How to Choose the Best Coffee Machine

There's a lot of technical excellence behind this machine, which manages to precisely maintain water temperature and evenly distribute it across ground coffee in the filter basket. This gives more flavor than cheaper rivals.

In contrast to semiautomatic machines, which require you to fill the portafilter by hand and decide when to stop pulling, this fully automatic machine does everything for you.

Filter coffee machines

A filter coffee machine makes the pot of filter coffee by passing hot water through coffee beans that sit in a filter. The grounds absorb the water, releasing flavor compounds that are later extracted into your cup of coffee. They are available in a variety of sizes, from three to 13 cups, and are available with a variety of options.

The models we tested come with insulated Jugs that keep your coffee warm without the need for the energy-intensive heat plate. Others have a 24-hour timer, automatic espresso machines which means you can set it to run the night before and wake to a jug full of coffee waiting for you to drink. Other useful features include a permanent reusable filter that reduces the waste of paper, and a water tank that allows you to easily see the level of water in it.

Some filter coffee makers are small enough to be able to fit on the counter top of a kitchen that is small, while others are larger. Some have a tank that can be removed for easy refilling and cleaning. Some have fixed tanks, which could limit the space you can utilize.

For a filter maker with extra functionality, look for one with an integrated grinder so that you can choose to grind fresh coffee beans on demand and pour directly into the filter basket (though some offer this as an option). There are also models that use pre-ground beans, too.

We recommend a product with a bigger capacity for those who wish to make several cups at once. We've tested a range of filter coffee makers that come with this feature and discovered that the Melitta Look V Timer is one of the best at making great filter coffee at a fair cost. It's extremely easy to setup and use, has an impressive amount of user reviews with a lot of useful tips and guides and is extremely durable and reliable.

Espresso machines

Espresso machines can create many different specialty drinks by simply pressing a button. They are similar to the manual coffee makers you can find in cafes. The machines require a bit more effort than other models as users grind their own portable coffee makers beans, measure the grounds, and steam the milk on their own. However, our testers found the results worth the effort.

Aiming for the same level of quality as a barista, an espresso machine uses hot water and up to nine bars of pressure to make a stronger, more concentrated drink. They also come with an inbuilt milk frother that can be used to make macchiatos and cappuccinos. They tend to be more expensive, but they offer a premium experience.

They are a popular option for those looking to recreate the cafe-style experience at home. The water is heated in an airtight container before being released through an opening into the ground coffee. They can be quite slow to heat up, but once they are ready, they are able to make a cup coffee in as little as four to six minutes.

Semi-automatic espresso machines are an excellent option for those who prefer some more control. They allow the user to add their own beans however, they stop the flow of water halfway through the brewing procedure. This is to ensure the consistency of the espresso. It's not the best choice for novices and requires some patience to master however, for those who have the ability to tamp, it can be the perfect coffee maker.

The super-automatic machine works like an industrial coffee maker and eliminates the guesswork from the process. The machine grinds and weighs the coffee, then pumps hot water through it prior to being dispensing it into your cup. They're perfect for those who are more attracted to making a particular beverage rather than just an ordinary cup of coffee and are often the most sought-after coffee maker on the market.

The capsule and pod machines are easy to use, but they provide a less customisable experience as compared to their bean-to-cup counterparts. The Lavazza Jolie & Milk has nine pre-programmed drink choices. They range from classics like cappuccino and white coffee to more imaginative drinks such as ristrettos or macchiatos. It also can dispense steam and hot water at the touch of a button.

Bean-to-cup machines

The best bean-to cup machines crush whole beans on demand, and then prepare them for brewing to create various drinks, usually at the press of the button. Many also allow you to save your preferences for coffee so that each time you turn the machine on it will automatically make the drink you're looking for. They can be connected to home tech networks or apps for greater flexibility.

Most of the time, you are able to manage the finer aspects of each drink, including the temperature and pressure of extraction, meaning you have complete control over what each cup tastes like. They are often designed to produce a better quality coffee than capsule or pod machines. A good bean-to-cup machine will grind the coffee beans to a precise consistency and then push hot filtering water through the beans at the precise pressure and time needed to maximize flavor.

There are a variety of bean-to-cup machines that can also make milk frothy. This is great for making the rich, creamy texture of the cappuccino or latte although there can be a bit of a learning curve in getting these drinks right. Once you master the machine it is able to make drinks that are perfect in specialty coffee shops.

One of the best 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 added cost is well worth it. It has a huge touchscreen that shows the user through every step of making a particular coffee. It also has a pro steam wand that can create the perfect texture of milk, and lets you customize each drink to your tastes. It can also dispense cold drinks and hot drinks and the Oracle Touch will even keep your preferred drink in mind for the school-run, so you don't have to make up a new order every time. Check out our full review if you're looking for a high-quality coffee machine equipped with a premium grinder as well as a lot of customized features.

Pod or capsule machines

The top pod machines remove the guesswork and provide consistent results without fuss. These models dispense capsules containing instant or ground coffee, tea and other beverages. They are a good option for those who are not as familiar with espresso machines or bean-to-cup machines, and are simply looking for an easy fix for a workday morning.

They're an excellent choice for those who wish to experiment with different blends without buying huge quantities of beans, and they can also be cheaper than other alternatives if you don't use the machine as often. They're not as versatile and don't yield the same quality of coffee as a filter machine or bean-to cup machine.

If you're looking for a simple cuppa, this pod coffee maker from Illy is the ideal choice. You just 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 system to create rich, rewarding coffee.

The included milk frother lets it to dispense hot drinks, such as herbal teas, hot chocolate and cappuccinos as well as lattes. It is important to remember that the milk from pods doesn't have the same rich texture as milk made using manual frothers like Dualit or Lavazza.

This machine is more stylish than most of the pod coffee makers with grinder makers out there and is also quieter, which means it won't make a racket while you're getting your caffeine fix. It's designed to look good in any kitchen, from country to modern and is a true pleasure to use. The large lever swells up and automatic espresso machines flies the capsule into the receptacle, which can hold up to ten capsules.

The machine has a wide selection of drinks, from short black espressos to tall travel mugs, and the barcode reader inside can tell which type of pod you're using. But it's not as flexible as a coffee maker for customizing your coffee and there's no way to alter the amount of extraction.