A Journey Back In Time How People Discussed Coffee Machine 20 Years Ago How to Choose the Best Home Coffee Machine

The best espresso machine for home use will fit your kitchen and complement your preferences for brewing. The most important considerations are size, capacity, design, and price.

In our lab tests, this prosumer-level espresso maker impressed us by its speed and precision. The Sage Bambino heats quickly and efficiently. It steams milk vigorously and produces excellent extractions at 19 bars.

Pod (or capsule) machines

If you like the speed and convenience of making coffee using pre-ground pods, a pod maker is a good option. These machines remove the mess of making coffee by removing the need for portafilters and complicated burr grinders that must be cleaned frequently to remove coffee oils. They also generally require less maintenance, with routine cleaning and decaling of water reservoirs is a good idea.

These brewers have their limitations, however. They are restricted to certain types of coffee pods, like K-Cups Nespresso capsules or ESE (easy serve espresso). This isn't an issue if you stick to a particular brand of coffee, but it can be a problem if are interested in trying different brands.

Another drawback of pod machines is that they tend to have smaller water tanks and are often less durable than bean-to-cup machines. which coffee machine is best can also take longer to brew. This may not be a problem if you are in a hurry in the morning, but it could be a problem if you have a long day of work ahead.

Think about the dimensions of your bar prior to buying a pod machine. Some are slimmer and can fit between other appliances. Also, consider how much you're willing to spend and the drink options that you'd like to make. Our former editor in charge of e-commerce Louise remains hydrated on a tight budget by using the Nespresso Vertuo Next, which allows her to serve espresso shots of either length or short and includes an efficient milk frother for lattes.

This elegant, sleek pod-machine comes with high-end features and low-maintenance. It's not cheap, but it's a stylish addition to any kitchen. The sleek stainless steel design will make a statement on your counter. It can make five different drinks with the push of the button. Each capsule is equipped with an underside barcode which is used by the machine to determine the beverage to be dispensed. It's an excellent choice for sustainability enthusiasts, as the capsules break down and decay quickly. The reusable mug makes it a good option.

Manual Espresso Machines

For those who enjoy the craft of brewing espresso, manual machines can provide an enjoyable, hands-on experience. They take longer to prepare than automated espresso machines but if you've got the patience and skill to work with them, they can produce high-quality drinks tailored to your preferences. They are also more durable than other kinds of coffee brewers, with designs that can stand up to the rigors of use.

Manual espresso machines aren't as user-friendly as automatic ones, however, and they often lack precise temperature control. It isn't easy to make consistent, high-quality espresso shots. The most reliable manual espresso machine has steep learning curve and can be costly to buy and maintain.

If you are an avid coffee drinker who would like to explore the world of manual Espresso, then try an espresso machine that has been designed to be user-friendly. Some models come with an integrated milk steamer and grinder, making them simple to use for new coffee drinkers. Some have an adjustable reservoir for water that makes it easier to clean and refill. Others are programmable that lets you choose the time to start the brewing process before you wake up.


Some manual espresso machines can be quite big and could be an ideal choice for larger households or coffee carts. Some are smaller and require less counter space. When choosing the size of your machine, you must also consider how many people will be using it at the same time. Consider a larger model if you have more than one family member or roommate who enjoys brewing espresso.

A few of the cheapest espresso machines come with an adjustable frother which can heat milk automatically and froth it until you get the desired consistency. This type of machine works well for lattes, cappuccinos and is also suitable for those who have sensitive teeth. This type of machine is not suitable for those who like more of a thicker espresso. It produces less foam.

Automatic Espresso Machines

In this category, you'll find fully automatic espresso machines that manage the entire brewing process, from grinding to extraction. These machines are easy to use and require only minimal maintenance, other than cleaning and descaling. They are ideal for those who don't want their hands too filthy or have limited countertop space for a full-sized espresso maker and coffee maker.

The top models are highly programmable and come with different settings for drinks that can be saved into "user profiles." They're also more likely to be Wi-Fi compatible which means you can control them via your smartphone. All this automation and programmability is expensive: These machines are more expensive than semi-automatics or manuals.

The Eveversys Cameo is one of our top automatic espresso makers. It's a sleek and aesthetically pleasing machine which takes up little space on your counter. It also scored 5 out 5 in our evaluations for ease of use, just behind Miele. It's a high-output model which can accommodate three separate grinders and hoppers, and you can select which one you'd like to use by using a touchscreen display. It's easy to use and has self-monitoring so you don't need to mess with knobs or buttons.

Another option in this category is the Cuisinart Spinn. This small pill-shaped device uses centrifugal forces to make coffee and is a different method than the traditional method of forcing water through grounds. With some practice, it can produce a variety of drinks like cappuccino or Latte. We tested the machine at the Good Housekeeping Institute's Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab and it was awarded the highest score in our ratings for ease-of-use, scoring a perfect 5. It's also small by espresso maker standards, so it won't take up much space on your counter.

It's worth experimenting with a few different types to find one that fits your taste, budget and space. Also, consider the aesthetics. You'll want to choose something that blends in with your decor and also your coffee cart. Also, don't forget to take measurements of your countertop to make sure that the machine you pick will work with your countertop.

Pour-Over Machines

If you're looking to brew a cup of coffee that is completely controlled the pour-over machine is a good option. Manual pour-over machines, such as the Chemex Funnex or the Hario V60, allow you to alter a range of variables (coffee grounds to water ratio filter type and the brewing time) to create a brew that is unique. They also produce more vivid flavors and aromas than drip machines that are automated.

Pour-over brewers are designed to produce high-quality results. They come with a thermometer that determines the temperature of the water to the nearest degree and an indicator of pressure that informs you when the desired amount of brewed water has been poured. They have a portafilter large enough to accommodate the standard coffee mug, and provide enough space between the portafilter and the drip tray so you can pour your brew directly into your cup of coffee.

The coffee makers also have charcoal filters which can be removed to remove impurities in the water. This is crucial because the coffee maker with an inferior filter can create a bitter taste in your cup. Additionally, the top pour-over brewers are made of materials that are safe to wash in the dishwasher and don't leak or hold onto coffee odors.

A good pour-over is easy to clean and enjoyable to use. Most models were easy to use and easy to hold in one hand. They also were the perfect size and shape for a kitchen counter. Some of the most basic models, such as the Zojirushi Zutto have a small footprint and are suitable for small spaces. Others, like the Melitta Cafe Filter have a handle that can be removed, which makes it easier to remove and replace the filter.

We also love the Philips 3200 Series, which includes a built-in burr grinder as well as a simple display. The Philips 3200 Series is able to brew black coffee, Americanos and espresso with the push of a single button. It also has an attached steam wand for cappuccinos or lattes. This model also has a range of customizable settings, including different beverage sizes and strength, and it can start brewing up to 24 hours ahead of time.