How to Choose the Best Coffee Machines
There's a model to meet every need whether you're looking for an espresso maker or a coffee pod brewer. Prices start around PS50.
These brewers use pre-measured pods, which offer convenience as well as consistency and hand-free ease of use. These brewers also tend to perform well in our Lab tests.
Manual
A manual machine is a great choice for espresso lovers who want to be in control. These machines let you manually control a mechanical piston operation, which results in an exact amount of pressure and extraction. This type of coffee machine requires a little more experience and skill to operate than other kinds but a lot of coffee drinkers say that it is worth the effort.
Manual coffee makers are generally constructed of high-end materials and can be used for years without a significant maintenance requirement. These machines come with a range of accessories including filters, a portafilter measuring cup, tamper, and funnel. They can be used to make cappuccinos as well as other drinks that use ground or pod coffee. Some manual coffee machines come with a steam arm that is used for milk-based drinks. Some have a nozzle which distributes water onto the grounds.
The majority of manual coffee makers boil the water in a separate kettle and then pour it over the grounds within the chamber of brewing. The user then presses or raises a lever that triggers an engine that pushes the hot water into the cup. This type of coffee maker isn't as precise or precise in its temperature control as semi-automatic or fully automated coffee maker, and you may need to play with various methods to discover the ideal espresso flavor.
While some manual coffee machines are built for home use, the majority are designed for businesses in the hospitality industry such as hotels, restaurants, bed and breakfasts, and farmhouses. They are typically small, compact, and efficient and take up only one or two square feet of counter space. They are also less expensive than other models of machines, and they can easily be repaired or replaced.
These machines are typically constructed with durable materials, such as brass and chrome. Some are even handmade, and they can bring a touch of class to the kitchen design. Additionally they are typically easy to clean. They are also available in a variety of colors that can complement the design of any kitchen. They are easier to use than a fully automated or semi-automatic coffee maker, and they produce delicious coffee.
Semiautomatic
For the person who doesn't wish to be in total control of all the factors involved in making the perfect shot, semi-automatic machines offer an acceptable compromise. These models start to take on some of the tasks involved in making espresso, such as steaming milk and pre-infusion. You'll still be able alter the drinks to meet your preferences.
Breville is an established brand that is renowned for its vast selection of kitchen appliances. It makes one of the top semi-automatic coffee makers that are available. The Infuser is a versatile model that allows you to make cappuccino, espresso, and lattes at the touch of one button. The machine also automatically dispenses the right amount of water per drink and its built-in grinder automatically adjusts the size of the grind to accommodate different beans and extraction levels. The Infuser is an ideal choice for those who have a limited counter space because of its sleek, compact 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 get a good espresso shot and its commercial design is built to last. The Dedica comes with a removable milk tank as well as the frothing tool, which can be used for cappuccinos or lattes.
Super-automatics are a great choice for semi-automatic coffee makers. They provide even more convenience and can be operated without any involvement from you. These machines are a step above regular automatics, and can be programmed to adjust the coffee size, automatic grinding beans, and usually measuring and tamping for you. These machines scored the top in our Lab Tests due to their all-in-one functionality and ease of use.
The Philips Dinamica is a super-automatic machine that can handle everything. The Dinamica has a large touchscreen that can display 16 drinks to choose from including cappuccino and latte. It grinds whole coffee beans to match your beverage selection and can even store your preferred settings, so you can avoid the menu altogether. The high-tech features of this machine include a movable tank with an integrated water hardness test and an AquaClean Filter that helps reduce scale and ensures you always get the best cup of coffee.
Fully automated
A fully automated machine can make a smooth and rich cup of coffee with the touch of the button. This is an excellent choice for busy homes or offices, as it can brew both filter and espresso. Many models have automatic milk frothing that lets you enjoy cafe-style coffees, such as cappuccino and Latte. Some models allow you to set your preferred drink in advance. These machines are great for multitaskers, as you can work while coffee is brewing.
They are also popular in commercial coffee shops, as they can be used to prepare a variety of drinks simultaneously. However, they are typically more expensive than their semi-automatic counterparts. Some may feel that the convenience of a fully-automatic coffee maker is worth the additional cost.
The Mcilpoog WS-203 Super-Automatic Espresso and Coffee Machine is a premium, highly customizable coffee machine that gives you the experience of a top cafe, all from your home. It is easy to use, with an LCD touch screen that makes coffee-making as simple as just three steps. It is also equipped with an adjustable burr grinder and customizable settings, meaning you can customize your espresso to your own preferences.
Another great option for busy households is the De'Longhi ECAM35020W Dinamica Automatic Coffee and Espresso Machine. This machine is characterized by an instant heat-up time, and comes with a movable burr grinder made of steel and an milk frother to prepare espresso-based drinks as well as coffee. It is also able to make a variety of coffee types such as iced and filter coffee.
This is a very versatile and affordable Nespresso-compatible machine that is perfect for the modern well-equipped kitchen. It comes with a large 1.7L water tank and coffee bean box capacity, and comes with a quiet, fast heating system for a fast and delicious cup of coffee every time. It is easy to use with user profiles that will automatically prioritize each user's preferred drinks, so they are only one tap away.
Super-automatic
These models are a step up from semi-automatic machines. They grind, dose, pull the shot, and froth milk at the touch the button. These machines are ideal for coffee drinkers who wish to enjoy different drinks at the same time and appreciate the convenience.
An excellent example is the Gaggia Velasca Prestige which combines the highest-quality brewing equipment with an automated milk frothing system to make the perfect cappuccino, latte or macchiato. The programmability of this machine means you can tailor it to your exact requirements and save your settings for the next time. A bypass doser is also standard with many of these machines that allow the use of pre-ground coffee instead of the beans stored in the bean hopper, an ideal feature for guests or when you need to switch to a different type of beans.
DeLonghi's Magnifica Evo fully automatic machine is also a favorite due to its versatility and ease-of-use. It comes with seven recipes read more that can be brewed in one touch with easy to read icons in color for everything from Espresso to a Latte Macchiato. It also allows you to save six user profiles, which means everyone can have their preferred drink brewed at the touch of the button. The machine also comes with a ceramic burr grinder which is the ideal choice for lifespan and performance.
The Jura ENA 4 is another model produced in Switzerland that you must consider. It is an elegant and minimalist design, as well as a large bean box and water tank capacity making it ideal for commercial use. It comes with a sophisticated coffee brewing system as well as the amazing Aroma G3 grinder. This makes the finest espresso and coffee you'll ever taste.
The Philips 3200 LatteGo has a slightly smaller build than some of the other super-automatic coffee machines on this list, but still is able to provide a high-quality cup of coffee. It can make up to 5000 cups of coffee before it needs to be descaled. It is perfect for busy households. It also has a built-in burr grinder with 13 settings that provide plenty of options for personalization.