If the cost of your daily coffee is starting to feel like a second rent payment then it could be time to invest in a machine of your own. The best coffee machines are capable of replicating your favourite café order at home for a fraction of the price. So investing in a decent machine, whether it be an espresso, pod or filter machine will start to pay for itself within months, especially if you’re a daily coffee drinker.
But can a good coffee machine really make a difference to how the coffee tastes? Before you spend money on hardware, there’s something worth knowing. India Rawlins, head of brand at TrueStart Coffee, puts it better than most: "You can make barista-grade coffee with modest kit, but even the best machine in the world can't rescue poor quality beans." Her advice is to seek out speciality-grade coffee beans that have been professionally graded for taste and quality. "Imagine the beans are your fuel and the machine is your engine," she adds. "If you don't fuel it properly, you'll struggle to start.”
Like most people, I’ve been through my fair share of coffee disappointing machines at home, you know the type, the ones that look great on the kitchen counter but can’t pull a decent shot. However, times have changed and there are some genuinely fantastic models on the market now. I’ve spent weeks testing the best coffee machines to include in this round-up, from no-fuss pod designs to espresso machines that’ll make you feel like a barista in your own home.
Read more: Best milk frothers 2026, tried and tested
The best coffee machines for 2026 are:
- Best overall – Ninja luxe premier ES601UK: £495, Amazon.co.uk
- Best budget buy – Philips sublime l'or pod coffee machine: £69.99, Amazon.co.uk
- Best compact bean-to-cup – Philips baristina automatic bean to cup coffee machine: £299.99, Amazon.co.uk
- Best for cold brew – Smeg espresso & cold brew machine ECF03: £399.95, Johnlewis.com
- Best for espresso enthusiasts – Cuisinart grind, tamp and brew espresso machine: £337.80, Amazon.co.uk
Read more: KitchenAid’s espresso machine is a dream for lazy coffee lovers
Ninja luxe premier ES601UK
Best: coffee machine overall
Type of machine: Bean-to-cup
Size: H 37.2cm x W 33.6cm x D 34.4cm
Built-in grinder: Yes
Milk system: Steam wand
Water tank capacity: 2l
Why we love it
- Three machines in one (espresso, filter, cold brew)
- Built-in space to store accessories
- Makes café quality drinks
- Recommends grind adjustments
Take note
- Set up takes a bit of time
- Milk frothing is loud
If you’re looking to break off your relationship with your local coffee chain, the Ninja luxe premier ES601UK is the best coffee machine I tested. It’s an espresso, filter and cold brew machine all wrapped up in one neat, shiny package and it exceeded my expectations. Shots have been rich, consistent and well balanced with proper crema, whilst the dual froth milk system steams and froths at the same time for silky, café worthy foam.
If you love a milky coffee, you’ll be impressed by the presets that include everything from steamed milk to cold foam. There’s also a dedicated plant-based milk setting so it does a good job of oat milk, too. The milk system is a little loud, and it’s not something you’d put on when anyone was trying to sleep, but it does work really well. The cold brew worked well too – I used it as a base to make an espresso martini and it was just as good as ordering at a bar.
For me, the stand out feature of the Ninja luxe premier is the barista assist technology, which monitors the pressure and flow rate during extraction. I know that sounds overly complicated but this just means that it recommends grind adjustments for your next drink so you get a better espresso. If you’re a novice to the world of at home coffee then it’s the perfect setting.
Setting up the machine took some time because you have to calibrate it before you can use it, and the instructions aren’t that clear (I recommend finding a YouTube tutorial). However, once it’s set up, using the machine couldn’t be easier. All the controls are well laid out and the menus are illuminated, so you know what you’re choosing.
Another thing I really loved about the Ninja luxe premier was that all the accessories have a storage space. There are built-in drawers that pop open so you don’t have filters and tamping tools hanging around. It’s also a really good size – I have a small kitchen and it fits neatly on the countertop and even goes under the wall cupboards.
Cleaning is no fuss as it has automatic clean and purge cycles to keep the insides working well, and then it’s just a case of cleaning out the removable drip tray. It also comes with a water filter, which has to be changed every two months and are available to buy in a pack of six (£24.99, Ninjakitchen.co.uk). Overall, Ninja’s luxe premier coffee machine is my top choice because it has the flexibility of three machines in one, and it suits new espresso machine owners just as much as seasoned coffee pros.
Buy now £549, Sharkninja.co.uk
Philips sublime L'Or pod coffee machine
Best: budget coffee machine
Type of machine: Pod
Size: H 27.6cm x W 15.7cm x D 40.2cm
Built-in grinder: No
Milk system: No
Water tank capacity: 800ml
Why we love it
- Can make two cups or one large cup
- Works with Nespresso compatible and L'Or pods
- Compact
- Dispenses water at just the right temperature
Take note
- Pods can sometimes jam when opening
Philips’s sublime l'or is the best budget coffee machine I tried. The pod coffee machine punches way above its price tag and can make one large cup of coffee or two small shots of espresso. This is down to the L'Or barista’s distinctive double spout.
It takes original Nespresso-compatible pods but also has space for the L'Or branded XXL pods. The latter is perfect when you want a large mug of coffee, but don’t want to keep pressing the button for more hot water.
Talking of hot water, this is one of the top pod machines I’ve tasted in terms of water temperature. The water comes out hot and it heats up really quickly, so you won’t need to hang around around the machine waiting for it to brew.
Setting it up couldn’t be easier as there’s nothing really to assemble and just two buttons to operate it. Just fill the water tank, run it through and then you’re ready to start making your coffee. Clean up is just making sure you clean out the water tank and pod bin on a regular basis.
There are a few small issues with the machine – pods can occasionally get jammed when opening the top of the machine and the water tank is a little on the small side, which was a bit annoying when making mugs of coffee. However if you can look past these, this is a super simple pod machine that delivers brilliant coffee at a budget.
Buy now £110, Johnlewis.com
KitchenAid KF8 fully automatic espresso machine
Best: fully automatic coffee machine
Size: 4.5 x 4.8 x 11.8cm
Type of machine: Manual
Size: H 36.3cm x W 26cm x D 47.3cm
Built-in grinder: Yes
Milk system: Milk jug
Water tank capacity: 2.2l
Why we love it
- Quiet operation
- Easy to use
- More than 40 preset options
- Useful personalisation features
Take note
- Milk jug doesn't neatly slot onto machine
- Adding filter coffee is a bit more fiddly
Priced at around £1,900 the KitchenAid KF8 is a serious commitment, but if you’re looking for the best fully automatic coffee machine, this is the one. The 5in touch screen has more than 40 drink options, from ristretto to flat white, so whatever your preference, you’ll find it. Throughout testing it did a good job of consistently brewing well-extracted shots and the 19-bar pump ensured proper crema on every pour. It’s pretty quiet too, especially in comparison to others I’ve tried.
I liked that you can tweak all the different options on the KitchenAid coffee machine, including temperature, strength and volume, and save them across different profiles. This means that if you prefer a weaker coffee to your spouse, you don’t have to put up with rocket fuel because they’ve used the machine last. I found this a genuinely useful feature.
The milk jug sits to the side of the machine and connects via a little hose. It’s a really awkward layout and considering the price of this machine, it doesn’t really give the same luxe vibes. This is likely because you don’t have to always have the milk on display or you can store it in the fridge, but I didn’t get on with it. That said, it did steam the milk well, if not a little cooler than I prefer.
Set up, given how high tech this machine is, was easy. Everything was self-guided and the machine walks you through each step, from loading the beans to filling the water tank. Cleaning is prompt led too, with a ‘clean-me’ notification when a cycle is due. This is a handy feature if you’re not very good at staying on top of maintenance.
If you don’t want to use beans, you can add filter coffee, but this has to be done via the chute at the top and is limited to a small, single scoop at a time. But for a household that uses solely beans, it’s a great choice.
Read our full review of the KitchenAid KF8 espresso machine
Buy now £1899, Currys.co.uk
ProCook espresso coffee machine
Best: espresso machine for beginners
Type of machine: Espresso
Size: H 33cm x W 26.5cm x D 30cm
Built-in grinder: No
Milk system: Steam wand
Water tank capacity: 2.2l
Why we love it
- Easy to use and clean
- Makes well-balanced and rich espresso
- Steam wand makes silky, frothy milk
- Doesn’t take up too much counter space
Take note
- The portafilter is difficult to turn
The ProCook espresso coffee machine is the best coffee machine for beginners, particularly if you’re looking to upgrade from a pod to espresso model. I was absolutely blown away by its performance during testing. It’s really easy to use, thanks to the LCD screen, which gives all the options available including single or double shot, hot water or the steam wand.
The shots were consistently well-balanced and rich. The machine heated up quickly and thanks to the internal temperature control, the water was the perfect temperature for coffee – hot, but not so hot that it burns the coffee beans. The steam wand did a fantastic job at creating silky, frothy milk that you can have as hot as you like. It worked just as well with dairy as it did with oat milk, and it heated up quickly.
Set up was uncomplicated too, just attach the 2.2l water tank, run a rinse cycle and you’re ready to go. Everything you need is in the box, including a tamper, single and double filter and a cleaning bin. When it came to cleaning, there were no issues at all. The drip tray is removable and the design of the machine means you won’t get any coffee grounds trapped in hard to reach places.
If there’s one gripe, it’s that the portafilter can be a difficult to turn, but otherwise this beautifully built, fuss-free espresso machine that’s perfect for beginners.
Buy now £249, Procook.co.uk
Cuisinart grind, tamp and brew espresso machine
Best: coffee machine for espresso enthusiasts
Type of machine: Bean-to-cup
Size: H 41.5cm x W 40.5cm x D 37.9cm
Built-in grinder: Yes
Milk system: Steam wand
Water tank capacity: 2.2l
Why we love it
- Makes delicious espresso
- Can make cold brew coffee
- Assisted tamping
- Can fit taller mugs
Take note
- Steam wand splashes a lot and takes some practice
The Cuisinart grind, tamp and brew is the best coffee machine for espresso enthusiasts, as it has plenty of features to fine tune your coffee to your taste. This includes a built-in grinder with 16 settings, which ensures you get the perfect amount of coffee grinds in your portafilter. The assisted tamping lever also helps you get the ideal pressure – this produces a great crema and ensures the water flow is perfect for a more balanced shot
The shots were consistently well-extracted, creating rich and balanced coffee. If you like a milky coffee, the steam wand can be a bit slow so takes some practice to get used to.
As well as espresso the machine also makes cold brew, which it did quickly and really well. When I tested it with an iced latte there was no bitterness and the coffee didn’t taste weak or watered down.
Another huge plus point is that Cuisinart recognises that we don’t all want tiny mugs of coffee, so its created its machine to fit mugs up to 600ml, making it ideal for travel cups. There’s also an integrated cup-warming plate that sits on top of the the machine. It doesn’t get too hot but you should still be wary if you have little ones that can reach the appliance.
Set up is quite straightforward, although I would say it’s worth studying the manual before you start. Clean up is easy too – the drip tray is simple to remove and when you do so, you’ll find a handy little compartment to store the accessories, including a cleaning brush kit for the portafilter and steam wand. The 2.2l water tank is easy to remove by pulling from the front and if you want to fill it up there’s a handy pop-up compartment on the top of the machine.
My only real gripe is that it is heavy and bulky, taking up quite a lot of counter space. But if you have room and you want a genuine barista experience at home, this is ideal.
Buy now £499.99, Cuisinart.co.uk
Smeg espresso & cold brew machine ECF03
Best: coffee machine for cold brew
Type of machine: Espresso
Size: H 36.4cm x W 20.5cm x D 29.5cm
Built-in grinder: No
Milk system: Steam wand
Water tank capacity: 1.4l
Why we love it
- Retro design
- Makes tasty espresso and cold brew coffee
- Customisable shot length
Take note
- Takes a bit longer to froth plant milk
- Controls aren't the easiest to use
- Pricey for an espresso machine
The Smeg ECF03 is a gorgeous looking bit of kit. It’s going to be the centre piece of your kitchen and comes in a range of different pastel colours. But style aside, it’s a genuinely decent appliance and the best coffee machine for whipping up a cold brew. Cold brew coffee is available at the touch of a button (in a single or double dose) and in testing I found that it was rich, balanced and had a good amount of crema.
If you like a milky coffee, the integrated steam wand handled a range of dairy well. However if you go for plant milks, keep in mind that oat milk took a bit longer to get foamy.
It is quite a bulky machine, but the curved design means that easily fits into a corner. The controls also take a bit of getting used to as there’s no digital display (it uses LED lights) and you have to flip between hot and cold cycles.
The water tank sits to the back of the machine and it’s a bit stiff to get on and off, so be wary that water may splash when placing a full tank back.
Buy now £499.95, Johnlewis.com
Sage the oracle jet
Best: luxury coffee machine
Type of machine: Bean-to-cup
Size: H 42.5cm x W 38.1cm x D 36.8cm
Built-in grinder: Yes
Milk system: Automatic and manual frothing
Water tank capacity: 2.3l
Why we love it
- Makes consistently rich and well-balanced coffee
- Lots of drinks options
- Retractable wheels make it easy to move the machine
Take note
- Noisy grinder
- Set up is quite hands on
The Sage oracle jet is a serious bit of kit and if you’re a budding at-home barista that likes to make a range of coffee based drinks you’re going to love this machine. It does everything you’d expect it to at this price point (grinds, tamps, brews and steams) and the coffee was consistently rich and well balanced during testing. With 45 grind size settings and 14 pre-set recipes, I spent a lot of time with this Sage coffee machine.
Set up is quite hands on – it’s not as easy as taking it out the box and pressing a button to get your coffee. Firstly it comes with a water filter which needs soaking before use. Then once the machine is on, there are a few menus to go through on the 4.5in touch screen before you get to brew your first drink. You also need to connect it to your wifi so it can update the software, so just have your password to hand.
While the set up takes some time, it does walk you through how to use the machine so there isn’t any guessing or having to flick through the manual.
Once the machine is set up though, it’s easy to use. You simply select the drink you want from the menu, grind your beans, and get brewing. The steam wand uses an Auto MilQ system, which delivers seriously impressive silky foam whether you’re using dairy or oat milk. It does this by automatically assessing what type of drink you’re making and what type of milk you’re using to give consistent results. I also enjoyed using the manual froth setting, which meant I could heat my milk up to a temperature of my choice.
Cleaning is super easy because it has automated rinse cycles and a removable drip tray. But one feature I really loved was the retractable wheels, which allow you to access the back of the machine and mean you can can push it back when you’re finished using it. One major gripe, however, is the noise as the grinder is super loud, so you won’t want to be use it when the household is asleep.
Buy now £1699.99, Amazon.co.uk
Nespresso vertuo up
Best: Nespresso coffee machine
Type of machine: Pod
Pump pressure: H 25.5cm x W 12cm x D 49cm
Built-in grinder: No
Milk system: No
Water tank capacity: 1.4L
Why we love it
- Plenty of different drink sizes
- Can control app or temperature with the Nespresso app
- Makes delicious iced coffee
Take note
- Can only buy pods from Nespresso
- Noisy
Nespresso is the king of the pod machines, but its vertuo machines are next level. For those who aren’t familiar, the Nespresso vertuo uses a different kind of pod to the original machines. These pods have a barcode attached and it tells the machine what type of drink that it needs to make, so as well as espresso, the vertuo can produce lungo, mug and even carafe size drinks.
One of my favourite features is that it heats up quickly – I used to own the previous version and it’s definitely quicker. Another thing I love, especially having a smaller kitchen, is that you can adjust where the water tank sits. It can go to the left, right or directly behind the machine, making it ideal for pushing into the corner.
The big upgrade is that it has a dedicated button for a concentrated brew, so if you love an iced coffee, you don’t need a separate machine or to wait for hours for it to drip through. You just pop in the iced coffee pod, select the ice brew function and away you go. I tried an iced latte and I was really impressed. The coffee wasn’t at all bitter and if it was in a takeout cup, I’d have been convinced it was from a well-known coffee chain.
You can also adjust how you enjoy your drinks via an app. So if you want a longer, shorter drink or hotter drink, then just select the pod in the app and it’ll communicate with your machine and make that happen. You don’t have to do this every time that you add a capsule, as it’ll remember your choices.
It’s a lot noisier than previous versions I’ve tested and makes a real racket when brewing. Another downside is of course, the cost of the pods. They’re not cheap and can only be bought from Nespresso (from £4.70, Nespresso.com), with standard delivery taking around two to three days. Nonetheless, this is if you’re looking for an excellent pod model, this is the best Nespresso coffee machine I’ve tested.
Buy now £149, Amazon.co.uk
Daewoo 20 bar digital compact espresso coffee maker
Best: compact espresso machine
Type of machine: Espresso
Size: H 28.3cm x W 14.1cm x D 31.1cm
Built-in grinder: No
Milk system: Steam wand
Water tank capacity: 1.2l
Why we love it
- Compact design
- Simple to use
- Consistently makes tasty espresso
- Easy to clean
Take note
- Steam wand needs time to cool down in-between drinks
- Doesn't fit tall cups
Don’t let the price or the size fool you, the Daewoo 20 bar digital compact espresso coffee maker is the best compact espresso machine I tested. The 20-bar pressure system produced consistently rich shots with a really decent crema every single time during testing.
It’s a great machine if you don’t want the faff and fuss of a more manual machine. Set up is incredibly easy as it comes out of the box ready to go – you just have to wash the water tank, fill it up with water and you’re ready to get brewing. I found it was one of the easiest espresso machines to use thanks to an LED digital display and minimal buttons. The portafiler fitted neatly without having to use excess force, and it just started working right away. Cleaning is fuss-free too, as the drip tray is removable and the steam wand detaches so you can give it a proper clean.
If you like an americano to start your day then you’re going to have to add an extra cup to your washing up pile, because this machine will only fit an espresso cup underneath. Though I did like the addition of a built-in cup warmer on the machine.
While the steam wand did a great job of creating warm and foamy milk, it needed some time in between uses to cool down and recalibrate, so if you’re making a round of lattes, this definitely slows you down.
As a compact, entry-level machine, this Daewoo coffee machine does a fantastic job. Despite its budget price tag, it looks super premium and if you have a small kitchen like I do, you’ll love how it tucks neatly into the corner.
Buy now £129.99, Daewooelectricals.com
Philips baristina automatic bean to cup coffee machine
Best: compact bean-to-cup coffee machine
Type of machine: Bean-to-cup
Pump pressure: H 34.5cm x W 18cm x D 38cm
Built-in grinder: Yes
Milk system: No (Philips milk frother available separately)
Water tank capacity: 1.2L
Why we love it
- Compact size for a bean-to-cup
- Makes rich, full-bodied
- Very easy to clean
Take note
- Takes a while to suss out how to use it
If you don’t have a lot of space in your kitchen and given up on the hope of owning a bean to cup machine, then you will love the Philips baristina automatic bean to cup coffee machine. It’s the best compact bean-to-cup coffee machine I tested and size wise is more in line with a pod machine.
What’s really special about this machine is how it works, and trust me, you’ll never get bored of watching it in action. You add your beans, slot in the portafilter and slide it again, and choose your cup size. It then automatically grinds the right dose of beans, tamps them perfectly and automatically shifts the portafilter back across to start brewing. It’s genuinely one of the most clever bits of engineering I’ve seen during the whole testing process.
The coffee was good, too, with consistently rich and full-bodied shots and the right amount of crema. As it’s such a compact machine, it doesn’t come with a milk frothing function. However you can buy the machine in a bundle with a Philips milk frother included (£299.99, Johnlewis.com).
Set up couldn’t be simpler, as the machine came pre-assembled and after a rinse cycle it was time to fill the bean hopper and start making shots. It doesn’t come with a manual, rather a QR code that has different PDFs, so it wasn’t the easiest to use at first and I did spend a little while pressing the bean grinding button only for nothing to happen. However I soon got to grips with it after a quick look on YouTube.
The clean up is also impressive and one of the quickest out of all the coffee machines I tested. You simply remove the portafilter and press a button to release the used puck into the bin, so there’s minimal mess. It then just needs a rinse and you’re ready to use it again.
Buy now £299.99, Currys.co.uk
Hamilton Beach barista pro+ 8-in-1
Best: coffee machine for versatility
Type of machine: Espresso
Size: H 31cm x W 21.5cm x D 31.7cm
Built-in grinder: No
Milk system: 1l milk tank
Water tank capacity: 1.2l
Why we love it
- One touch operation
- Fast heating system
- Makes a decent espresso and cold brew
- Removable milk tank
Take note
- Can't customise preset drinks
If you like the idea of the Sage oracle jet but your budget doesn’t quite reach, then you’ll be intrigued by the Hamilton Beach barista pro+ 8-in-1. This machine has a one touch operation with programmed drinks including latte, cappuccino, espresso, americano and cold brew. You don’t need any extensive training or barista know-how to make your favourite drinks with this machine. You just fill the tanks and press the button, and I for one love that level of simplicity.
Performance wise, it brewed a decent shot of espresso with proper crema. I was also really impressed by the cold brew, which was smooth and rounded and not just watered down. This machine also heated up pretty quickly, producing an espresso shot in less than a minute.
Set up is straightforward, as you simply fill the two tanks with water and run the self-cleaning cycle and then you’re ready to go. The colour touch screen is the star of the show, it’s clean and intuitive and easy for anyone to use. The machine also comes with a removable milk tank, so you don’t have to spend any time figuring out how to use the steam wand.
Cleaning is simple, as the water and milk tanks detach. There’s also a self cleaning programme built-in to the menu, so you can clean any leftover coffee grounds and the milk wand.
It is a shame there’s not much in the way of customisation when it comes to the drink presets, such as being able to fine tune the shot volume, but if you like a straightforward latte or cappuccino you’ll find it hard not to be impressed.
Buy now £139.99, Amazon.co.uk
Breville one-touch espresso coffee machine
Best: coffee machine for milky drinks
Type of machine: Espresso and ESE pod
Size: 31cm x 22.6cm x 28.9cm
Built-in grinder: No
Milk system: 600ml milk tank
Water tank capacity: 1.4l
Why we love it
- Easy to operate
- Milk jug can be removed and stored in the fridge
- Pre-programmed coffee options
Take note
- Milk doesn’t get piping hot
The all-in-one Breville one touch is the best coffee machine I tested for milky drinks as, thanks to a built-in milk tank, it’s easy to make creamy lattes and cappuccinos at the touch of a button. What I really loved about the tank is that you don’t have to perfectly measure out how much milk you need for a cup or two, because it detaches and can be stored in the fridge. The 1l milk tank can make up to 10 cappuccinos and 4 lattes, so you can fill your milk tank up and be prepped for the rest of the week.
I was pretty impressed by the quality of the shot it poured too – it was quick, hot and rich. As well as using ground coffee, this machine also uses ESE pods, but after doing a little research I found these were pretty expensive (compared with the Nespresso compatible ones) and not as easy to find.
The controls are easy to use and the machine itself is intuitive. If you want a latte, you select latte and it does it for you. If you just want a shot of espresso, you click espresso and again, it just delivers. The milk could be hotter, but this could be down to personal preference as I do like my hot drinks to be hot.
Set up is super simple, as it’s just a case of washing out the water tanks. Cleaning is easy too, as the parts that need washing just pop out.
Buy now £219, Amazon.co.uk
Melitta aromafresh II therm pro
Best: filter coffee machine
Type of machine: Filter
Size: H 46.3cm x W 26.8cm D 25.2cm
Built-in grinder: Yes
Milk system: No
Water tank capacity: 1l
Why we love it
- Freshly ground means make delicious filter coffee
- Built-in timer
- Double wall carafe keeps coffee hot for hours
Take note
- It’s very tall, so no good if you have low cupboards
If you like to start your day with a big pot of coffee rather than a small mug, the Melitta aromafresh II therm pro is the best filter coffee machine I tested. Usually filter machines use ground coffee, but this one has a ceramic burr grinder with 11 different settings so you can get your coffee just the way you like it. The beans grind directly into the filter just before brewing, which makes a huge difference in how the coffee tastes.
When I put it to the test, the coffee was rich, full-bodied and not watered down like some filter coffee can be. Plus the double wall carafe meant the coffee stayed hot for hours, which is perfect when working from home.
One thing I really loved was the built-in timer. Being able to set it before bed and wake up with a freshly brewed pot of coffee made such a difference to my mornings. Set up was the easiest out of all the machines I tried. It was already put together right out of the box and it just needed a quick rinse of the water tank and it was ready to go. The controls are easy to understand – you just select the amount of cups you want to make and your grind size, pop your beans in and press go.
My only real gripe is its height. The machine itself is slim so it would fit neatly into a smaller kitchen, but it’s 46cm tall. If you have low cupboards, then you’re unlikely to be able to fit it in.
Buy now £184, Amazon.co.uk
AeroPress original coffee
Best: budget manual coffee machine
Size: 4.5 x 4.8 x 11.8cm
Type of machine: Manual
Size: H 13.3cm x W 10.6cm
Built-in grinder: No
Milk system: No
Water tank capacity: 300ml
Why we love it
- Ideal for travel
- Simple to use
- More convenient than a cafetiere for on the go
Take note
- Can be a bit flimsy
- Coffee isn't as impressive as plug-in machines
The Aeropress is fantastic coffee machine for anyone who wants a good brew on the go. It’s small, light and doesn’t need power, so it’s ideal to take with you when you travel. As you may have gathered, this is a manual brewer and although it only holds 300ml, that’s enough for a single mug or two small cups of coffee. It takes less than two minutes to make a great cup of coffee with this device, so it’s also a good choice if you’re often in a rush.
It works by packing coffee into the chamber, pouring hot water on top and then leaving it to seep briefly before pressing a plunger down through the chamber. This forces the brew through a small paper filter and straight into your cup. Honestly, it’s as simple as it sounds, which means that set up is also super simple because there’s nothing to put together or program.
The coffee was ok but it wasn’t as outstanding as some of the other machines I’ve tested have produced. However it was a decent cup of filter coffee that you’d be grateful for if you were out and about and only had access to instant.
Cleaning is also a dream, as once you’re done the puck simply pops out and you just have to rinse it under a tap. It’s made of plastic, which does mean it gets hot and is a bit flimsy, especially when you’re pushing the plunger through. When you’re pushing, the stability really does depend on the cup underneath (I used a standard cup, but I think a travel mug probably would’ve felt safer) and whilst I didn’t have any spillages, I do imagine it’s a common occurrence.
Buy now £39.99, Argos.co.uk
Your questions about coffee machines answered
What is the best coffee machine?
Choosing the best coffee machine for your home can be a big decision, with so many different options on the market. The Ninja luxe premier ES601UK is my top pick because it pretty much covers all types of coffee, including espresso, filter, cold brew and everything in between. Plus, its barista assist technology makes it easy to use, even for coffee machine noivces. If you’re after an espresso machine, ProCook’s model is incredibly beginner friendly, too. For budding baristas, the Cusinart tamp, grind and brew is excellent and wouldn’t seem out of place in a professional set up.
If you’re looking for a budget friendly pod model, the L’OR philips barista pod machine is a good choice, as it’s quick, easy to use and produces some really tasty coffee. For anyone seeking a decent filter coffee machine, the Melitta thermplus pro is my top choice and can have your coffee ready and waiting for you when you get up.
How I tested coffee machines
I tested a variety of espresso, pod and bean-to-cup coffee machines, using each one several times in a real home kitchen environment. I used each machine to make a range of drinks including espresso, latte, cold brew and filter coffee. During my test, I assessed each machine based on the factors below:
What are the different types of coffee machine
If you’re confused about which type of coffee machine is right for your home, here’s a breakdown of what each one offers:
How to clean a coffee machine
Each machine is different, so do some research, using online videos and tutorials, for any you have your eye on. Most espresso machines are easy to clean, requiring you to manually clear the coffee grinds from a removable panel, empty the drip tray and usually run a descaling or cleaning program when prompted. Machines comprising milk pipes, tanks and steamers mean hands-on cleaning is required more often, though some machines have automatic programs for this, too.
In the U.S.? The IndyBest team has reviewed the best coffee makers.
Why you can trust IndyBest reviews
As The Independent's review section, IndyBest has a team of testers who put products through their paces in real-world settings, using objective and thorough testing criteria to bring you their honest verdict. You can trust that when we recommend something, you can feel confident that it’s actually worth buying.
Rachael Penn is one of our kitchen appliance writers. She has written reviews on everything from the best air fryers to the best ice cream makers. She has put dozens of culinary gadgets through their paces and knows which brands are worth having on your radar. Rachael’s reviews are honest and realistic to help you make the best purchase for your home.
Fill your new machine with the beans from the best independent coffee brands
