Coffee Machine: It's Not As Expensive As You Think How to Choose the Best Home Coffee Machine

The ideal home espresso machine can be a perfect fit for your kitchen and complement your preferences for brewing. The most important considerations are capacity, size, and design.

This espresso maker for prosumers impressed us by its speed, precision and user-friendliness. The Sage Bambino heats up quickly and efficiently, powerfully steams milk, and produces fantastic 19-bar extractions.

Pod (or capsule) machines

If you like the speed and ease of making coffee using pre-ground pods, a pod maker is an excellent choice. These machines take the sloppy parts of brewing, and eliminate the need for complicated burr grinders and portafilters that must be cleaned regularly to remove coffee oils. They also generally require less maintenance, making regular cleaning and descaling the water reservoirs a good idea.

These types of brewers have their limitations, however. They generally only work with specific types of coffee pods, typically in the K-Cup, Nespresso capsule or ESE (easy-serve espresso) formats. This isn't an issue if your coffee is from the same brand, but it could be a problem if you want to experiment with different types of coffee.

Another disadvantage of pod machines is that they usually have smaller water tanks and are generally less durable than bean-to-cup models. They can also take longer to brew. This may not be a problem if you are working in a hurry in the morning, but it can be a problem if you have a long workday ahead.

Think about the size of your bar prior to purchasing a pod machine. Some are slimmer and can be placed between other appliances. Also, consider how much you're willing spend and the beverage options you'd like to make. Our former director of ecommerce Louise keeps her caffeine intake low-cost by using the Nespresso Vertuo Next. It allows her to make either short or long espresso shots, and comes with a milk frother.

This sleekly designed pod-machine from Sage provides the best of both worlds - high-spec 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 by simply pressing a button. Each capsule has an individual barcode on the underside that the machine reads to decide which beverage to serve. It's also a great option for those who are environmentally conscious since the capsules break down and decompose very quickly and the reused mug is a great feature.

Best filter coffee machine can be a fun, hands-on way to learn the art of brewing espresso. They take longer to prepare than automated espresso machines, but if you've got the patience and ability to work with them, they can make high-quality drinks tailored to your preferences. They are also typically more durable than other kinds of coffee brewers, and have designs that can stand up to the rigors of use.

Manual espresso machines however, aren't as easy-to-use as automatic espresso machines, and often do not have precise temperature controls. It isn't easy to make consistently high-quality espresso shots. The top manual espresso machines have steep learning curves, and can be costly to purchase and maintain.

If you are a coffee enthusiast who wants to learn more about manual Espresso, then you should consider a machine that is designed to be easy to use. Certain models come with an integrated milk steamer and grinder, making them easy to use for novice coffee drinkers. Some models come with an open reservoir that makes it easier to refill and clean. Some are programmeable and allow you to set the timing for the brew cycle to begin prior to waking.

Some manual espresso machines can be quite large and are an ideal choice for larger families or coffee carts. Some are smaller and require less counter space. When choosing the size of your machine you should consider how many people will be using it at once. Consider a larger machine in the event that you have more than one family member or roommate who enjoys brewing espresso.

A few of the cheapest espresso machines have a programmable frother that can automatically heat milk and froth it until you get the desired consistency. This kind of machine works well for cappuccinos, lattes and is also suitable for those who have sensitive teeth. It's important to note that this type of machine might not be suitable for those who prefer a bigger cup of espresso, since it makes less foam than other types of espresso makers.

Automatic Espresso Machines

In this category, you'll find fully automatic espresso machines that control the entire process of brewing, from grinding to extraction. They have user-friendly interfaces, and require minimal maintenance, other than regular cleaning and descaling. These are great for people who don't want to get their hands dirty or have a limited countertop space for a full-sized espresso maker and coffee maker.

The top models are highly programmable and come with settings for various drinks that can be saved into "user profiles." They're also more likely to be Wi-Fi enabled so you can control them via your smartphone. However, all this automation and programmability is at cost: Expect to pay more for these devices than semi-automatic or manual alternatives.

One of our most favored espresso makers that is automatic is the sleek Eveversys Cameo. It's a sleek and elegant machine that occupies a small space on your countertop. It also scored 5/5 in our ratings for ease of use - just behind Miele. It's a high-output machine with three different grinding hoppers and hoppers. You can choose which one you wish to use by using the touchscreen display. In addition to being easy to use, it's also self-monitoring and automatically calibrates itself which means you won't have to worry the hassle of turning the knob or pressing buttons.


Another option is the Cuisinart Spinn. The small pill-shaped machine utilizes centrifugal force for espresso, which is distinct from the traditional method of forcing water down through the grounds. With some practice, it can produce various drinks like cappuccino and Latte. We tried it at the Good Housekeeping Institute's Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab and it scored the highest score in our ease-of-use ratings, scoring an impressive 5. It's also small according to espresso maker standards, which means it won't take up much room on your counter.

It's worth trying several different kinds of espresso machines to find the one that suits your personal taste, available space, and budget. Think about aesthetics too, as you'll need something that is compatible with your home decor and coffee cart. And don't forget to measure your countertop to ensure the machine you choose will be a good fit.

Pour-Over Machines

Pour-over machines are an excellent alternative if you want complete control over your coffee brewing. Manual pour-over devices, such as the Chemex Funnex or the Hario V60, allow you to alter a range of variables (coffee grounds to water ratio filter type, brewing time) to create a brew that is unique. They also produce more vivid flavors and aromas than drip machines that are automated.

The best pour-over brewers make it easy to get top-quality results. They come with a thermometer that measures the temperature of the water to the nearest degree, and a precise pressure gauge that lets you know when the desired amount of water is poured. They have a portafilter large enough to fit the standard coffee mug, and provide enough space between the portafilter and the drip tray to ensure you can pour your brew directly into your coffee cup.

The coffee makers also come with charcoal filters that can be cleaned to eliminate impurities in the water. This is crucial, as the coffee maker with an inferior filter can result in a bitter taste to your cup. The top pour-over coffee makers are made of materials that can be washed in the dishwasher and don't hold or leak coffee smells.

A good pour-over is simple to clean and enjoyable to use. We found that all the models we tested were easy to hold in one hand, and were the perfect size and shape to fit on the kitchen counter. Some of the most basic, such as the Zojirushi Zutto, even has an extremely small footprint making it suitable for small spaces. Some, such as the Melitta Cafe filter, come with a hand that can be removed, which makes it easier for you to remove and replace filters.

Philips 3200 Series is another model we like, as it has a simple display and an integrated grinder. It can make espresso, Americanos, and black coffee with a push of a button and has an integrated steam wand that can be used for lattes and cappuccinos. This model also has various settings that can be customized including different sizes for beverages and strength and it can begin the brewing process up to 24 hours ahead of time.