10 Best Coffee Machines

Buying guide

Are you unsure which coffee machine is the best option for you? In this buying guide, you can learn more about what to look for when picking a coffee machine.

You have to determine which type of coffee machine is the best fit for your needs. Overall, there are the following types of coffee machines:

• Filter coffee machines
• Pod coffee machines
• Fully automatic coffee machines
• Semi-automatic espresso machines
• Built-in coffee machines

The following table shows the advantages and disadvantages of each of the coffee machine types:

Filter coffee machine

Advantages

Cheap purchase price

Cheap per cup of coffee

Suitable for large quantities

Long lifespan

Disadvantages

Unable to make espresso-based coffee

Few customization options

Takes a long time for one cup only

Type of coffee

Drip coffee/filter coffee

Price

£25-259 (Avg.: £116)

Amount of coffee | caffeine per cup

7,5 g | 85 mg

Price per cup of coffee

Available with grinder

Yes

Available with a milk frother

No

Pod coffee machine

Advantages

Quick coffee brewing

Many coffee options

Disadvantages

Relatively expensive per cup of coffee

Not suitable for brewing coffee for large gatherings

Not environmentally friendly

Type of coffee

Capsules or pods

Price

£54-679 (Avg.: £178)

Amount of coffee | caffeine per cup

| 50-80 mg

Price per cup of coffee

Available with grinder

No

Available with a milk frother

Yes

Fully automatic coffee machine

Advantages

Quick coffee brewing

Can make different types of coffee

Strength and size can be customized

Disadvantages

Expensive

Requires regular cleaning and maintenance

Type of coffee

Espresso based

Price

£140-2849 (Avg.: £715)

Amount of coffee | caffeine per cup

8 g | 50-70 mg

Price per cup of coffee

Available with grinder

Yes

Available with a milk frother

Yes

Semi-automatic coffee machine

Advantages

More control for fine-tuning

Can make high-quality espresso

Disadvantages

Requires learning at the beginning

Takes longer to make coffee

Requires regular cleaning

Not suitable for brewing coffee for large gatherings

Type of coffee

Espresso based

Price

£51-3006 (Avg.: £507)

Amount of coffee | caffeine per cup

8 g | 50-70 mg

Price per cup of coffee

Available with grinder

Yes

Available with a milk frother

Yes

Built-in coffee machine

Advantages

Does not take up tabletop space

Stylish

Quick coffee brewing

Can brew different types of coffee

Strength and size are customizable

Disadvantages

Advanced installation

Very high purchase price

Requires regular cleaning and maintenance

Small selection

Type of coffee

Espresso based

Price

Amount of coffee | caffeine per cup

Price per cup of coffee

Available with grinder

Yes

Available with a milk frother

Yes

Consider how many cups of coffee you typically need to brew at once. Some coffee machines are designed for brewing 1–2 cups of coffee, while others can make larger quantities.

Pod coffee and semi-automatic espresso machines are suitable for brewing only a few cups of coffee at a time. In contrast, a filter coffee machine is the best choice if you have to serve coffee to many people.

If you prefer freshly ground coffee, look for a coffee machine with a built-in grinder, or buy one you can buy separately.

Fully automatic coffee machines always have a built-in grinder.

Semi-automatic espresso machines are available with and without a built-in grinder.

Filter coffee machines are available with- and without the grinder. Most models are built without a grinder.

If you enjoy milk-based coffee drinks, like lattes and cappuccinos, consider a coffee machine with a built-in milk frother. Alternatively, you can buy a milk frother separately.

Both fully automatic coffee machines, semi-automatic espresso machines, and pod coffee machines are available with built-in milk frothers.

Coffee machines are available at a wide range of prices. Some coffee machines are much more expensive, and others have higher operating costs.

The most budget-friendly choice regarding purchase price and operating cost is filter coffee machines.

Pod coffee machines typically have a low purchase price but are generally the most expensive choice in terms of price per cup of coffee.

Fully automatic coffee and semi-automatic espresso machines are equally expensive as they typically use whole beans. However, fully automatic coffee machines are more costly in purchase price.

The following chart shows the distribution in the price of coffee machines:

If you are looking for a cheap coffee machine, take a look at the following ten cheapest models:

How fast should the coffee machine make your coffee? There is a big difference in how fast the coffee machines are to brew a cup of coffee.

Fully automatic coffee machines and pod coffee machines can brew a cup of coffee in less than 30 seconds, while semi-automatic espresso machines and filter coffee machines take longer.

If you have to brew coffee for several people, then a filter coffee machine is the fastest choice.

What type of coffee brewing do you prefer? There are various methods of coffee brewing, each with its unique characteristics and flavors.

These are the most common coffee brewing methods for coffee machines:

Drip coffee: Ground coffee is placed in a paper or metal filter, and hot water is poured over it. The water drips through the coffee grounds into a carafe below. The filter coffee machines use this type of coffee brewing method.

Espresso: With brewing espresso, the coffee machine forces hot water under pressure through finely ground coffee, resulting in a concentrated shot of coffee. Fully automatic coffee machines, semi-automatic espresso machines, and built-in coffee machines use this coffee brewing method.

Coffee pods: Coffee pods are pre-packaged, single-serving containers filled with ground coffee. These pods are designed for specific coffee machines to puncture and brew the pod. Pod coffee machines use this coffee brewing method, which can also be used in certain semi-automatic espresso machines.

These are some of the most popular features you should consider for your coffee machine.

• Timer: Some coffee machines allow you to program specific brewing times so that you can wake up to a freshly brewed cup- or pot of coffee. This function lets you set the start time and ensures your coffee is ready when needed.
• Temperature control: Some coffee machines offer adjustable temperature settings, allowing you to fine-tune your brew.
• Water filtration: Some coffee machines include water filtration systems to remove impurities and improve the taste of your coffee. Clean water is essential for brewing great-tasting coffee.
• WiFi-connectivity: Some coffee machines may offer WiFi-connectivity, allowing you to control and monitor your coffee maker remotely via a smartphone app.