How to find the perfect coffee machine

For coffee lovers, the day doesn’t get started – or the meal completed – until their favourite rich, delicious drink is sipped. Whether you prefer a punchy espresso or a silky latte, you can master making the perfect brew at home with your dream coffee machine. With so many types out there, our detailed buying guide is a great place to start to help you think about what style suits you; do you want the convenience and reliability of a pod-based model or are you a true coffee connoisseur, looking for a bean-to-cup machine? Whatever your criteria on price, appearance and functionality, here’s our round-up of the best and highest-rated coffee makers right now.

Stylish stove-top espresso makers are a fun, easy-to-use and sustainable option for your caffeine hit as there’s no waste. Just add ground coffee and water, screw the base shut and heat for a couple of minutes until your brew bubbles through to the pot. Another quick, simple option – that’s particularly good if you’re making coffee for a group – is the classic cafetiere.

Popular, quick and incredibly user-friendly, pod or capsule machines make your favourite cup in seconds – a saviour during the morning-routine rush. Typically sleek and compact, these designs make a handsome addition to your kitchen work surface – the red or aqua Nespresso models, for example, offer a bright colour pop.

Consider yourself a brew expert (but not quite a latte artist)? These bean-to-cup machines can achieve barista-quality results at the touch of a couple of buttons. Not only will they grind your chosen beans, they’ll also froth your milk to deliver your ideal cup. No wonder these investment buys are the bestselling category within our selection of coffee makers.

For the espresso purist, the pump machine – which allows you to grind and tamp your own coffee – is the one to go for. While they’re a little bulkier and require you to be a bit more hands-on, these machines offer exceptional results. Choose from Sage’s high-spec stainless steel glamour or the retro look of the De’Longhi Dedica Arte, which comes in beige, grey or silver. 

Next-generation pod-coffee makers are designed with sustainability at the forefront. Nespresso’s Vertuo Next range is made from 35 per cent recycled plastic and uses 100-per- cent-recyclable aluminium pods, while the sleek Nespresso Creatista Plus range uses 80-per-cent-recyclable capsules. In the quest for an eco-friendly coffee, the key is not throwing the pods in the bin – find your nearest recycling point (or other green-conscious option) here.

Of course, there’s more to making coffee than simply choosing the right machine; for the dream brew you need to set yourself up with the right kit. From bean grinders and milk frothers to the perfect cups, we’ve got you covered. Just add fresh croissants and your favourite book, then sip back and enjoy.