So, whether you’re considering buying your first machine or looking to upgrade, this guide has everything you need: from impartial advice to the latest tried-and-tested product recommendations.
For more reviews, we also have in-depth guides to the best espresso machines, best bean-to-cup coffee machines, best coffee pod machines, and best filter coffee machines,
Best coffee machines at a glance
JUMP TO REVIEWS
Espresso machines
- Best espresso machine with grinder: De’Longhi La Specialista Touch, £599.99
- Best espresso machine with milk frother: Smeg ECF02, £399.95
- Best budget espresso machine: Dualit Espresso Coffee Machine, £89.95
Bean-to-cup coffee machines
- Best bean-to-cup coffee machine under £1,000: Ninja Luxe Cafe Pro Series ES701UK, £699.99
- Best semi-automatic bean-to-cup coffee machine: Sage the Barista Touch Impress with Cold Brew, £1,199.95
- Best fully automatic bean-to-cup coffee machine: De’Longhi Rivelia, £749.99
Coffee pod machines
- Best budget coffee pod machine: Lavazza Jolie, £69.99
- Best coffee pod machine: Nespresso Vertuo Pop, £99
- Best value coffee pod machine: Opal One coffee pod machine, £119
Filter coffee machines
- Best premium filter coffee machine: Fellow Aiden electric coffee maker, £365
- Best large filter coffee machine: Sage the Precision Brewer, £259
- Best budget filter coffee machine: Morphy Richards Equip filter coffee machine, £39.99
Photography: Natalie Bass / Good Food
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How I tested coffee machines
I worked my way through a standard menu of drinks depending on the type of machine, using freshly roasted coffee beans or grounds every time (after all, what you put in is what you get out).
For espresso, bean-to-cup and coffee pod models, I brewed single and double espresso shots and (if available) an americano. For any machines that came with a milk steamer, I also made a latte and cappuccino. With filter coffee machines, I brewed two 400ml batches of coffee.
After putting each machine through its paces, I scored each on the following core areas out of five, which determined the product’s overall star rating:
- Coffee quality: Espresso should have a rich colour, bold aroma, intense flavour and silky crema, while filter coffee should be light and fruity with a balance of acidity and bitterness.
- Quality of materials: Most coffee machines are expensive, so every element should be built to withstand daily use over a long period of time.
- Value for money: Overpriced? Cheap feel? The quality offered must feel like good return for the investment.
- Ease of use: Coffee machines shouldn’t require an hour of studying a convoluted instruction manual. They also need to be simple enough to use when half asleep or in a rush.
- Ease of assembly and packaging: I scored on the protective quality of the packaging, quantity of single-use plastic used and how simple each was to put together.
Why you can trust Good Food reviews (and me, the reviewer)
Collectively, the Good Food team has tested close to 100 different coffee machines over the last five years, using our trusted matrix format to review each product. Our Test Kitchen is also set up to replicate the average home kitchen rather than a laboratory-like setting – so we can vouch for the fact that if an appliance works well for us, it should for you, too.
We also don’t accept payment in exchange for positive reviews, and we never share reviews with manufacturers or retailers before they’re published.
As for me, before joining the Good Food team I worked as a coffee-shop barista for several years. I also have a qualification from the Specialty Coffee Association and have trained at the London School of Coffee. In short, I love coffee!
Best coffee machines to buy in 2025
Best espresso machines to buy in 2025
De’Longhi La Specialista Touch
Available from De’Longhi (£599.99)
Best espresso machine with grinder
Pros:
- Comes with high-quality accessories
- Easy-to-use touchscreen controls
- Fully recyclable packaging
- Compact for a machine of this style
Cons:
- Only comes with a one-year warranty
Star rating: 5/5
Most premium coffee machines will set you back at least £1,000, so I was surprised by De’Longhi’s newest release – the La Specialista Touch – which offers the same level of quality at a slightly lower price.
It’s ideal for those who still want some automation, but enjoy the process of tamping and brewing their coffee manually. For espresso lovers, there’s an additional drip tray for placing cups closer to the spouts of the portafilter, while latte and cappuccino drinkers can make use of the steam wand – which also has a temperature probe if you’re less confident frothing milk.
On top of this, users receive a distribution tool, tamper, portafilter station and two filter baskets, plus a cleaning brush, stainless-steel milk jug, and trimming tool.
The steam wand offered great manoeuvrability, and the espresso was rich and topped with glossy, caramel-coloured crema. Only a one-year warranty is provided and, despite being cheaper than other models in this list, the La Specialista Touch is still expensive – but what you get in return is a robust, attractive machine that produces truly great coffee.
Wattage: 1450W
Functions: 16 drink options
Weight: 12.7KG
Capacity: 1.4L
Warranty: 2 years standard, plus an extra year upon registration
Cost to run: 2.4p (based on 28.62p/kWh – one coffee each day p/week)
Available from:
Smeg ECF02 espresso machine
Best coffee machine with milk frother
Pros:
- Available in a choice of colours
- User-friendly design
- Fully recyclable packaging
Cons:
- No milk jug provided
- Steam wand was slow to heat up
Star rating: 4.5/5
Smeg is well known for producing sophisticated gadgets with a 1950s aesthetic, and this espresso machine is no different. An upgrade of ECF01, it’s simple to operate and comes with four drink options – plus a scoop for loading your coffee grounds into the portafilter.
The espresso shots were rich and topped glossy, caramel-coloured crema. There’s also a steam wand for those who like milky coffees like lattes and cappuccinos, though I found it a little slow to heat up and you’ll need to buy a milk jug separately. This aside, the ECF02 is a good-looking machine that’s compact enough for a small kitchen and, with a bit of practice, guarantees great coffee every time.
Wattage: 1350W
Functions: 4 drink options, milk steaming, hot water
Weight: 4.7KG
Capacity: 1.1L
Warranty: 2 years
Cost to run: 5.1p (based on 28.62p/kWh– one coffee each day p/week)
Dualit espresso coffee machine
Available from Harts of Stur (£89.95), Currys (£113), Ryman (£129.99)
Best manual coffee machine
Pros:
- Simple, intuitive controls
- Small footprint
- Adjustable speeds for steam wand
- ESE pods or grounds can be used
Cons:
- Steam wand can be tricky to manoeuvre
- Manual stop for espresso
- Portafilter can be drippy
Star rating: 4.5/5
Fuss-free and quietly dependable, this Dualit espresso machine makes a sleek and stylish addition to the worktop. Inserting grounds via the scoop and into the portafilter is an easy process, and its intuitive controls meant I could get going almost straight away.
The espresso was hot and smooth, and though it lacked some depth in flavour, it had the silky, hazelnut-coloured crema I was looking for. The milk steamer was quite stiff so getting the angle right for frothing was awkward, though I liked being able to adjust the speed – as you get with most professional machines.
Filling the water tank up is also a simple task – there’s a hole at the top of the machine that you can pour water into without having to remove anything, and there’s a water level indicator that’s visible from the front.
Functions: Espresso, milk steaming
Weight: 3.2KG
Capacity: 1.4L
Warranty: 1 year
Cost to run: 0.9p (based on 24.5p/kWh– one coffee each day p/week)
Read our full guide to the best espresso machines to find more product suggestions.
Best bean-to-cup coffee machines to buy in 2025
Ninja Luxe Cafe Pro Series ES701UK
Available from Amazon (£699), Very (£699), Ninja (£699.99), Currys (£699.99), Argos (£700)
Best coffee machine under £1,000
Pros:
- Brews espresso, cold brew and filter coffee
- Recommends grind size
- Robust stainless-steel exterior
- Excellent automatic milk steaming
- Most of the packaging could be recycled
Cons:
Star rating: 5/5
Wattage: 1650W
Ninja is a brand known for thinking outside the box, and the Luxe Cafe Pro demonstrates more of the same. This is a coffee machine that produces not just espresso, but also filter coffee and cold brew – quite the triple threat.
Post-unboxing, there are quick-start guides and a QR code on the box that links to an instructional video, and Ninja promises that the Luxe Cafe Pro ‘comes without all the trial and error of traditional espresso machines’. This is partly true as it displays the recommend grind size on the front of the machine, but in test I still had to pull three or four espresso shots to achieve the optimum extraction (25-30 seconds).
I made good-quality espresso and cold brew with the ES701UK, and the filter coffee – though not as light and fruity as a traditional filter – was pleasantly acidic. Where the machine really shone was the automatic milk steaming, which is done using an extra-large jug that contains a small whisk at the bottom. If you love a latte but don’t want the faff of steaming the milk yourself, the Luxe Cafe Pro produces impressively silky, creamy results.
Wattage: 1650W
Functions: 25 drink settings, 25 grind settings
Weight: 17.25KG
Capacity: 2L
Warranty: 2 years
Cost to run: 1.9p (based on 25.73p/kWh – one coffee each day p/week)
Available from Sage (£1,199.95), John Lewis & Partners (£1,199.95), Amazon (£1,199.95)
Best semi-automatic bean-to-cup coffee machine
Pros:
- 30 grind settings
- Intuitive touchscreen
- Mess-free assisted tamping
- Digital step-by-step guidance
- Customisable froth settings for almond, soy and oat milk
Cons:
- Grind is noisy and slow
- Expensive
Star rating: 5/5
Wattage: 1430-1700 W
An upgrade of the original Barista Touch Impress, this bean-to-cup model comes with cold brew functionality and a couple of new drink options – including ‘shakerato’ (a frothy iced coffee drink, widely available in Italy) and espresso martini.
It strikes the perfect balance between convenience and customisation, without compromising on the quality of the coffee. There are options to tweak the froth level and type of milk you’re using, be it dairy, almond, soy or oat. The machine is also built with assisted tamping and auto-corrects each dose for the next time you use it.
I liked the step-by-step guidance on screen, which advised on grind size and whether extraction was too fast or slow. Once I hit the sweet spot, the espresso was excellent: hot, rich and topped with glossy crema. The cold brew function worked well, too, delivering on both flavour and strength.
Wattage: 1430-1700 W
Functions: 14 drink options, 30 grind settings
Weight: 10.2KG
Capacity: 2L
Warranty: 2 years
Cost to run: 1.4p (based on 25.73p/kWh – one coffee each day p/week)
Available from:
Got your eye on a Sage coffee machine? Our friends at olive magazine have tried and tested the full range to help you find the best Sage coffee machine.
De’Longhi Rivelia bean-to-cup coffee machine
Best fully automatic bean-to-cup coffee machine
Pros:
- Great for beginners
- Good-looking design
- Customisable user profiles
- Excellent espresso with thick crema
Cons:
- A lot of non-recyclable packaging
- Little information about spare parts or recycling
Star rating: 4.5/5
Wattage: 1450W
The Rivelia is one of De’Longhi’s newest semi-automatic coffee machines, and I found it remarkably easy and fun to use. It’s a great mid-range option for anyone with a flexible budget, who wants some customisation but is quite happy to let the machine do the work for them. Dosing and tamping the coffee is all handled automatically, but the user still has control over the coffee intensity, frothiness of the milk, and drink sizes.
It’s large but attractive, with rounded, smooth edges, a choice of four colours, and a clear digital interface. The set-up is ultra-personalised, allowing you to set up a maximum of four user profiles to save your favourite settings. There’s an extra bean hopper included too, so you can switch between different bean varieties as you like.
Wattage: 1450W
Functions: 16 drink options
Weight: 12.7KG
Capacity: 1.4L
Warranty: 1 year standard, 2 years upon registration
Cost to run: 2.4p (based on 28.62p/kWh – one coffee each day p/week)
Best coffee pod machines to buy in 2025
A note on pod machines and the environment: If you like pod machines but you’re concerned about the environmental impact of using disposable capsules, Nespresso operates a recycling service and there’s also now a great range of eco caps, biodegradable and compostable options.
Lavazza Jolie coffee pod machine
Available from Lakeland (£94.99)
Best budget coffee pod machine
Pros:
- Small footprint on the countertop
- Sleek but statement design
Cons:
- Manual stop for single espresso
Star rating: 5/5
The Lavazza Jolie does the basics really, really well. Its rounded statement handle lifts and lowers to lock the capsules into place. At just 33cm deep and 12cm wide, it’s countertop footprint is one of the smallest of all the coffee machines tested, yet brews single espresso with 10 bars of pressure to produce rich, flavourful coffee. If a longer short or lungo shots is your favourite, this is the perfect machine.
Wattage: 1250W
Weight: 2.6KG
Capacity: 600ml
Warranty: 2 years
Nespresso Vertuo Pop coffee pod machine
Best coffee pod machine
Pros:
- Simple to use
- Quality espresso with thick crema
- Attractive
- Small footprint
- Easy to unload and clean
Cons:
- Manual is very large
- A little noisy
- Can only use Nespresso Vertuo pods
- Stiff when lowering the lid
Star rating: 4.5/5
For those working with a smaller budget, this more affordable edition within Nespresso’s Vertuo range is a stylish addition to any countertop. Available in six colours, it has an attractive body with rounded edges and an easy to use push-button interface, but what stands out most is the quality of the espresso – rich and dark, with a thick, silky crema and light touch of acidity.
Setting it up was a bit more of a faff – the manual is large and features all the models within the Vertuo range, which means a chunk of the information included isn’t relevant to this machine. It’s also a tad noisy, and the lid has to be pressed down firmly when inserting the capsule. For the quality of the coffee it produces, though, it offers excellent value versus other Vertuo models.
Wattage: 1260W
Weight: 3.5KG
Capacity: 560ml
Warranty: 2 years
Cost to run: 2.5p (based on 30p/kWh – one coffee each day p/week)
Opal One coffee pod machine
Available from Kiss the Hippo (£119)
Best value coffee machine
Pros:
- Produces rich, dark espresso
- Adjustable brew temperature
- Quick to heat up
- Simple to clean
- User-friendly design
- Sleek, slimline build
Cons:
- Drips a lot after brewing
- Parts of the manual are unclear and poorly written
Star rating: 4.5/5
If you want quality espresso with the convenience of a pod machine, the Opal One is designed to brew speciality coffee. It’s a modern-looking, sleek piece of kit with three espresso options – short, normal and lungo – and adjustable temperatures, so you can brew your coffee exactly as you like it.
The handle around the water tank lid makes it easy to carry to and from the sink, reducing the risk of spillages. Set-up was relatively easy, though some of the written instructions in the manual were hard to follow.
I began by using standard Nespresso-compatible pods, and the espresso was good – hot and rich in flavour, with a thin but glossy crema. As the makers of this machine advise using speciality pods, I then tried Gesha pods from Colonna Coffee and noticed the crema was much thicker, and the coffee had a pleasant touch of acidity.
Wattage: 1260W
Weight: 3.74KG
Capacity: 800ml
Warranty: 1 year
Cost to run: 2.2p (based on 30p/kWh – one coffee each day p/week)
Read our full guide to the best coffee pod machines.
Best filter coffee machines to buy in 2025
A filter coffee machine will help you achieve the lighter taste of fresh pour-over coffee at the simple press of a button, and they’re generally less expensive than bean-to-cup, pod, and espresso machines.
Fellow Aiden electric coffee maker
Best premium filter coffee machine
Pros:
- Attractive
- Customisable settings
- User-friendly design
- Includes a thermal jug
- Recyclable packaging
Cons:
Star rating: 5/5
Wattage: 1700W
This much-hyped coffee maker from Fellow – a brand perhaps best known for its coffee grinders – is the most expensive filter coffee machine I’ve tested, but its user-friendly features and minimalist look also make it one of the top performers.
The set-up is simple, though I could sense from the off that this was a machine that means business – after switching it on, I was even asked to input how far above sea level I was. This, apparently, because water boils at temperatures below 100C above sea level, which can result in under-extracted coffee.
Beginners shouldn’t be deterred by the precise, technical engineering of this machine, though – that’s all behind the scenes. It’s remarkably easy to use, offering on-screen guidance so you generate the perfect coffee every time. The machine will start by asking the roast level of your coffee beans (light, medium or dark) and volume of coffee you’d like to make, then will advise the weight of the grounds you need to add to the filter basket.
Once you hit ‘start’, it blooms the grounds for around a minute (i.e. wetting the grounds), which releases the carbon dioxide in the coffee and helps to enhance the flavour. Once brewed, the coffee was light and refreshing and I liked the ergonomic, sturdy handle on the thermal jug, which allowed for easy pouring.
Wattage: 1700W
Weight: 4.3KG
Capacity: 1.5L
Warranty: 2 years
Cost to run: 1.04p (based on 24.86p/kWh – 400ml of coffee)
Sage the Precision Brewer filter coffee machine
Available from Harts of Stur (£258.95), Harrods (£259), Very (£259), Amazon (£259), Sage (£259.95)
Best large filter coffee machine
Pros:
- Attractive
- Quality results
- Customisable settings
- Large capacity
- Thermal jug included
Cons:
- Chunky footprint
- Packaging can’t be recycled
Star rating: 4.5/5
This high-spec coffee machine comes with five functions – gold, fast, strong, pour over, and cold brew – as well as adjustable options for temperature, brew strength, bloom time (which allows Co2 to escape so the water can absorb the coffee bean flavour), and water-flow rate.
I found the digital display easy to navigate, and liked that the machine relies on a thermal carafe to keep coffee warm rather than a hot plate, which can ‘burn’ the coffee and make it taste bitter. There’s also an in-built timer, so you can keep an eye on how long ago your batch was brewed.
It was disappointing to see non-recyclable materials had been used to package this model, but Sage has since informed us that it’s moving towards using only recycled packaging in the near future.
Wattage: 1650W
Weight: 4.8KG
Capacity: 1.7L
Warranty: 2 years
Cost to run: 1.44p (based on 28.62p – 400ml of coffee)
Available from:
Morphy Richards Equip filter coffee machine
Best budget filter coffee machine
Pros
- Easy to use
- Compact
- Affordable price
Cons:
- A lot of plastic packaging
- Some materials feel a little cheap
Star rating: 4.5/5
This basic coffee machine has a good-looking design, but elements of it are a little flimsy. The glass carafe has a robust ergonomic handle, and a dosing spoon and reusable filter basket are included too. I used 7g (one spoon) of coffee grounds per cup as advised in the manual, which produced a light, well balanced coffee, though you can adjust the ratio to your taste.
Mastering the controls is simple: there’s just one/off button at the front of the coffee machine, which you need to switch on to begin the brew cycle. There’s a hot plate to keep your coffee at the optimum temperature for up to 30 minutes, though (as I’ve found with most hot plates), the flavour quality did reduce over time.
Wattage: 1000W
Weight: 1.9KG
Capacity: 1.2L
Warranty: 2 years
Cost to run: 1.25p (based on 28.62p – 400ml of coffee)
Read our full guide to the best filter coffee machines.
What to look for in a coffee machine
Depending on your budget and how much control you’d like over the coffee-making process, these are the features I’d suggest looking out for:
Milk steam wand: perfect for lovers of milky coffees, steam wands give you control over the quantity, temperature and froth level of your milk and are common features on espresso machines and bean-to-cup coffee machines.
Multiple filter baskets: if you’re after an espresso machine that can make double shots as well as single, choose a machine that offers two or more filter baskets for loading into the portafilter.
Coffee grind adjustability: different coffees are best with different grind levels. For example, espresso needs finely ground coffee, whereas filter coffee works well with a coarser grind. So if your machine is grinding the beans prior to brewing them, adjustability means better brews.
Adjustable drip tray or espresso outlet: a silky layer of hazelnut-coloured foam called crema is one characteristic that defines espresso, so you don’t want the coffee to splash out. These will also mean the machine can accommodate your favourite mug, whatever the size.
Cleaning functions: just like kettles, coffee machines are susceptible to the build up of limescale, but you also have lingering coffee oils to contend with, plus milk if your machine has a frother. Modern machines should have self-cleaning functions to help you keep on top of this – you can read our guide on how to clean a coffee machine for advice.
How much do coffee machines cost?
Again, this depends on the type of coffee you’re looking to make. A basic coffee pod machine can be picked up for upwards of £40, although buying coffee pods can work out to be a more expensive in the long run.
Espresso machines that use ground coffee start at just under £100 but the ceiling for these depends on the brand and can be pushed upwards of £2,000. Most on the market are pump-powered and generate bar-pressure to drive hot water through the compressed grounds. For a good automatic machine with presets, you can expect to pay between £100 and £400.
The most expensive home coffee machines on the market tend to be bean-to-cup. These are also the largest out there in terms of footprint and start at around £300.
How to choose the best coffee machine for home
Which coffee machine should I buy?
Coffee pod machines
- Pros: quick, convenient, less pricey than more sophisticated coffee machines and relatively mess-free, you’re guaranteed to have fresh coffee every day (beans and ground coffee quickly go stale once a bag is exposed to open air).
- Cons: the pods aren’t always recyclable, can work out as more expensive over time, you’re limited to coffee from certain brands and can only make on cup at a time.
Read our guide to the best coffee pod machines.
Espresso machines
- Pros: this is a choice for the serious coffee devotee. They employ the same tamp-and-pack method that you see in cafés and coffee shops. You put the coffee in a portafilter and fasten it into the machine, then it drips out a condensed espresso with crema top.
- Cons: may or may not offer milk wands for steaming milk and require a hands-on approach
Read our guide to the best espresso machines.
Bean-to-cup coffee machines
- Pros: the major advantage of these machines is convenience – they can grind and press coffee beans as well as making an espresso all in one go. The quality of the coffee is almost unparalleled in terms of at-home brewing, as it is freshly ground for each cup, meaning the taste is as aromatic and fresh as it gets. There’s also the considerable plus of not having to buy new pods for it every few days – a costly and usually non-eco-friendly endeavour that more and more coffee drinkers are keen to avoid.
- Cons: they’re usually large, expensive and require regular cleaning if you are using daily, especially if the machine has a fresh milk operating system.
Read our guide to the best bean-to-cup coffee machines.
Filter coffee machines
- Pros: they are an affordable option as they operate on a simple dripper function, so prices start at around £50. They’re good for making coffee in bulk, and they can be left to their own devices.
- Cons: machines can vary widely in quality and get quite pricey.
Read our full guide to the best filter coffee machines.
What coffee should I use in my coffee machine?
The type of coffee you should use depends on the type of machine you have. Coffee pod machines will obviously only work with coffee pods (and even these might require specific pods, so check before you buy).
For espresso machines without a grinder, you’ll want to use ground coffee, which can be bought pre-ground or you can grind it yourself in a coffee grinder. Bean-to-cup machines have inbuilt grinders, so you can buy the coffee beans whole and they’ll do the hard work for you.
Here’s a few other things to keep in mind when you’re buying coffee for your machine:
- Grind consistency: Different coffee machines require specific grind sizes for optimal extraction. For example, espresso machines usually require a fine grind, while filter coffee machines work better with a medium grind. Adjust the settings on your grinder accordingly, or check the packet if using pre-ground coffee.
- Freshness: Coffee beans tend to be at their best within a few weeks of roasting – so the fresher the beans, the better your coffee. Most coffee roasteries add roast dates to their packaging, so use this as a guide to check for freshness.
- Roast level: The length of time the coffee beans have been roasted for can also affect the flavour. Lighter roasts usually have more acidity and fruity notes, while darker roasts tend to be bolder with caramel or chocolate undertones. Have a go at experimenting with different roast levels to find your preferred taste.
- Bean origin: Coffee beans from different regions offer unique flavours and characteristics too. Popular origins include Ethiopia, Colombia, or Brazil.
For more advice, read our guide to the best coffee beans. If you’d prefer to grind beans from home, discover our pick of the best coffee grinders too.
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What coffee machine would you recommend? Leave a comment below…
