How to Choose the Best Home Coffee Machine

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

During our lab testing, this prosumer-level espresso maker wowed us by its speed and precision. The Sage Bambino heats up quickly and efficiently, powerfully steams milk, and makes excellent 19-bar extractions.

Pod (or capsule) machines

A pod machine is the ideal choice if you want to make coffee quickly and easily using pre-ground pods. They eliminate the mess from making coffee by removing the need for portafilters and complicated burr grinders that must be cleaned regularly to eliminate coffee oils. They also typically require less maintenance, with routine cleaning and descaling of the reservoirs of water a good idea.

These types of brewers have their limitations, but. They generally only work with a specific type of coffee pods, typically in the K-Cup, Nespresso capsule or ESE (easy-serve espresso) formats. This isn't a problem when you stick to a specific brand of coffee but could be a problem if you are looking to try different brands.

The pod machines are less durable and have smaller water tanks. They also take longer to make. This might not be a problem if you are in a hurry in the best bean to cup coffee machine morning, but it could be a problem when you are planning a long, tiring day at work.

Take into consideration the size of your bar prior to buying a pod machine. Some are slimmer and can be placed between other appliances. Also think about how much you're willing to invest and the drinks you'd like to be able to create. Our former editor for ecommerce Louise remains hydrated on a tight budget by using the Nespresso Vertuo Next, which allows her to serve espresso shots of either length or short and comes with an efficient milk frother for lattes.

This sleekly designed pod-machine from Sage offers the best automatic coffee machine of both worlds - high-end technology and low-maintenance. It's not cheap, but it's a stylish addition to any kitchen. The sleek stainless steel design will stand out on your counter. It's capable of making five different drinks simply by pressing a button. Each capsule is marked with an unique barcode on its side that the machine scans to determine which drink to dispense. It's a great choice for sustainability enthusiasts, as the capsules break down and decompose rapidly. The reusable mug makes it a good option.

Manual Espresso Machines

Manual machines can be a great and hands-on method of learning the art of making espresso. They can be more time-consuming than automated espresso machines, however, if you have the patience and skill to master them, they can make premium drinks that are tailored to your tastes. They are also more durable than other types of coffee brewers, and have designs that can withstand the rigors of use.

Manual espresso machines are, however, not as easy-to-use as automatic espresso machines, and typically have no precise temperature controls. It can be difficult to produce consistently high-quality espresso shots. The best manual espresso machines have an extensive learning curve and they can be expensive to purchase and maintain.

If you're interested in exploring the world of manual espresso, you should try an older model that was designed to be as user-friendly as is possible. Some models include an integrated grinder and steamer for milk, which makes them relatively easy to operate for new coffee drinkers. Some models have a removable water reservoir that makes it easier to clean and refill. Some are programmeable and allow you to set the time for the brew cycle to begin prior to waking.

Some manual espresso machines are quite large and are a good option for larger households or coffee carts. Some are smaller and require less counter space. When deciding on the size of your machine you must also think about how many people are going to be using it at the same time. You might want to consider a bigger model in the event that you have more than one family member or roommate who is a coffee drinker.

The most affordable espresso machines come with a programmable frother that can automatically heat milk and then froth it to your desired consistency. This type of machine is ideal for making cappuccinos and latte as well as for those with sensitive teeth. It's important to note that this kind of machine might not be suitable for those who prefer a more substantial cup of espresso, as it makes less foam than other types of espresso makers.

Automatic Espresso Machines

In this category, you'll find fully automatic espresso machines that manage the entire brewing process, from grinding to extraction. These machines are simple to use and require little maintenance, other than cleaning and descaling. These are ideal for people who don't want to get their hands too filthy or have limited countertop space for a full-sized espresso and coffee maker.

These models tend to have Wi-Fi capability, so you can control the machine using your smartphone. All that automation and programmability can be expensive: These machines are more expensive than semi-automatics or manuals.

The Eveversys Cameo is one of our favorites automatic espresso makers. It's a sleek and visually appealing machine that takes up only a small amount of space on your counter. Plus, it ranks 5/5 in our ease-of-use ratings--second only to the Miele. It is a high-output machine that has three different grinds and hoppers. You can choose which one you want to use by using the touchscreen display. In addition to being simple to use, it's also self-monitoring and self-calibrating so you don't have to worry about tinkering with the knob or pressing buttons.

Cuisinart Spinn is another option in this category. The tiny pill-shaped machine makes use of centrifugal force to brew espresso, which differs from the traditional method of forcing water down through the grounds. It can create a variety of drinks, including cappuccino and Latte, with a bit of practice. We tested this machine at the Good Housekeeping Institute's Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab, and it earned the top spot in our ratings for ease-of-use, scoring an impressive 5. This machine is also small in comparison to espresso maker specifications. It won't take any space on your counter.

It's worth trying out several different types of espresso machines to determine the one that best nespresso coffee machine suits your style as well as your space and budget. You should also think about aesthetics. You'll want to choose something that is compatible with your decor and also your coffee cart. Make sure you check the counter's size to ensure that your machine will be able to fit.

Pour-Over Machines

If you're looking to make a cup of coffee in complete control the pour-over machine is an excellent choice. Manual pour-over devices, such as the Chemex Funnex or the Hario V60 can alter a range of variables (coffee grounds to water ratio, filter type, time of brewing) for a personalized brew. They also tend to produce more vivid flavors and aromas than drip machines that are automated.

Pour-over brewers are designed to deliver top-quality results. They feature a thermometer that measures the temperature of the water to the nearest degree, and they have a precise pressure gauge that informs you when the required amount of water has been pour. They also have a big enough portafilter that can hold the 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 removable charcoal filter to remove impurities from the water, which is crucial because coffee makers with filters that aren't of the highest quality can leave a bitter taste on your cup. Additionally, the top pour-over brewers use materials that are safe to use in the dishwasher and that don't leak or hold on to coffee smells.

A good pour-over brewer is easy to clean and it should be a joy to use. We found that all the models we tested were comfortable to hold in one hand, and were the perfect size and shape for the kitchen counter. Some of the most basic models, like the Zojirushi Zutto have a small footprint and are ideal for smaller spaces. Others, such as the Melitta Cafe Filter, come with a handle that is removable, which makes it easier to lift and change the filter.

Philips 3200 Series is another model we like, since it has an intuitive display as well as a built-in grinder. It can brew espresso, Americanos, and black coffee with a push of a button and has an attached steam wand for lattes and cappuccinos. This model comes with a range of settings that can be adjusted, including various sizes and strengths for beverages. It is also able to start making coffee up to 24 hours in advance.