Coffee Machines

How to choose a coffee machine for home

The best coffee machine for your home depends on what you drink, how much time you have in the morning and how involved you want to be. There are four main types of coffee machine, and each one suits a different kind of coffee lover. Every machine in this collection is a premium model we’d happily have on our own worktop, with prices checked regularly on Amazon UK.

Espresso machines (semi-automatic)

A traditional, semi-automatic espresso machine gives you the most control and the best espresso. You grind, dose and tamp the coffee yourself, then texture milk with a steam wand. Choose a single boiler, heat exchanger or dual boiler machine from brands like Lelit, Rocket and Gaggia. Browse all espresso machines.

Bean to cup coffee machines (fully automatic)

A bean-to-cup coffee machine grinds, brews and often froths milk at the touch of a button. It’s the easiest way to get barista-style drinks at home, and brands like Jura, De’Longhi and Miele make superb fully automatic coffee machines. See all bean-to-cup coffee machines.

Espresso machines with a built-in grinder

Somewhere in between, Sage machines like the Sage Barista Express, Brushed Stainless Steel and Sage Barista Pro, Brushed Stainless Steel combine a grinder with a traditional portafilter and steam wand. You still make the coffee yourself, but with helpful features that make it easier to get right.

Filter coffee machines

If you love black coffee and want a full jug for the household, a filter coffee machine like the Moccamaster KBG Select, Polished Silver or Ratio Six Coffee Maker, Stainless Steel makes clean, full-flavoured coffee with almost no effort. Browse filter coffee machines.

Which type of coffee machine is right for you?

You want…	Choose	Try
Barista-quality espresso and full control	Espresso machine	Lelit Bianca V3 Dual Boiler
One-touch lattes and cappuccinos	Bean to cup	Jura E8 Bean to Cup Machine, Black
Espresso with a built-in grinder	Sage Barista range	Sage Barista Express Impress, Brushed Stainless Steel
A jug of great black coffee	Filter coffee machine	Moccamaster KBGV Select, Black

What to look for in a coffee machine

• Milk frother: a steam wand gives you control and latte art; an automatic milk system gives you convenience. See our coffee machines with milk frother.
• Grinder: freshly ground beans make the biggest difference to flavour. Look for a built-in grinder or budget for a separate one.
• Temperature control: PID and dual boiler machines keep brewing temperature stable for consistent shots.
• Build quality: stainless steel, brass and commercial-style parts mean a machine that lasts.
• Price: premium coffee machines start at around £400 and go well beyond £2,000; spending more usually buys better grinding, temperature control and longevity.

Why we don’t sell pod coffee machines

Pod machines such as Nespresso and Vertuo are quick and tidy, but you’re limited to the pods you can buy, and the coffee is pre-ground and sealed weeks or months before you drink it. A bean to cup or espresso coffee machine using freshly ground beans gives you far better flavour, a lower cost per cup and less packaging waste. If you want pod-like speed with fresh beans, a fully automatic coffee machine is the answer.

Coffee machine brands we rate

We focus on premium, proven brands: Sage, De’Longhi, Jura, Lelit, Rocket, Gaggia, Smeg and Moccamaster, plus Miele, Siemens and La Pavoni. Every brand has its own page with advice on which model to choose.

Coffee machine reviews and advice

Not sure where to start? Our guide to the best coffee machines for home covers our top picks for every budget and type of coffee drinker, and our bean to cup guide and espresso machine guide go deeper.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best coffee machine for home?

For espresso lovers, the Lelit Mara X PL62X or Lelit Bianca V3 Dual Boiler. For one-touch convenience, the Jura E8 Bean to Cup Machine, Black or De’Longhi Eletta Explore, Dark Grey. For beginners who want to learn, the Sage Barista Express Impress, Brushed Stainless Steel.

What is the difference between a coffee machine and a coffee maker?

People use the terms interchangeably, but ‘coffee maker’ usually means a filter or drip machine, while ‘coffee machine’ often means an espresso or bean to cup machine that brews under pressure.

How does a coffee machine work?

Espresso and bean to cup machines heat water to around 90–96°C and force it through finely ground coffee at around 9 bar of pressure. Filter machines drip hot water over coarser coffee and let gravity do the work.

Fully automatic or semi-automatic: what do I need?

Fully automatic machines do everything for you. Semi-automatic machines give you more control and usually better espresso, but take a little practice. Choose based on how hands-on you want to be.

Can I use ground coffee in a coffee machine?

Most espresso and many bean to cup machines accept pre-ground coffee, but freshly ground beans taste noticeably better.

What coffee machine makes the hottest coffee?

Machines with adjustable brew temperature, such as dual boilers and premium bean to cup machines, let you raise the temperature. Pre-heating your cup also keeps coffee hotter for longer.

Related buying guides

• The best coffee machines for home
• Sage Barista Express review
• The best coffee machines with milk frother
• Best value bean to cup coffee machines