How to Choose the Best Home Coffee Machine

The best home coffee machine will complement your style of brewing and fit in your kitchen. The most important aspects are size, capacity and design.

During lab testing, this prosumer-level espresso maker amazed us with its speed and accuracy. The Sage Bambino heats quickly and efficiently. It steams milk powerfully and produces excellent extractions at 19 bars.

Pod (or Capsule) Machines

If you like the speed and convenience of making coffee from pre-ground pods, a pod machine is an excellent choice. They eliminate the mess of making coffee by eliminating the need for portafilters and complicated burr grinders that need to be cleaned regularly to eliminate coffee oils. They also require less maintenance, with routine cleaning and descaling the water reservoirs an excellent idea.

However, these types of brewers do have limitations. They are generally only compatible with a specific type of coffee pod, usually in the K-Cup, Nespresso capsule or ESE (easy-serve espresso) formats. This isn't an issue if you stick to one particular brand of coffee but can be a problem if are looking to try different brands.

The pod machines are less durable and come with a smaller tank of water. They are also slower to brew, which may not be an issue when you're in a hurry in the morning but is a hassle in the event of preparing for a long day at work.

Think about the dimensions of your bar prior to buying a pod machine. Some are slimmer and can be tucked away between other appliances. Think about how much you're willing to spend, and what drinks you would like to make. Our former director of e-commerce Louise keeps her caffeine intake affordable by using the Nespresso Vertuo Next. It allows her to make short or long espresso shots and comes with milk frother.

This sleekly designed pod-machine from Sage offers the best of both worlds - high-end technology and low-maintenance. It's not inexpensive, but it's a stylish addition to any kitchen. The sleek stainless steel design will be noticed on your counter. It can make five different drinks with the press of a button. Each capsule is equipped with an underside barcode which the machine uses to determine the beverage to be dispensed. It's also a great option for eco-conscious people since the capsules break down and decompose quickly. the reused mug is a great feature.

Manual Espresso Machines

If you are a fan of the craft of brewing espresso, manual machines can provide an enjoyable, hands-on experience. Manual espresso machines can be more time-consuming, but they can produce drinks of the highest quality. They are also typically more durable than other kinds of coffee brewers, with designs that can withstand heavy use.

Manual espresso machines aren't as user-friendly as automated ones, they're not as reliable, and often lack precise temperature control. It isn't easy to make consistently high-quality espresso shots. The most reliable manual espresso machine comes with an incline of learning that is steep and can be costly to buy and maintain.

If you're a coffee enthusiast who wants to explore the world of manual Espresso, then try the machine designed to be user-friendly. Some models include an integrated grinder and steamer for milk, which makes them a breeze to operate for novice coffee drinkers. Some models come with a removable water reservoir that makes it easier to clean and refill. Some are also programmable and allow you to decide the time for the brewing process before you wake up.

Some manual espresso makers can be quite large, making them a good choice for larger families or coffee carts. Some are smaller and require less counter space. Think about how many people you are planning to serve at one time when you decide on the size of your machine, and also. Consider a larger model if you have more than one family member or roommate who loves making espresso.

Some of the most affordable espresso machines come with an adjustable frother that will automatically heat milk and then froth it to your desired consistency. This type of machine is great for making cappuccinos and latte as well as for those with sensitive teeth. This type of machine isn't suitable for those who prefer an espresso with a thicker consistency. It makes less foam.

Automatic Espresso Machines

This category includes fully automated espresso machines that handle the entire process of making espresso, from grinding to extracting. These machines are easy to use and require little maintenance, other than cleaning and descaling. They are ideal for those who don't want their hands too dirty or have a limited countertop space for a full-sized espresso maker and coffee maker.

The top models can be programmed and come with settings for various drinks that you can save into "user profiles." They're also more likely to be Wi-Fi compatible so you can control them via your smartphone. But all that automation and programmability comes at cost: Expect to spend more money on these machines than semi-automatic and manual alternatives.

The Eveversys Cameo is one of our favorites automatic espresso makers. It's a sleek and aesthetically pleasing machine that takes up minimal space on your counter, plus it scores 5 out of 5 on our ease-of-use ratings--second only to the Miele. It's a high-output model that can house three separate grinders and hoppers and you can choose which one you'd like to use by using the touchscreen display. In addition to being easy to use, it's self-monitoring and self-calibrating which means you won't have to worry about tinkering with a knob or pressing buttons.

Cuisinart Spinn is another option in this category. The small pill-shaped machine utilizes centrifugal force to brew espresso, which is distinct from the traditional method of pushing water through the grounds. With some practice, it's able to make a variety of drinks like cappuccino and Latte. This machine was tested at the Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab of the Good Housekeeping Institute, and scored a perfect 5 in our tests for user-friendliness. It's also tiny in comparison to espresso maker specifications. It doesn't require any space on your counter.

It's worth exploring a few different types to find one that fits your taste, budget and space. Consider aesthetics, too--you'll want one that blends seamlessly with your 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

If you're looking to make your coffee that is completely controlled, a pour-over machine is an ideal choice. Pour-over machines like the Hario V60 or Chemex Funnex allow you to adjust various variables (coffee to ratio filter, brewing time, etc.) and allow you to make a brew that is customized. They also produce more vivid aromas and flavors than automatic drip machines.

The best coffee machine under 100 pour-over brewers can be used to get top-quality results. They have a thermometer which measures water temperature to the nearest degree and a pressure gauge that tells you when the desired amount of water that has been brewed has been poured. They also have a large enough portafilter to hold a standard coffee mug and they provide enough space between the portafilter and the drip tray to allow you to pour directly into your coffee mug.

They also come with a reusable charcoal filter to eliminate impurities from the water. This is crucial since coffee machine best deals makers with filters that are not of high-quality can leave a bitter taste in your cup. The best pour-over coffee makers are made of materials that can be washed in the dishwasher and do not retain or leak coffee smells.

A good pour-over brewer will be easy to clean and it should also be a joy to use. We found that all the models we tested were easy to hold in one hand, and were of the right dimensions and shape for an kitchen counter. Some of the most basic models, like the Zojirushi Zutto, even has tiny footprints, making it ideal for small spaces. Some, like the Melitta Cafe filter have a removable hand that allows you to lift and change the filters.

Philips 3200 Series is another model we like, since it has an intuitive display and a built-in grinder. The Philips 3200 Series can make black coffee, Americanos and espresso with the press of a single button. It also has a steam wand attached to make lattes or cappuccinos. This model also has a range of customizable settings that include different sizes of beverages and strength, and it can start making coffee up to 24 hours in advance of time.