But there’s no point investing in a shiny new espresso machine if it’s too fiddly to bother with. And if you get a pod coffee maker, it’s important you enjoy the coffee it produces, as you’ll be tied to one brand of pods for the lifetime of the machine. When buying a coffee maker, apart from price, there are other factors to consider. How important is convenience? How quickly do you want your coffee in the morning? Are you an espresso drinker, or do you like a long filter coffee, or a latte? If you want to kick off with some advice on what kind of machine to go for, check out our buying advice after the list, where we break down the different categories of coffee machines and their pros and cons. And if you already know the kind of machine you want, you can check out our round-ups of the best pod coffee machines and the best espresso makers. Otherwise, read on to find a round-up of the top machines from brands including Smeg, De’Longhi, Lavazza and Gaggia and find out why these are the best of the machines we’ve tested.
Best coffee machine reviews
Buying advice: which one is right for you?
There are four main categories of electric/ electronic coffee makers. They all have their pros and cons. We list them below, so you can decide which type is right for you.
Easy to use Smart features Automatic milk frothing
Still pricey Relatively noisy Somewhat plasticky build
You can, of course, adjust strength and water volume to get your perfect cup and save your settings. There are some nice design features as well, like the water tank that pulls out from the front, so you don’t have to scrabble around at the back of the appliance. You’ll also get alerts when it’s time to refill the tank and empty the integral grounds container. The Dinamica Plus also has smart features, which allow you to check the machine’s status, adjust settings, save personalised drinks settings and – importantly – make yourself a latte, cappuccino or espresso remotely, with a single tap.
Great value High-quality grinder Solidly built
Large kitchen counter footprint
Beans go into the hopper on top and can be ground straight into the portafilter. It’s not quite as simple or convenient as an automatic bean-to-cup machine such as the Dinamica Plus, but if you enjoy the coffee making process – even a little bit – it’s very satisfying to use. As it comes with an inbuilt milk wand, plus milk jug and tamper, you won’t have to shell out for any other coffee-making accessories. That’s a good thing as this is a large machine that will require a dedicated spot on your kitchen counter. But it’s solid and well-made and should give you very good coffee for a long time to come.
Attractive Compatible with ESE pods & ground coffee
Expensive
It takes ground coffee or ESE pods and has a number of adjustable settings, including water hardness and temperature, so you can get your coffee exactly the way you want it. The inbuilt milk frother doubles as a hot water dispenser, which means you can make anything from a cappuccino to an americano. This is a beautiful machine that’s a pleasure to use and we’d recommend it to anyone who wants to explore the art of coffee making at home.
Easy to use interface Good customisation options Fast and quiet
Awkward water container No space for mugs No automatic milk frother
There are plenty of customisation options, including size, temperature and strength and it’s simple to use, with a colour digital display that also shows error messages and lets you know when the bean hopper is running low. The Magenta Plus offers five different beverages, although there is a bit of a catch in that it’s not fully automatic. You’ll have to get to grips with the metal steam wand and master your own frothing if you’re going to make the most of it. But if you’re happy to do that, and have the budget for this machine, you’ll be getting a classy addition to your kitchen counter.
Built-in Alexa speaker Compostable capsules Impressive espresso
No milk tank/ frother Expensive Smart coffee options limited
You can, of course, ask Alexa to make you an espresso and if the machine’s set up, it will. But really, it’s a clever way to incorporate an Alexa device into your kitchen counter set-up, and in this respect, it works. The machine is compact and easy to use but as there’s no frother or milk tank, it makes black coffee only. However, you can at least request some upbeat tunes while you enjoy your morning espresso.
Compact Integral steam wand Good value for money
Steep learning curve Stiff portafilter Manual dispensing
For its price, it makes very good coffee – but there’s a catch. There’s no automatic dispensing volume, so you’ll need to experiment to get a good shot of espresso. This makes it a great option for coffee enthusiasts who don’t mind learning to use the machine but less appealing to people looking for a quick brew. There’s also a significant cool-down period between steaming milk and brewing coffee, so if you plan to make more than two coffees in one go, it’ll take a bit of time.
Quiet Easy to use Milk options
You’re tied to A Modo Mio capsules
It’s stylish and well-made but more importantly, it makes a wide range of coffees from espresso to macchiato. The complexity means it takes a little while to get used to, but it’s pretty much a one-touch operation once you get the hang of it. The Deséa produces consistent coffee and with the option to boost temperature and foam if needed. It also operates more quietly than any other coffee machine we’ve used.
Easy to use Grinds its own beans
Timer can’t be adjusted once it’s set
It may not be smart – and may only be suitable for producing black filter coffee – but what it does, it does very well. It’s a great starter coffee machine. You can keep your coffee warm for up to forty minutes, and schedule the machine to start brewing at a certain time so you have a pot ready and waiting first thing in the morning. The fact that you can’t change the timer once it’s started is a minor annoyance, but it doesn’t detract from the fact that this is a reliable coffee maker at a good price point.
Compact Versatile brewing options
You’re tied to Dolce Gusto capsules
It’s fully automated and easy to use. You can choose from three drink temperatures, precisely calibrate the amount of water in your beverage, plus there’s the option of an espresso boost.
Compatible with Dualit and Nespresso capsules, ground coffee & ESE pod
Lightweight plastic build
It’s a decent machine, too, and not overly expensive. If you’re wondering why it’s called 3-in-1, it’s because it also accepts ESE pods as well as Nespresso capsules (and Dualit’s NX capsules, which are Nespresso-compatible).
Manual espresso machines
Pros
If you love espresso, these machines are the best. You can make proper coffee that’s every bit as good as a cup you’d get from your favourite coffee shop (once you’ve learned how). They use highly pressurised steam to produce shots of espresso, which you can mix with milk or water to make longer drinks. They typically include a milk wand, so you can make cappuccinos and lattes and won’t have to worry about heating milk separately.
Cons
While some (more expensive) machines may include a bean grinder, most won’t, so you’ll either need to invest in a separate grinder or buy your coffee pre-ground. While the latter option is easier, the ground coffee will quickly begin to oxidise and you’ll swiftly lose the magical taste of freshly ground beans. These machines are also not the simplest to use. Making a couple of coffees is a few minutes’ work and will create a reasonable amount of mess. It’s extremely hard not to spill at least some coffee between container, scoop and portafilter when you’re half asleep in the morning. It’ll also take a bit of trial and error, so a manual espresso machine is best suited to people who love their gadgets as much as their coffee. And, while not as expensive as a bean-to-cup machine, an espresso maker is likely to be much more so than a pod or a filter coffee maker.
Bean-to-cup machines
Pros
A bean-to-cup machine automates the process. It’s basically an espresso maker without the work. Put beans in. Press buttons. Coffee comes out. You drink coffee. All is well in the world. They typically have a number of settings, so you can get your coffee exactly the way you like it. Some even have programmable profiles, so each member of the household can press a single button to get their favourite coffee prepared perfectly.
Cons
There’s one major con: price. Good bean-to-cup machines start above £500/$500 and often climb way past £1,500/$1,500. It also won’t be the best option for true coffee devotees who enjoy the alchemy of perfecting their brew.
Capsule/pod machines
Pros
They’re quick. They’re mess-free. And they’re better than instant. If you want a pod coffee maker that makes a decent espresso, go for a Lavazza or a Nespresso machine. If you like mixed drinks, like lattes, cappuccinos and more, a Nescafe Dolce Gusto or Tassimo machine is probably right for you. The latter two also sell milk pods, so you can easily make blended beverages – although higher end pod machines from other brands may have a milk wand. If you go down the pod route, you’ll find that there’s now a huge variety of flavours and strengths, as well as hot chocolates and even teas you can make with your machine. These machines also tend to be the most budget-friendly, with prices starting at about $30/£30 when they’re on sale.
Cons
Once you buy, you’re committing to buying the pods or capsules for as long as you have the machine. These can work out to be more expensive than ground coffee, so although your machine is cheaper, you may end up paying more in the long run. But that depends on the brand. Dolce Gusto capsules typically work out at about 20p per cup, although you can often find deals on branded and compatible capsules that’ll help to bring the price down. There’s also the question of taste. Most are not a patch on a home espresso maker but if you sample different brands, you’ll find that some coffees are more appealing than others. Finally, there’s the issue of waste. Pod machines aren’t the most environmentally friendly, although you can use manufacturer schemes to recycle used capsules. You can find out more about this in our article on how to recycle coffee capsules.
Filter machines
Pros
Filter machines have had a bad rap, but with pour-over coffee coming back into fashion, they’re on their way up again. If you put fresh ground coffee into your machine, you should get a really delicious beverage that’s lighter than espresso but with plenty of flavour. They’re perfect for making a batch of coffee for a group of people and you won’t have to hang around the machine making individual cups. They strike a great balance between pod and manual machines, in terms of price, taste and ease of use. If you’re buying, look out for how long the machine can keep coffee warm after its brewed, how many cups it can make at once, and whether it has the option to schedule coffee to brew at set times.
Cons
A filter machine is really best for plain black coffee – or with a splash of milk from the fridge. Forget lattes and cappuccinos: they are not on the menu. Check to see if the filter machine you’re considering buying has a grinder. If not, you’ll need to use pre-ground coffee, or invest in a separate machine. The quality of the coffee you use will make a real difference. Emma is Home Tech Editor at Tech Advisor. She covers everything from kitchen appliances to smart home devices, from floor care to personal care to air care technology. She’s particularly interested in environmentally conscious brands and products that save people time and money.
