How to Choose the Best Coffee Machines
There's a model for every need regardless of whether you're looking to buy an espresso maker or a coffee pod brewer. Prices start at around PS50.
These brewers provide the convenience as well as consistency and hands-off ease. These Brewers also be top performers in our Lab tests.
Manual
A manual machine is an excellent option for those who are looking to have control. These machines let you manually operate a mechanical piston, which produces an exact amount of pressure and extraction. This kind of coffee machine requires a bit more skill and experience to operate than other kinds but a lot of coffee drinkers say that it's worth the effort.
These manual coffee machines are usually made from high-quality materials that can be used for many years without a major maintenance requirement. These machines come with a variety of accessories including a portafilter, filter, measuring cup, tamper and funnel. They can be used with either ground or pod coffee, and can be used to make cappuccinos, lattes, macchiatos, and many more. Some manual coffee machines feature traditional steam arms for milk-based drinks, while others have a nozzle that distributes water over the grounds.
Most manual coffee machines use a kettle that is used to warm water that is then poured over the grounds in the chamber that is used for brewing. The user then raises or depresses an instrument or hand to turn on a piston that forces the hot water through the grounds and into the cup below. This kind of machine doesn't have the same precision or accuracy in temperature control as a fully automated or semi-automatic coffee maker. It is possible to play around to find the ideal espresso flavor.
Some manual coffee machines were designed for home use. However they are mostly used in hospitality businesses like hotels, restaurants, and bed and breakfasts. They are compact, efficient and occupy a small counter space. They are also cheaper than other kinds of machines and are able to be repaired or replaced.
These machines are typically made with durable materials, such as brass and chrome. Some are hand-crafted and can add a touch of elegance to the kitchen design. They are also usually easy to clean. Some come in a variety of colors that can be matched to the aesthetics of any kitchen. They are generally simpler to operate than a semi-automatic or fully automatic coffee machine and can produce delicious, high-quality coffee.
Semiautomatic
Semi-automatic machines are a good alternative for those who don't want to control all the variables that go into making the perfect espresso. These machines begin automatizing certain steps in making espresso, including steaming milk and preinfusion. You'll still be able alter the drinks to meet your preferences.
One of the most reliable semi-automatic coffee makers available on the market comes made by Breville, a company known for a wide variety of kitchen appliances. The Infuser is a versatile model that allows you to make cappuccino, espresso and lattes with the push of one button. It also automatically dispensates the appropriate amount of water per drink and its built-in grinder automatically adjusts the grind size to accommodate different extraction levels and beans. The Infuser's compact, sleek design and simple-to-use controls make it a perfect choice for people with small counter space.
Another model that has been rated highly by Breville is the Dedica espresso machine. Its 15 bar pump is sufficient to get a good espresso shot, and its commercial construction is built to last. The Dedica includes a movable milk tank as well as a frothing tool that can be used to make cappuccinos or lattes.
Super-automatics are a great choice for semi-automatic coffee makers. They provide even more convenience and can be operated with no involvement. These machines are a step above conventional automatics, with programmable coffee size, automatically grinding beans, and usually measuring and tamping for you. These machines scored the highest in our Lab Tests for their all-in-one capabilities and ease of use.
The Philips Dinamica is a super-automatic machine capable of doing everything. It has a huge touchscreen that can display 16 different drinks including cappuccino and latte. It automatically grinds whole beans to match the selection of beverages and can save your preferred settings so that you don't have to go through the menu of choices completely. Its high-tech features include a removable water tank with a built-in water hardness tester as well as an AquaClean filter that prevents the build-up of scale and ensures that your machine always makes the highest quality cup of coffee.
Fully automatic
A fully automatic coffee machine offers an incredibly smooth, rich cup of coffee at the touch of the button. It is an excellent choice for busy homes or offices and can be used to brew both filter coffee and espresso-based drinks. Some models also feature automatic milk frothing to let you enjoy cafe-style coffees like cappuccino or the latte. Some models allow you to set your preferred drink in advance. These machines are great for anyone who needs to multitask, as they allow you to continue working while coffee is being made.
They are also well-liked in coffee shops that are commercial, as they can prepare a variety of drinks simultaneously. They are more expensive than semi-automatic models. Some may feel that the convenience of a fully automated coffee maker is worth the additional cost.
The Mcilpoog WS-203 Super-Automatic Espresso and Coffee Machine is a premium coffee machine that is highly customizable that provides the high-end features of a top-notch cafe from the comfort of your home. The touch screen display makes it easy to use. It takes only three steps to make coffee. It also comes with a movable steel burr grinder as well as adjustable settings, so you can tailor your espresso to your own preferences.
Another option that is ideal for busy homes is the De'Longhi ECAM35020W Dinamica Automatic Coffee and Espresso Machine. This coffee machine boasts a quick heat-up time, and is equipped with a movable burr grinder made of steel and a milk frother to prepare espresso-based drinks as well as coffee. It can also make a variety of coffees such as filter coffee and iced.
This is a low-cost and versatile Nespresso compatible machine that's ideal for an elegant, well-equipped home. It comes with a massive 1.7L water tank and a coffee bean capacity. It also comes with a quiet, fast heating system to make a swift and delicious cup of coffee every time. It's also extremely simple to use with user profiles that automatically prioritize each person's favourite drinks so they are just one tap away.
Super-automatic
These models are a step above semi automatic machines. They grind and dose, take the shot, and froth milk at the touch a button. They are the ideal choice for coffee lovers who want to enjoy an array of beverages and appreciate the ease of not having to prepare them one at a go like in a manual model or an automatic model.
A great 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, which means you can alter it to meet your specific requirements and save the settings. A lot of these machines have bypass dosers that allow the use of pre-ground beans instead of the beans that are in the bean hopper. This is a great feature for guests or if you need to switch from one kind of coffee to another.
The Magnifica Evo fully automated machine is also a popular choice because of its versatility and ease-of-use. It has 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, which means everyone can have their favorite drink at the touch of one button. This machine also includes the ceramic burr grinder which is the ideal choice for longevity and performance.
The Jura ENA 4 is another model produced in Switzerland that you must think about. It is sleek and minimal design, a huge bean box and water tank capacity which makes it perfect for commercial use. It features a sophisticated grinder and brewing system called the Aroma G3. This gives you some of 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 manages to deliver a quality cup of coffee. This machine can make up to 5000 cups before it needs to be descaled, which is ideal for any busy home. It also includes a built-in burr grinder, with 13 settings to allow plenty of room for customization.