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Coffee machine.

Coffee Machine Buying Guide

Our experts have put this handy guide together to help you discover the perfect brew for you.

Which coffee machine is best for you?

Pod machines.

Pod

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.

Espresso

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.

Steam.

Bean-to-Cup

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.

Barista.

Barista Style

If you like a more hands on approach to coffee making and want to feel like a barista at home, take a look at our curated list of barista machines.

These machines will give you the control and precision that professional baristas enjoy and allow you to craft a wide range of coffee drinks, just the way you like them.

More about Bean-to-Cup Coffee Machines

Bean-to-cup machines are becoming increasingly popular, but what type of bean-to-cup is right for you?
Let's explore the options:

Automatic.

Automatic

Enjoy coffee shop quality right at home with just a touch of a button. Automatic bean to cup machines take care of everything for you by grinding, tamping, and brewing your favourite coffee, then finally topping it with a dense and creamy milk foam. With pre-set drinks available, it really is a simple as pressing a button.

Manual.

Manual

Manual bean to cup machines let you perfect your barista skills right at home. They’re just like the ones used in your favourite coffee shop. You can choose the appropriate grind settings, tamp and brew your coffee. Then finally perfect your latte art with the milk frother for a truly hands-on, authentic experience.

More handy features

Cold Brew.

Cold Brew Option

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.

Integrated Milk Frothers

Integrated Milk Frothers

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!

Auto Clean Coffee Machines

Auto Clean Coffee Machines

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.

Soft Touch Display

Soft Touch Display

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.

Jargon buster

Bar Pressure.

Bar Pressure

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.

Crema

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.

Grind.

Grind

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.

Tamp.

Tamp

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.

Frequently asked questions about coffee machines

  • What coffee machine should I buy?
  • How do coffee machines work?
  • What is the difference between an espresso machine and a coffee maker?

      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.

  • Are coffee machine pods recyclable?

      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.

  • When should I descale a coffee machine?

      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.

  • Do coffee pods fit all machines?

      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.

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