THERE’S nothing like a good cup of coffee to get you going in the morning or revive you during the day and now you can have barista-style coffee at home thanks to the latest high-tech coffee machines.
No need to rely on good old instant, with the best coffee machines you can go crazy with a cappuccino, love your latte or make an amazing Americano and all with no real work on your part.
Simply pop in the pod, add the beans or ground coffee and away you go.
It’s going to take you longer to choose your machine than it will do to make your coffee. There’s so much choice, so just where do you start?
That’s where we come in. Read on for our tried and tested guide to the best coffee machines available in the UK.
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How we tested the best coffee machines
When testing each coffee machine we considered several factors including how easy it was to set up and use, how readily available the pods are for the type of machine and the variety of drinks the machine can make.
We also took into consideration the design and aesthetic of each machine, how much space it took up in our kitchen and most importantly, the quality of the brew it made.
Best coffee machines at a glance:
- Best overall coffee machine: Lavazza A Modo Mio Deśea Coffee Machine
- Best coffee machine with milk frother:
- Best luxury coffee machine: Philips 5400 Series Bean to Cup
- Best pod coffee machine: Tassimo by Bosch Happy
- Best value coffee machine: De’Longhi Nescafé Dolce Gusto Piccolo XS
- Best coffee machine for home: Philips L’Or Barista Sublime
Philips 5400 Series Bean to Cup
Philips 5400 Series LatteGo Bean to Cup Machine[/caption]
Philips 5400 Series, £619.99 (was £679.99) from Amazon
Pros: Easy to use, variety of drinks, high-quality, easy to clean, quick, can make multiple drinks, grinds beans
Cons: Assembly is a bit complicated, need to figure out your settings
Rating: 5/5
As a frequent coffee drinker, there’s nothing I love more than freshly brewed coffee and the Philips 5400 LatteGo promises that every single time with the touch of a few buttons.
It takes up a bit of counter space and is a bit fiddly to assemble as you need to attach a few parts separately and set up the screen, but once it’s done that’s the hardest bit out of the way.
It has a sleek interface, and you can pick whatever coffee you want from extensive options that you normally wouldn’t be able to enjoy at home like latte macchiato, flat white,
Each drink has a customisable setting for you to personalise the ratio of caffeine and liquid per coffee and it also includes an extra shot function, which I personally enjoyed.
It does take a bit of trial and error to figure out what your ideal setting is. The first time I made a cappuccino, I hadn’t adjusted the setting so it turned out way too milky for me, but after figuring it out, it was one of the best at-home coffees I had.
While it’s easy to use, I’d say the machine is better for regular coffee drinkers who know what type and intensity of coffee they enjoy.
It’s super easy to clean as there’s a self-cleaning function, and the drip tray and ground container can be easily removed, rinsed and reattached once dry.
Although it’s compatible with ground coffee, it works better with coffee beans as it has an in-built grinder and it can be hard to clean the section for ground beans. I once tried pouring water down it and it leaked. Not to mention, it’s quite pricey.
But since I’ve used the machine, I’ve never had a coffee falter in quality and it’s even made me buy fewer coffees from shops as they pale in comparison to what I have at home.
Review by Natalie Chui.
Size: 24.6 x 37.2 x 43.3 cm, Weight: 8kg, Coffee compatibility: Coffee beans, ground coffee
De’Longhi Nescafé Dolce Gusto Piccolo XS
De’Longhi Nescafé Dolce Gusto Piccolo XS, £35 from Argos
Pros: Price, great size for small kitchens
Cons: None I can see
Rating: 4/5
Perfect for smaller kitchens, this dinky machine is very user-friendly and has a manual lever, so you can control the size of your drink exactly.
It’s very quick to heat up and can produce a range of Dolce Gusto hot drinks as well as Starbucks-branded ones.
For the non-coffee drinkers in your life, this machine also makes tea and hot chocolate using the appropriate Dolce Gusto pods, so it’s sure to get a lot of use.
While I reviewed the black version, there are other colours to choose from including red and white, and you can often find discounts, making it one of the best bargain machines.
Review by Hayley Minn.
Size: H27.6 x W13.6 x D26.6cm, Weight: 2.1kg, Pod compatibility: Dolce Gusto pods
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Nespresso Vertuo Next Pod Coffee Machine by Krups
The Vertuo machine is easy to use[/caption]
Nespresso Vertuo Next Pod Coffee Machine by Krups, £149 from Nespresso
Pros: Easy to use, recyclable pods, removable parts of coffee machine are dishwasher safe
Cons: Can’t buy pods in shops, they have to be ordered online or from a Nespresso store
Rating: 4.5/5
The Vertuo Next Pod coffee machine proves Nespresso’s a household name for a reason.
Priced at £150, this machine’s compatible with Nespresso’s wide range of Vertuo pods that come in so many delicious flavours, both caffeinated and not.
Not only are the pods all recyclable, but the removable parts of this are dishwasher safe which is a plus.
I can confirm that this easy-to-use machine gives you barista-level coffee in a matter of seconds and we’re obsessed.
Some capsules are frothy, others creamy – there is something for all coffee tastes.
The only real downside is that you can’t purchase their capsules in your local supermarket.
You have to either order them online or head to a Nespresso store if you’re lucky enough to live near one.
Review by Hayley Minn.
Size: H31.4 x W14.2 x D42.9cm, Weight: 4kg, Pod compatibility: Nespresso Vertuo capsules
Tassimo by Bosch Happy
Tassimo by Bosch Happy, £40 from Argos
Pros: Easy to use, compact, automatically calculates brewing time, price
Cons: None that I can see
Rating: 4/5
It’s hard to fault this compact, light and easy-to-use machine.
The water tank is built into the side, making it easy to manoeuvre around a countertop, and it also takes up very little space.
The coffee maker feels super-sturdy, heats up quickly and, like the other Tassimo machines, can produce a huge range of drinks.
Its Intellibrew system means it automatically calculates the right brewing time for your cuppa.
I’m not the only one that loves it, a whopping 96% of Argos shoppers say they would recommend it to a friend with most rating its performance and ease of use as its best features.
Review by Hayley Minn.
Size: H26.5 x W17.5 x D30.5cm, Weight: 1.5kg, Pod compatibility: Tassimo T Discs
Philips L’Or Barista Sublime
The Philips L’Or Barista Sublime is noisy but very quick[/caption]
Philips L’Or Barista Sublime + 100 FREE pods, £89.99 (was £109.99) from L’Or
Pros: Compact, speedy
Cons: Noisy
Rating: 3.5/5
The slimline, compact design doesn’t hog counter space, and as well as taking single and double L’Or espresso pods it’s also compatible with Nespresso.
It’s a little bit noisy but very quick and serves drinks with a creamy head at the ideal temperature. The gold accents give it a classy feel.
Coffee lovers are delighted with the machine.
One reviewer said: ‘Best purchase I have made. Great machine for creating great coffee.
While another stated: ‘This machine is not only beautiful to behold but functions perfectly. Coffee is very hot, quietly delivered and tastes sublime. Great bit of kit!’
Review by Hayley Minn.
Size: H27.6 x W15.7 x D40.2cm, Weight: 3.35kg, Pod compatibility: L’Or classic espresso and double espresso capsules, Nespresso Original compatible capsules
Lavazza A Modo Mio Deśea Coffee Machine
Lavazza A Modo Mio[/caption]
Lavazza A Modo Mio Deśea Coffee Machine, £249.99 from Lavazza
Pros: Great coffee for cappuccino or latte fan, looks great on the countertop, capsules are reasonably priced, makes a wide range of drinks
Cons: Not cheap, not compatible with the majority of coffee pods, can overheat milk, power cord is too short
Rating: 4/5
There’s little not to like about the Lavazza Deśea.
It looks great and adds a certain level of elegance to your work surfaces.
It’s also extremely easy to use, quick to clean, and makes great-tasting coffee.
While it’s inconvenient that the Deśea is limited to capsules from Lavazza’s own-brand range, the A Modo Mio (“my way”) capsules made are reasonably priced, have a good range of intensity levels and are compostable.
The standout feature of the Deśea (which means “wish” in Spanish) is its ability to make milk-based coffees such as cappuccinos and lattes.
This feature, which uses technology patented by Lavazza, sets it apart from other coffee machines and will be a big selling point to people who want foamy coffees without the fuss of a separate milk frother.
Review by Kieran Ahuja.
Size: H28 x W14.5 x D38cm, Weight: 4.5kg, Pod compatibility: A Modo Mio capsules
Nespresso Vertuo Pop
Nespresso Vertuo Pop, £59 (was £99) from Fenwick
Pros: Easy to use, Bluetooth compatible
Cons: Only uses Nespresso Vertuo capsules
Rating: 3/5
The machine that smoothie George Clooney plugs is sexy and sleek, with a single button and Bluetooth connectivity.
But it only uses Nespresso Vertuo capsules, which are a bit pricey.
Even so, you get a lovely creamy coffee top, which tastes delicious.
You can also specify five different cup sizes: espresso, double espresso, gran lungo, mug and alto to suit your mood and need for caffeine.
This coffee machine also comes in a variety of colours so you can select one to match with or complement your décor.
Choose from liquorice black, aqua mint, Pacific blue, spicy red, mango yellow or coconut white.
Review by Hayley Minn.
Size: H25 x W13.6 x D42.6cm, Weight: 3.5kg, Pod compatibility: Vertuo capsules only
Bosch Tassimo Finesse
Bosch Tassimo Finesse, £40 (£119.99) from Argos
Pros: Price, more than 70 different drinks to choose from
Cons: Used pods aren’t held within the machine
Rating: 3/5
I love the vibrant red colour – though it does look a bit plastic.
The used pods aren’t held in the machine, so you must dispose of them each time, making it a bit annoying as it means you have to empty the bins frequently.
But it can use Tassimo discs, with more than 70 types of drinks on offer including hot chocolate and other non-caffeinated beverages.
If you fancy the odd coffee or want to try a seasonal drink, then this would be a good machine for you.
Tassimo shoppers are also loving this compact coffee machine. One wrote: ‘Gorgeous colour and doesn’t take up much space.’
While another said: ‘Perfect for my kitchen as I don’t have loads of room, pods are lovely.’
Review by Hayley Minn.
Size: H36.6 x W15.7 x D26.5cm, Weight: 2.1kg, Pod compatibility: Tassimo Discs/ pods
Bosch Tassimo My Way 2
Bosch Tassimo My Way 2, £75 from Argos
Pros: Touch screen, functionality
Cons: Built-in water filter needs replacing regularly, larger than some of the other Tassimo models
Rating: 3/5
This takes up more space than the other Tassimos and has a built-in water filter, which needs regular replacing, adding to the cost.
It has a pricier feel thanks to the touch screen and extra functions – you can choose your drink’s temperature, size and strength.
There’s also a memory function so you can save up to four different settings for your favourite drinks, including intensity and temperature.
When you purchase and register it, you can get two £10 vouchers to spend on coffee which is a nice bonus.
One happy shopper also added: ‘The coffee all has a great flavour with a huge range to choose from. Simple controls, so anyone can use it with ease.’
Review by Hayley Minn.
Size: H31 x W40 x Dcm26.5, Weight: 3.2kg, Pod compatibility: Tassimo pods
De’Longhi coffee machine
De’Longhi Dolce Gusto coffee machine gets a four-star rating from us[/caption]
De’Longhi Dolce Gusto Coffee Machine, £35 from Argos
Pros: Price, intuitive machine, more than 40 different varieties of coffee pod
Cons: The pod doesn’t pierce correctly at times
Rating: 4/5
The De’Longhi Coffee Machine is decent value for money.
It’s chic and features a high-pressure system – meaning you can enjoy velvety and frothy coffees at your leisure.
I found the machine to be intuitive, and it’s also easy to clean as all the coffee grounds stay in the pod.
The machine has over forty different varieties in its coffee pod range, so you can find something that will fit your needs, or explore new tastes.
The only downside I found using this machine was that sometimes a pod would not be pierced correctly, resulting in a small leak down the back of the cup stand.
But it didn’t happen often enough to properly concern us, and we still rate it one of the best coffee machines available.
Plus, if you’re looking for something that will produce delicious coffee on a budget, the De’Longhi Coffee Machine might be the perfect choice.
Review by Hayley Minn.
Size: H37 x W17.6 x D21.5cm, Weight: 2.6kg, Pod compatibility: Dolce Gusto pods
Beem Espresso Perfect Espresso Portafilter
Beem Espresso Perfect Espresso Portafilter, £179.99 from Debenhams
Pros: Steam nozzle for frothy milk, used ground espresso as well as pads and pods
Cons: None I can see
Rating: 4/5
A great option for wannabe baristas, this seems more like a traditional espresso machine.
It has a steam nozzle to froth milk and uses pods, pads or ground espresso.
I made a tasty flat white with fresh milk which was less synthetic than pods.
It’s pricier than other pod machines, however, you can also use it with ground coffee and it’s a worthy investment that produces high-quality coffees at ease.
One happy customer commented: ‘So far I’m very impressed and would recommend.’
It’s currently out of stock, but you can sign up to be informed of when it’s restocked by BEEM.
Review by Hayley Minn.
Size: H29.5 x W28.5 x L20.5cm, Weight: 4.33kg, Pod compatibility: Can be used with ground coffee, capsules and pods.
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Best coffee machines FAQs
What are the best coffee machines in the UK?
The best coffee machine will depend on your needs and how you like your coffee.
For a beginner or someone who prefers speed and ease a pod machine will be best, they are easy to operate and great value for money.
Some of the best pod machines are featured in our roundup and include the budget-friendly Tassimo by Bosch Happy, Nespresso Vertuo Next Pod Coffee Machine by Krups and the premium Lavazza A Modo Mio Deśea Coffee Machine.
If you want something a bit fancier, in the guise of a bean-to-cup machine the Philips 5400 Series Bean to Cup is a great option our tester loved.
Most shoppers can find a coffee machine to suit their needs either online or on the high street.
Major retailers like Amazon, Argos and John Lewis offer a huge range of machines, at all price points.
You can also pick up machines directly from brand websites including Lavazza, Nespresso and L’Or.
How much do coffee machines cost?
There are coffee machines to suit a variety of price points, from cheap to the eye-wateringly expensive.
Price also depends on the type of coffee machine and functionality it offers, so for example, a filter coffee machine is generally on par price-wise with a pod machine and both are going to cost less than a bean-to-cup machine.
Features will also affect the price, so a coffee maker with an integral milk frother is going to cost you more than one without.
The coffee machines we’ve featured here range in price from £34.99 up to £199.
How to choose the best coffee machine?
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.
The pod coffee maker is probably the machine you’ll see most in kitchens around the UK.
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.
However, purists won’t like that you can’t tailor your brew to your taste like you can with a traditional coffee machine.
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 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 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 downside, 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 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, that 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 coffee past.
Is it worth getting a pod coffee machine?
Pod coffee machines are the easiest to use on the market, providing a simple push of a button perfectly made drink without any effort.
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.
The biggest draw of a coffee pod machine is the ease of use and general availability.
The smaller classic pods are available from several brands and many supermarket own-brands nowadays.
However, Nespresso and a few other coffee machine makers also have unique pods that either need to be bought directly from the manufacturer or and less compatible with a wide range of machines.
Another downside is that coffee machine pods usually won’t work between rival brands, so once you’ve got your machine you’re locked into buying one brand or type of pods indefinitely.
Which pod coffee machine is best in the UK?
Nespresso, De’Longhi and Tassimo make some of the best pod coffee machines in the UK.
Nespresso is one of the frontrunners for pod machines, covering a range of price points from the entry-level Vertuo Pop design to the mid-range Vertuo Next and premium Lattissima models.
Most Nespresso machines are manufactured by De’Longhi, Krups or Breville.
Tassimo is another popular brand for pod coffee machines in the UK, with many of their models including the Finesse Friendly Pod Coffee Machine and are available to buy under £100, making them a budget-friendly investment.
De’Longhi is also another brand well-known for its pod coffee machines, including the De’Longhi Dolce Gusto Coffee Machine in this roundup.
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