Like coffee? Then you’ll LOVE our best coffee machine round up because if you’re anything like us, then only the best freshest coffee will do in the mornings (and early afternoon).
And the good news here is that there has never been a better time to buy than right now because with the sales on, you could pick up a fab bargain.
Keep scrolling to see our top pick of the best coffee makers which we’ve tested in our own homes. We’ve reviewed the ease of use, maintenance, appearance, and price all the important factors so you can be confident you are getting the best buy, for you.
If you prefer to drink a cup of tea or hot chocolate, take a look at our best kettles guide for our pick of the best electric and stovetop models.
Our pick of the best coffee machines for 2020
1. Nespresso by Sage Creatista Uno SNE500BKS Pod Coffee Machine
Best coffee machine (overall): it’s easy to use and clean, too
Specifications
- Best for Pod coffee
- Type: Pod
- Pressure: 19 bar
- Cups: One (1.5 ltr water reservoir)
Reasons to buy
- Really quick coffee
- Easy to clean
- Makes great coffee
Reasons to avoid
- Cost of pods
This coffee machine by Sage takes first place in our guide for the best coffee machine, for good reason too; it makes really great coffee, it’s super-easy to use and clean and it looks good on a worktop.
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 delivers you an espresso in no time at all (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. And, 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 the coffee machine should be descaled (answer: 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.
Or, look out for the compostable pods that are compatible with Nespresso machines. You can even find refillable pods on Amazon that can be used time and time again, filled with your own choice of ground coffee.
2. Melitta Barista Smart Coffee Machine
Best coffee machine with smart features: you can control it from your phone, too
Specifications
- Best for Bean-to-cup coffee
- Type: Bean-to-cup
- Pressure: 15 bar
- Cups: Two
Reasons to buy
- Makes great coffee
- Smart features
Reasons to avoid
- A little hefty for small kitchens
If you’re looking for a bean-to-cup coffee machine, then you’ll want the Melitta Barista Smart Coffee Machine. 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 for anyone. So, the all-important question: does it make good coffee? Yes, of course, it does it’s in spot two, 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 spots 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 favor 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 goes 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 may be smart-enabled, but it’s not complicated to use.
A smart coffee machine
We’re always on the lookout 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 favorite 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 specialties: 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 that 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 subtle stainless steel, too.
3. De’Longhi Drip Coffee Machine
Best coffee machine with a compact filter: get the same delicious taste of ground coffee from a space-saving machine
Specifications
- Best for: space-saving
- Type: Filter coffee
- Pressure: N/A
- Cups: Five (0.65 ltr water reservoir)
Reasons to buy
- Coffee miles better than instant
- Keeps drinks warm
- Flavour adjustment possible
Reasons to avoid
- Jug capacity doesn’t cater to a crowd
If you’re short on space and prefer a filter coffee then we can highly recommend this coffee machine from De’Longhi we’ve given it a credible 4.5 stars in testing, and for good reasons too!
Ease of use
Put simply, this coffee machine is super simple to use. All that you’ll need to do to get your breakfast brew is pour water into the tank, add the coffee, and switch on. It is well suited to singles and couples who want the taste of real coffee rather than instant, but don’t want to get involved with all the froth which comes with cappuccinos.
It’s a compact machine, with pleasing lines, which can be matched to kettles and toasters in the range.
Coffee options and taste
Ultimately you’ll be making filter coffee with the De’Longhi Active Line ICM14011, but it does offer a degree of customization with two brewing speeds using the Aroma function.
The coffee from this machine is a good temperature too and, with the keep warm plate, it will keep warm for up to 40 minutes after brewing if you need it.
Bear in mind
The size of this machine is pretty compact making it a good fit for small kitchens. For the larger households, however, this will not suffice for more than a couple of coffee drinkers at a time.
4. De’Longhi EC685 Coffee Machine
Best small coffee machine: for professional barista brilliance on a small footprint
Specifications
- Coffee type: Ground or ESE pods
- Tank capacity: 1.1ltrs
- Pressure: 15 bar
- Cups: One
Reasons to buy
- Heats up in 30 seconds
- Three interchangeable devices for the perfect milk froth
- Cup warmer
- Milk functions and lots of options
Reasons to avoid
- Handwashing parts is a faff
The coffee machine may be small, but it’s pretty mighty and is our pick of the best small coffee machines – perfect for small kitchens.
Good for customizing 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 maker 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 colors, 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 afterward.
5. KitchenAid Nespresso Coffee Machine
Best coffee machine for espresso drinkers: for those who love a short shot (especially one served in style)
Specifications
- Coffee type: Pod
- Tank capacity: 1.4ltrs
- Pressure: 19 bar
- Cups: One
Reasons to buy
+Compatible with Nespresso’s full range of pods +Makes a great espresso or cappuccino +Six coffee programs +Good range of colors
Reasons to avoid
- No milk frother-Limited to pod use which is pricier than other coffee types
We love the look of this KitchenAid coffee maker but, looks aside, it makes a mean coffee, too. If the budget allows, we can highly recommend this option.
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 programs, 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 Nespresso Aeroccino milk frother.
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.
How to choose the best coffee machine
Coffee machines can be divided into two categories: espresso or filter. Espresso coffee machines are going to please coffee addicts who like the choice of everything from classic espresso to milky cappuccinos.
Their pressurized hot water extracts rich flavor from coffee grounds, but they can really only handle single or double shots at any one time. Pod coffee machines are a simplified form of espresso machine which saves you from having to measure coffee or manually control the pressure and water through the grounds.
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.
Which type of coffee machine is right for you?
We’ve looked at bean to cup, pod, and ground filter coffee machines. Our top picks are above, but if you need a little jargon-busting first, here’s what to consider when buying the best coffee machine:
Pod and capsule machines
These are very popular as they are quick and easy to use and are normally pretty good value for money. They’re ideal if you are regularly in a rush as they heat up super quick and they make a range of coffees and teas – yep, teas!
However, purchasing one of these means you are committed to buying the right pods on a regular basis which could quickly add up if you drink a lot of coffee.
Browse our best pod coffee machine guide, if you want barista-style brew options at the touch of a button.
Bean to cup machines
If you love barista-style coffee then this is the coffee machine for you, for sure, as it will recreate all those flavors and aromas which you’ve become attuned to.
Although they do come with a higher price tag, this sort of coffee maker tends to work out cheaper in the long run, and are much more likely to please the coffee aficionado with their fresh-tasting results.
The machine has a built-in grinder and they normally come with a range of settings so you can make anything from an espresso to a cappuccino, and have added features such as a milk frother so that you can have your very own Costa or Nero from the comfort of your own home.
Filter coffee machines
A more classic option, and better when catering for more people than just yourself, the filter coffee machine will create a simple yet wonderful coffee. If you like your coffee strong and black, then a filter machine will most likely cater to your taste a little better than a pod or bean to cup machine.
However they do take a little longer to prepare your drink because they work by dripping water through ground beans into the jug, so you’ll just need to have a little patience when making a mug of filter coffee – it’ll be worth the wait, honest.
Milk frothers
Okay, these aren’t a coffee machine per-se but, are these a must-have or luxury to accompany your coffee maker? Well, it depends whether you like a coffee with the perfect crema on top or not, and how much effort you’re prepared to make.
An integrated or automatic milk frother will undoubtedly drive up your coffee machine’s price, but it will heat and froth milk for creamy coffees fast.
Manual frothers may come with your coffee machine, but you have to do the frothing yourself. It doesn’t mean you can’t have great crema, but it will mean you have to allow for a bigger budget.
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