How to Choose the Best Coffee Machines
There's a model for every need, whether you're looking for an espresso maker or a coffee pod brewer. Prices start at around PS50.
These brewers make use of pre-measured pods and offer convenience with consistency, as well as hand-free ease of use. They also perform well in our Lab tests.
Manual
If you are a coffee machine for home lover and want to take full control of the process, a manual machine is an excellent choice. These machines allow you to manually control a mechanical piston operation, which 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 however, many people who drink coffee say it's worth the effort.
Manual coffee machines are typically constructed of high-end materials and can be used for a long time without any major maintenance requirement. These machines come with a range of accessories including a portafilter, filter, measuring cup, tamper and funnel. They can be used with ground or pod coffee and they can make lattes, cappuccinos, macchiatos and much more. Some manual coffee machines have traditional steam arms for drinks that are milk-based, whereas others feature a nozzle that disperses water over the grounds.
The majority of manual coffee machines employ a separate kettle to warm water and then pour it over the coffee grounds in the chamber for brewing. The user then raises or depresses an instrument 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 machine does not have the same precision or accuracy in temperature control as a fully automated or semi-automatic coffee maker. You may need to experiment to find your perfect espresso taste.
While some manual coffee machines are designed for home use, the majority are designed for hospitality businesses such as hotels or restaurants or bed and breakfasts and farmhouses. They are typically small and compact taking up 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 made from durable materials such as brass and chrome. Some are made by hand and can provide a touch of class to the kitchen design. They are also generally easy to clean. They are also available in a variety of colors and will match the style of your kitchen. They are generally more simple to operate than a semi-automatic or fully automated coffee maker and can also make delicious, high-quality coffee.
Semiautomatic
For the espresso lover who doesn't want to be in complete control of all the factors involved in making the perfect shot, semi-automatic machines offer a comfortable compromise. These machines begin to take on some of the tasks involved in making espresso, including steaming milk and pre-infusion. You'll still be able customize your drinks to suit your preferences.
One of the best semi-automatic coffee makers available that are available is made by Breville, a company known for its wide selection of kitchen appliances. The Infuser is a versatile model that lets you make cappuccino, espresso and lattes at the touch of the 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 beans or extraction levels. The Infuser is an ideal choice for those who have a limited counter space due to its slim, 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 sufficient to make a high-quality espresso shot, and its commercial construction is built to last. The Dedica comes with a removable milk tank and the frothing tool, which can be used to make lattes or cappuccinos.
Super-automatics are an excellent choice for a semi-automatic coffee maker. They provide even more convenience and can be operated with no involvement. These machines go one step above the standard automatics by allowing you to program coffee sizes, and automatically grinding beans, and sometimes measuring and tamping them for you. These machines tended to score the highest in our Lab tests for their do-it-all capabilities and hands-free user-friendliness.
If you're looking for a super-automatic that can do it all, consider the Philips Dinamica. The Dinamica has a large touchscreen with 16 drinks to choose from such as cappuccino and latte. It automatically grinds whole beans to match the selection of beverages and can save your preferred settings so that you can bypass the menu of choices completely. The top-of-the-line features of this machine include a removable tank with an integrated water hardness test and an AquaClean filter that reduces scale and ensures you always get the best cup of coffee.
Fully automated
A fully automated machine can give you an incredibly smooth and rich cup of coffee at the push of one button. This is an excellent choice for busy homes or offices, as it can brew both filter and espresso. Many models also have automatic milk frothing, letting you enjoy cafe-style coffees like cappuccino and Latte. Some models allow you to set your preferred drink in advance. These machines are ideal for those who need to multitask, as they let you work while coffee is being made.
These machines are popular in commercial coffee shops since they can brew a variety of different drinks at the same time. These are more expensive than semi-automatic ones. However, the convenience provided by a fully automated coffee maker could be worth the extra expense for some people.
The Mcilpoog WS203 Super-Automatic Espresso Machine and Coffee Maker is a top coffee maker that is highly customizable that gives you the experience of an excellent cafe right at home. The touchscreen display makes it easy to use. It only takes three steps to make coffee. It comes with a stainless steel burr grinder that can be adjusted and programmable so you can alter the espresso to your personal preferences.
Another great option for busy households is the De'Longhi ECAM35020W Dinamica Automatic Coffee and Espresso Machine. This coffee machine boasts an instant heat-up time, and is equipped with a movable burr grinder in steel and an milk frother to prepare espresso-based drinks and coffee. It is also able to create a wide variety of coffee flavors such as iced and filter coffee.
This is a budget-friendly and versatile Nespresso compatible machine that's ideal for a modern, well-equipped home. It comes with a large 1.7L water tank and a coffee bean container capacity, and comes with a quiet, fast heating system for a fast and delicious cup of coffee every time. It's also very easy to use with user profiles that automatically prioritize each person's favourite drinks so they are just one tap away.
Super-automatic
A step up from semi-automatic machines, these models grind dose, grind, pull your shot and froth your milk all at the touch of the button. They are the ideal option for coffee drinkers who wish to enjoy a wide range of beverages and appreciate the ease of not having to prepare them one at a time like in a manual model or an automatic model.
An excellent example is the Gaggia Velasca Prestige which combines a high-quality brewing machine with an automated milk frothing system to make the perfect cappuccino, latte, or macchiato. The machine's programmability allows you to tailor it to meet your needs and save your settings for next time. A bypass doser is also standard with many of these machines which enables you to use pre-ground coffee in place of the beans stored in the bean hopper. This is an ideal feature for guests or when you want to switch to a different type of beans.
The DeLonghi Magnifica Evo Fully Automated machine is another favorite for its versatility and ease of use. It offers seven one-touch recipe options that are easy to read colored icons, from Espresso to Latte Macchiato. It also has the capability to save six user profiles so that everyone can have their preferred drink at the touch of the button. This machine comes with ceramic grinder that is the best choice for longevity and performance.
Another Swiss-made model to consider is the Jura ENA 4. It features a sleek, minimal design and a massive water tank and bean box capacity, which makes it ideal 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 taste.
The Philips 3200 LatteGo has a smaller design than other super-automatic coffee machines on this list, but can provide a top-quality cup of coffee. This machine is rated to make up to 5000 cups before it needs to be descaled, which is perfect for homes with a busy schedule. It also has an integrated grinder that can be set to 13 settings.