There's a lot of technical brilliance behind this machine, which is able to precisely regulate the temperature of water and evenly disperse it over ground coffee in the filter basket. This gives more flavor than the cheaper alternatives.
This fully automated machine takes care of everything. In contrast to semiautomatic machines which require you to fill your portafilter manually and decide when you're ready to stop pulling the portafilter, this fully automated machine takes care of everything for you.
Filter coffee machines
A filter coffee machine brews up a pot of filter coffee by passing hot water through ground coffee beans that are placed in a filter. The grounds absorb the water, releasing flavor compounds, which are extracted into your cup of coffee. They are available in a variety of sizes, ranging from three to 13 cups, and come with a variety of features.
A few of the models we tested have an insulated jug that helps keep your coffee warm without the need for a consuming hotplate. Other models have an adjustable timer that runs 24 hours a day, so you can set the timer for the night prior to and awake to a jug of coffee waiting to drink. Other useful features include a permanent reusable filter to cut down on the waste of paper, and a water tank that allows you to easily see the amount of water left.
Some filter coffee makers are small enough to sit on the countertop of a small kitchen, while others are larger. Some have a tank that can be removed to make refilling and cleaning easy. Some have fixed tanks, which could restrict the space you make use of.
If you want a filter coffee maker with added functions, pick one with a grinder integrated. This allows you to grind freshly brewed coffee beans as you please and then dispense the ground beans directly into the basket. Some models offer this accessory as an alternative. There are models that use pre-ground coffee beans.
We suggest a model with a bigger capacity for those who want to make multiple cups at a time. We've tested several filter coffee makers that come with this feature and discovered that the Melitta Look V Timer is one of the top in making great filter coffee at a reasonable cost. It's extremely easy to set up and use, has an impressive amount of user reviews with a lot of useful tips and guidelines and is extremely robust and reliable.
Espresso machines
Drawing inspiration from manual coffee makers that are used in cafes espresso machines can be used to make a variety of drinks that are special at the push of one button. The machines require more effort than other types as users grind their own coffee beans, weigh the grounds, and then steam the milk on their own. However, our test subjects have found the results to be worth the extra work.
Aiming for the same level of quality as a barista espresso machine, espresso machines use hot water and up to nine bars of pressure to make a stronger, more concentrated drink. They can be equipped with a built in milk frother to make macchiatos and cappuccinos. They tend to be more expensive but provide a premium experience.
They are a favorite choice for those who want to recreate the cafe-style coffee at home. They have an airtight tank in which the water is heated to a boiling point before being released through a nozzle, and then into ground coffee. The machines may take some time to heat up however when they are fully operational, they can make the cup in between 4 and 6 minutes.
For those who want greater control, a semi-automatic espresso maker allows users to add their own ground beans but automatically stops the flow of water halfway through the brewing process. This is done to ensure consistency in the final espresso. It is not for novices and requires some time to master. But for those with a knack for tamping, this could be the perfect espresso maker.
The more sophisticated super-automatic espresso machine takes away the guesswork of the process and is more a commercial coffee maker. The machine grinds and weighs the coffee machines commercial, and then pumps hot water through it before being dispensed into your cup. These machines are great for those who want to create a specific beverage rather than just an espresso. They tend to be among the most popular available.
Pod or capsule coffee machines are the easiest to use but provide less of a customizable experience than their counterparts that are bean-to-cup. The Lavazza Jolie Milk offers nine preset drink options that range from classics like cappuccino and white coffee to more inventive concoctions such as ristrettos and macchiatos. It also can dispense hot water and steam at the press of the button.
Bean-to-cup machines
The top bean-to-cup machines crush whole beans on demand and then make a range of drinks - usually by pressing a button. A lot of them allow you to save your coffee preferences so that every time you turn the machine on, it will automatically make the drink you're looking for. They can be connected to home tech networks or apps for greater flexibility.
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 also often designed to provide a higher quality of coffee than pod or capsule machines. This is because a quality bean-to-cup machine grinds the beans to a precise consistency, then force hot water through them at the precise pressure and duration required to enhance the flavor.
There are also plenty of coffee makers that have milk foaming capabilities. This is great for creating the creamy and textural layers in a cappuccino or Latte. However it can be tricky to get these right. Once you master the machine it is able to make drinks that are at home in a specialty coffee shop.
Sage's Oracle Touch is one of the best examples for a modern bean to cup machine. It's a bit more expensive than some of the top capsule or pod machines, but the additional cost is worth it. The machine features a large screen that is color-coded and guides the user through each process of making a certain coffee. It features a pro-steam wand to produce the perfect texture of your milk, and allows you to customize the drink to your tastes. It can also dispense cold drinks as well as hot drinks, and the Oracle Touch will even keep your preferred drink in mind for the school-run and you don't need to make up a new order each time. If you're in the market for a top-quality coffee maker with a top-quality burr grinder, as well as a variety of custom features, take a look at our complete review of this machine.
Machines for capsules or pods
The top pod coffee machines eliminate the guesswork of brewing, and give consistent results with little or no fuss. These machines can be used to make capsules that contain instant or ground coffee, tea, and other drinks. They are a great alternative for those less experienced with espresso or bean-to-cup machines, and are looking for an easy fix for the morning commute.
These machines are a good alternative for those who don't want to purchase large quantities of beans, and also because they're cheaper if you're not using them frequently. However, they're generally less flexible than other models and do not give the same high-quality brew that a filter or bean-to-cup machine can provide.
If you're looking for a simple cup of coffee, this pod coffee maker from Illy is the ideal choice. It's as simple as lifting the flap on top (which automatically ejects the used capsule) then put in the new one, and then press either the big cup or small cup button. The machine uses an exclusive two-stage extraction process to make delicious, rich coffee.
The included milk frother lets it to serve hot drinks, such as herbal teas, hot chocolate and cappuccinos as well as lattes. It's important to note that the milk derived from pods doesn't have the same texture and richness as milk made with manual frothers, such as Dualit or Lavazza.
The machine is more elegant than the majority of pod coffee makers out there It's also quieter, so it won't create a noise when you're enjoying your caffeine fix. It's designed to be a perfect fit for any kitchen, from modern to rustic, and it's a pleasure to use. The large lever swells up and flies the capsule away into the receptacle, which can accommodate ten capsules.
The machine has a wide range of beverage options including short black espressos to tall travel mugs, and the barcode reader will identify the type of pod you're using. It's not as customizable as the machine that grinds beans into cups, and you can't adjust the amount of coffee that is extracted.
