full control of all variables involved in making a perfect shot, semi-automatic machines are an acceptable compromise. These models begin to automate certain steps in making espresso, like steaming milk and preinfusion. You'll still have the option to modify your drink to suit your preferences.
Breville is a brand known for its wide range of kitchen appliances. It makes one of the top semi-automatic coffee makers that are available. The Infuser is a multi-functional model that lets you make cappuccino, espresso, and lattes at the touch of a button. The machine will automatically disperse the right amount of water for each drink. Its built-in burr grind adjusts the size of the grind to accommodate different extraction levels or beans. The Infuser's slim, sleek design and easy-to-use controls makes it an ideal choice for those with small counter space.
Another model that is highly rated by Breville is the Dedica espresso machine. Its 15 bar pump is more than enough to extract a quality espresso shot, and its commercial construction is built to last. The Dedica has a removable milk tank and the frothing tool, which can be used for lattes or cappuccinos.
Super-automatics are a great choice for a semi-automatic coffee maker. They offer even more convenience and are operated with no involvement. These machines are more info a step above the standard automatics by allowing you to program coffee sizes, automatically grinding beans, and sometimes measuring and tamping them automatically. These machines were able to score the highest in our Lab tests due to their all-in-one capability and hands-free user-friendliness.
If you're looking for a machine that can do everything, consider the Philips Dinamica. It has a huge touchscreen that lets you choose 16 different drinks, including latte, cappuccino, and black coffee. It grinds whole coffee beans to match your drink preference and even save your preferred settings, meaning you don't have to choose the menu altogether. The top-of-the-line features of this machine include a detachable tank that has an integrated water hardness test and an AquaClean filter that reduces scale and ensures that you always get the perfect cup of coffee.
Fully automated
A fully automatic machine will make a smooth and rich cup of coffee with the click of a button. This is an excellent choice for busy offices or homes since it can brew both espresso and filter coffee. Some models also feature automatic milk frothing to let you enjoy cafe-style coffees, such as cappuccino and latte. Some models can even be programmed, allowing you to set your preferred drink ahead of time. These machines are perfect for those who need to be multi-tasking, since they allow you to carry on working while you make your coffee.
These machines are popular in commercial coffee shops as they can brew several different drinks simultaneously. However, these are usually more expensive than their semi-automatic counterparts. However, the convenience offered by a fully automated coffee maker could be worth the extra cost for a few people.
The Mcilpoog WS-203 Super-Automatic Espresso and Coffee Machine is a premium coffee machine that is highly customizable that offers the quality of a top-quality cafe, all from your own home. The touchscreen display makes it simple to use. It only takes three steps to make coffee. It comes with a steel burr grinder that can be adjustable and programmed so that you can alter the coffee to meet your needs.
De'Longhi ECAM35020W Dinamica Automatic Coffee and Espresso Machine is another great option for busy households. This coffee maker has a fast heating time and is equipped with a milk frother and an adjustable burr mill for making espresso and coffee-based drinks. It can also produce a wide range of coffee varieties such as iced and filter coffee.
This is an affordable and versatile Nespresso-compatible machine that is perfect for a modern, well-equipped home. It has a massive 1.7L tank and coffee box capacity. It also features an efficient, quiet heating system to ensure an excellent cup of coffee at all times. It is simple to use thanks to user profiles that automatically make sure that the drinks of each user are prioritized which means they are just an easy tap away.
Super-automatic
A step over semi-automatic machines these models grind dose, grind, pull your shot, and then froth your milk all at the touch of a button. They are the ideal option for coffee drinkers who wish to enjoy a wide range of drinks and appreciate the ease of not having to prepare them one at a time as in a manual or automatic model.
A great example is the Gaggia Velasca Prestige which combines an excellent brewing machine and an automated milk frothing system to make the perfect cappuccino, latte or macchiato. This machine is programmable, so you can modify it to suit your specific needs and save your settings. A lot of these machines come with bypass dosers that permit you to use pre-ground beans instead of the beans that are in the bean hopper. This is an excellent feature for guests, or if you want to switch from one kind of coffee to another.
The DeLonghi Magnifica Evo Fully Automatic machine is a popular choice due to its flexibility and ease of use. It features seven one-touch recipes with easy-to-read icons in color for everything from Espresso to a Latte Macchiato. It also allows you to save six user profiles, which means everyone can have their preferred beverage brewed at the click of the button. The machine also has the ceramic burr grinder which is the optimum option for durability and performance.
Another model made in Switzerland to think about is the Jura ENA 4. It has an elegant and minimalist design, a huge bean box and water tank capacity making it ideal for commercial use. It has a highly efficient coffee brewing system as well as the amazing Aroma G3 grinder. This makes the best coffee and espresso you'll ever have.
The Philips 3200 LatteGo has a slightly more compact build than the other coffee machines that are super-automatic on this list, but still can provide a top-quality cup of coffee. This machine can make up to 5000 cups before it needs to be descaled, which is ideal for any busy home. It also has a built-in burr grinder, with 13 settings that give you plenty of scope for personalization.