Coffee machine buying guide

Each day in the UK, 95 million cups of coffee are consumed with the average person enjoying two cups a day. While 80% of households buy instant coffee to enjoy at home, coffee machines and cafetieres have been on the rise in recent years. The most popular machines are coffee pod machines followed closely by capsule machines. However, bean-to-cup and filter coffee machines have also enjoyed a boost in popularity and it's plain to see that the way we experience coffee is slowly changing. No matter what type of coffee machine you choose, it is now possible to enjoy a professional quality coffee at home thanks to advanced brewing technology and modern coffee machine features.

Coffee machines differ mainly in terms of their performance and mode of operation. The main options on offer are bean-to-cup machines, espresso coffee machines, pod coffee machines and capsule coffee machines. Your choice of coffee machine is purely subjective and it's important to ask yourself a number of questions before investing in one.

• What type of coffee do you like? First of all, think about the type of coffee you like to drink (e.g. espresso, filter coffee, americanos or milk-based coffees like lattes or cappucinos) and the types of blends you enjoy (bearing in mind that not all blends and qualities are available as pods or capsules).

• Where the coffee machine will be installed? For example, is the machine for an office or for home use? Do you have a large space to fill or a small one? How many people will be using the machine? The answers to these questions should help you to choose between manual coffee maker (e.g. a moka pot or cafetiere) for a traditional solution or an automatic coffee machine (bean-to-cup, pod or capsule) for a more practical choice.

• What features do you want? Depending on the technology on offer, you can make milk-based coffees like cappuccinos or macchiatos, use different accessories or make the most of energy saving technology to cut down on energy usage.

• Where do you buy your coffee? Most blends are available as pods, capsules, beans or ground coffee either in supermarkets or online. But be sure to check that your favourite coffee is readily available in the form you want before choosing a coffee machine.

• How much will the machine cost to run? It's important to factor in purchase vs. running costs to consider the value for money each model will offer.

• What kind of maintenance is required? Maintenance should always be straightforward and you should be able to contact a repairs centre in case of breakdowns (addresses can usually be found on the manufacturer's website).

• How sustainable is the coffee machine?

Treat yourself to the best quality coffee in a traditional Italian-style moka pot designed to be filled up with ground coffee and heated up on the stove. The principle behind these coffee makers is simple. As the water heats up, steam is produced which creates enough pressure to send water up to the filter and through the ground coffee. The result is a freshly prepared coffee. Moka pots are Italy's number one choice when it comes to brewing coffee. But it's important to be aware of the disadvantages and advantages of these coffee makers before making your choice.

Advantages of a moka pot

• Easy to use and clean

• Economical and will last forever

• Just requires a rinse on a daily basis and the valves and/or joints can be replaced when required

• Easy to find different blends of ground coffee in the shops

Disadvantages of a moka pot

• The taste of the coffee will vary depending on your coffee to water ratio, the type of blend used, the pressure produced by the water as the steam is produced and the type of hob used. The quality of the coffee is therefore much less reliable than the type you would get in a coffee shop and you won't get consistent results like you would with an automatic or semi automatic coffee machine.

• While it is possible to find different moka pot sizes to make one, two or even up to 20 espressos, you will mainly come across moka pots in one or two sizes. With this in mind, you may find yourself not producing enough coffee or even wasting the coffee you can't finish.

The measuring and brewing system of an espresso coffee machine is similar to the system featured on professional coffee machines used in coffee shops and bars. These machines require a certain amount of precision when it comes to filling up the filter with the correct amount of coffee. Once the portafilter is in place, hot water will pour over the ground coffee allowing the freshly brewed coffee to run into a cup. The espresso machine must be turned off manually after each use. The secret to a good coffee from an espresso machine is pressure which plays a crucial role in the quality of the finished result.

With this in mind, a certain amount of dexterity is required to add just the right amount of coffee to the portafilter for proper compression. This helps to ensure you get a thick layer of crema. In fact, these machines are often fitted with pressurised portafilters which only distribute coffee once the mixture of ground coffee and water is at the right pressure.

Some espresso machines are able to prepare two or more coffees at the same time. These machines feature very high brewing pressure but are often very pricey. That said, be wary of espresso machines that seem to be too reasonably priced as they are often made using poor quality materials. We recommend choosing a machine with a steel or brass boiler rather than an aluminium one as these materials will reach the required temperature much more quickly.

Advantages of a moka pot

• High-quality, coffee shop-style coffee

• Sustainable, no waste option

• Possibility to use a milk frother to make drinks like cappuccinos

• Often come with a filter for single serve coffee pods

Disadvantages of a moka pot

• Expensive to purchase

• Relatively easy everyday care (cleaning the filter, boiler and portafilter), but deep cleaning can be complex and delicate.

• The messiest machines to use

Pod coffee machines are currently one of the most popular options for use at home and in the workplace. These machines use ready-dosed coffee pods which look a bit like tea bags. They don't require any skill to use as they don't require you to measure a coffee to water ratio. A pod coffee machine can serve a large number of coffees a day without mess or waste, and it doesn't have a huge environmental impact.

Despite a medium to high initial purchase price, a pod coffee machine allows you to recover part of this cost as the pods themselves are fairly cheap and you won't waste any product.

Pod coffee machines are therefore a sustainable option and popular among those looking to make an environmentally friendly choice. ESE pods are made up of two layers of compostible cellulose which are not harmful to health and won't affect the coffee. They can easily be thrown in the food bin or in your home compost pile.

Advantages of coffee pod machines

• Easy to use and clean

• Not messy and can be used to prepare a number of coffees a day

• A sustainable option and safe for the environment and health

• No waste as the coffee is pre-measured

Disadvantages of coffee pod machines

• Medium to high-end price range

• Little choice when it comes to blends and flavours available in pod form

• Can't generally be used to make anything but espressos

Capsule coffee machines work in a similar way to pod coffee machines and can be used to make multiple coffees every day without waste. These coffee machines also use a pre-measured single serve system.

Capsule coffee machines are fairly affordable but you will have to weigh up the long term cost of purchasing coffee capsules which are much more expensive than buying coffee pods or ground coffee.

Coffee capsules help to keep the coffee fresh and allow it to be preserved for longer. They offer a hygienic option as they aren't affected by heat or moisture over time. They also come in a wide range of varieties and flavours which can make coffee time a tastier and more pleasant experience!

But alongside these advantages, it's important to consider the less appealing and more controversial side of coffee capsules which comes down to the materials used to make them. While you do avoid wasting the coffee itself, capsules are made of aluminium and plastic, which is a tricky mix of materials to sort and recycle.

Advantages of capsule coffee machines

• Inexpensive to purchase

• Clean and waste-free system

• Several varieties of coffee and other drinks available

• Coffee is well preserved and capsules are hygenic

Disadvantages of capsule coffee machines

• Capsules very expensive to buy

• Non-sustainable option (difficult to recycle capsules)

Bean-to-cup coffee machines represent an evolution from manual coffee makers in that they allow you to enjoy freshly ground coffee prepared like a professional. These machines are sometimes referred to as all-in-one coffee machines and come with buttons used to select factors like type of coffee, quantity of coffee, number of cups, and so on.

Fitted with a compartment for coffee beans, the main advantage of these machines is that you don't have to measure the coffee yourself nor add your own coffee pods or capsules every time you want a coffee. The coffee beans are ground freshly for each coffee and are automatically filtered and served. The result is a high-quality coffee that tastes professionally made.

Bean-to-cup coffee machines are relatively expensive to purchase but coffee beans are less pricey to buy which can save you money in the long term. That said, coffee beans are sold in bags and can be bulky to store.

Don't forget that a bean-to-cup coffee machine requires regular cleaning and it's important to be meticulous to avoid mould growth and to ensure the machine has a reasonably long service life.

Advantages of bean-to-cup coffee machines

• High-quality coffee

• Good value for money

• Environmentally friendly

• Easy to clean

Disadvantages of bean-to-cup coffee machines

• Coffee machine and bags of coffee can take up room

• Requires careful and regular cleaning

Filter coffee machines are used to make filter coffee. All you need to do is select the quantity of coffee you want using a control panel.

These coffee machines, often called drip coffee makers, use a system of percolation whereby hot water travels slowly through a filter containing ground coffee. However, this system is different from the system used by a moka pot.

The water moves slowly which allows you to capture the full aroma of the coffee for a strong tasting coffee but one that is not as concentrated as an espresso.

Advantages of filter coffee machines

• Easy to use and maintain

• Cost-effective to run

• Pleasant taste

Disadvantages of filter coffee machines

• Can be hard to find high-quality ground coffee in the supermarket

• Not always a huge choice of blends available

• Cannot be used to make milk-based coffee drinks

• Prepares a large amount of coffee at once

• No additional accessories

Most coffee machines on the market offer several features which makes your choice even more difficult! Once again, it all depends on your needs. While some optional features vary from model to model, others are included with most modern coffee makers.

Multifunctional coffee machines

From cappuccinos to tea, macchiatos to ginseng and other herbal coffee alternatives, some coffee machines these days can be used to make a wide variety of hot and cold drinks.

Select models even prepare these drinks automatically measuring out the doses of coffee and sugar required.

Other machines are equipped with external accessories such as milk frothers or steam wands. A milk frother comes as an external wand which uses pressure and steam to create different types of milk froth used to make drinks like cappuccinos and lattes. This option is, without a doubt, the accessory that will really set your coffees apart and make them more like professionally made drinks. To ensure this option is right for you, think about a few factors: for example, the space you have available and the amount of time you want to spend preparing drinks, cleaning up and maintaining the accessory.

Energy saving mode

In recent years, the coffee machine market has recognised the importance of coming up with more sustainable solutions to help protect the environment. In fact, almost all coffee machines on sale these days are equipped with energy saving features which is good news for the environment and your pocket!

Check that the coffee machine you have your eye on features an auto stop function or a timer to put the machine on standby mode after a certain amount of time. Machines that can serve several cups of coffee at once will save time and energy.

Dreaming of a fully functioning smart home? We've got good news – some of the latest coffee machines can be controlled directly from your smartphone meaning your coffee machine can be set to serve, turn off and perform a whole range of other functions remotely. And if used properly, remote control can even help to extend the service life of your machine.

Coffee machine water filters

Not many people know that water quality plays a huge role in the quality of your coffee or coffee-based drink. While some coffee enthusiasts only top up their coffee machine using bottled water, the more economical and environmentally friendly option is of course to use tap water.

However, using unfiltered tap water comes with a few risks:

• If you have hard water, scale could end up clogging your machine;

• Water deposits like limescale will alter the taste of the coffee, resulting in a less tasty drink with less crema;

We therefore recommend fitting the water tank with a water filter specially designed for coffee machines. A range of water filters is available but the following two types are the easiest to use and the most effective:

• Ion exchange filters are designed to capture calcium carbonate (i.e. limescale) from the water and soften the water;

• Active charcoal filters can remove other impurities from water such as zinc, copper and lead, depending on the quality and type of active charcoal used.

Your choice of filter will depend on the hardness of your water. For very hard or impure water, we recommend using an active charcoal filter while an ion exchange filter will work for slightly softer water. Manufacturers will generally indicate the best type of filter to buy for your machine on the product packaging.

When it comes to picking out a new coffee machine, the type of maintenance required is a key factor. Whether you're a coffee purist looking for a professional espresso maker or you want to switch up your drink on a daily basis with a capsule or pod machine, you must maintain your machine properly. Doing so will not only ensure you get a high-quality coffee, it will also help to extend the lifespan of your machine.

Maintenance requirements, in terms of frequency and the extent of cleaning needed, will vary depending on the machine. What is sure is that you must set up a regular cleaning routine – preferably daily – in addition to less frequent deep cleaning.

External cleaning

Coffee, water and all kinds of substances can quickly build up on the outside of your coffee machine making it look dirty and less appealing. This can be avoided by a quick daily clean and by developing a few good habits after each use:

• After preparing your coffee, don't forget to throw away the coffee pod before the paper sticks to the metal or to empty the portafilter. If you have a capsule machine, don't forget to empty the container of used capsules to keep the machine clean and stop it getting overfilled and clogged up.

• After taking care to unplug the machine, clean the outside surfaces using water and dish soap to ensure that stains and residue won't stick.

Internal cleaning and descaling

Cleaning the inside of a coffee machine is absolutely essential. This involves removing all coffee deposits from the various parts of the machine which will need to be disassembled and cleaned one by one with the machine unplugged.

As for daily cleaning, the water tank and drip tray should be easy enough to remove and can be rinsed under running water. You can do the same if you have a powdered milk container and/or bean reservoir where oily deposits will often build up.

Accessories like milk steamers must be cleaned regularly using hot water and a very small amount of mild dish soap.

Descaling your coffee machine is key when it comes to maintenance. Even if you use a water filter, limescale will inevitably build up in the water tank. While a special limescale remover will certainly be effective, you run the risk of contaminating the machine. A natural alternative is to use bicarbonate and vinegar which should be left to work in the water container for as long as possible.

Please note that most modern coffee machines come with a special descaling mode. In this case, simply follow the manufacturer's instructions for a deep clean.

We recommend descaling and deep cleaning all the containers of the machine at least once every three months.

It goes without saying that you will need to consider the size of the coffee machine before purchase. To pick the right model, ask yourself a few questions. How many people will be using the machine? Where will the machine be kept? Do you have a small kitchen or a purpose built coffee bar? What kind of design is best for the area you have to fill?

You'll find a range of different machines that, in addition to offering various types of technology, are designed to slot into tighter spaces such as small kitchens or offices. Conversely, it's also possible to pick a coffee machine designed to spread over a larger area to give you the best performance.

Before investing in a coffee machine, we advise you to measure the space you have carefully and consider the surrounding appliances as well as the closest plug sockets and water source.

Finally it's worth noting that most coffee machines are now designed with appearance in mind. From different colours and patterns to modern or vintage designs, why not pick something that's nice to look at, too!

As mentioned, most modern coffee machines are fairly environmentally friendly and equipped with energy saving modes. Some are also made using easily recyclable materials (plastic, metal, electronic components, etc.).

But don't forget to ensure that your electrical appliance can be recycled at the end of its life at your local recycling centre or by your kerbside collection service.

If you buy a pod or capsule coffee machine it is essential to dispose of the capsules or pods responsibly. While coffee grounds can easily be thrown in the food waste or in your home compost, pods and capsules are a different story altogether.

ESE paper filter pods are almost all made from recyclable paper which is often sourced from FSC forests. These pods can be thrown in the compost just like coffee grounds. However, you will have to be more careful with hard pods which often come in aluminium and plastic packaging. We recommend reading up as much as possible on the subject and contacting your local recycling facility.

Capsules, on the other hand, are trickier as they can be made of plastic or aluminium. In either case, you will usually have to separate the contents (i.e. the coffee grounds) from the packaging and dispose of each appropriately according to local household recycling rules. This is a messy job and one that requires a bit of work. That said, some brands do now offer a recycling service.

If you have decided to go for a pod or capsule coffee machine, you may be wondering if you'll have any trouble finding the right types of pods or capsules for your machine.

When it comes to pods, you shouldn't have any problem. In fact, coffee pods are all generally standard sizes. While different coffee manufacturers will offer their own range of flavours, the pods themselves should be compatible with any machine on the market.

When it comes to capsules, it all depends on the system used by the coffee machine brand. Capsules can differ in terms of width and height as well as the materials used to make them which may vary in terms of pressure and heat resistance. Once you have chosen the best system for your needs, you shouldn't have any issues finding both original capsules from the brand and capsules from other brands that are compatible with the machine.

Found the coffee machine of your dreams? Don't forget to:

• keep the coffee pod or capsule compartment closed when the machine is not in use;

• fit the machine with a purifying water filter or fill the machine with pre-filtered water;

• check the water level in the tank regularly to prevent the machine from running empty which can wear the pump.

• How to reuse your coffee grounds

• How to save money on your energy bills

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