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How to use a coffee machine: our expert tips

Brewing the perfect cup of coffee is a complex blend of art and science, and having the right coffee machine makes all the difference. But apart from choosing a coffee machine that looks good on your worktop, what else should you look for when investing in one?

Here’s our expert’s guide to finding the right appliance.

Manual Coffee Machines

1. Manual coffee machines

For those who enjoy making coffee by hand, a manual coffee machine offers the most control over the brewing process. These helpful appliances are a good choice if you’re very particular about how your coffee tastes, as they make it easy to adjust the flavour.

Here’s how to do it:

  • First, grind your coffee beans, adjusting the grind size to suit your chosen method, for example, use coarse for a French press and fine for a pour-over maker.
  • Next, measure out your coffee. Use a scale to measure your all-important coffee-to-water ratio, typically 1:15 or 1:16. This is called the golden ratio, which you can adjust to your preference.
  • Heat the water, aiming for a temperature of between 90°C and 96°C, for perfect coffee extraction.
  • Now you’re ready to brew. Use your machine’s method – for example, plunging for a French press or filtering for a pour-over method.
  • Once your coffee is brewed, it’s time to serve. Always enjoy your coffee fresh, to guarantee the best flavour.

Perfect for: coffee aficionados, who value precision and hands-on brewing.

2. Semi-automatic coffee machines

These helpful machines strike a balance between manual and automatic coffee machines, offering the best of both worlds. They’re especially good for those who love an espresso or an Americano.

How to use:

  • First, grind your beans. A fine grind is best for these machines, suitable for an espresso.
  • Fill the portafilter with the ground coffee and tamp it down so it can extract evenly, for the best results.
  • Time to brew. Attach the portafilter to the machine and start the brewing process, stopping it when you have the amount of espresso you need.
  • If you’re making a latte or cappuccino, use your steam wand to froth up some milk.
  • Now it’s time to serve. Drink it as a shot of espresso for a caffeine hit, or combine it with the frothed milk for a more gentle brew.

Perfect for: those who want some control over brewing their coffee, without having to do it all manually, and aficionados, who value precision and hands-on brewing.

Semi-Automatic Coffee Machines
Fully Automatic Coffee Machines

3. Fully automatic coffee machines

These helpful machines handle everything from grinding to brewing, making them ideal for busy households that need an easy, hassle-free option. With a fully automatic coffee machine, it’s so simple to get that perfect coffee every time.

How to use:

  • Fill up your water reservoir and put your coffee beans into the grinder.
  • Select a coffee from the menu, whether you prefer an espresso, cappuccino or Americano.
  • Set your machine running, letting it take care of all the grinding and brewing. It’ll also steam your milk.
  • When it’s done, enjoy your freshly brewed coffee, delicious and made with minimal effort.

Perfect for: anyone who wants great coffee but doesn’t want to spend too much time making it.

4. Single-serve coffee machines

A pod coffee machine is a type of fully automatic coffee machine. These clever appliances brew one cup of coffee at a time, using pre-packaged pods or capsules.

How to use:

  • Fill your coffee machine’s reservoir with cold water.
  • Pop your coffee pod or capsule into the designated slot.
  • Choose your cup size, which also selects the desired strength of your coffee.
  • Start your machine brewing.
  • Once your cup is full, take it out and start enjoying your cuppa.

Perfect for: solo coffee drinkers and those who value convenience and variety.

Single-Serve Coffee Machines

Tips for getting the best results from your coffee machine:

  • Use fresh ingredients. Always use freshly ground coffee and clean, filtered water, to achieve the best flavour, every time.
  • Remove limescale. Regularly descale your coffee machine to prevent limescale build-up, which can harm your appliance as well as affect the quality of your coffee.
  • Keep it clean. Many modern coffee machines have an automatic cleaning program, which saves you a job and keeps your appliance sparkling clean. If you have to do it yourself, make sure you pay special attention to any areas which come into contact with milk, as bacteria can lurk there.
  • Experiment with settings. Many coffee machines allow you to customise the strength, temperature and brewing time of your coffee, so keep experimenting until you get the perfect taste.
  • Invest in quality beans. A great coffee machine can only do so much – high-quality coffee beans are essential to create that perfect brew.


Choosing the right machine for you:

Here’s our quick summary to help you pick the right coffee machine for you.

  • Manual machines: best for those who enjoy full control over their cup.
  • Semi-automatic machines: great for those who want a hands-on brewing experience, but like a bit of assistance.
  • Fully automatic machines: for those who love convenience, but still demand quality coffee.
  • Single-serve machines: perfect for quick, hassle-free brewing, especially for individuals or smaller households.

Everyday household brands, such as Smeg, Philips, Nespresso and De’Longhi, all offer different types of coffee machines, so spending some time getting to know what your coffee machine can do ensures you get the perfect cuppa, every time.

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