Best Coffee Machine 2020 – Buyer’s Guide

We do love Sage here at Appliance Reviewer. From the attractiveness of the appliances to the practicalities and great results, they offer every user a lot for the money.

This bean to cup coffee machine is another great offering from the brand. The inbuilt grinder will take you from whole beans to espresso grounds in about a minute. So you don’t need extra machines to get this done and the coffee will be as fresh as possible. You also get a 250g hopper, so the coffee is at the perfect strength.

You also get a steam wand for frothing your milk if you like cappuccinos and frothy consistencies. The 15 bar pressure builds up slowly for the perfect amount of extraction and balance of flavour.

It isn’t called the Barista Express for no reason. You get dose control grinding, hands-free operation and digital temperature control (PID) technology. This detects and minimises any heat fluctuation during extraction. A bit of effort is required to get the results – it is far away from being a one-touch machine – but if you’re serious about your coffee then we can safely say it is oh so worth it.

With the Caffe Corso ESAM2600, you can bring barista style coffee into your home without stepping outside the front door.

The Compact Reliable Fresh™ technology and integrated burr grinder retain your coffee beans’ aromatic flavour by using less heat when preparing. A handy cup warming feature means your beverage is served at optimum temperature, and the machine can brew two cups at a time.

The self-clean mode and removable brewing unit take the effort out of maintaining even those hard to reach places.

There are 3 pre-programmed coffee settings including a Long Coffee mode so you can modify the placement of the drip tray to adapt to even your tallest mugs and glasses.

If you like your milk extra frothy for your cappuccinos, then this appliance is ideal, and you can choose your exact strength by selecting the amount of water to use. As you use coffee beans, there is no waste produced or plastic pods, so it is an environmentally friendly method of brewing up (and you’ll save a fortune in coffee shop bills).

By far the winner for the best budget, affordable bean to cup machine, as it comes in well under £100. Yet, the fact it is still on his list means it is well worth a chance.

You can make up to two cups at once as it uses a carafe to hold the coffee (a bit like a filter model), which is ideal if you have a busier household. This glass carafe is kept warm using the hot plate. It is compatible with both grounds and beans, so whether you have a preference or like to switch up your blends, you can make your coffee just how you wish.

On top of this, you can select the strength to match your tastes, so if you need a real pick me up or just a mellow weekend hot drink, the same beans can be used to keep things easy. There is also the handy option to work it on a timer if you wish, so two cups of coffee can be ready for after you’ve showered, dressed and are making your breakfast.

It is an affordable solution, but is still great for any coffee connoisseurs who just don’t want to spend extreme amounts on appliances. And as a bonus, it just needs a wipe down after every use to get it ready for the next caffeine hit.

This Dolce Gusto model allows you to personalise your hot drinks according to your individual preferences with its semi-automatic Play & Select function.

Just insert your pod, tailor the amount of water according to preferred length, select the hot or cold joystick position and press the power button. The pod lids feature a recommended water amount for guidance and the machine will automatically stop when done. Energy saving, it will switch off after 5 minutes of being left idle.

The Thermoblock heating system ensures your appliance is ready in moments, and beverages made in seconds. Used coffee grinds remain in the capsule for easy, mess-free removal.

The cup stand is adjustable to suit your required cup size and is dishwasher safe for easy maintenance. Different varieties of pods are available from Americano to Chai Tea Latte and they are widely available in supermarkets, meaning you don’t have to plan and order them too far in advance.

De’Longhi is a well-respected brand, and as expected this appliance is stylish, sleek and sturdy.

Nespresso is a mammoth name in this industry, and their range of products is rated highly by fans of at-home coffee machines.

This Krups Vertuo model uses dedicated Nespresso Vertuoline pods to make Alto (414ml), Mug (230ml), Lungo (150ml) and Espresso (40ml) sized coffee and features automatic capsule blend recognition. Put simply; it applies barcode technology to detect which capsule you are using and blend your coffee seamlessly without you having to do any programming.

The unique Centrifusion™ technology brings together the ground coffee in the pod with hot water at a speed of 7000 rotations per minute, resulting in the perfect layer of foam to complement your chosen coffee type.

Operating the machine is simple; just pick one of the 20+ different pods available and close the lever. The appliance only takes 20-25 seconds to heat up. All used capsules get emptied into a 13-capacity container at the back too, so there is no need to worry about dripping boiling water all over your kitchen floor. They’re also fully recyclable.

The drip tray and reservoir are removable and dishwasher safe for easy cleaning, and there are descaling and cleaning programmes built into the machine. There is also a handy auto switch off feature after 9 minutes, and you can effortlessly check the remaining water levels.

It is heavy for its size compared to other models, so can’t be relocated or stored as easily.

Pod machines are the dream solution for people who want the luxury of great tasting drinks without making a mess. The process is simple – one vacuum sealed pod per cup. In it goes, out it comes. Job done. Find pods to make all kinds of delicious drinks: not just espresso but cappuccino, hot chocolate, chai latte and many others.

This artisan Nespresso model from KitchenAid is a weighty countertop model that really feels like a quality purchase. It’s quick, easy to load, comes with a tonne of useful features such as emptying and descaling modes, and has a high-shine finish that would complement any kitchen. However you like your coffee – strong as an ox or weak as kitten – you can use one of 6 settings to ensure that it comes out just right. This is convenient, tasty, hot coffee every time you make it, with no hassle. Sounds good to us.

Their most compact coffee machine to date, the Bosch Tassimo Vivy 2 model uses INTELLIBREW™ technology to identify your chosen capsule and automatically adjusts the amount of water, brewing time and temperature accordingly, ensuring a faultless beverage.

A built-in LED user interface keeps you updated on the status of your appliance, letting you know when the water needs refilling, whether it is in Standby/Automatic/Manual mode or if it needs cleaning and descaling. There is an automatic programme available for the latter two problems.

Innovative heat up technology means there is virtually no waiting time until your machine is ready to go. With over 40 different Tassimo T-Discs available on the market there is something for all the family, including cappuccino, latte macchiato, tea and hot chocolate.

The automatic milk frother will do all the muscle work for you – all you need to do is keep it topped up. The compact size means it will fit almost anywhere in your kitchen and is perfect for those short on space.

This is a great modest machine if you need an introduction into the world of capsule coffee makers. It is somewhat noisy but takes so little time to make the hot drinks that this is hardly a problem. The water tank is on the small side compared to other brands so will need refilling regularly.

This pump espresso coffee machine from De’Longhi is sleek and minimalistic in appearance, however with an adjustable steam frother and an impressive heat up time of just 30 seconds, this appliance is perfect for those rushed mornings when waiting isn’t an option.

We love that this machine is suitable for both coffee pods and grounds, making it incredibly versatile and giving you the option to create your own special brews. However, our favourite feature of this machine is undoubtedly the cup warmer, which means your coffee is being made in a warm mug, and so it will stay hotter for longer.

SMEG produces the ultimate 50’s retro-style appliances, and this espresso machine does not disappoint.

Its Thermoblock technology keeps the hot water at the optimum temperature to preserve flavour, and there’s an adjustable milk frother to give your drinks the perfect creamy finish. Some machines struggle to foam alternative milk varieties such as coconut, almond or soya due to their more dilute and thinner consistency, but the Smeg Espresso coffee machine handles it expertly.

It is compact despite its efficiency so will not look out of place or take up much room in any kitchen. It is also available in cream, black, pastel blue or red; just the thing if you want something colourful as opposed to the general stainless-steel/black designs.

All parts are easy to take apart and reassemble so cleaning is of insignificant effort. It also prompts you when you need to use the built-in descale setting for easy maintenance. With its Cappuccino System, steam, air and milk are whipped together to produce the perfect creamy froth for your cappuccinos.

The instructions included with the product are also the best out of all our selection, detailing how to make your first espresso to editing the settings and everything in-between. So, whether you are a seasoned coffee creator or want to make the jump from instant cup to a machine, using this machine is not dependent on skill levels. There’s a flow stop function so you can select your ideal coffee length, too.

The Jolie from Lavazza offers you the perfect mix of getting you ready for the day ahead while really adding a touch of colour and style to your kitchen.

It produces single espressos at the touch of a button using Lavazza pods, at the perfect strength with the perfect amount of crema. A 600ml water tank should give you a fair few uses before you have to top it up which is perfect if you always seem to be rushing in the mornings.

An auto-off function has you covered if you also are one to rush out the door without turning things off before you go, and all of the removable parts (drip tray, water tank etc.) are dishwasher safe which will save you some time when you get home too.

If you’re worried about the space which a coffee machine will take up on your kitchen worktops, then this is the perfect model for you. It can be tucked into small spaces and doesn’t use up an entire bench, but is still perfectly accessible.

As a plus, it is available in blue, red, white and gunmetal grey – great for those of you out there who like to show off your style in the form of your kitchen appliances.

With 5 drink programmes (Classic, Rich, Over Ice, Café Forte and Con Latte), this NINJA model provides you with all of the varieties of coffee you will ever need.

Adjust the size and strength of your desired drink for a full tailor-made experience. Its Auto-IQ technology does all the hard work beyond this, drawing the exact amount of water for the size and brew selected.

Use the handy recipe book included to get the full use out of the 5 drinks programmes and provide inspiration, whether you want something intense and full-bodied or over ice once the weather gets hotter.

The delay timer will ensure the appliance starts operating when you need it to and the warming plate will let you wait for a while until you’re ready for a second cup. You can also decide on a setting to make either a mugful, full carafe, half carafe or travel mug amount of coffee, making it totally versatile for your needs.

There’s also a separate milk micro-frothing setting and mug included, which is terrific for the price. Cutting down on mess is effortless with the drip stop lever when you’re using the jug.

It does produce a lot of steam as a by-product, however, so is best placed quite openly and not under any kitchen units.

Filter-Coffee Machine For Easy Black Coffee That Keeps Warm

The appeal of filter-coffee machines is that they are delightfully easy to use and you can make a big pot of coffee all at once, which saves lots of time if you are making coffee for several people – great for work. You can get jugs in all different volumes to suit your need.

There is no need to pre-boil water, you simply pour it into the appliance and it slowly drips through the paper filter filled with grounds to create a big full jug of hot caffeinated loveliness. The jug sits on a hot plate, which is what keeps it warm.

The Melitta Optima Filter-Coffee Machine is one of the top filter options we have found. It’s a modern take on the classic filter-coffee machine design, including useful features such as a timer, water level display and detachable filter unit to make brewing your coffee even easier.

The joy of using a timer is that you can set the machine to start brewing for when you wake up, so the smell wafts deliciously through the house. All you need is water, grounds and the right size filter papers.

Compatible with both beans and ground coffee, your perfect cup can be crafted with the AromaFresh by choosing one of three strength intensity settings. Whether you go for something with a bit of a kick or just want a relaxing warm drink, this machine uses an integrated grounder for a smooth texture.

As a bonus, choose which grinding level you prefer, from fine to coarse, ensuring in a perfect tailor-made cup of coffee. For those who find themselves to be a bit bleary-eyed in the morning, there is an adjustable timer setting – one less thing to worry about while you’re rushing to get ready. The keep-warm function (choose from 20, 40 or 60 minutes) will keep the thermal jug perfectly hot until you’re all set, too.

Either use your dishwasher to keep the glass carafe and filter clean or use the handy brush included for hand washing purposes. Thanks to the LED display, you can see when the machine needs descaling and there’s a convenient indicator of water hardness and calcification.

The transparent water tank and level indicator let you easily see when the water needs topping up and the bean dispenser holds up to 180g of product, which is plenty if you have a full house. It also looks incredibly professional, which is good if you’re conscious of the style of your appliances.

The stainless-steel and glass finish will fit perfectly into any kitchen. The only downside is that it will use all the water in the tank no matter the weight of coffee beans, so you have to bear this in mind when filling both and double-check the water indicator level.

There is no milk function, so you have to add your own after.

A portable espresso machine which uses pods to do the heavy work, which is ideal if you want something to take on-the-go and don’t want several cups containing all of your coffee and extra bits. This will also help keep weight and capacity down if you’re stuck on space.

It is manually operated using a piston operation. This is basically a press action which uses pressure to force the water through the pod. Just add hot water to get the process going, and a few presses of the piston should do the trick.

Water tanks of several sizes are available, so even if there will be a few of you, the coffee maker should be able to cope with demand. You can also purchase a cover for the Minipresso, in case you take it everywhere with you and want it protected against both superficial and working damage.

No true coffee lover can risk going without when travelling, camping or setting off on a picnic. This revolutionary portable item uses pre-prepared hot water and air pressure to make your perfect cup of coffee on-the-go, using a vacuum/syringe technique.

Simply add a heap of ground coffee, pour over the hot water, steep the coffee for 10-50 seconds depending on preferred intensity and then push down on the plunger to force the liquid through the filter and fill your cup.

It is super easy to clean by just rinsing under water but is also dishwasher safe if you’d like to give it a thorough clean when you get home.

Despite its primary function as a simple yet effective transportable appliance, the Aeropress makes quality coffee that rivals more technical piece of equipment. Ready in just 30 seconds, the coffee produced is fresh, smooth and rich.

It isn’t just loved by those who wish to carry it around; it’s commonly used by many at home or in the office as it is tastier and just as quick as making instant coffee. The use of air pressure results in an incredibly intense flavour without bitterness and acidity.

It is perhaps not ideal for those with weak wrists due to the method of production, but the taste of the coffee produced doesn’t seem to vary depending on the amount of compression which is a bonus.

Able to work with both beans and grounds, the grinder of the CTL636ES6 can automatically adapt best to suit whatever you use with CoffeeSensor Pro technology, so you can rest easy knowing that your perfect cup of coffee is edging ever closer.

You can make two cups at any one time, so is ideal if you either like to go back to another cup afterwards or if there is a household waiting for their caffeine kick. The Bosch Home Connect app will allow you to make an Americano from the comfort of the sofa or bed. It will be ready when you get to the machine to collect it.

It is designed to fit into an eye-level cabinet, so is a really nice level for access. There is a Aroma DoubleShot feature if you want a taller coffee, or indeed something even stronger than usual. This uses a new set of beans too, so the flavour is not compromised. To round it off, the memory function will remember exactly how you like your caffeine hit. Plus, the SilentCeram technology grinds very quietly so it won’t alarm the rest of the house when they’re all having a lie in.