Genia Rusconi

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 PS50.

These brewers provide ease of use, consistency, and hands-off simplicity. These brewers also tend to be top performers in our Lab tests.

Manual

A manual machine is a great option for those who want to be in control. These machines allow you to manually operate a piston that produces an exact amount of pressure and extraction. This kind of machine requires more knowledge and experience to operate, but many coffee drinkers find it worth the effort.

These manual coffee machines are typically made from high-quality materials and can last for a long time without any major maintenance requirement. They come with a variety of accessories including filters, portafilters measuring cup, tamper and funnel. They can be used with either ground or pod coffee and they can make lattes, cappuccinos, macchiatos, and many more. Some manual coffee machines come with a steam arm that is used for milk-based drinks. Other machines include a nozzle that distributes water onto the grounds.

The majority of manual coffee machines boil the water in a separate kettle, and then pour it over the grounds within the chamber of brewing. The user presses or raises a lever to activate a piston which forces the hot water into the cup. This type of coffee maker is not as accurate or precise in its temperature control as semi-automatic or fully automated coffee maker, therefore you may need to play with various methods to discover the best espresso flavor.

While some manual coffee machine for office machines are made to be used at home, the majority are designed for use in hospitality businesses, such as hotels and restaurants as well as bed and breakfasts and farmhouses. They are small and efficient and require little counter space. They are also less expensive than other coffee machines and can be easily repaired or replaced.

These machines are usually made from durable materials such as brass and chrome. Some are hand-crafted, and they can bring a touch of class to the kitchen design. Additionally they are typically easy to clean. They are available in a variety of colors that can be matched to the style of any kitchen. They are generally easier to operate than a fully automated coffee maker and can also make delicious, high-quality coffee.

Semiautomatic

For the espresso lover who doesn't want to be in full control of all variables involved in making a perfect shot, semi-automatic machines offer an ideal compromise. These machines begin to take over some of the duties involved in making an espresso, such as steaming milk and pre-infusion. You'll still be able customize your drinks to suit your tastes.

Breville is an established brand that is renowned for its wide range of kitchen appliances. It makes one of the best semi-automatic coffee makers on the market. The Infuser is a versatile model that allows you to make cappuccino, espresso and lattes with the click of a button. The machine automatically dispenses the right amount of water for each drink. The built-in burr grinder adjusts the size of the grind to accommodate different beans or extraction levels. The Infuser is a great option for those with limited counter space because of its slim, sleek design. It also has simple controls.

Another model that has been rated highly by Breville is the Dedica espresso machine. Its 15 bar pump is enough to make a high-quality espresso shot, and its commercial construction is built to last. The Dedica includes a movable milk tank and the frothing tool, which can be used for cappuccinos or lattes.

For a semiautomatic machine that offers even more hands-off convenience consider an automatic. These machines are a step above standard automatics, offering programmable coffee size, automatically grinding beans, and usually measuring and tamping on your behalf. These machines scored the top in our Lab Tests for their all-in-one functionality and ease of use.

The Philips Dinamica is a super-automatic machine capable of doing everything. This model has a large intuitive touchscreen interface that lets you select 16 different beverages, including latte, cappuccino, and black coffee. It automatically grinds whole beans to match the selection of beverages and even save your preferred settings so you don't have to go through the selections menu entirely. Its high-tech features include a removable water tank equipped with a built-in water softness tester and 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 automated machine can give you a rich and smooth cup of coffee with the push of the button. It's a great option for busy homes or offices, and can be used to make filter coffee and espresso-based drinks. Many models have automatic milk frothing to let you enjoy cafe-style coffees such as cappuccino or latte. Some models allow you to make your drink of choice in advance. These machines are great for multitaskers, as you can continue working while coffee is brewing.

These machines are popular in coffee shops that are commercial because they can make different drinks simultaneously. They are more expensive than semi-automatic ones. However, the convenience offered by a fully automated coffee maker could be worth the extra cost for a few people.

The Mcilpoog WS-203 Super-automatic coffee machine Espresso and Coffee Machine is a premium, highly customizable coffee machine that provides the high-end features of a top-quality cafe in the comfort of your own home. The touch screen display makes it simple to use. It only takes three steps to make coffee. It comes with an adjustable steel burr grinder and programmable settings, so you can customize your espresso to your personal preferences.

De'Longhi ECAM35020W Dinamica Automatic Coffee and Espresso Machine is another great option for busy households. The coffee maker boasts a quick heat-up time, and comes with a movable burr grinder made of steel and a milk frother for preparing espresso-based drinks as well as coffee. It also produces a variety of coffees that include filter coffee as well as iced.

This is a surprisingly versatile and affordable Nespresso-compatible machine that is ideal for the modern, well-equipped kitchen. It has a huge 1.7L water tank and a coffee bean box capacity, and comes with a quiet, fast heating system that makes a quick and delicious cup of coffee every time. It's also extremely simple to use and comes with user profiles that automatically prioritise the drinks that are most liked by each user so they are just one tap away.

Super-automatic

A step over semi-automatic machines these models grind and dose, take a shot and froth your milk all at the touch of a button. They are the best option for coffee drinkers who wish to enjoy the wide variety of beverages and appreciate the ease of not having to make them one at a go like in a manual or automatic model.

A good example is the Gaggia Velasca Prestige which combines the highest-quality brewing equipment with an automatic milk frothing system for the perfect cappuccino, lattes or macchiato. The ability to program this machine means you can tailor it to meet your needs and save your settings for next time. Many of these machines include a bypass doser that allows you to use pre-ground coffee beans instead of the beans that are in the bean hopper. This is a great option for guests, or if you need to switch from one type of coffee to another.

Magnifica Evo, a fully automatic machine is also a popular choice due to its versatility and ease-of-use. It has seven recipes that are one-touch with easy to read colored icons for everything from Espresso to a Latte Macchiato. It can also save six user profiles so that everyone can have their favorite drink brewed with the push of a button. This machine also includes the ceramic burr grinder which is the optimum choice for lifespan and performance.

The Jura ENA 4 is another model made in Switzerland that you must consider. It has an elegant and minimalist design, as well as a large bean box and capacity for water tanks which coffee machine is the best makes it perfect for commercial use. It has a highly efficient coffee brewing system as well as the amazing Aroma G3 grinder. You'll be able to enjoy the best espresso and coffee you've ever had.

The Philips 3200 LatteGo has a smaller design than other super-automatic coffee machines on this list, yet can provide a top-quality cup of coffee. It can make up to 5000 cups before it needs to be descaled, which makes it ideal for busy homes. It also includes a built-in burr grinder, with 13 settings to give you plenty of scope for personalization.