There's a lot more technical power behind this machine, which is able to precisely regulate the temperature of water and evenly distribute it over ground coffee in the filter basket. This ekes out more flavour than the cheaper alternatives.In contrast to semiautomatic machines, which require you to pack the portafilter manually and decide when to stop pulling, this fully automated machine does everything for you.
Filter coffee machines
A filter coffee machine makes up a pot of filter coffee by passing hot water through coffee beans, which are then placed in a filter. The grounds absorb the water, releasing the flavour compounds that are then extracted into your cup of coffee. They come in a range of sizes, ranging from 3 to 13 cups, and come with a range of features.
A couple of models we tested have insulation to keep your coffee warm without the need for an energy-hungry hotplate, and others come with an adjustable timer that runs 24 hours a day, so you can set it up at night and awake to a jug of coffee ready for you to drink. Other helpful features include a reusable, permanent filter that minimizes the amount of paper waste and an easily visible water tank that is easily visible.
Some filter coffee machines are small enough to fit on a small kitchen countertop, while others have larger footprints. Some models have a removable tank to make refilling and cleaning easy. Some have fixed tanks that could limit the space you can use.
For a filter coffee maker that has additional functions, look for one with an integrated grinder so you can grind your own coffee beans at any time and then pour directly into the filter basket (though some offer this as an option). You can also find model that make use of pre-ground beans too.
If you're looking to to make multiple cups of filter coffee at a time we suggest a model with a larger capacity. We've tested several filter coffee makers with this feature and discovered the Melitta Look V Timer to be among the best for providing a delicious cup of filter coffee for a good price. It's super simple to set up and use, comes with an impressive number of user reviews, as well as a lot of helpful tips and guides, and is very durable and reliable.
Espresso machines
Taking a page from the manual coffee makers found in cafes Espresso machines are able to create a range of special drinks at the push of one button. They require a little more effort to use than other kinds of machines as users grind their own beans and measure and tamp the grounds and steam milk in separate batches - however our test subjects found that the results were worth it.
Espresso machines make use of hot water and pressures up to nine bar to create an intense, more concentrated drink. They can be equipped with a built in milk frother to make macchiatos and cappuccinos. They are often more expensive, but offer premium experience.
These are popular for those who wish to recreate the cafe coffee at home. They have an airtight tank that heats the water to a boiling point before being released through a nozzle and into ground coffee. They can take a while to heat up, but once they are ready, they are able to make a cup of coffee in four to six minutes.
Semi-automatic espresso machines are a good alternative for those who want 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 consistency in the resulting espresso. It is not for novices, and it takes some patience to master. But for those who have a knack to tamp, this can be the perfect espresso maker.
The more advanced super-automatic espresso machine eliminates the guesswork of the process and is more an industrial coffee maker. 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 interested in making a specific beverage, rather than just an ordinary cup of coffee. They tend to be the most sought-after coffee maker on the market.
The capsule and pod machines are simple to use, but they offer 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 the classics like white coffee and cappuccino to more imaginative drinks like ristrettos or macchiatos. It can also serve steam and hot water at the push of a button.
Bean-to-cup machines
The best bean-to-cup machines crush whole roasted beans at the touch of a button and make a range of drinks - usually by pressing the button. Some machines allow you to save your preferences for coffee, to ensure that the machine can produce the drink that you like every time it is turned on. They can also be linked to apps or home tech networks for greater flexibility and automation.
Most of the time, you are able to alter the finer points of each beverage, such as the temperature and the pressure of the extraction, so you have complete control over what each cup tastes like. They're often designed to produce a higher quality of coffee than capsule or pod machines. A good bean-to-cup machine will grind the coffee beans to a precise consistency, and then force hot filtrated water through the beans at the exact pressure and time needed to enhance the flavor.
There are many bean-to-cup machines that can also froth milk. This is great for making the rich, textural layers of the cappuccino or latte although there can be a bit of a learning curve in getting these drinks right. Once you've got the machine mastered it can make drinks that can be enjoyed in specialty coffee shops.
Sage's Oracle Touch is one of the best examples for modern bean to cup machine. It's a bit more expensive than the best capsule or pod machines, but it's worth the extra cost. The machine has a large screen that is color-coded, and helps the user through every step of making a certain coffee. It features a pro-steam wand to create the perfect texture of your milk, and allows you to personalize the drink to your preferences. It is also able to serve cold drinks as well as hot drinks, and the Oracle Touch will even remember your drink of choice for school runs, so you don't have to make a fresh order every time. Take a look at our complete review if you're in the market for a high-quality coffee machine with a top-quality grinder and a lot of customized features.
The capsule or pod machines
The best pod coffee machines take the guesswork out of brewing, and give consistent results with little or no effort. These machines offer capsules containing instant or ground coffee, tea, and other beverages. They are a good alternative for those less familiar with espresso or bean-to-cup machines and are looking for a quick fix on an early morning at work.
These machines are a good option for those who don't wish to purchase large quantities of beans. They also work because they're less expensive if you're not using them frequently. However, they're generally less flexible than other models and will not provide the same quality of brew that a filter or bean-to-cup machine can provide.
This pod coffee maker is ideal for those who need a quick cup of coffee. Simply lift the top cover (which automatically ejects capsules that have been used) and then insert a new capsule and press the button to select either the large or the small cup. The machine uses a unique two-stage extraction method to create rich and satisfying coffee.
The milk frother included allows it to serve hot drinks, such as hot chocolate, herbal teas, and cappuccinos or lattes. It's worth noting that pod-related milk tends to lack the luxuriously smooth texture that you can achieve using a more expensive manual frothers from Dualit or Lavazza.
It's more quiet and elegant than other pod coffee makers. It won't bother you while you get your caffeine fix. It's made to fit into any kitchen, from modern to rustic and is a joy to use. The lever is large and flies the capsule into the receptacle that can hold ten large capsules.
The machine offers a wide selection of drinks, from short black espressos to tall travel mugs, and the barcode reader inside will identify the 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.
