From one-touch flat whites to cold brews at home
For lots of us, coffee is more than a morning pick-me-up. It's a cherished little ritual at the start of a busy day, a mid-afternoon espresso or an iced latte on a hot weekend. Coffee has quietly become an important part of British home life. In fact, we drink 98 million cups every day.
The good news is that home coffee is no longer a hot kettle and a jar of instant. Modern coffee machines can do far more than simply brew a cup. From built-in bean grinders and automatic milk systems to smart features that remember your favourite drinks, today's coffee machines make it easy for anyone to get consistently great coffee.
Why coffee rituals matter more than ever
The way we drink coffee has shifted. In 2019, most of us were strictly office-based. According to ONS data, only around 5.5% of UK workers were hybrid workers. As of March 2026, that figure rose to almost a third of us.
As more people split their working week between home and the office, they're making more of their coffee at home too. That shift has raised expectations. People want the same quality and choice they'd get from their favourite café without leaving the house.
The new era of smart coffee technology
Coffee tech has come a long way from the basic filter machine. Today's home coffee tech is sophisticated. One-touch espresso machines. Built-in grinders that give you just the right grind size and measure of coffee. Customisable drink profiles so everybody gets their coffee just the way they like it. All without needing a barista qualification.
Be your own barista
Espresso coffee machines are ideal if you enjoy the hands-on side of coffee - picking your beans, adjusting the grind and steaming milk to get that perfect microfoam. For some of us, it's all part of the ritual.
Sage The Barista Express BES875 turns your kitchen worktop into a professional café setup. With the integrated grinder and fresh beans, you can make everything from a punchy Americano to a smooth, silky flat white. Every shot is dosed precisely, then extracted at 9 bar - the optimal pressure for rich, balanced espresso. The water stays locked at a consistent 93°C throughout, so every cup tastes exactly as it should. It's the machine for anyone who wants the full hands-on experience.
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No more guesswork
NESPRESSO by Krups XN911NG0 proves that being your own barista has never been easier. Vertuo's smart brewing technology automatically adjusts for each pod, unlocking the best from more than 40 coffee blends in seven drink sizes from Ristretto to Carafe. The included milk frother lets you finish off each cup with cafe-style milk foam too.
Perfect one-touch coffee
Not everyone needs to be their own barista. For some of us, a coffee machine is all about getting a quality cup fast. And automatic Bean-to-cup coffee machines are where that one-touch convenience feels a bit magic.
The De'Longhi Magnifica Evo grinds and brews fresh coffee beans, then froths the milk for some coffee shop classics. You get five authentic espresso recipes including Cappuccino and Latte. The machine heats up to the perfect temperature in less than 30 seconds, so your barista-quality coffee will be hot and ready in a flash.
The stylish Smeg BCC12SBMUK Bean-to-Cup Coffee Machine is best for coffee lovers who want barista-style drinks at home. Its one-touch controls and steam wand let you texture milk yourself for lattes and cappuccinos. The built-in grinder uses fresh beans for full flavour and a rich aroma. Thermoblock technology keeps the water at the right temperature, so every cup tastes its best.
Two coffees at once
Siemens EQ500 gives you 10 different coffee recipes with one touch. In fact, its oneTouch DoubleCup prepares two coffees at the same time. That's a huge help on busy mornings. Add in automatic milk-system cleaning and it's a machine designed to take the hassle out of quality coffee.
20 different drinks
Philips Series 5500 LatteGo covers the whole menu - but its SilentBrew tech means it's a lot quieter than a coffee shop! From espressos and cappuccinos to iced coffees, it's all at your fingertips. Its LatteGo milk system creates silky milk froth but only has two parts – so it's quick to clean too.
Keep up with coffee trends at home
Coffee fashion moves fast. One year it's flat whites, the next it's pistachio lattes. Iced coffees, cold brews and café-inspired drinks aren't just for coffee shops anymore. And when the summer heat's on, it's a relief to change up your coffee routine.
From flat whites and cappuccinos to summer iced coffees, the Breville Prima Latte AutoLuxe Full Auto Espresso Machine makes it easy to experiment with new favourites. With 12 one-touch presets and over 200 hot and cold drink combinations, you can customise strength, temperature and coffee style to match whatever's your flavour of the month. And thanks to the EasySwitch Dual Bean Hopper, it's just as easy to swap between different roasts and blends, whether you're trying a new speciality bean or switching to decaf later in the day.
Cold brews covered
Ninja Luxe Cafe Pro Series ES701UK brings one of the biggest coffee-shop trends home with its ability to make cold brew. Its 3-in-1 design makes it easy to switch between different styles of coffee, while five automatic froth settings help you customise everything from silky flat whites to iced coffee drinks with textured milk.
How to create coffee heaven at home
A good coffee machine is obviously fundamental, but here are a few extra touches that take things up a level:
Good beans:
For Bean to cup machines, freshly roasted whole beans make a big difference. Store them in an airtight container and grind just before brewing.
Your favourite mug:
Warming it up beforehand keeps your coffee hotter for longer - a small habit with a real payoff.
A milk frother:
An affordable standalone frother is a simple upgrade if your machine doesn't include one.
A dedicated coffee corner:
Keeping your machine, beans and accessories in one spot turns the process into a proper ritual.
For more inspiration on putting together the perfect home coffee setup, check out our Coffee machine buying guide.
FAQs
What is the difference between bean-to-cup and espresso machines?
Bean-to-cup machines handle everything automatically - grinding, brewing and often frothing milk. Traditional espresso coffee machines give you hands-on control over each step. Bean-to-cup wins on convenience, but espresso machines suit those who enjoy the craft. You can also explore filter coffee machines if you prefer a slower, more traditional brew.
What's the best coffee machine for making barista-style coffee at home?
Sage The Barista Express BES875 is a popular choice for coffee lovers who want a more hands-on experience. With an integrated grinder, precise dosing and 9-bar espresso extraction, it gives you greater control over every cup.
Which coffee machine is easiest to use?
Fully automatic bean-to-cup machines are the easiest choice for daily use. The De’Longhi Magnifica Evo and Siemens EQ500 handle grinding, brewing and milk with minimal input, while the Breville Prima Latte AutoLuxe keeps things simple with 12 one-touch drinks and plenty of customisation options.
Can coffee machines make iced drinks?
Yes. The Philips Series 5500 LatteGo can make iced coffees, while the Ninja Luxe Café Pro can make cold brew as well as espresso and filtered coffee. No separate steps required.
Which coffee machine offers the most drink variety?
If variety is your priority, the Breville Prima Latte AutoLuxe Full Auto Espresso Machine is hard to beat. With more than 200 hot and cold drink combinations and dual bean hoppers for switching between different coffees, it's ideal for anyone who likes to mix things up.
Which coffee machine is best when you're short on time?
If convenience is your top priority, a Nespresso by Krups Vertuo machine is hard to beat. Simply pop in a capsule and press a button for consistently good coffee in seconds. It's a great choice for busy mornings when you want quality coffee without the grinding, tamping or clean-up.
What features should I look for in a coffee machine?
Think about your daily habits. For fresh, effortless results, a bean-to-cup machine with an integrated grinder and automatic milk system is a smart choice. If you enjoy experimenting with different drinks, the Breville Prima Latte AutoLuxe Full Auto Espresso Machine offers extensive customisation, while the Smeg BCC12SBMUK combines one-touch convenience with a manual steam wand for creating barista-style coffees at home.
