The best coffee machine can improve your morning routine and reduce the need to go to the coffee shop. Every one of the 12 top coffee machines in our Top 12 list has been tested and reviewed by members of the Ideal Homes team. You can see our reviews and the IdealHome rating below.
You may want to focus on the best beans to cup coffee machines or best pod espresso machines. We have two guides for this purpose, but you can also find our top picks (and everything between) in our best coffee machine roundup.
A pod or ground coffee machine is a good option if you are looking for a cheap coffee machine bottled water. These machines are much more cost-effective than buying a machine that has a coffee grinder. A bean-to-cup machine is a great choice if you want to make a fresh cup of coffee.
There are also milk frothers available, which can be very helpful for those who enjoy a cappuccino or a latte. The milk options are less important if you love americano.
How we chose the best coffee machines
All the coffee machines in this guide were tested just as you would at home. To meet the varied household needs, we have considered all types of coffee machines, including espresso machines, pod coffee machines, bean-to–cup coffee machines, filter coffee machines, and coffee machines. This leaves us with the task of determining how the machine works, what it costs to maintain, how much space it takes up, and how much money to run. It has not been an easy job. We love coffee as much, if not more than you.
Scroll down to see our list of top-rated coffee machines in the UK. You don’t have to look elsewhere for a great deal. The pricing widget beneath the products will always display the lowest price.
1. BREVILLE VCF125 Mini Barista Coffee Machine
What we love: makes great coffee. It’s easy to set up and maintain, compact, so it doesn’t take too much space.
We don’t like No adjustable mug height, stainless-steel easier marks
You will be able to perfect your barista skills with this coffee machine. Although it is not easy to set up every time you need a cup of coffee, it is well worth the effort. The 2 litre reservoir tank will need to be filled with fresh water. Once the water has boiled, heat the mug using the steam wand (if desired), then froth the milk in the jug. Finally, press the button to start the espresso. You can make an Americano, flat white, cappuccino, or latte with it. However, you might need to swirl the top of the milk jug and the frother.
It is important to not overfill the cups with coffee. You will encounter resistance as you try to grab the handle. Do not do this. You can just tip the coffee grounds into the bag.
It is very easy to clean and maintain, but it will require regular attention to ensure that it looks great. The shell of stainless steel will need to be buffed every two days, and the drop tray should be empty as needed.
2. Cuisinart Veloce
We like: can make long and milky coffees automatically. Simple digital instructions are provided, so cleaning is simple
What we don’t like: after every use, you must clean the milk frother.
Cuisinart Veloce offers a lot for the price. It is, however, one of our most expensive guides. You can choose from a variety of coffee options including cappuccinos and espresso shots on the digital display. If you prefer a milky cup of coffee, you can adjust the size of the drink in millilitres and the ratio of coffee to milk. You can also remove the milk dispenser so it can be stored in the refrigerator between uses.
It was great to be able save drink preferences which made it easy to make coffee rounds. After each drink, the machine performs a self-cleaning cycle that lasts only a few seconds. You need to make a milky beverage and then add the tube to a glass water. The machine will automatically clean itself after each use. It can be a hassle if you have a lot of latte but it is worth keeping a glass of water on hand.
The on-screen instructions make cleaning easy. Although the digital display is less appealing than other best coffee machine, it makes life so much easier.
3. Swan Retro One Touch Espresso Machine
We like many colors, milk dispenser, reasonable prices
We don’t likeremovable tray feels fragile
The Swan Retro One Touch Espresso Machine has all the modern features you need to create your favorite coffee shop coffees. It is easy to use the milk frother and you can choose from two sizes.
To use the Swan Retro One Touch Espresso Machine you will need to add your grounds and tamp it. We found that this can be a bit messy. You can use the pressure gauge to determine if your machine has started, and also to ensure that you are getting the best out of your beans.
Once your coffee has been poured, the tamp will drip slightly. To prevent coffee from splashing into your plastic base, we recommend placing a cup under it.
4. Lavazza A Modo Mio Idola
We like simple to use, stylish design and four brew sizes
What we don’t like: on an expensive side
Are you a small chef? Are you short on space? The Lavazza pod coffee machine will work well in a small space. It is small but it will be a big statement because of its ability to make strong coffee. Lavazza A Modo Mio pods can be used with the Lavazza A Modo Mio Idola. This allows you to choose from a variety of espressos at any time. The best part is that these pods are made from a compostable biopolymer that will naturally biodegrade.
It is easy to keep the machine clean. To flush the system, you will only need to run a cycle without a pod. To remove coffee spillages or finger marks, you can also wipe it with a damp cloth.
5. Illy Iperespresso
We like Super compact design, high-quality coffee, and a wide range of colors
We don’t like basic functions
Some serious espresso masters have created the illy IperespressoY3.3. The pods that come with the machine made a rich, rich brew regardless of whether you were making long or short americanos. You can use the fold-out shelf for espresso brewing. For taller espressos, you can simply place your cup under the dispenser. You don’t have the option to make lattes or flat whites with this compact machine. But it does what it does very well.
While we prefer the blue option, there are also options in striking red and subtle white. This will allow you to match the Iperespresso with your kitchen. The automatic descaling makes cleaning easy, but it is a bit fiddly because the drip tray can’t be removed.
The Y3.3’s small dimensions will be a benefit to compact kitchens. The cord measures only 10 cm in width, which is quite small, but it is 1 m long, so you can place it almost anywhere on your countertop.
6. Smeg DCF02
We like Excellent filter, feels very sturdy, and is available in six (lovely!) colours
We don’t like Bulky,’small’ design. It can be difficult to fill the water tank.
The Smeg filter coffee machine was our first love. The design is simple and clean. It can also be purchased in a variety of colors to match your kitchen decor. It is not the most attractive design and takes up too much space in small kitchens. It can also be difficult to fill the water tank. However, there are solutions. For example, you can pull the coffee machine from the wall and place it under the wall units. It’s not ideal, but it solved the problem for us.
This brews filter coffee for a quick, fresh, and delicious brew that can be used up to ten times. You can use less water or more coffee if there are less than ten people. The coffee will stay warm on a keep warm plate for a few hours. Another thing to remember is that you should not turn the machine off at the plug. All settings will be reset. This will mean you’ll have to go through the setup process again.
7. Sage Barista Express
We like A fully customizable brew
What we don’t like: It could be overwhelming for some
The Sage by Heston Blumenthal Barista Express coffee maker can grind and brew your beans and steam the milk for cappuccinos and lattes. You can adjust everything from the grind coarseness and volume to get the perfect shot of espresso. The pressure gauge will show you the ideal levels to aim at when brewing.
Although the Sage by Heston Blumenthal Barista express is not a budget option, it is a great compromise between quality and value. It is simple enough to clean and you can use the insert that comes with the tablet and portafilter. Be sure to empty your tray as soon as it becomes full. Otherwise it can get messy!
8. Lavazza A Modo Mio Jolie
We like high quality, aromatic coffee at a reasonable price
We don’t like No size presets
Lavazza A Mode Mio Jolie is the best choice if you are looking for a high quality espresso. The machine comes in a variety of stylish shades and looks great on any kitchen counter. The pods can be recycled, although Lavazza has a slightly more complicated system. However, the machine is easy to use. Simply pull the lever up, insert your pod and push it down to begin the brewing process.
To brew the coffee, press the button twice. There are pros and cons to this method. While it is nice to have a machine that can adjust the length of your coffee, you will need to be there to watch it brew.
9. Melitta Barista TS Smart coffee machine
We like:we love the smart features. It makes for a great coffee
What we don’t like: a little too heavy for small kitchens
This coffee machine can do it all. This coffee machine is smart in many ways. It can do everything, from grinding the beans to frothing the milk. All of this can be done on your smartphone. Yes, we do know. Impressive stuff.
You can make a cappuccino or espresso, and it’s as easy as you would hope. There are 21 different coffee recipes that you can make. The integrated milk frother makes it super simple and efficient. It also self-cleans which is always a plus for us. If you are interested in grinding your own coffee beans, you will be pleased to know that the integrated grinder operates quietly. However, you can also use pre-ground coffee as an option, just like most models.
The smartness is overwhelming usability-wise. The app can be downloaded from your smartphone and allows you to control your coffee machine using your smartphone. You can save your favorite coffees so that you always have the right cup. There are also helpful tips to help you get the most out of your coffee machine. You can save up to eight coffee preferences and have four preset classic specialities (espresso, cappuccino, cappuccino, and latte macchiato) stored in the My Coffee Memory feature. If you want to make tea, it will even give you hot water.
10. Morphy Richards Verve Pour-Over Coffee Machine
We likeGood coffee, simple to set up and affordable
What we don’t like:hotplate doesn’t stay on long, and the clock is difficult to see in low light
The filter coffee machine is a great value for money. You can buy the coffee grounds from your local supermarket, and you can pick up the machine for around PS50. This Morphy Richards coffee machine is no exception.
We love the full-flavour of coffee. The pour over showerhead and cupcake filters evenly distribute water over the coffee grounds, releasing all the rich flavours and aromas. The coffee strength selector is included and the programmable timer makes it super simple to use. You’ll have complete control over how your coffee tastes. Invite guests over after the lockdown. This coffee machine can brew 12 cups. Any less than that and the coffee machine will over-produce your coffee. You’ll then need to drink it up (or pour it away) if it’s not warm enough. The hotplate won’t keep it for more than 20 minutes.
11. Nescafe Dolce Gusto Genio Plus
We like is easy to set-up and use, and can be used with cups or mugs
What we don’t like: pods can’t be recycled in household waste
This coffee machine from Nespresso is perfect for those who like to use pod coffee machines and prefer cold beverages. It is so versatile. You can also access a large variety of beverages, as with most pod coffee machines. It was these features that impressed us the most during testing, as well as how compact it is. This was especially helpful for our reviewer who has limited space.
A few system rinse-throughs were all that was needed to prepare the pod for its first use. Then it was as simple as choosing a pod and filling the 0.8-litre water tank with the right setting. You should read the instructions on the packets to ensure you have the right temperature and strength settings. They all differ slightly. You may find yourself disappointed if you get a milkshake, but you end up with hot chocolate.
This coffee machine doesn’t require much cleaning or maintenance. However, you might want to clean it every other day. After a few months of heavy use, the automatic descaling alarm will turn on. Dolce Gusto will sell you a descaling solution for PS5.80 (2 bottles). Instructions will be needed, but that’s it. There are a few things you should know about the pods. They cannot be recycled with household waste.
12. Sage The Barista Pro SE878BSS coffee maker
We like is super fast to heat up, simple to use, and impressive steam wand
What we don’t like: If stainless steel isn’t for you
We love coffee, so it’s no surprise that we are a big fan of this machine. It is quite expensive, we admit. But if you frequent the local coffee shop you will soon be able to make your money back. The machine will also offer coffee on tap, which is a welcome relief after all the homeschooling and working remotely that most of us have done for the past year.
You can adjust the grind speed to make your coffee beans taste better. The burr grinder heats up in just three seconds, so you won’t have to wait long for your next cup of coffee. The steam wand, which is FAB, will allow you to hone your barista skills. One thing to be aware of: The stainless steel version will mark easily even though it is technically brushed.
How to test coffee machines
Although it’s not an easy job, someone must do it. Before we feature in the buyer’s guide, we like to have hands-on experience with as much product as possible. And if we can enjoy the benefits of our work, even better! There are many options when it comes to choosing the best coffee machine. We know that there is a lot of choice. The only way to determine which one will work for you is to try one on. We understand that this isn’t always possible, but we are here to help.
We call them in whenever we hear about a new machine, or if we have questions about an existing option. To get a better understanding of how the machines work, we test out pod coffee machines and espresso coffee machines as well as filter coffee machines, bean to cup machines, and filter coffee machines over a period of several weeks or months. We can sometimes keep the coffee machine under review so that we can continue to use it and provide updates as needed. We consider all factors, including ease of use and cleaning, maintenance, and cost. When reporting back to our customers, we also consider other user reviews that we find on brand and retailer websites.