How to Choose the Best Coffee Machine

This machine is a technical marvel. It regulates the water temperature precisely and distributes it evenly across the coffee grounds in the filter basket. This ekes out more flavour than the cheaper alternatives.

This fully automatic machine is able to handle everything. Unlike semiautomatic machines that require you to pack your portafilter manually and decide when you're ready to stop taking the portafilter out This fully automated machine does it all for you.

Filter coffee machines

A filter coffee machine maker maker brews up a pot of filter coffee by passing hot water through ground coffee beans, which are then placed in the filter. The grounds absorb the water and release flavour compounds that are then absorbed into the cup of coffee. They are available in a variety of sizes, ranging from 3 to 13 cups, and are available with a range of features.

A couple of models we tested feature insulated jugs to help keep your brew warm without the need for a consuming hotplate, while others have an adjustable timer that runs 24 hours a day, so you can set the timer for the night prior to and get up to a pot of coffee waiting to drink. Other helpful features include a permanent, reusable filter that minimizes the amount of paper waste and a easily-observable water tank that is easily visible.

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 to make refilling and cleaning easy. Others have fixed tanks, which could limit the space you can use.

For a filter coffee maker that is more functional, look for one that comes with an integrated grinder so that you can grind fresh coffee beans on demand and dispense them directly into the filter basket (though some offer this as an option). You can also find model that use pre-ground beans, too.

We recommend a model that has a larger capacity for those who wish to make multiple cups at a time. We've tested several filter coffee makers that have this capability and discovered the Melitta Look V Timer to be among the top for delivering a great cup of filter coffee at reasonable prices. It's extremely easy to set up and use, comes with an impressive number of user reviews and numerous useful tips and guides, and is very durable and reliable.

Espresso machines

Taking a page from the manual coffee makers that are used in cafes Espresso machines are able to create a range of specialty drinks with just the touch of the button. They require a little more effort than other types of machines users have to grind their own beans and measure and tamp the grounds, and then steam the milk in separate batches - however our test subjects discovered that the results were worth it.

Espresso machines use hot water and pressure of up to nine bar to produce an even stronger, more concentrated drink. They can be equipped with an inbuilt milk frother to make macchiatos and cappuccinos. They are often more expensive, but they offer a premium experience.

These are popular for those who want to recreate cafe-style coffee at home. They come with an airtight container that heats the water to boiling point before releasing through a nozzle into ground coffee. They can take a while to heat up, but when they are ready, they can be used to make a cup coffee in between four and six minutes.

Semi-automatic espresso machines are an excellent alternative for those who want some control. They permit users to add their own beans, but stop the flow of water at the halfway point of the brewing process. This is done to ensure consistency in the final espresso. This is not a good choice for beginners, and it takes some time to master. However, for those with a knack for tamping this can be the perfect espresso maker.

The super-automatic machine is more than a traditional coffee maker and eliminates the guesswork from the process. The machine grinds and measures the coffee, and then pumps hot water through it prior to being it is poured into your cup. They're ideal for those who are interested in creating a particular beverage rather than just an ordinary cup of coffee. They also tend to be the most sought-after coffee maker available.

The capsule and Pod machines are easy to use, but they provide less customization compared to their bean-to cup counterparts. The Lavazza Jolie & Milk offers nine pre-made drink options, from go-tos like white coffee and cappuccino to more imaginative concoctions like macchiatos and ristrettos. It can also serve steam and hot water at the press of one button.

Bean-to-cup machines

The top bean to cup machines crush whole coffee beans on demand, and then brew the beans to create many drinks. This can be done with the click of a button. A lot of machines let you store your coffee preferences, so that the machine will produce the drink of your choice every time it's turned on. They can be connected to home tech networks or apps to provide greater flexibility.

Often, you can manage the finer aspects of each drink, including the temperature and pressure of the extraction, so you are in complete control of what each cup will taste like. They are typically designed to produce a better quality of coffee than capsule or pod machines. A good bean-to-cup machine will grind the coffee beans to a specific consistency and then force hot, filtered water through the beans at precisely the pressure and time needed to maximize flavour.

There are a lot of bean-to-cup machines that have milk foaming capabilities. This is great for creating the rich and textural layers in a cappuccino, or the latte. However it can be a little difficult to make these drinks. Once you've mastered the machine it can make drinks that are at home in a specialty coffee shop.

One of the most impressive examples of a modern bean-to cup machine is Sage's Oracle Touch. It is a little more expensive than the top capsule or pod machines, but the extra cost is well worth it. It has a huge, colour touchscreen that guides the user through each process of making a certain coffee. It comes with a professional-steam wand to create the perfect texture of your milk and lets you customize every drink to meet your tastes. It can also dispense cold drinks as well as hot drinks, and the Oracle Touch will even remember your drink of choice for school runs and will not require you to make a fresh order each time. If you're in the market for a high-end coffee maker that comes with a premium burr grinder and a host of bespoke features, check out our complete review of this machine.

Machines for capsules or pods

The most effective pod machines eliminate the guesswork and give regular results without hassle. These models dispense capsules of instant or ground tea, coffee and other beverages. They can be a good alternative for those less familiar with espresso or bean-to-cup machines, and are looking for an easy fix for an early morning at work.

They're an excellent choice for those who want to test different blends without buying large amounts of beans, and they're also cheaper than other options if you don't use the machine as often. They're not as versatile and don't produce the same quality of coffee as a filter machine or bean-to cup machine.

This pod coffee maker is perfect for those who need a quick cup of coffee. Simply lift the top flap (which automatically releases the old capsule), chuck in a new one and press either the big cup or small cup button. The machine uses an exclusive two-stage extraction process to make delicious, rich coffee.

It can also provide hot water for herbal teas and other hot beverages, as well as a cappuccino or latte, thanks to the included milk frother. It's important to note that milk made from pods isn't likely to have the same rich texture as milk that is made using a manual frother like Dualit or Lavazza.

It's more quiet and stylish than many other pod coffee makers. It won't disturb the user while you are getting your caffeine fix. The machine is made to fit into any kitchen from modern to country and is a joy to use. The lever propels capsules into the receptacle which can hold up to ten capsules.

The machine has a wide variety of drink options that range from black espressos with a short brew to tall travel mugs, and the barcode reader can identify which pod you're using. But it's not as flexible as a bean-to-cup machine in terms of customising the coffee you drink, and there's no way to tweak the amount of extraction.