Types of coffee machine

For those who strive for good quality coffee but don’t want the mess or hassle, a coffee pod machine is the perfect solution. Pod machines use vacuum sealed pods filled with delicious fresh coffee, with one pod making one cup. As well as a range of popular coffee drinks such as espresso, Americano and cappuccino, coffee pods or capsules come in an array of other flavours such as hot chocolate, chai latte and iced tea. Some pod machines use barcode readers to automatically identify your beverage, selecting the best settings for the drink.

A pod machine provides a quick and easy way to make coffee, simply pop in your pod, choose your settings, and the machine does all the hard work for you. The range of pods available makes them ideal for those who love variety.

Create barista-style coffee at home using your favourite ground coffee or ESD pods with an espresso machine, from creamy cappuccinos and lattes to luxurious espressos, macchiatos and more.

Pump espresso machines are perfect for a genuine barista experience. Pump espresso machines are among the most popular coffee makers in the world. They’re also the most common, because they’re easy to use and produce great espresso every time.

Espresso machines provide great flexibility, letting you get creative in your quest for the perfect crema. Espresso machines use widely available pre-ground coffee, or you can grind your coffee to the coarseness you require using a grinder (see coffee accessories). You’ll feel like a barista as you carefully pack the coffee into the tamper before creating beautifully intense espressos, lungos or ristrettos.

Bean-to-cup machines provide a premium experience, creating a huge range of espresso-based drinks at the touch of a button. These all-in-one machines use whole beans and are perfect for those who love variety but want more speed and convenience than offered by an espresso machine. Once you’ve filled the coffee machine with beans, water and milk, each coffee will only require you to press one button. They also allow you lots of freedom with the ability to customise the coffee strength, water temperature and more.

Filter coffee machines come in different cup volumes and are very easy to use. Water simply drips slowly through a basket of ground coffee to infuse in a pot or carafe. There's no need to boil the water first. Filter coffee machines usually have thermos pots and hot plates to keep the coffee warm.

Filter coffee machines are perfect for someone who is on the go and making large batches for family or guests. They are simple to use and perfect for making Americano drinks.

Dependent on the size of the jug, filter coffee machines can make up to 10 large cups, perfect for coffee mornings.

Things to consider when buying a coffee machine

Extra coffee machine features

Steam arms

Espresso machines with a steam arm will allow you to create a range of milky coffee drinks including cappuccinos, lattes and macchiatos. By mixing together steam, air and milk you’ll be able to provide a wider range of drinks for friends and family.

Memory function

For the ultimate convenience, a memory function will let you store your favourite drink so you can make it every day at the touch of a button.

LED displays

Some coffee machines boast premium features such as LED displays that add a professional design touch. Some models even feature contemporary touch controls for added functionality.

Accessories for coffee machines