Comparing the Best Coffee Machines of 2024: What to Look for Before You Buy
Coffee is more than just a drink - it's a daily ritual for over 60% of Americans. With so many of us relying on our morning cup of joe, having the right coffee maker can make all the difference. This article will help you decide which type of coffee machine is best suited for your needs and lifestyle. We'll compare the top models across various categories, looking at key features like brew speed, size, ease of use, and more. Whether you're looking to brew cafe-quality espresso at home, want a fuss-free drip coffee maker, or need an all-in-one machine to satisfy a range of tastes, you'll find the perfect pick here. Read on for an in-depth look at the best coffee machines of 2024 before you buy!
Types of Coffee Machines
There are several main types of coffee machines to consider:
Automatic vs. Manual Espresso Machines
Automatic espresso machines - These do all the work for you with the push of a button. They grind the beans, tamp the grounds, pull the shot, and often have a milk frother. They require minimal effort and make consistent espresso drinks.
Manual espresso machines - With manual machines, you control the process. You grind the beans, distribute and tamp the grounds yourself, and control the pressure and timing to pull the shot. This allows more customization but requires some skill.
Drip Coffee Makers
Drip coffee makers are the standard machine found in most homes. They heat water and drip it over coffee grounds placed in a filter, producing a full pot of drip coffee. These are simple and affordable.
Pod Coffee Makers
Pod coffee makers like Nespresso use proprietary coffee pods or capsules to brew espresso and coffee. They are very convenient but limit you to certain coffee brands.
All-In-One Coffee Machines
All-in-one coffee machines combine multiple brewing methods in one unit. For example, they may have settings for espresso, drip coffee, and pods all in a single compact machine.
Key Features to Consider
When looking for the best coffee machine for your needs, there are several key features to take into account:
Brewing Technology - The main types are automatic espresso machines, manual espresso machines, drip coffee makers, pod coffee makers, and all-in-one machines. Consider whether you want the hands-on process of a manual espresso machine or the convenience of an automatic one. Drip coffee makers are simple to use while pod coffee makers offer a mess-free experience. All-in-one machines provide the most versatility.
Size and Capacity - Consider the available counter space in your kitchen and how much coffee you plan to brew at one time. Larger machines hold more water and beans but take up more room. Single serve models are the most compact. Know how many cups you want to brew simultaneously.
Ease of Use and Programming - Look for intuitive controls, preset programs if you want one-touch operation, and clear displays. Some require you to dial in settings manually while others allow you to program your preferred coffee preferences. Consider your level of desired hands-on control.
Milk Frothing Capabilities - If you want to make cappuccinos or lattes, choose a model with an automatic milk frother. Check if it can produce silky, velvety foam. Many espresso machines have this feature, but not all drip coffee makers.
Settings and Customization - More advanced models allow you to adjust the grind size, brew strength, brew temperature, and other settings to customize your coffee. Simpler models have preset or one-touch options. Decide which level of customization you want.
Built-In Grinder - Grinders allow you to freshly grind beans right before brewing. This maximizes flavor but adds to the price. Consider if you need a built-in grinder or if you're happy grinding beans separately.
Top Automatic Espresso Machines
Automatic espresso machines provide a convenient way to brew espresso-based drinks with the push of a button. Here are some of the top models to consider in 2024:
Breville Oracle Espresso Machine
The Breville Oracle provides automatic grinding, tamping, milk texturing and espresso pulling with a touch screen interface.
Pros: + Consistent results with automated process + Easy to use + Milk texturing for latte art quality foam + Dual boilers for simultaneous coffee and steam
Cons: - Expensive at around £1,900 - Large footprint
De'Longhi Dinamica Plus
The Dinamica Plus features a bean-to-cup system with adjustable grinders and milk frothing.
Pros: + Simple one-touch operation + Compact size + Affordable at around £599
Cons: - Less control over variables - Smaller water reservoir
Melitta Barista TS
This model has a built-in conical burr grinder and automatic milk frother.
Pros: + Intuitive touch screen interface + Easy maintenance + Reasonable price around £699
Cons: - Slow heat up time - Louder grinding noise
Top Manual Espresso Machines
Manual espresso machines allow you more control over the espresso making process, offering the ability to fine-tune each shot to your taste. Here are some of the top models to consider in 2024:
Breville BES870XL Barista Express Espresso Machine
- Pros: Built-in grinder, adjustable grind size and shot volume, fast heating, easy to use controls
- Cons: Grinder can be noisy, cleaning and descaling takes time
- Price: Around £600
Rancilio Silvia Espresso Machine
- Pros: Commercial quality and durability, excellent temperature control, great for making high quality espresso
- Cons: Learning curve to use, no built-in grinder
- Price: Around £400
Gaggia Classic Pro Espresso Machine
- Pros: Excellent value for money, commercial style brew group, fast heating, solid build quality
- Cons: Small water reservoir capacity, manual frothing wand requires practice
- Price: Around £400
If you are looking for an alternative with advanced features and excellent automation, consider the Krups EA817040. This machine offers automatic grinding, dosing, and tamping, which simplifies the espresso-making process significantly. The Krups EA817040 is designed for espresso enthusiasts who appreciate convenience without sacrificing the quality of their coffee. It's an excellent option for those who want the benefits of a manual machine with some automated assistance.
The Krups EA817040 also boasts customizable settings that allow users to adjust the strength, volume, and temperature of their espresso, providing a tailored coffee experience. Its user-friendly interface makes it accessible even to those new to home espresso brewing, and its sleek design ensures it fits well in any kitchen. As espresso enthusiasts continue to seek out machines that offer both control and convenience, the Krups EA817040 stands out as a compelling choice, providing all the tools needed for barista-quality coffee at home.
Top Drip Coffee Makers
Drip coffee makers are one of the most popular types of coffee machines for home use. Here are some of the top models to consider in 2024:
Technivorm Moccamaster KBG
The Moccamaster KBG Select by Technivorm is a premium drip coffee machine known for brewing excellent traditional drip coffee.
Pros: - Brews coffee at precise temperature between 196-205°F - Fast brew time of 4-6 minutes - Durable metal and BPA-free housing - 5 year warranty
Cons: - Expensive - around £200-£300 - Larger footprint
Bonavita BV1900TS
The Bonavita BV1900TS is a mid-range drip coffee maker with a reputation for quality brewing.
Pros: - Brews at optimal 200°F temperature - Fast 8 minute brew time - Optional pre-infusion mode - Compact design
Cons: - Carafe can drip and spill - No programmable timer - About £130-£150 price tag
OXO Brew 8-Cup Coffee Maker
For a budget-friendly option, the OXO Brew drip coffee maker delivers solid performance.
Pros: - Rainmaker shower head evenly saturates grounds - SCAA-certified for optimal brewing - Programmable start timer - Thermal carafe keeps coffee hot
Cons: - Plastic housing less durable - Brews slightly cooler at 197°F - Around £100 price
Top Pod Coffee Makers
Pod coffee makers provide a convenient way to brew single-serve cups of coffee using pre-portioned pods or capsules. Here are some of the top models:
Nespresso VertuoPlus
The Nespresso VertuoPlus uses an innovative centrifugation brewing system to make both coffee and espresso.
Pros: - Makes a wide variety of coffee styles and cup sizes - Heats up and starts brewing very quickly - Automatically ejects pods after brewing - Compact, stylish design
Cons: - Only compatible with Nespresso's own pods - Pods can be expensive compared to ground coffee
Price: £99.99
Keurig K-Supreme Plus
This Keurig model can brew multiple cup sizes and accommodates both K-Cup pods and refillable K-Carafe pods.
Pros: - Brews cups from 4-12 oz and carafes up to 30 oz - Strong brew feature for bolder coffee - Large 60 oz water reservoir
Cons: - No option to adjust brew temperature - Occasional leakage from pods
Price: £139.99
Nespresso Creatista Plus
With a built-in milk frother, the Creatista Plus makes coffeehouse-quality espresso drinks.
Pros: - Automated milk texturing and 11 milk temperature settings - Fast 25 second heat up time - Adjustable cup size and brew settings - Sleek, compact design
Cons: - Expensive - Only uses Nespresso pods
Price: £399.99
Top All-In-One Coffee Machines
All-in-one coffee machines provide the ultimate convenience, allowing you to make espresso, drip coffee, and other coffee drinks from one device. Here are some of the top models to consider in 2024:
Breville Barista Max
The Breville Barista Max is one of the highest-rated all-in-one coffee machines. Key features:
- Makes espresso, drip coffee, cappuccino, latte, americano, and more
- Precise espresso extraction and optimal water pressure
- Milk texturing for creamy, microfoam top
- Customizable settings via LCD display
- £429.99
Pros: Excellent espresso shot quality, easy to use, consistent results.
Cons: Expensive, takes up a lot of counter space.
De'Longhi Dinamica Plus
The De'Longhi Dinamica Plus is a more budget-friendly option with many great features.
- Espresso, drip coffee, cappuccino, latte, macchiato options
- Patented coffee extraction system for rich flavor
- Adjustable spout for any cup size
- £299.99
Pros: Affordable price, compact size, fast heat-up time.
Cons: Milk frothing could be better, plastic exterior.
Jura E8
For a premium all-in-one machine, the Jura E8 is a top choice.
- Makes 15 specialty drinks like espresso, coffee, cappuccino, latte macchiato
- Fully automatic with intuitive touchscreen
- Fine foam frother with adjustable settings
- Grinder with 12 aroma levels
- £1299
Pros: Superb quality drinks, easy to use, sleek design.
Cons: Very expensive, large footprint.
Key Considerations for Your Needs
When choosing the best coffee machine for you, there are a few key factors to consider:
Space Constraints
Look at where you plan to keep the machine - your kitchen counter space, storage cabinet, etc. Measure the area to ensure the coffee maker will fit. Machines come in a range of sizes, from single serve pod brewers to full commercial espresso machines. Consider not just the footprint but also any height constraints. For instance, the De'Longhi EC9355.M is compact enough to fit comfortably under most cabinets.
Desired Features
Think about your must-have features - do you want a frother for cappuccinos? A grinder to freshly grind beans? Programmable settings? Brew strength control? A thermal carafe? Make a list of the capabilities that are important to you. This will narrow down your options. Machines like the De'Longhi EC9355.M offer many of these features, providing versatility without taking up much space.
Budget
Coffee machines span a wide range of prices, from under £50 to over £1000. Set a realistic budget that aligns with the features you want. High-end espresso machines or multi-function brewers will cost more. Simple drip coffee makers can be very affordable. Know how much you can spend to find the right balance. If you're considering a machine like the De'Longhi EC9355.M, it's a mid-range option that balances price with advanced features, making it a great value for those who are serious about their coffee but also conscious of kitchen space and budget.
Coffee Consumption
Consider how much coffee you drink - single cups, pots for the family, frequent entertaining. This will help determine capacity needs. Frequent coffee drinkers may want a large water reservoir. Single-serve for occasional cups. If you host guests, choose a higher capacity machine. Know your daily and weekly usage.
Consider these factors carefully before deciding on the ideal coffee maker for your needs and budget. Identify the must-have features, size, and capacity that best suit your lifestyle.
Conclusion
When it comes to choosing the best coffee machine in 2024, there are several key factors to consider based on your needs and preferences. The top options include automatic espresso machines for convenience, manual espresso machines for control, drip coffee makers for batch brewing, pod coffee makers for variety, and all-in-one machines for versatility.
The most important aspects to evaluate are the brewing method, features, size, ease of use, customization, and price. Prioritize your must-have features like a frother, grinder, or thermal carafe. Also factor in counter space, maintenance, and your willingness to learn more complex manual machines.
In summary, identify your priorities between convenience, quality, variety, and budget. Consider both upfront cost and long-term operating expenses. And opt for reliability, durability, and support when making a sizable investment. With the right research and realistic expectations, you can enjoy delicious café-quality coffee from home every morning.