Coffee machines115 products
Start with the type of machine
Which type suits me?Choosing a coffee machine
Start with how you like your coffee. Bean-to-cup machines grind fresh beans and brew at the press of a button; pod machines are the quickest and tidiest; espresso machines give you control over every shot; and filter machines make a full jug at once. The tiles at the top of this page sort machines by type.
If you drink lattes or cappuccinos, check how the machine froths milk: an automatic milk system does it for you, while a steam wand takes a little practice. Then look at the size of the water tank and bean hopper, how easy the machine is to clean and descale, and how much room it takes up on your worktop.
Guides
Common questions
Bean to cup or espresso?
A bean-to-cup machine grinds and brews at the press of a button. An espresso machine gives you more control over every shot, but takes a little practice.
Do pod machines take any pods?
Most pod machines use one pod system, such as Nespresso, Dolce Gusto or Tassimo, so check which pods you like before you choose.
Can I make milky coffees?
Look for a steam wand or an automatic milk system. An automatic system froths the milk for you; a steam wand takes a little skill but gives more control.
Can I use ground coffee in a bean-to-cup machine?
Many bean-to-cup machines have a separate chute for ground coffee, which is handy for decaf. Check the product page for a pre-ground option.
How often should I descale?
Most machines tell you when it is time. In hard-water areas you will descale more often, which keeps the coffee tasting right and the machine working well.
What size water tank do I need?
Around 1.5 to 2 litres suits most homes. A bigger tank means fewer refills if several people use the machine every day.
