How to Choose the Best Home Coffee Machine

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

This espresso maker for prosumers impressed us with its speed, accuracy and ease of use. The Sage Bambino heats quickly and efficiently. It steams milk vigorously and produces excellent extractions at 19 bars.

Pod (or capsule) machines

A pod machine is the best coffee machine choice if you want to make coffee quickly and efficiently using pre-ground pods. These machines take the messy elements out of brewing, and eliminate the need for complex burr grinders and portafilters that need to be regularly cleaned free of coffee oils. These machines require less maintenance. Regular cleaning and descaling of reservoirs of water is a good idea.

These types of brewers have their limitations, but. They can only be used with certain types of coffee pods such as K-Cups, Nespresso capsules or ESE (easy serve espresso). This isn't a problem when you stick to a specific brand of coffee, but it can be a problem if you are looking to test a range.

The pod machines are less durable and come with a smaller tank of water. They can also be slower to brew, which may not be a problem for those who are in a hurry in the morning, but it could be a problem in the event of preparing for long hours at work.

Think about the size of your bar before buying a pod machine. Some are smaller and can be placed between other appliances. Consider the amount you are willing to spend and what drinks you would like to be able to make. Our former ecommerce editor Louise remains hydrated on a budget with the Nespresso Vertuo Next, which allows her to dispense espresso shots of either length or short and includes a handy milk frother for lattes.

This elegant, sleek pod-machine comes with high-end features and low-maintenance. It's not expensive, but it's a elegant addition to your kitchen, and its sleek stainless steel design is sure to stand out on your worktop. It's capable of making five different drinks with just pressing a button and each capsule has a unique barcode on the underside that the machine reads to determine which drink to dispense. It's a great option for those who are environmentally conscious, since the capsules break down and decay rapidly. The reusable mug makes it a great choice.

Manual Espresso Machines

For those who enjoy the art of making espresso manual machines can offer an enjoyable, hands-on experience. Manual espresso machines take longer however they can make drinks of the highest quality. They are also typically more durable than other types of coffee brewers, with designs that can withstand heavy use.

Manual espresso machines are not as easy to use as automatic ones, however, and they often lack precise temperature control. It isn't easy to make consistent, high-quality espresso shots. The best bean to cup espresso machine manual espresso machines have a an extensive learning curve and can be costly to purchase and maintain.

If you're keen to discover the world of manual espresso, you should try a newer machine designed to be as user-friendly as you can. Some models have an integrated milk steamer and grinder, making them simple to use for novice coffee drinkers. Some models have an adjustable reservoir for water that makes it easier to clean and refill. Some are programmable, allowing you to set the time for the brewing process to begin when you wake up.

Some manual espresso machines can be quite big and could be an ideal choice for larger households or coffee carts. Some are more compact and take up less counter space. When deciding on the size of your machine, you should take into consideration how many people will be using it at the same time. You might want to consider a bigger model when you have more than one roommate or family member who is a coffee drinker.

Some of the most affordable manual espresso machines come with the ability to program a milk frother which will automatically heat and the milk to your desired consistency. This kind of machine is great for making cappuccinos and latte as well as for those who have sensitive teeth. This kind of machine isn't suitable for those who like more of a thicker espresso. It produces less foam.

Automatic Espresso Machines

In this category you'll find fully automated espresso machines that manage the entire process of brewing, from grinding to extraction. They feature user-friendly interfaces and require minimal maintenance, other than routine cleaning and descaling. These are great for people who don't want their hands filthy or have limited countertop space for a full-sized coffee and espresso maker.

These models tend to have Wi-Fi capabilities, so you can control the machine using your smartphone. However, all this automation and programmability is at cost: Expect to spend more money on these machines than semi-automatic or manual options.

One of our favorite automatic espresso makers is the snazzy Eveversys Cameo. It's a sleek and aesthetically pleasing machine that takes up only a small amount of 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 accommodate three separate grinders and hoppers, and you can select the one you want to use from the touchscreen display. It's user-friendly and self-monitoring, meaning you don't have to play with buttons or knobs.

Another option in this category is the Cuisinart Spinn. This small pill-shaped machine uses centrifugal forces to make coffee that is a different approach to the traditional method of forcing water through the grounds. It can create several drinks, such as cappuccino and latte, with a little practice. We tested this machine at the Good Housekeeping Institute's Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab and it was awarded a top score in our user-friendliness ratings with a perfect 5. It's also small by espresso maker standards, which means it's unlikely to take up a lot of space on your counter.

It's worth experimenting with various types to find one that fits your taste, budget and space. Also, think about aesthetics. You'll want something that fits seamlessly with your decor and coffee cart. Make sure you check the counter's size to ensure that your machine will fit.

Pour-Over Machines

Pour-over machines are an excellent option if you want total control over your coffee brewing. Manual pour-over machines like the Chemex Funnex or the Hario V60, allow you to adjust a variety of variables (coffee grounds to ratio of water filter type, time of brewing) to make a customized brew. They also tend to produce more intense aromas and flavors than drip machines with automatic controls.

The top pour-over brewers can be used to produce top-quality results. They have a thermometer which measures the temperature of the water to the nearest degree, and they have an accurate pressure gauge that lets you know when the desired amount of water is poured. They have a portafilter big enough to accommodate a standard coffee mug and have enough space between the portafilter and the drip tray to ensure you can brew straight into your cup of coffee.

The coffee makers also come with a charcoal filter that can be removed to remove impurities in the water. This is important since the coffee maker with an inferior filter can result in a bitter taste to your cup. Additionally, the best pour-over brewers are made of materials that are safe to use in the dishwasher and that don't leak or retain coffee odors.

A good pour-over should be easy to clean and should be fun to use. The majority of models were simple to use and comfortable to hold with one hand. They also were the perfect size and shape for a kitchen countertop. Some of the simplest models, such as the Zojirushi Zutto, even has an extremely small footprint making it suitable for small spaces. Some, like the Melitta Cafe filter have a removable hand that allows you to lift and change the filters.

We also love the Philips 3200 Series, which has a built-in burr grinder and a user-friendly display. The Philips 3200 Series can brew black coffee, Americanos and espresso with the push of a single button. It also has an attached steam wand to make lattes or cappuccinos. The model comes with a variety of settings that can be adjusted, including different sizes and strengths of the beverage. It is also able to start the brewing process up to 24 hours in advance.