Understanding Coffee Machines: A Comprehensive Guide to Choosing the Best One for You
Finding the best coffee machine for you starts with understanding what kind of coffee drinker you are, and properly understanding the choices. It’s not all about how much you spend. This guide dives into the world of coffee machines, covering types, pros and cons, testing scenarios, buying considerations, and top recommendations to help you brew barista-quality coffee at home.
Types of Coffee Machines
Automatic Bean-to-Cup Coffee Machines
Automatic Bean to Cup Coffee Machines: Fresh beans in the top, espresso out of the bottom. Main pro: Convenience & ease of use. Main Con: Cup quality not quite the same as traditional espresso. These machines have an internal brewing unit, so it does everything for you. Just be aware that auto bean to cup machines produce a slightly different kind of espresso than traditional espresso machines. They make espresso in a similar way to traditional machines, but the filter basket is inside the machine, in the brewing unit. If you’ve spoiled your palate with big bodied, bold coffees made with traditional espresso, then just keep in mind that automatic bean to cup coffee may need a bit of getting used to, as it’s not quite the same. It is very convenient, though.
Traditional Espresso Machines
Traditional Espresso Machines: Home versions of professional espresso machines, with a portafilter (filter handle). Main Pro: Potential cup quality Main Con: Learning required. Portafilter espresso machines make the best espresso, if you think of espresso as I do. If you enjoy big bodied, big flavoured espresso – either to drink neat, to add water to for Americano, or to add steamed milk to for cappuccino, latte or flat white, then you’re probably going to love the espresso (and the espresso based coffees) made with traditional machines.
Pod or Capsule Machines
Pod Machines: Nespresso original, Nespresso Vertuo, Lavazza, Nescafe Dolce Gusto, Tassimo. Main Pro: Cost price & convenience. Main Con: Cost per coffee. If you’re much more focused on convenience and low initial cost, then you may be considering a pod machine. You can get pod machines incredibly cheap, and some of the cheaper ones are actually some of the better ones, as you’ll see below, but in terms of long term value for money, taking into account how long you might have the machine for and what the pods cost, it’s often not quite the same story.
Filter Coffee Machines
Filter Coffee Machines: Machines that make filter coffee ;-). Main Pro: They make filter coffee, which is a pro if you want to drink filter coffee. Main Con: They make filter coffee, which is a con if you wanted to drink espresso based coffees. Drip coffee, also known as filter coffee, is the nation’s favorite brewing style. The smooth, light, delicate flavors are easy to sip all day long. One of the pros of drip coffee makers is their sheer simplicity.
Pros and Cons of Coffee Machine Types
Bean-to-Cup Machines
- Pros: quick, convenient, less pricey than more sophisticated coffee machines and relatively mess-free, you’re guaranteed to have fresh coffee every day (beans and ground coffee quickly go stale once a bag is exposed to open air).
- Cons: the pods aren’t always recyclable, can work out as more expensive over time, you’re limited to coffee from certain brands and can only make one cup at a time.
Espresso Machines
- Pros: this is a choice for the serious coffee devotee with larger kitchens. They employ the same tamp-and-pack method that you see in cafés and coffee shops. You put the coffee in a portafilter and fasten it into the machine, then it drips out a condensed espresso with crema top.
- Cons: may or may not offer milk wands for steaming milk and require a hands-on approach.
Pod Machines
- Pros: Usually quite compact, so won’t take up too much space in your kitchen. Cheap to buy – some cost as little as £40. Quick, simple and consistent results, with little clean-up required. Some also make drinks such as hot chocolate and tea. Good for occasional coffee drinkers, as the sealed pods keep coffee fresh. Can have a range of coffee flavours and styles on the go at once.
- Cons: More expensive per drink than ground coffee or beans. Coffee pods create waste, as many pods are plastic – although some are greener than others. You’re usually tied into using a specific capsule type (eg Nespresso pods), limiting your choice of drink and where you can buy the pods. Some are only available online.
Filter Coffee Machines
- Pros: The combination of simplicity and customizability qualifies this machine as one of the best coffee makers. It’s also extremely consistent — every cup of coffee brewed at every setting tasted just like it should.
- Cons: The thermal carafe of some models is not dishwasher-safe, plus it has a very narrow mouth that requires cleaning with a bottle brush.
Testing Scenarios for Coffee Machines
Our coffee machine reviews are based on exhaustive lab tests and assessments conducted by our technicians. We evaluate coffee machines on essential criteria such as performance, ease of use and cleaning. We do a blind taste test to check the colour and thickness of the coffee’s crema (the tan-coloured foam on the top of an espresso shot), plus the aroma, flavour, mouthfeel and aftertaste. To see how easy each machine will be to use, we try the controls, fill the water tank and bean hopper, adjust the grinder, make a coffee, and clean it inside and out. We experiment with each machine to find how well it heats milk, looking for fine, pourable froth. We measure the consistency of 4 consecutive coffees after warming up each machine for 5 minutes. We add another 5 minutes for thermoblock and small boiler machines, and 30 minutes for heat exchangers.
For espresso machines, we brought the espresso machines to the Academy at Coffee Project NY, where founder Kaleena Teoh tested the machines with us using Coffee Project’s The Retro blend. She pulled a few shots to dial in on each machine, providing her feedback on each machine’s capabilities and feel. She also steamed whole milk with each machine (and finished every drink with beautiful lotus latte art). The coffee machines were tested across criteria such as taste and usability. I tested (or retested) 10 machines, several of which I’ve reviewed previously and three of which have a permanent place on my kitchen worktop. Several kilos of fresh coffee beans and a pile of Nespresso-compatible pods have been sourced direct from my go-to roaster, Craft House Coffee.
Buying Guide for Coffee Machines
Key Considerations
- How Much Coffee Do You Drink? If you drink only one or two mugs of coffee per day, a 1- or 2-cup drip model or a single-serve machine may be the right fit. But if you tend to drink more than that or you’re in a household with more than one coffee drinker, a larger automatic drip machine with a carafe or a coffee maker with a self-serve reservoir might suit you better.
- Want to Program Your Coffee Maker? If making coffee in the morning is daunting, consider buying a programmable coffee maker. You can set everything up the night before and then schedule it to brew a fresh pot by the time your morning alarm goes off.
- How Much Space Will Your Coffee Maker Need? Take into account the height of the coffee maker, as well as its width and depth. All of the coffee machines in CR’s tests can fit on a countertop beneath standard upper cabinets.
- What’s Your Budget? Here’s some good news: Our tests have found that you can brew a great cup of coffee with a model that costs less than $100.
Maintenance Tips
- A top tip for filter coffee machines is to never use the coffee carafe to fill the machine with water: this coats the machine’s insides with hard-to-remove coffee residue.
- Some machines have built-in water filters that can pretty much banish the buildup of limescale, but you can get the same benefit by using an affordable water filter jug.
- Daily cleaning is non-negotiable for machines with built-in milk-frothing systems. Spoiled milk will taint plastic parts permanently.
Comparison Table of Top Coffee Machines
| Model | Type | Price Range | Key Features | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Breville Bambino Plus | Espresso | $400-$500 | Auto milk frothing, compact design, fast heat-up | Beginner-friendly, excellent espresso quality, small footprint | Requires separate grinder, limited automation |
| Nespresso Vertuo Lattissima | Pod | $300-$400 | Milk dispenser, multiple drink sizes, barcode brewing | Convenient, versatile, recyclable pods | Expensive pods, limited coffee variety |
| Technivorm Moccamaster KBGV | Filter | $300-$400 | SCA-certified, thermal carafe, 5-year warranty | Consistent brewing, durable, stylish | No clock or descaling reminder, pricey |
| De’Longhi Eletta Explore | Bean-to-Cup | $1,000-$1,500 | Auto milk frothing, 12 drink options, touchscreen | Freshly ground coffee, highly customizable | Expensive, large footprint |
Best Product Recommendations
Breville Bambino Plus
The Bambino Plus’s balance of coffee-brewing talent and beginner-friendly features can’t be beaten for the money. It welcomes even complete newcomers with its friendly, informative user manual and helpful YouTube tutorials, and it’s capable of brewing brilliant coffee. It’s a neat little machine, and the modest dimensions mean it will slot unobtrusively on to most kitchen worktops. Check it on Amazon.
Nespresso Vertuo Lattissima
The Nespresso Vertuo Lattissima is the best pod coffee maker I’ve tried. With a smart and convenient milk dispenser and all the flexibility of a Nespresso Vertuo machine, it’s my favorite single-serve coffee maker on the market for those who want the option to make just about any coffee-based drink. Check it on Amazon.
Technivorm Moccamaster KBGV
The Technivorm Moccamaster KBGV Select offers consistent brewing, looks fantastic, and is designed to last a lifetime. It’s a great option for those who want a reliable but high quality drip coffee maker, and users have depended on its well-made design for decades. Check it on Amazon.
De’Longhi Eletta Explore
If you’ve been wary of bean to cup machines because they seem too complicated to use, the Rivelia could change your mind. Once programmed to your preferences, you can rely on consistently excellent results, whoever is making the coffee. There are 12 beverages to choose from including all the regular espresso and cappuccino options you’d expect as well as cold brew and hot chocolate. Check it on Amazon.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between a pod machine and an espresso machine?
Pod machines use pre-packaged capsules for quick, consistent coffee with minimal cleanup, ideal for convenience. Espresso machines use ground coffee or beans, offering more control over flavor but requiring more skill and maintenance.
How often should I clean my coffee machine?
Clean your machine after every use, especially milk-frothing components, to prevent residue buildup. Descale every 1-3 months, depending on water hardness and usage, using manufacturer-recommended solutions.
Are pod machines environmentally friendly?
Many pods are not recyclable, contributing to waste, though brands like Nespresso offer recycling programs. Ground coffee or reusable filters in espresso or drip machines are more eco-friendly options.
Can I make latte art with a home coffee machine?
Yes, machines with steam wands, like the Breville Bambino Plus, allow you to froth milk for latte art. Practice and a good wand are key to achieving professional results.
What’s the best coffee machine for a small kitchen?
Pod machines like the Nespresso Vertuo Lattissima or compact espresso machines like the Breville Bambino Plus are great for small spaces due to their minimal footprint.
For more coffee-making tips, check out Serious Eats for expert brewing guides or BBC Good Food for recipe ideas.