TRYING to buy the best coffee machine but don't know where to start? We're here to help.
We've created the complete guide to buying a coffee machine and picked out some of the best options on the market to help you out.
What type of coffee machine do I need?
Choosing the best coffee machine for you is important, so we've rounded up some of the pros and cons of the various types below.
Pod/capsule machines
The pod coffee maker is probably the machine you'll see in kitchens around the UK most often.
They use small pods of pre-ground beans to create your drink, and are usually the cheapest type of coffee machine you can buy as they have the fewest components.
On the one hand, capsule/pod machines are quick and easy to use and you don't have to have trained as a barista to get a consistent cup of Joe.
However, purists won't like that you can't tailor your brew to your own taste like you can with a traditional coffee machine.
Another downside is that coffee machine pods usually won't work between rival brands, meaning that once you've got your machine you're locked into buying one brand of pods indefinitely.
Ground coffee machines
If you're a traditionalist, only a ground coffee machine will do.
Unlike the pod and bean-to-cup coffee makers, you'll have to have a bit of practice to use one of these machines properly.
But once you do, you'll be able to create coffees perfectly tailored to your own tastes.
On the plus side for ground coffee machines, you can create expert level brews with beans of your own choice (provided they're ground to the right consistency of course).
Many of these machines will have their own steam wand, so you can froth milk to your preferred consistency.
Your daily brew will be cheaper than a pod coffee machine too, as ground coffee is less expensive than pods.
On the down side, these machines are a bit more work day-to-day, they require practice to use properly and will also require a bit more elbow grease to keep them clean.
Bean-to-cup coffee machines
Bean-to-cup machines offer freshly ground coffee at the press of a button.
High end models will let you choose from a variety of coffees, whether you prefer an Americano in the morning, or you like to kick start your day with a cappuccino.
These machines let you use a variety of beans depending on your preference, and will quickly prepare your preferred drink.
Many of them will include automatic milk frothing settings to offer impressive brews with little input from you.
Take note though, bean-to-cup makers tend to be larger, more expensive and noisier.
They also require regular cleaning to ensure the mechanism doesn't get clogged up with the dregs of coffees past.
Pod/capsule machines
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