Best coffee machine 2021: the 15 best pod, filter, and espresso machines
Find the best coffee machine for your home with our top 16 picks for your money. Featuring pod, bean-to-cup, filter, and espresso machines, our guide to the best coffee machines is the result of hours of taste testing and some sub-par latte art. If you’re anything like us, you won’t be able to function before you’ve had your morning coffee. However, gone is the day when you would need to go to your local coffee shop to pick up your go-to. Now, using the best coffee machine, you can make your own americano of flat white using machines with one-touch pods or an in-built grinder with attached milk wands for steaming. And with Black Friday coffee machine deals just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to start buying.
Lovers of flat white or cappuccinos will want a coffee machine that comes with a milk wand or some form of milk dispensation, which is often a feature of the best bean-to-cup coffee machines. Others will just want a coffee machine that makes fuss-free drinks with the press of a button. The best pod coffee machines are ideal for this, and there are many options with a range of pod flavours and brands.
If you want an affordable coffee machine, you can choose a pod or ground coffee machine. These save you the effort of buying a machine with a coffee grinder mechanism, which cuts down on cost up-front. However, if you want a coffee machine for a super fresh brew, a bean-to-cup offers some distinct advantages.
We have tested each and every one of the best coffee machines on the market, from top brands like Lavazza, Melitta, Smeg, Breville, Sage, and illy, so whether you want a mighty machine to replace your local coffee shop, or a budget-friendly filter coffee machine that keeps your caffeine levels high, we’ve got an option for you.
How we selected the best coffee machines
Image credit: David Giles
The coffee machines featured in this guide have all been tested as you would use them at home. We’ve considered the type of coffee machine – pod coffee machine, bean-to-cup coffee machine, filter coffee machines and espresso coffee machines – to cater for the varying household demands. With this comes the job of deciphering usability, maintenance, the amount of space the machine takes up, upfront costs and running costs. It’s (not) been a hard job! We like coffee as much as you probably do, maybe even a shot more.
Keep scrolling to see which of the best coffee machines in the UK made our shortlist. The handy pricing widget underneath the products will ALWAYS display the best price, too, so you don’t need to go elsewhere to track down a good deal either.
Best coffee machine 2021
1. Breville Bijou Espresso Machine
The best coffee machine for homemade espresso
Best for: espresso or long coffee
Type of coffee: ground
Pressure: 15 bar
No. of cups: up to 2
What we like:
• Continuous extraction
• High quality steam wand
• Stylish brushed finish
What we don’t like:
• Low filter can get in the way
Make any type of coffee with the Breville Bijou Espresso Machine. It has a high-quality steam wand which is perfect for texturising milk, and there are two filters to choose from, which is great for having single or double shots of espresso. You need to wait for your coffee machine to heat up before twisting the dial to the left, which will continuously extract hot coffee until you switch it back. This will be good for some, and not so good for others. Some will prefer an exact espresso measurement, whereas others will just want a long coffee to fill up their favourite mug.
Using grounds, you can easily tamp and twist to secure your filter with the included scoop and tamper. There is no jug included, but it will be easy to buy one for cheap online. Just press the steam milk button and wait for it to stop flashing before twisting the dial to the right and clearing out the wand. Then, it’s easy to create that high-pressure whirlpool to achieve that perfectly hot milk with a creamy latte finish.
If we have a complaint, it’s that the filter hangs quite low and can get in the way of some taller mugs. We did have to fill up a smaller mug and then pour into a longer latte mug to make some drinks. For the money, this is a brilliant coffee machine.
Ideal Home rating 4.5 out of 5 stars
2. Cuisinart Veloce
The best coffee machine for bean-to-cup functions
Best for: lovers of frothy coffee
Type of coffee: bean
Pressure: 15 bar
No. of cups: up to 2
What we like:
• Can make milky and long coffees automatically
• Simple digital instructions
• Cleaning is easy
What we don’t like:
• You need to clean the milk frother after each use
The Cuisinart Veloce packs in a lot of value for the price, which, admittedly, is one of the highest in our guide. The digital display shows a menu of numerous coffee options, from espresso shots to cappuccinos. You can adjust the size of your drink in millilitres, the proportion of milk to coffee and the level of froth you would like if you do opt for a milky coffee. The milk dispenser is also removable, so you can keep it in the fridge between uses.
We enjoyed being able to save custom drink preferences, which made coffee rounds seriously straightforward. The machine runs a self-cleaning cycle after every drink, which only lasts a few seconds. After making a milky drink you need to add the tube to a glass of water, where it will clean itself out after each use. This is a bit of a faff if you drink a lot of latte, but we just kept a glass of water handy in preparation.
Cleaning is made easy by the on-screen instructions which guide you through the whole process. The digital display may be less charming than some of the other best bean-to-cup coffee machines on the market, but it really does make life a whole lot easier.
Ideal Home rating 4.5 out of 5 stars
Read our full Cuisinart Veloce coffee machine review
3. Swan Retro One Touch Espresso Machine
Best coffee machine for quirky style
Best for: value and retro style
Type of coffee: grounds
Pressure: 13 bar
No. of cups: 2
What we like:
• So many colours
• Milk dispenser
• Reasonable price
What we don’t like:
• Removable tray feels flimsy
The Swan Retro One Touch Espresso Machine is a retro-style coffee machine with all the modern touches you need to make your coffee shop favourites. The milk frother is very easy to use, and there are two sizes of beverage in three drink types.
You need to add and tamp your own grounds to use the Swan Retro One Touch Espresso Machine, and we found that it can get a little messy to work this way. The pressure gauge will help you to tell if your machine is ready to go, and it also makes sure you’re getting the most of out of your beans.
The tamp drips slightly once your coffee is done pouring. We suggest putting a cup underneath it to prevent it from splashing into the plastic base.
Ideal Home rating 4 out of 5 stars
Read our full Swan Retro One Touch Espresso Machine review
4. Lavazza A Modo Mio Idola
Best pod coffee machine
Best for: space saving
Type of coffee: pod
Pressure: 15 bar
No. of cups: 1
What we like:
• Easy to use
• Stylish design
• Four brew sizes
What we don’t like:
• On the expensive side
Small kitchen? Short on space? This pod coffee machine from Lavazza will fit in nicely. Despite its small size, it will make a statement not only on how it looks but also because it’ll make a punchy coffee. The entire range of Lavazza A Modo Mio pods are compatible with the Lavazza A Modo Mio Idola which means that you can opt for a selection of espressos whenever you want them. The good thing here is that the pods are made with an innovative, compostable biopolymer, which means that they’ll naturally biodegrade.
Keeping the machine clean is pretty straightforward. You’ll just need to run a cycle WITHOUT a pod inserted to flush out the system. It would also be worth just wiping it down with a damp cloth to remove any finger marks or coffee spills.
Ideal Home rating 4.5 out of 5 stars
Read our full Lavazza A Modo Mio Idola review
5. Sage Bambino
The best coffee machine for compact design
Image credit: Sage
Best for: espresso and milky coffee
Type of coffee: ground
Pressure: 9 bar
No. of cups: up to 2
What we like:
• High quality extraction
• Great filter selection
• Preheats very fast
What we don’t like:
• Noisy brewing
Home baristas will love the Sage Bambino, which is Sage’s latest and most budget-friendly coffee machine. It’s not cheap (of course, it’s Sage) but it is decent value-for-money, with pre-infusion which very effectively extracts creamy and smooth crema for a luscious layer on top of your espresso. The preheat is only three seconds, which is very impressive, and the milk steaming wand also preheats very fast. It gives out 130-degree steam which was very effective at creating steamed milk in a jiffy.
When extracting we did find that the Sage Bambino rattles slightly, so it’s not the quietest coffee machine on the market. Cleaning is easy though, with a drip tray that simply pulls out for a rinse, and an easily flushed steam wand.
Ideal Home rating 4.5 out of 5 stars
Read our full Sage Bambino review
6. BREVILLE VCF125 Mini Barista Coffee Machine
The best coffee machine for every coffee imaginable
Best for: all coffees
Type of coffee: ground
Pressure: 15 bar
No. of cups: up to 2
What we like:
• Makes a lovely coffee
• Easy to set-up and maintain
• Compact so doesn’t take up too much space
What we don’t like:
• No adjustable mug height
• Stainless steel easier marks
This coffee machine will help you to hone in on those barista skills which you thought you never had. It is a little faff to set up each time you want a coffee BUT it the end result is so worth it. You’ll need to add fresh water to the 2 litre reservoir tank, heat your mug with the steam wand (if you desire), froth your milk in the jug, fill up the one or two shot espresso discs and hit the button. It’ll make an americano, latte, flat white, or cappuccino but you may have to perfect those swirls on the top with the milk jug and frother.
A point worth mentioning is that try not to fill up the shots with coffee. There will be a resistance when you go to secure the handle, and will be tempted to force it. Don’t do this. Just tip some of the coffee grounds back into the bag.
Cleaning and maintenance is easy but will need regular attention to keep it look in tip-top condition. The stainless steel shell will need a buff-up every other day, and the drop tray emptied as and when too.
Ideal Home rating 4.5 out of 5 stars
7. Gastroback Design Espresso Barista Pro
The best coffee machine for barista-style coffee
Best for: being a home barista
Type of coffee: bean-to-cup
Pressure: 15 bar
No. of cups: up to 2
What we like:
• Reasonably priced for a bean-to-cup
• Simple and sleek controls
• Makes countless coffee types
What we don’t like:
• No indicator when it runs out of water
Gastroback is a relative newcomer in the world of coffee machines, but it really impressed us in testing. The grind is fully adjustable depending on the type of coffee you want to make, and you can make soft steamed milk for a latte or a sturdy foam for some cappuccino using the attached milk wand.
While it’s 15 bar (when many of the similar models on the market are 19) the Gastroback Design Espresso Barista Pro does make very delicious coffee. It does either single or double shots, so it is not best suited to making long coffees, but if you enjoy getting creative with your drinks, it makes a wonderful machine to hone those barista skills.
The sleek stainless steel design has a black touch display panel, and it also has buttons to run some hot water to top up espressos. It is very easy to clean, but we did think that for the price it could use an alert to show you when the water level is low.
Ideal Home rating 4.5 out of 5 stars
8. Illy Iperespresso Y3.3
Best compact pod machine
Best for: quality coffee
Type of coffee: pod
Pressure: n/a
No. of cups: 1
What we like:
• Super compact design
• High-quality coffee
• Great range of colours
What we don’t like:
• Basic functions
The illy Iperespresso Y3.3 comes courtesy of some serious espresso masters. We found that the pods with this machine yielded a rich brew, whether we opted for long americanos or short espressos. There is a fold-out shelf to brew espressos, and simply place your mug under the dispenser for anything taller. Of course, you do lose the option of making lattes or flat whites when you’re working with such a compact machine, but what it does it does very well.
We’re partial to the blue, but there’s also a striking red or subtle white option, so matching the Iperespresso to your kitchen will not be a problem. Cleaning is easy too, thanks to automatic descaling, but we did note that the drip tray cannot be removed, which means it’s a little fiddly to clean on the regular.
Compact kitchens will benefit from the Y3.3’s narrow dimensions. It’s only 10cm wide, which is seriously teeny, but the cord is one metre in length meaning it can be placed just about anywhere on your countertops.
Ideal Home rating 4 out of 5 stars
9. Smeg DCF02
Best filter coffee machine
Best for: making a really good filter coffee
Type of coffee: ground
Pressure: n/a
No. of cups: up to 10
What we like:
• Excellent filter
• Feels really sturdy
• Available in six (lovely) colours
What we don’t like:
• Bulky ‘small’ design
• A little tricky to fill up the water tank
We fell in love with this filter coffee machine from Smeg the moment we saw it. It’s a very neat, simple design which is available in a suite of colours so it can be bought to match your kitchen decor. On the subject of design, however, it is a little bulky and can take up a fair amount of space in a small kitchen. It’s also a little tricky to fill up the water tank but there are ways round that, such as pulling the coffee machine away from the wall and from underneath the wall units. Not ideal but it solves for the problem – for us it did, anyway.
It uses filter coffee to make a quick and easy fresh brew for up to ten. If there’s less than ten of you then you can simply use less water, or just more coffee. A keep warm plate will unsurprisingly keep the coffee warm for you, too, but not for much longer than a couple of hours. Oh and another thing to note is to NOT turn off the machine at the plug after each use because all settings will be cleared. It’ll mean that you’ll need to run through the set-up process again, and no one has time for that.
Ideal Home rating 4.5 out of 5 stars
10. Lavazza Voicy
The best smart coffee machine
Image credit: Lavazza
Best for: smart design
Type of coffee: pod
Pressure: 19 bar
No. of cups: 1
What we like:
• The in-built Alexa speaker
• Compatible app to customise your brew
• Easy to clean
What we don’t like:
• You’re limited by only two buttons
It’s not cheap, but the Lavazza Voicy is the best smart coffee machine we’ve reviewed. It has an Alexa smart speaker front and centre, which will make you a fresh brew if you simply command it to make you a coffee. You can also ask for a hot coffee, which will boost the temperature, and a long coffee, which will deliver a lungo instead of a cappuccino.
The Lavazza app can be used to customise your coffee, with several profiles to adjust the number of ounces that go into your favourite beverage. That means you won’t be limited by the two buttons on top of the coffee machine, and if you don’t drink much espresso, you can change the preset for both buttons to something more your liking.
If you pair your Lavazza Voicy with your Amazon account you can use it in the place of a regular smart speaker. This is ideal for playing your favourite podcast while you do the washing up, or checking the time when you are in a rush.
Ideal Home rating 5 out of 5 stars
Read our full Lavazza Voicy review
11. Sage Barista Express
Best bean to cup coffee machine
Best for: home baristas
Type of coffee: beans
Pressure: 15 bar
No. of cups: 10
What we like:
• A fully customisable brew
• Looks the part
• Pressure gauge allows you to optimise for different bean types
What we don’t like:
• It could be overwhelming for some
We love that the Sage by Heston Blumenthal Barista Express coffee machine can grind your beans, brew them, and even steam the milk for lattes and cappuccinos. Everything from the grind coarseness to the volume can be adjusted manually for that shot of espresso, just how you like it, and the pressure gauge shows you the optimum levels to aim for when brewing.
The Sage by Heston Blumenthal Barista Express isn’t a cheap option, but compared to some of the other options on the market it’s a good middle ground between value and quality. Cleaning is easy enough and needs to be done every month or so using the included insert for the portafilter and tablets. A word of warning though, be sure to empty the tray before it gets too full or it will get messy!
Ideal Home’s rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
12. Lavazza A Modo Mio Jolie
Best pod coffee machine for strong espresso
Best for: strong coffee
Type of coffee: pod
Pressure: 15 bar
No. of cups: 1
What we like:
• Quality design
• Aromatic coffee
• Reasonable price
What we don’t like:
• No size presets
If you value a good quality espresso, the Lavazza A Modo Mio Jolie is a top choice. It comes in a range of dashing shades and sits pretty on any kitchen counter. The pods are recyclable, albeit through Lavazza’s slightly complicated scheme, and the machine is very easy to use. You simply pull up the lever, insert your pod, and push it back down to start the brewing process.
You press to start brewing, and then press again to stop the process. This has pros and cons, because while it’s nice to see a coffee machine that offers a fully adjustable length of coffee, you do need to stand by while it brews.
Ideal Home rating 4.5 out of 5 stars
Read our full Lavazza A Modo Mio Jolie review
13. Melitta Barista TS Smart coffee machine
Best smart coffee machine
Best for: smart features
Type of coffee: beans
Pressure: 15 bar
No. of cups: 10
What we like:
• We LOVE the smart features
• Fully automatic
• Smartphone controls
What we don’t like:
• A little hefty for small kitchens
This coffee machine does it all. It’s a super smart choice in more ways than one; from the grinding of the beans to the frothing of the milk, which can all be controlled on your smartphone. Yep we know. Impressive stuff.
Making an espressos or cappuccino is spot on, as you’d hope – but there are actually 21 coffee recipes you can create. The onboard milk frother is super easy to use and effective, too, plus it self-cleans, which is ALWAYS a win for us. And – if you’re into grinding your own coffee beans – then you’ll be happy to know that the integrated grinder is quiet when operating; that said, there’s the option, as with most models of this type, to use pre-ground coffee, too.
Usability-wise, we’re overwhelmed (in a good way) by the smartness. You just need to download the app, which allows you to control the coffee machine from your smartphone. Your favourite coffee choices can be saved so you’ll always get the cup you want, and there are some useful tips on getting the best from your coffee machine, too. More on those coffee choices: this machine has the My Coffee Memory function which has the ability to save the coffee preferences of up to eight people, and four pre-programmed classic specialities: espresso, cafe creme, cappuccino and latte macchiato. It’ll even just give you hot water, too, should anyone dare to ask for tea instead.
Ideal Home rating 5 out of 5 stars
14. Morphy Richards Verve Pour Over Coffee Machine
Best filter coffee machine for value
Best for: value
Type of coffee: ground
Pressure: n/a
No. of cups: up to 12
What we like:
• Makes a good coffee on a budget
• Easy to set up
What we don’t like:
• Hot plate doesn’t stay on for long
• Clock is difficult to read in low light
A filter coffee machine offers excellent value for money; the coffee grounds can be bought from the supermarket and the machine itself can be picked up for circa £50. And this coffee machine from Morphy Richards is no exception.
We love how full-flavoured the coffee is. This is all down to the pour over shower head and cupcake filters which evenly disperses water over the coffee grounds to release all those lovely rich flavours and aromas. It’s also super easy to use with a coffee strength selector and programmable timer. This means that you’ll also have total control over exactly how you want your coffee. Have guests coming over post-lockdown? You can pop a brew on for 12 with this coffee machine. Anything less and you’ve over calculated how much coffee you’ll need then you’re going to have to drink-up (or pour it away) if you want a warm coffee because the hotplate won’t keep it long for much longer than 20 minutes.
15. Nescafe Dolce Gusto Genio Plus
Best coffee machine for cold brews
Best for: cold brews
Type of coffee: pod
Pressure: 15 bar
No. of cups: 1
What we like:
• Easy to set up and use
• Suitable for use with cups and mugs
What we don’t like:
• Pods are not recyclable in household waste
If you like to use a pod coffee machine, and like cold drinks then, this coffee machine from Nespresso ticks all the right boxes. It’s so versatile. As with many pod coffee machines you have access to a pantry-full of variety of drinks, too. During testing it was all these things which really impressed us, along with just how compact it is which was a relief for our reviewer who has very limited workspace.
To prepare for its first use, just a couple of system rinse-throughs were required. And then to make a drink it was just a case of opting for a pod, filling the 0.8 litre water tank and selecting the correct setting. It’s worth looking at the instructions on the pod packets so you get the correct temperature settings and strength, as they all differ slightly. For example, if you’re expecting a milkshake but end up with a hot chocolate although it’s not exactly the end of the world but it may just be something which you simple do not fancy at that time.
There’s not too much cleaning and maintenance required on this coffee machine, although you may want to wipe it down every other day or so. After a couple of heavy months you’ll noticed that the automatic descaling alert will light up on the hood. Some descaling solution will need to be bought for £5.80 (for 2 bottles) at Dolce Gusto and instructions will need to be followed, but that’s all there is to it. Just a couple of things to note about the pods, however: they are NOT recyclable with your household waste and just be careful handling them after making a hot drink because they can be very warm.
Ideal Home rating 4 out of 5 stars
16. Sage The Barista Pro SES878BSS coffee machine
Best high-end bean to cup
Best for: making a coffee from scratch
Type of coffee: beans
Pressure: 15 bar
No. of cups: 10
What we like:
• Super quick to heat up
• Easy to use
• Impressive steam wand
What we don’t like:
• If stainless steel is not for you, look elsewhere
As you can probably tell, we are BIG fans of coffee so we’re easily impressed when we find a machine which can grind, brew and make a delicious brew. This is a pretty expensive coffee machine – we give you that – but if you are a regular punter down at the local coffee house then you’ll soon earn your money back with one of these. You’ll also have coffee on tap which is a welcomed relief with all that working from home and homeschooling the majority of us have been doing for the past year-or-so.
The burr grinder will work its magic on coffee beans of your choice which can be adjusted, if needed. It’ll heat up in about three seconds so you won’t be waiting long for your next caffeine-fix. And that steam wand is simply FAB which will see you flex those evolving barista skills. Just one thing to note: the stainless steel version of this coffee machine will mark easily, although (technically) it’s brushed.
How we test the best coffee machines
It’s a tough job but someone has to do it, right? We like to get hands-on experience with as many products as we can before featuring in our buyer’s guide, and if we get to drink the rewards – even better! We understand that there’s A LOT of choice out there when finding the best coffee machine and, really, the only way to find out which one will be the most suitable for your lifestyle is to test one out for size. This is not always possible though, we get that, so luckily that’s where we can help…
What is the best coffee machine?
To recap, our favourite coffee machine for 2021 is the Breville barista mini coffee machine. It’s relatively inexpensive and gives you the opportunity to practice making all sorts of coffees. Our reviewer even made a few hot chocolates with the steam wand. The machine doesn’t take up too much space on the kitchen side, either, plus it’s easy to keep clean so long as you keep on top of it.
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