Whatever your brew of choice, investing in your own coffee machine will save you hundreds in going to your local coffee shop on the way to work. And, having the tech right at home could be the start of the perfect Sunday morning ritual.
Coffee machines can be divided into two categories: espresso or filter. What's the difference? Espresso coffee machines are going to please coffee addicts who like the choice of everything from classic espresso to milky cappuccinos. Their pressurised hot water extracts rich flavour from coffee grounds, but they can really only handle single or double shots at any one time.
Filter machines, on the other hand, are crowd-pleasers. The hot water is dripped through the coffee grounds quickly – and while you won't get the choice or the richer taste, you will get quantity, fast. If you like a no-fuss cuppa (or ten), then a filter machine is for you.
The takes the second place in our list for good reason: it makes really great coffee, it's super-easy to use and clean and it looks good on a worktop. It's only beaten into second place by our first choice because it's pod-only (Nespresso Original or compatible coffee pods) and because it's a little higher in price. Otherwise, we're big fans.
Speedy and easy to use
If you like the ease of a pod machine with good milk frothing too, this is for you. It can produce three types of milk foam! Another thing it does well is deliver you an espresso far faster than our first choice (about three times quicker at just 25 seconds). Ideal if you get twitchy waiting for that first fix of the day. Plus it's easy to use and we like that.
What do we like about it?
The automatic steam wand has three milk temperatures to choose from. Plus, the steam wand purges itself after use so cleaning it isn't an issue.
The adjustable settings don't stop there: you can control your coffee cup size, too (there are three to choose from) and milk texture, too. So, whether you like a long or short coffee, adjust the coffee machine to suit, and it'll produce your perfect cup every time.
Despite the high pressure (19 bar) pump, this coffee machine is quiet. Like our first pick, there's an energy-saving auto shut-off feature (after nine minutes).
Cleaning is simple
Let's talk cleaning: the 1.5ltr water tank is easy to remove and the metal milk jug can go in the dishwasher. There's also an indicator so you'll know when coffee machine should be descaled (anwer: not too often, and another easy, quick job).
What don't we like?
The ongoing cost and waste of pods – but then this is always an issue you'll face if you choose this type of coffee machine. That said, Nespresso does run a pod recycling scheme that's advertised on their website.
If you're looking for a bean-to-cup coffee machine, the is our top pick. Why? It does it all: grinds fresh coffee beans, makes great coffee, has an integrated frother for milky coffees and you can control it from your smartphone. No more 'I'd love a coffee if I could only get out of bed' and plenty 'Ooooh, that coffee aroma is encouraging me to get up now'.
A great bean-to-cup option
Let's put the smart functions aside for now because a smart coffee machine that produces bad coffee is no good to anyone. So, the all important question: does it make good coffee? Yes, of course it does – it's in spot three, and position one for the best bean-to-cup coffee maker.
What do we like about it?
So, down to the coffee. The espressos and cappuccinos are spot on, as you'd hope – but there are actually 21 coffee recipes you can create. The milk frother is super easy to use and effective, too, plus it self-cleans, which we're always in favour of.
If you're into grinding coffee beans, you'll be happy to know that the integrated grinder is quiet when operating; that said, there's the option, as with most models of this type, to use pre-ground coffee, too. Talking of choice, the coffee bean hopper can hold two different coffee bean types, ideal if you're not a one-taste drinker.
We also like how easy this coffee machine is to use – it's a one touch and go design with an LCD text display for clear instructions (technophobes rejoice). Even the descaling function is done at the touch of a button. In other words, it maybe smart-enabled, but it's not complicated to use.
A smart coffee machine
We're always on the look out for a smart feature (you might have noticed The Hub – our home tech pages dedicated to making life easier, not just being techy). This one's a fairly simple innovation: you download the app, and it allows you to control the coffee machine from your smartphone. You can save your favourite coffee choices so you'll always get the cup you want, and there are some useful tips on getting the best from your coffee machine, too.
While we're thinking coffee machine smarts, more on those coffee choices: this machine has the My Coffee Memory function – it saves the coffee preferences of up to eight people, and four pre-programmed classic specialities: espresso, cafe creme, cappuccino and latte macchiato. You can get hot water too, should anyone dare to ask for tea instead. The plug-in Milk System has a removable milk container which fits the fridge. Handy.
What don't we like?
We're not big fans of the black finish – although it's a good pick for contemporary kitchens. However, you'll be pleased to know it comes in a subtler stainless steel, too.
The coffee machine has a lot going for it: it's neatly proportioned, but still has a few fancy features (we'll go into them in a minute), it makes good coffee and it's really affordable compared to our other picks. But do you get what you pay for?
Value for money
For its price, you wouldn't expect this coffee machine to be the very best on our list at making coffee, but it does make a really very decent cuppa, so it's a great buy if you're on a budget or aren't a coffee snob and just like a good tasting morning pick-me-up espresso or after dinner cappuccino.
What do we like about it?
Well, the price, for one. And the one dial control is a bonus for anyone (us) who hates complicated appliances of any kind. With this one, you have a choice of three settings: one for brewing, one for milk frothing, one for standby.
But we like the extras we weren't expecting with a coffee machine this cheap: namely, the cup warmer; the manual steam wand for frothing milk; the two-in-one filter basket for fresh or pre-ground coffee. Plus, it's quick. And we mean really quick: just 20 seconds for an espresso.
Finally, we think it's subtly good looking. At that price, it could look plasticky, but we think it looks pretty professional, if on the small side.
Well built and easy to use
You might expect, for this price, that it's noisy and not very user friendly. Nope. This coffee machine is quiet and simple to get the hang of – right down to the removable water tank, which makes refilling easy (and spill-free). And for its low price, it's surprisingly sturdy.
What don't we like?
Descaling is manual. Yawn. The milk froth could be hotter. But at that price, we can live with it.
The De’Longhi EC685 might be small, but it's pretty mighty and is our pick of the best small coffee makers – perfect for small kitchens.
Good for customising your cuppa
Everything. It works perfectly well with both ground coffee and pods, so if your palate is particularly fussy, you can explore all the options to find the perfect blend. It has a steam pipe for frothing milk, and if you want to grind your own beans, you can get a matching grinder.
What do we like about it?
This small coffee machine is the real deal, thanks to a speedy heat up, adjustable steam frother and interchangeable devices for producing the perfect froth.
It comes in a number of colours, too, so can suit many kitchen schemes. While traditional in shape, its matt steel and chrome outer brings it right up to date, at a decent price, too.
Check the plug
Some reviewers mentioned it comes with an EU plug so check before purchase.
What don't we like?
Cleaning. This is like a mini version of the machines you see in coffee shops so it has a coffee sump and other accessories. This adds to the versatility, but also gives you more things to wash up afterwards.
We love the look of the but, looks aside, it makes a mean coffee, too.
What's it good at?
It's a robust and well-made coffee machine that won't take up much space on the worktop or in the cupboard. Making a coffee with it is straightforward, quick and easy once you have got to grips with the pod mechanism.
What do we like about it?
You can always rely on KitchenAid to deliver on retro style. But they haven't ignored functionality in this little machine. Whether it’s the six coffee programmes, from ristretto to lungo, automatic turn off or a quick, 30 second heat up time, this beautifully stylish small coffee machine will ensure you never regret making the extra space for it.
To make life easier, it features an easy descaling option so you can keep it in great condition for many years of reliable service. The drip tray can be washed in a dishwasher, too. We like.
What else?
It doesn't have a milk frother but is often sold as a bundle with the .
What don't we like?
Some reviewers found it hard to operate, arguing that for a fraction of the price they could have got a simpler Nespresso machine.
The is a neat little coffee pod machine that produces a decent cup.
What's it good at?
It is quick and the coffee tastes amazing. It only takes Lavazza pods, but fortunately their coffee is of supreme quality and even capsule-machine skeptics will enjoy a cup from this machine.
What do we like about it?
This stylish coffee machine produces both single and double espressos with a smooth, rich crema. Use compatible milk pods alongside its range of preset coffee settings to create your own drink, whether it’s a cappuccino or a latte.
Some pod coffee machines are notoriously noisy – not what you want in an open-plan kitchen – but not the Lavazza Jolie Plus.
What else?
Apart from being super quiet, it is also unobtrusive in size. It does only have a 0.6ltr capacity tank, so it’s perfect for individual usage and a smaller tank means it takes up less space on the worktop – win, win.
What don't we like?
The only drawback is the restrictions around the pods you can use. The machine requires Lavazza capsules and while some companys create compatible pods, the branded ones are recommended. We were happy to hear that Lavazza has recently launched some compostable capsules. Check out their Eco Cap capsules.
Find yourself craving an espresso in the middle of a yomp across the countryside? The is for you. It's the ultimate coffee-on-the-go gadget.
What's it good at?
It is easy to use and does not need to be plugged in – you could even take it camping.
What do we like about it?
It's soooo easy to use. Simply fill the base up with hot water, use the scoop to pop your favourite blend of ground coffee in its container, fix together and pump until the pressure starts pushing the water through the coffee – and you're done: a creamy, luxurious espresso.
You can then add frothed milk or more water for your desired Americano, lungo or cappuccino. It is the perfect portable pal for the coffee aficionado.
If you are particularly fussy about your coffee but you’re struggling to find a large enough space in your kitchen for a full-sized coffee machine, this clever little portable espresso maker can be tucked neatly in a drawer until you’re ready to use it.
What else?
This is probably not for anyone who has problems with their motor skills as you need to hand-pump it. It doesn't deliver lots of coffee in one go, but be mindful that this is intended to make one espresso that you then customise to taste.
What don't we like?
It RRPs at £50, which is not far off the price of filter machines or some of the cheaper pod machines – so if price is of importance, the Wacaco is not your best bet.