How to Choose the Best Coffee Machines
There's a model that will meet your need whether you're looking for an espresso maker or a coffee pod brewer. Prices start at PS50.
These brewers utilize pre-measured pods that provide convenience, consistency and hand-free ease of use. They also tend to score highly in our Lab tests.
Manual
For espresso lovers who prefer to have complete control over the process using a manual machine is an ideal choice. These machines let you manually operate a mechanical piston operation, which produces a precise amount of pressure and extraction. This kind of machine requires more knowledge and experience to operate, however many coffee drinkers consider it worth the effort.
These manual coffee machines are usually constructed from top-quality materials and can be used for years without a significant maintenance requirement. They include a range of accessories, including filters, a portafilter, measuring cup, tamper and funnel. They can be used to make cappuccinos or other drinks made with ground or pod coffee. Some manual coffee machines feature traditional steam arms for milk-based drinks, while others have a nozzle which distributes water over the grounds.
The majority of manual coffee makers make the water hot in a separate kettle and then pour it over the grounds inside the brewing chamber. The user then presses or raises the lever or hand to trigger a piston that forces the hot water through the grounds before it is poured into the cup below. This type of coffee machine isn't as precise 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 perfect espresso flavor.
Some manual coffee machines were made to be used at home. However most are used for hospitality businesses like hotels, restaurants and breakfast and bed and breakfast establishments. They are usually small, compact, and efficient, taking up only a small amount of counter space. They are also less expensive than other kinds of machines and are able to be repaired or replaced.
These machines are typically constructed from durable materials, including chrome and brass. Some are hand-crafted and can bring a touch of class to the kitchen design. In addition they are typically easy to clean. Some are available in a wide range of colors that can complement the design of any kitchen. They are generally simpler to operate than a semiautomatic or fully automated coffee machine and can also make excellent, high-quality coffee.
Semiautomatic
For the person who doesn't want to be in complete control of all the variables involved in making a perfect shot, semi-automatic machines provide an acceptable compromise. These models begin to automate certain steps in making espresso, like steaming milk and preinfusion. You'll still be able to modify your drink to suit your preferences.
Breville is a brand that is known for its extensive range of kitchen appliances. It makes one of the top semi-automatic coffee makers on the market. The Infuser is an extremely versatile model that allows you to make lattes, cappuccino and espresso at the press of a button. The machine can also automatically pour the correct amount of water for each drink and its built-in burr grinder automatically adjusts the grind size to accommodate various extraction levels and beans. The Infuser is a great choice for those with limited counter space due to its compact, sleek design. It also has easy-to-use controls.
Another model that has been rated highly by Breville is the Dedica espresso machine. Its 15 bar pump is 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 option for a semi-automatic coffee maker. They offer more convenience and are operated without any involvement from you. These machines are a step up from conventional automatics, with programmable coffee size, automatic grinding beans and often measuring and tamping on your behalf. These machines scored the highest in our Lab tests due to their all-in-one capabilities and hands-free user-friendliness.
The Philips Dinamica is a super-automatic machine that can handle everything. It has a huge touchscreen that can display 16 drinks to choose from including cappuccino and latte. It grinds whole coffee beans to match your drink preference and even save your preferred settings, meaning you can skip selecting the menu altogether. The high-tech features of this machine include a detachable tank with an integrated test for water hardness and an AquaClean Filter that reduces scale and ensures that you always get the perfect cup of coffee.
Fully automatic
A fully automated machine can provide you with an incredibly smooth and rich cup of coffee at the touch of the button. This is an excellent choice for busy offices or homes since it can brew both filter and espresso. Many also feature automatic milk frothing, letting you enjoy cafe-style coffees like cappuccino and Latte. Some models allow you to make your drink of choice in advance. These machines are great for multitaskers, as you can work on your laptop while coffee is being made.
These machines are also well-liked in commercial coffee shops since they can brew a variety of different drinks simultaneously. However, they are typically more expensive than their semi-automatic counterparts. Some individuals may decide that the convenience of a fully-automatic coffee maker is worth the additional cost.
The Mcilpoog WS203 Super-Automatic Espresso Machine and Coffee Maker is a high-end coffee maker that is highly customizable that offers the same quality as a top cafe at home. It is simple to use, with an LCD touch screen that makes making coffee as easy as just three steps. It also comes with a movable steel burr grinder, as well as adjustable settings, so you can adjust your espresso to your personal preferences.
De'Longhi ECAM35020W Dinamica Automatic Coffee and Espresso Machine is a great option for busy households. This coffee machine boasts rapid heating up time, and comes with a movable burr grinder in steel and a milk frother for preparing espresso-based drinks and coffee. It can also produce various types of coffee such as filter coffee and iced.
This is an affordable and versatile Nespresso compatible machine that's perfect for an elegant, well-equipped home. It has a large 1.7L tank and a coffee maker capacity. It also comes with an efficient, quiet heating system to ensure an excellent coffee drink throughout the day. It is easy to use, with user profiles that automatically prioritize each person's favorite drinks which means they are just an easy tap away.
Super-automatic
These models are a step higher than semi automatic machines. They grind, dose, pull the shot, and then froth milk with the click of a button. They are the ultimate choice for coffee lovers who want to enjoy an array of drinks and appreciate the convenience of not having to make them one at a go like in a manual or automated model.
A great example is the Gaggia Velasca Prestige which combines an excellent brewing machine and an automatic milk frothing system for the perfect cappuccino, lattes or macchiato. The ability to program this machine means you can tailor it to your exact requirements and save your settings for next time. A bypass doser comes standard with many of these machines which enables you to use pre-ground coffee instead of the beans in the bean hopper. It's an ideal feature for guests or if you want to change to a different kind of beans.
The DeLonghi Magnifica Evo Fully-Automatic machine is another favorite for its versatility and ease of use. It comes with seven recipe options that are easy to read colored icons, from Espresso to Latte Macchiato. It also has the ability to save six user profiles, so everyone can have their own preferred drink brewed at the touch of the button. The machine also has a ceramic burr grinder which is the ideal option for durability and performance.
Another Swiss-made model to consider is the Jura ENA 4. coffee machine shop features a sleek, minimal design and a massive water tank and bean box capacity, making it perfect for commercial use. It has a highly efficient system for brewing and an amazing Aroma G3 grinder. You'll enjoy some of the finest espresso and coffee you've ever had.
The Philips 3200 LatteGo is a little more compact than some other machines that are super-automatic on this list, but still provides a quality cup. It can produce up to 5000 coffee cups before it has to be descaled. It is ideal for families with a lot of work to do. It also comes with a built-in burr grinder, with 13 settings to provide plenty of options for customization.