Best Espresso Machine in UK 2023: Add Finely Ground Coffee and Go

There is nothing like beginning your day with a perfect cup of espresso!  That warm, welcoming aroma permeates the house as we anticipate that first, delectable sip. Yet, if you are particular about your coffee, you may want to know which are the best espresso machines in the UK.

 

Things to Consider

If you are a beginner, select a machine that has an LCD screen. It will walk you through each step so that you don’t become frustrated while learning. Many machines are designed to be easier to use, and while you may be limited in what you can customize in terms of flavor, they are still easier to use.

They will give you a good, favorable cup of coffee despite not being able to customize each exact process.

The second thing to consider is the budget. While traditional espresso machines will give you a specialty, professional level of coffee each time, they tend to be pricier. However, most users will tell you it is worth the investment and time just to obtain that perfect brew each day.

THINGS TO CONSIDER

If you are on a limited budget, you can still get a great cup of coffee, and many machines will allow you to customize the processor settings. There is a bean to cup machine which allows you to grind your own beans for maximum freshness. They are also great at extracting the full flavor from the bean as well.

The third thing to consider is time. Not everyone has time each day to create that perfect, work art coffee drink. For some of us, it’s easier to insert a capsule and press a button to create our coffee. While it may not have the same full flavor, it still tastes really good. These machines are easy, convenient, and have a small footprint.

All these points need to be taken into consideration when purchasing a machine. You also need a machine that is durable, fits in with your décor, and that suits your needs. Many of the traditional espresso machines have a tiny footprint as well as the other categories that we have mentioned.

Best Manual Espresso Machines

Manual espresso machines allow you to create a variety of beverages and have control over the entire process to make that perfect brew. While they may be more time-consuming, those that love their coffee will invest their time and energy into making that tantalizing brewed taste each morning.

The flavor profile of these machines is worth every penny, and for most coffee aficionados, it’s worth the investment.

The only downside is that you will need to learn how to manually grind and tamp the coffee, clean the machine, and steam milk. However, the amount of control that one has over the process is worth it.

Sage Barista is an all-in-one espresso machine. This machine can extract a very full flavor from your coffee beans, and the burr grinder provides the perfect amount of coffee each time. The volumetric sensor provides the exact amount of water when making the coffee for a perfect cup of espresso.

It is a completely manual machine, so users may have to adjust settings for a while. This machine also has the ThermoJet feature, which heats up in under three seconds.

Positives
  • Cup warmer
  • Steamer wand
  • Burr grinder built-in
  • LCD shows extracting and grinding animations
Negatives
  • Learning curve
 

The Sage Dual Broiler is for people who want to create a high-end specialty coffee shop taste at home. The machine is well-made with industrial-grade components. Dual boilers allow you to pour espresso and steam milk simultaneously.

The quality of coffee, according to customers, is amazing.

This machine is more for a seasoned coffee expert, so you need to know what you are doing to operate this machine. If you are newer to making espresso at home, you may want to invest in the Sage Oracle, as its touchscreen will guide you through the process, making things easier when brewing coffee.

This standard espresso machine is a bit easier to use. It provides several buttons and LCD displays to make perfecting your coffee an easier task. Users can select a preset drink type and it will provide you with the perfect brew without the guesswork.

It has a two-boiler design. This will permit you to pull espresso from the beans and steam milk and the same time. It grinds the exact amount of coffee each time, tamps it, and froths milk to the perfect temperature.

While it is automatic, you can still customize it if you would like to. Once you have your recipe to your satisfaction, this machine will save it as a preset drink for you.

Positives
  • Automatic and manual steamer wand
  • Burr grinder built-in
  • Easy to use
  • Even extraction
  • Self-cleaning steam wand
  • Can choose how many shots of espresso
 
Negatives
  • Filter basket difficult to empty
 

This machine is Sage’s entry level espresso maker. It has a brushed metal surface and fits easily into smaller kitchens. It looks elegant and does an excellent job at brewing coffee.

While it is great at creating espresso, its selling feature is automatic milk texturing. Even if you are a beginner, this machine creates steamed milk with creamy, dense microfoam at the touch of a button.

Positives
  • Delivers fast, professional results
  • Balanced espresso and delivers consistent results
  • Perfect water pressure
  • ThermoJet Heating generates perfect extraction in three seconds
  • Can make latte art
  • Steamer wand
 
Negatives
  • Isn’t the most flavourful
  • Machine moves when making coffee
 

If you are looking for a simple espresso machine with a small footprint, you will appreciate the De’Longhi Dedica. This machine is easy to operate. You can use supermarket ground coffee or grind beans yourself for your brew. The pressurized baskets are forgiving if the grind is too fine/coarse or if the amount isn’t perfect.

Thermoblock technology keeps water at the perfect temperature for brewing espresso. The adjustable drip tray allows you to brew any sized glass.

Positives
  • Cup warmer
  • Milk frother (steamer wand)
  • 15 bar pressure
  • Easy to clean
 
Negatives
  • Doesn’t have the depth of flavour compared to other brands
  • Inconsistent results
 

Best Bean to Cup Espresso Machines

The bean-to-cup espresso machines is for those who feel the traditional, manual coffee machines are too time-consuming. All you need to do to make a cup of coffee is fill up the water reservoir and add coffee beans. You can receive a coffee shot by pressing a button, and you won’t have to clean the machine after each shot.

The pros are that they are easy to use. The cons of daily cleaning may be cumbersome.

This bean to coffee machine has smart Wi-Fi connectivity. It is a durable machine and is contains a 1.8 liter water tank. The water filter decreases limescale build-up and ensures that each cup of coffee tastes as excellent as the first.

The settings on this machine may need to be refined to your preferences. The dial on the front allows users to control how much coffee the machine grinds so you can increase or decrease the amount according to how strong you like your coffee.

The milk frothing feature wasn’t as fancy as other machines, but it does have a button that allows you to go between frothy cappuccino and hot milk.

Positives
  • Adjustable grind
  • Can adjust the strength of coffee
  • Six pre-programmed coffee types
  • Heating system
 
Negatives
  • No warning when the water level is low
 

This product is the closest any bean-to-cup machine comes to a manual machine when it comes to flavour. It is a fully-featured machine that can produce many different types of drinks from the front touch panel.

The smart version of this machine contains Bluetooth functionality. It allows users to control the drink right from temperature selection and order as to when you add things to the cup.

You can download recipes, and it goes through maintenance tasks on your smartphone.

Positives
  • Milk frothing
  • Adjustable grind and strength
  • 21 pre-set specialities
  • Preferences of up to eight people can be saved
 
Negatives
  • Milk frothing could be better
  • Bluetooth sometimes crashes
 

This coffee machine will provide a good quality cup of coffee. It provides a great cup of espresso without having to tweak it for the best taste. It does come with a manual steam wand allowing you to make a latte or cappuccino if you so choose.

It has an easy LED interface that helps you to make a great cup of coffee each time. The quick heat boiler means that you will not have to wait long for your coffee and is perfect for people who have limited time each morning.

Positives
  • Manual milk frothing
  • Can adjust grind
  • Ceramic grinder
  • Dishwasher safe
  • Automatic circuit cleaning/descaling
 
Negatives
  • Noisy bean grinder
  • May make strange noises, yet to doesn’t affect the quality
 

The Prima Donna generates 21 different types of drinks. The Bean Adapt function allows users to generate more flavor from the coffee bean over other automatic machines on the market. The machine is durable and well-built.

The machine is easy to use and creates a good quality cup of coffee. Users can prioritize their drinks, and the settings are adjustable.

Positives
  • Grind is adjustable
  • Milk frother
  • Connects through a mobile app
  • Easy to use
 
Negatives
  • No sensor that beans were running out
  • App may not work on iOS
 

Best Pod and Capsule Espresso Machine

Pod and capsule espresso machines provide quick, mess-free results each time you use them. Each pod has the exact amount of coffee and making it is simple. They deliver consistent quality, and some machines have milk frothing capabilities.

The downside is that the taste isn’t the same quality as the two other categories. It is, however, quick and convenient if you don’t have time to invest in making coffee during your day.

 

This machine is very small and fits easily into small kitchens or if you have limited counter space. It is a basic machine with very few frills. It only makes espresso and lungo coffees.

This machine comes in a variety of colors (black, green, red, and white) and is easy to use. All users need to do is to insert the capsule located at the top, press a button, and wait for their coffee.

Positives
  • 25-second heat up time
  • Comes in two shapes
  • Portable
  • High-pressure pump
 
Negatives
  • Very basic
 

The Sage Nespresso Creatista Uno gives you a quick shot of espresso, but when it comes to milk frothing, the user can customize what they like. Users don’t have to be an expert in milk frothing. All you need to do is fill the jug with milk, insert the wand, and select the temperature/froth.

The sensor detects how warm the jug is and will cease frothing when ready and also cleans itself after every use by using a few sprays of water.

Positives
  • Milk frothing
  • Generous water tank
  • Three programmed coffee selection
  • Can create latte art
 
Negatives
  • Little noisy
 

The Lavazza Joie has a range of coffee capsules. With a simple design, users can drop in capsules and lock them into position. People can select from espresso or lungo shots for their coffee, and you can tailor it to your taste.

For larger cups, you can remove the insert. It has 16 different strengths of coffee and blends. You can also have an integrated milk frother for a little more money, or you will have to pour the milk yourself.

Positives
  • Quiet
  • Ready in 35 seconds
  • Three milk frothing settings
  • Coffee drawer
 
Negatives
  • Small water capacity
  • May not have the best range of pods yet
 

Espresso Machine

When it comes to determining the best espresso machine in the UK, you need to consider which category benefits you the most. While we all love a great cup of coffee, some of us may abandon the idea of a traditional espresso machine because it takes longer to make.

Many of us just want to set it and forget it or have limited time but still enjoy a good cup of coffee. Thankfully, there are solutions to satisfy our craving for a good cup of java.

When selecting a machine, match one with your level of expertise. If it has too many features or settings and you are a beginner, you will easily become frustrated with the machine. You may end up abandoning a great machine because it is difficult to use.

Also, consider your budget. Not all of us have the money to invest in a top-of-the-line traditional espresso machine. It may not be practical. If this is the case, you can choose a different machine in another category. Although, we have provided a list of espresso machines in a range of prices to suit any budget.

There are many features in each of these machines that you will enjoy. Most people enjoy the milk frothing function or controlling the strength of the brew. Whatever machine you choose, make sure that it is the right one for your coffee lover lifestyle. Then, you will enjoy a latte macchiato, cappuccino, or other delicious coffee drink each morning with joy and anticipation.

Appliance Reviewer
Logo