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Buying an espresso machine sounds simple, until you have to choose between coffee beans, ground coffee or capsules. Terms such as 15 or 20 bar, integrated grinder and automatic milk function may also sound appealing, but they do not tell the whole story. A machine can be technically advanced yet prove awkward in a small British kitchen or require a great deal of maintenance.
So pay particular attention to the brewing method, dimensions, cleaning requirements and ongoing costs. Below, you can read what to look out for and which coffee machines suit different types of user.
High pump pressure is often prominently advertised. In practice, the maximum number of bar alone is not a reliable indicator of flavour. Many machines for home use list 15 or 19 bar, while the final extraction also depends on the grind size, amount of coffee, tamping and water temperature.
So look at the system as a whole. A semi-automatic espresso machine, for example, requires more input from the user. A fully automatic coffee machine handles grinding, dosing and brewing largely by itself.
An espresso machine with an integrated grinder saves space and allows you to grind fresh coffee. However, it is important to check how many grind settings are available. The De’Longhi La Specialista Arte, for example, lists 8 grind settings. According to the product specifications, the Philips 1200 Series EP1220/00 has 12 grind settings.
More settings give you greater flexibility to adjust the grind for different beans. That does not automatically mean every user needs those extra options. If you mainly want to make coffee quickly, simple controls may be more useful than extensive adjustment options.
A coffee machine with a milk frother can make cappuccinos and lattes more accessible, but milk components need to be cleaned regularly. Pay attention to the difference between a manual steam wand, a milk reservoir and an automatic milk system.
A steam wand takes practice but has few separate parts. An integrated system is easier to use, but check whether the reservoir is removable and whether the components are dishwasher-safe. According to the product description, the Philips LatteGo range has a milk component that can be cleaned under the tap or in the dishwasher. Always check the manual for precise maintenance instructions.
First decide how you want to prepare your coffee:
A capsule machine is often compact. According to the supplied product specifications, the Nespresso Lattissima One has a 1-litre water reservoir and is 14.4 cm wide. This can be useful when worktop space is limited.
Do not just measure the space on your worktop; also consider the space above the machine. A bean hopper or water reservoir on top can be difficult to access beneath kitchen cupboards.
Examples from the range:
A larger reservoir means less frequent refilling, but it generally also makes the appliance heavier and more difficult to move.
Coffee residue, milk and limescale affect everyday use. Check whether the brew group is removable, whether the appliance has a descaling programme and which components are dishwasher-safe.
Water hardness varies by region in the Netherlands. Set the water hardness when instructed to do so in the manual. This allows the machine to tailor maintenance alerts more effectively to your usage. Products in this selection are offered with a statutory warranty of at least two years under EU consumer law; additional manufacturer conditions may vary by brand and product.
Why it suits this profile: This fully automatic coffee machine is designed for everyday convenience, with a bean grinder, touch controls and adjustable coffee strength and volume.
The product specifications mention a removable brew group, automatic descaling and a classic milk-frothing system. This means you can see in advance which maintenance tasks are involved.
1.8-litre water reservoir, 12 grind settings and a stated pump pressure of 15 bar.
Why it suits this profile: The semi-automatic method is ideal for coffee lovers who want to grind, tamp and froth milk themselves.
The machine lists 8 grind settings and three pre-programmed recipes. This makes the level of control clearer in advance than a general claim about barista-quality coffee alone.
Integrated grinder, dual thermoblock according to the product name and a 1.5-litre water reservoir.
Why it suits this profile: According to the product description, anyone looking for plenty of variety at home can choose from black coffee, milk-based drinks and iced coffees, with two user profiles.
The product specification explicitly states that the LatteGo system can be cleaned in the dishwasher or under the tap. This helps you assess the day-to-day maintenance involved.
20 coffee choices according to the product description, adjustable strength and volume, plus 12 grind settings.
Why it suits this profile: This coffee capsule machine is compact and makes espresso, lungo and milk-based drinks at the touch of a button.
The fixed capsule preparation limits manual adjustments. However, check the price and availability of capsules within the Nespresso Original system beforehand.
Approximately 14.4 cm wide, automatic switch-off and removable milk jug according to the product specifications.
We have put together a complete, up-to-date list of products that fully meet these strict selection criteria and the applicable European safety regulations.
That depends on the number of cups, the type of coffee and the maintenance required. Capsules often have a fixed price per serving. With bean machines, you pay for coffee beans and sometimes filters or descaler. A fully automatic coffee machine may also use more water for rinsing programmes. So do not compare just the purchase price; factor in coffee, milk, capsules and maintenance products as well.
Its lifespan depends on usage, water quality, cleaning and maintenance in accordance with the manual. Clean a milk frother after use, empty the drip tray regularly and descale the machine when prompted. When buying, also check the availability of spare parts and the warranty terms.
Yes, but you must be prepared to grind or measure out the coffee, tamp it and froth the milk manually. If you mainly want to make coffee quickly, a fully automatic coffee machine or coffee capsule machine will probably be the easier choice. If having control over the brewing process matters to you, you may particularly enjoy using a portafilter machine.
