How to Choose the Best Coffee Machines
If you're looking for a basic filter machine or a coffee pod, capsule brewer, or an espresso maker, there's the right model for your needs. Prices start at around PS50.
Brewers that are brewers with these features provide convenience as well as consistency and hands-off ease. They also be top performers in our Lab tests.
Manual
A manual machine is a good option for those who want to be in control. These machines allow you to manually control a mechanical piston that results in the exact amount of pressure and extraction. This type of machine requires a bit more skill and experience to operate than other types but a lot of coffee drinkers say that it's worth the effort.
These manual coffee machines are usually constructed from top-quality materials and can last for many years without a major maintenance requirement. They also come with a variety of accessories, including filters and portafilters along with a measuring cup, tamper, and funnel. They can be used with ground or pod coffee and they can make lattes, cappuccinos, macchiatos, and more. Some manual coffee machines come with a traditional steam arm for drinks that are milk-based, whereas others have a nozzle that spreads water across the grounds.
The majority of manual coffee machines employ an additional kettle to heat water and then pour it over the grounds inside the chamber that is used for brewing. The user then presses or raises an instrument or hand to activate a piston that pushes the hot water through the grounds before it is poured into the cup below. This type of coffee maker 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 different techniques to find the ideal espresso flavor.
Some manual coffee machines were created to be used at home. However they are mostly used in hospitality businesses like hotels, restaurants and breakfast and bed and breakfast establishments. They are usually small, compact, and efficient and take up only one or two square feet of counter space. They are also less costly than other types of coffee machines and can be easily repaired or replaced.
They are typically constructed from durable materials such as brass and chrome. Some are hand-crafted, and they can bring a touch of class to the kitchen design. They are also often easy to clean. They are available in a variety of colors that can be matched to the aesthetics of any kitchen. They are generally easier to use than a semiautomatic or fully automated coffee maker and can produce excellent, high-quality coffee.
Semiautomatic
Semi-automatic machines are a good option for espresso enthusiasts who don't want to control all the variables that go into making the perfect shot. These machines begin automatizing some of the steps involved in making espresso, including steaming milk and preinfusion. However, you'll still have many options to tailor your drinks to your individual preferences.
Breville is a brand known for its vast selection of kitchen appliances. It is one of the best 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 automatically dispenses water in the correct amount for each drink. Its built-in burr grinding adjusts the size of the grind to accommodate different extraction levels or beans. The Infuser's sleek, compact design and user-friendly controls make it a perfect choice for those with a limited counter space.
Another top-rated model from Breville is the Dedica espresso machine. Its 15 bar pump is enough to get a good espresso shot and its commercial-grade construction is built to last. The Dedica comes with a removable milk tank as well as an ice-making tool that can be used to make lattes or cappuccinos.
Super-automatics are a great choice for a semi-automatic coffee maker. They offer more convenience and are operated without any involvement from you. These machines are a step above standard automatics by offering programmable coffee sizes, and automatically grinding beans, and sometimes measuring and tamping them for you. These machines scored the highest in our Lab Tests due to their all-in-one features and user-friendliness.
If you're looking to find a fully automated that does it all look into the Philips Dinamica. This model features a large touchscreen with 16 different drinks such as cappuccino and latte. It grinds whole coffee beans to match the beverage you choose and can even store your preferred settings, so you don't have to choose the menu altogether. The top-of-the-line features of this machine include a removable tank with an integrated test for water hardness and an AquaClean Filter that helps reduce scale and ensures you always get the perfect cup of coffee.
Fully automated
A fully automated machine can provide you with a rich and smooth cup of coffee at the click of a button. This is an excellent choice for busy homes or offices since it can brew both espresso and filter coffee. Some models also feature automatic milk frothing, which lets you enjoy cafe-style coffees such as cappuccino or Latte. Some models are even programmable, allowing you to set your preferred drink prior to time. These machines are great for multitaskers, as you can work on your laptop while coffee is being made.
They are also very popular in commercial coffee shops because they can be used to prepare a variety of drinks simultaneously. However, they are typically more expensive than their semi-automatic counterparts. However, the convenience offered by a fully automated coffee maker could be worth the extra cost for some.
The Mcilpoog WS-203 Super-Automatic Espresso and Coffee Machine is a top, highly customizable coffee machine that offers the quality of a top-notch cafe from the comfort of your own home. The touch screen display makes it easy to use. It takes only three steps to make coffee. It comes with a steel burr grinder that can be adjusted and programmable so you can alter the espresso to suit your preferences.
De'Longhi ECAM35020W Dinamica Automatic Coffee and Espresso Machine is another great option for busy households. This machine is characterized by a quick heat-up time, and comes with a movable burr grinder made of steel and a milk frother for preparing espresso-based drinks and coffee. It can also produce a wide range of coffee varieties, including filter and iced coffee.
This is a low-cost and versatile Nespresso-compatible machine that is perfect for a modern, well-equipped home. It comes with a huge 1.7L tank and a coffee maker capacity. It also comes with a quick, quiet heating system that ensures the perfect coffee drink at all times. It's also very easy to use and comes with profiles for users that automatically prioritize the drinks that are most liked by each user so they are just one tap away.
Super-automatic
These models are a step up from semi-automatic machines. They grind or dose, pull the shot, and froth milk at the touch a button. They are the best choice for coffee lovers who want to enjoy a wide range of drinks and appreciate the ease of not having to prepare each one at a time like in a manual or automated model.
A good example is the Gaggia Velasca Prestige which combines an excellent brewing machine and an automatic milk frothing mechanism to create the perfect cappuccino, latte or macchiato. This machine is programmable, so you can modify it to meet your exact requirements and save your settings. Many of these machines include a bypass doser that allows you to use pre-ground coffee beans instead of the here 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 another popular option due to its flexibility and ease of use. It comes with seven recipes that can be brewed in one touch with easy-to-read colored icons for everything from Espresso to a Latte Macchiato. It also has the ability to save six user profiles so that everyone can have their own preferred drink at the touch of the button. This machine also includes a ceramic burr grinder which is the best option for durability and performance.
The Jura ENA 4 is another model made in Switzerland that you must take into consideration. It features a sleek, understated design, and a huge water tank and bean box capacity, making it perfect for commercial use. It has an advanced grinder and brewing system called the Aroma G3. You'll get some of the best espresso and coffee you've ever tasted.
The Philips 3200 LatteGo has a smaller design than other coffee machines that are super-automatic in this list, but still is able to provide a high-quality cup of coffee. This machine is rated to produce up to 5000 cups before it needs to be descaled, which makes it ideal for any busy home. It also includes a built-in burr grinder with 13 settings to provide plenty of options to personalize it.