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Our experts have put this handy guide together to help you discover the perfect brew for you.
Pod coffee machines are a fantastic way to enjoy a quick and easy cup of coffee. These machines use pre-packaged coffee pods such as Nespresso or Dolce Gousto, which come in a variety of strengths and flavours.
Many models also include an automatic milk frother, so you can customise your drink the way you like it.
All you need to do is pop a pod in, press a button and voilà - your coffee is ready in seconds!
Espresso coffee machines are perfect for those who love a rich, intense coffee experience. You’ll grind and tamp your favourite beans to create a beautifully intense shot of espresso.
You can customise the coffee strength, aroma and size with these machines. Also, many models include a milk frother, so you can create perfectly textured milk for a delicious cappuccino or latte.
Bean-to-cup coffee machines are a dream come true for coffee lovers who crave the freshest brew possible.
These machines take whole coffee beans, grind them on the spot, and then brew your coffee, all at the touch of a button. This process ensures that you get the maximum flavour and aroma from your coffee beans.
These machines often come with built-in milk frothers or steam wands, allowing you to make a variety of coffee drinks.
Filter coffee machines are the perfect choice for those who love a smooth, clean brew and the comforting aroma of a full pot.
These machines work by allowing hot water to slowly drip through ground coffee, developing a balanced and mellow flavour. Plus, they’re perfect for brewing multiple servings at once.
Many models feature programmable timers and stay-warm plates, allowing you to wake up to the smell of freshly brewed coffee at the perfect temperature.
Deciding which type of coffee you prefer determines which machine will work best for you and your brewing needs.
Whole beans: Freshly ground to deliver the best flavour and aroma; perfect for bean-to-cup machines or grinders.
Ground Coffee: Ready to brew and versatile; works with many espresso or filter machines for a consistent, quality cup.
Pods or Capsules: Quick, convenient and consistent; designed for effortless use with Nespresso-style machines.
Tip: Store coffee beans and ground coffee in an airtight or vacuum coffee canister to protect them from air, moisture, and light; this helps preserve the coffee’s flavour and aroma for longer.
The correct bar pressure (mainly espresso) and temperature ensures you get the best flavour from your coffee, every time.
Pressure: Espresso machines require around 9 bars of pressure to extract full flavour and create a rich crema. Stable pressure ensures every espresso is balanced and consistent.
Temperature: Ideal brewing temperature is 90°C - 96°C; any hotter makes it bitter, any cooler leaves it weak and sour.
Light Roast 92°C - 96°C Brings out bright, floral flavours
Medium Roast 88°C - 92°C Balances sweetness and body
Dark Roast 82°C - 88°C Smooths bitterness and adds richness
Look for versatile machines that allow you to adjust settings to suit your taste and brewing style. These features ensure every cup is tailored to your preference:
Coffee strength and grind size for perfect extraction, intensity and flavour
Cup size or volume from short espressos to long coffees
Milk frothing options for professional-quality lattes to cappuccinos
Whilst traditional cold brew methods can take up to 12 hours, DeLonghi have perfected their cold brew coffee maker to do this under 5 minutes, with their Cold Extraction Technology.
Make a range of refreshing iced coffee drinks by simply selecting the Cold Brew option from the menu of pre-sets.
Coffee machines with milk frothers allow you to whip up creamy lattes, cappuccinos, and more right in your kitchen.
Choose manual and have control over the texture and temperate. Or choose automatic and have the machine take care of everything!
Coffee machines with an automatic cleaning function will take care of the dirty work for you. They help to maintain the machines performance and longevity, ensuring you get the best cup every time.
Coffee machines with soft touch displays make it easy to choose your perfect beverage. These user-friendly, colorful panels feature dedicated icons that guide you through selecting your ideal coffee.
Bar pressure refers to the pressure used to force water through the coffee grounds, and it’s crucial for extracting the perfect espresso. Ideally, you want a machine with at least 9 bars of pressure for a rich, flavorful shot.
Crema is that golden, creamy layer on top of a freshly brewed espresso, and it’s a sign of a well-extracted shot. When buying a coffee machine, look for one that can consistently produce good crema, which usually means it has the right bar pressure and temperature control.
The grind size affects how quickly water flows through the coffee grounds, impacting the extraction process. If the grind is too coarse the water will pass through too quickly, resulting in a weak, under-extracted shot. If it’s too fine the water might struggle to pass through, leading to over-extraction and bitterness.
Tamping is crucial when making an espresso shot because it ensures the coffee grounds are evenly compressed, which helps water flow through them uniformly. Much like the grind process if the tamp is too light, water can flow through too quickly, resulting in a weak shot. If it’s too hard, the water might struggle to pass through, leading to over-extraction and bitterness.
Espresso machines offer a complete barista experience. They tailor coffee to your tastebuds and deliver a rich, flavourful drink. Some come with milk frother wands for cappuccinos and more. In contrast, a filter coffee maker creates a decent cup of americano for an affordable price. Choose an espresso machine if you're a coffee enthusiast and your budget can allow it.
Pods made by Bosch Tassimo and DeLonghi Nescafe Dolce Gusto can be recycled via the Podback recycling scheme. Register to get them collected from your home or take them to a local collection point.
This depends on whether you live in a hard water area. If so, you'll want to descale once a month. Or, if you live in a soft water area, you'll want to descale every three months. This will keep your coffee tasting its best.
No, all brands create different pods, which do not necessarily fit inside other coffee machines. Bosch uses Tassimo pods, whereas De'Longhi requires Nescafe Dolce Gusto pods. Both brands provide a wide range of options, including lattes, americanos, hot chocolates and teas. Plus flavoured coffee like vanilla and caramel. Tassimo also offers Kenco and Costa pods if you're a loyal brand lover.
