Dubai Airshow: Jazeera Airways grows all-Airbus fleet
Airbus has signed a memorandum of understanding with Jazeera Airways, the Kuwait-based carrier, for 20 A320neos and eight A321neos during the Dubai Air Show.
Black Friday home deals – the best early deals to buy in 2021
If you’re here for Black Friday home deals, then you’re in luck as there’s already plenty of buys on sale. This includes cheap coffee machines, Echo Dot devices, Le Creuset cookware plus air fryers and even mattresses. In short: the deals have arrived for 2021, and the earlier you shop, the better… in our eyes. This way you’ll miss out on the madness and score an early bargain. What’s not to love about that?
Here are the very best Black Friday offers for 2021, so far. We’ve scoured everywhere from Amazon to AO, Robert Dyas plus more retailers to find the top offers on the market this week. Shop now before they sell out – or before the deals change.
It’s truly the most wonderful time of the year to score a bargain, save money on your Christmas shopping or upgrade a necessary yet expensive appliance. Why not?
Black Friday sales – quick links
Prefer to do your sale shopping on your own? Use these quick links below to jump straight to Amazon, Very or wherever else, to shop the sales now.
Amazon – up to 40% off big brands from Le Creuset to Joseph Joseph
AO – Black Friday sale now live and flooded with appliance deals, TV offers plus more
Argos – home and furniture clearance sale now on
B&Q – clearance deals now on with everything from flooring to lighting reduced
Calming Blankets – up to 50% off the UK’s top-rated weighted blanket for Black Friday
Candles Direct – up to 50% off Black Friday sale on Yankee and Woodwick
Cox & Cox – 22% off everything on site with code GOING22
Cuckooland – up to 50% off Black Friday sale including accessories and furniture
Currys PC World – Black Friday sale live with £29 coffee machines + discounted TVs
Cricut – Black Friday deals coming soon
Debenhams – Black Friday early deals live now
Dunelm – Black Friday sale coming soon
DUSK – 50% off autumn sale live, plus an extra 15% off with code AUTUMN15
Furniture123 – Black Friday sale on beds, sofas, TV units + more
Furniture Village – up to 50% off sofas, dining sets and more for Black Friday
Fy! – 25% off all art + free delivery
Homebase – Black Friday sale coming soon
Home Essentials – Black Friday sale live and prices from £2 for homeware
House of Fraser – home sale now on bedding, towels and Le Creuset cookware
Hughes – TVs and washing machines (plus more!) all discounted early
John Lewis & Partners – discounted vacuum cleaners, lighting and bedding
MADE.com – clearance sale on now, with prices from just £16
Matalan – 20% off homeware
Oak Furnitureland – Black Friday sale now on
OTTY – up to half price Black Friday sale live now on mattresses plus more
QVC – offers live now on Neom, Yankee and other brands
Robert Dyas – shop mega deals on cheap garden furniture + bargain kitchenware
Sodastream – save £52.97 on the Sodastream Spirit today
Simba – up to 50% off when spending £300+
The Range – Black Friday sale coming soon
TK Maxx – deals from Le Creuset, Brabantia, Tower, Jamie Oliver plus more brands
Very – deals live NOW! Brands include Shark, Samsung, LG plus more
VonHaus – up to 50% off Black Friday deals including furniture and kitchenware
Wayfair – Black Friday sale starts 19th November
Wowcher – Black Friday sale coming soon
The best Black Friday home deals 2021
These are the best Black Friday deals to buy today, as chosen by the experts at Ideal Home. Click through to shop them now, before they end.
Echo Dot (3rd Gen) | 2 for £79.98 £37.98 (save £42) at Amazon
Add two of these smart speakers to your basket and use the code ECHODOT2FOR1 at checkout to score a bargain. You’ll pay just £18.99 per device, making this a perfect Christmas present for Nan, for someone who loves their smart tech or for using your home office.
TASSIMO by Bosch Style TAS1107GB Coffee Machine | £79.99 £29 (save £50.99) at Currys PC World
A bargain price to pay for a pod coffee machine, especially one that looks this good – it even comes in several colours. It’s compact to fit nicely on your kitchen worktop, plus it boasts auto shut-off for those mornings when you’re in a rush.
Our Place Always Pan | £125 £85 (save £40) at Our Place
There’s a lovely £40 off this incredible pan for Black Friday 2021 – and this is the first time we’ve ever seen it on sale. This bestseller can replace up to 8 pieces of cookware since it can be used for frying, boiling, steaming, braising and even serving at the table. Plus it comes in lots of gorgeous colours.
Monaco Firepit | £39.99 £24.99 (save £15) at Robert Dyas
A cheap price to pay for a fire pit, this way you can enjoy your outside space even when the temperatures drop. Place it in the middle of your garden furniture and heat it up when guests come over. It even boasts a black finish and sits on three legs for a luxury look.
Flash Powermop Starter Kit | £32 £18.69 (save £13.31) at Amazon
With a lovely 42% off right now for Black Friday, this brilliant mop is a Mrs Hinch favourite for a reason. It’s battery-powered and works at the press of a button to distribute solution onto your floor, and the absorbing pads are great for lifting grease and grime. Just throw them in the bin once you’re done cleaning. A total of 10 pads come included in this kit, as well as 500ml of cleaning solution plus batteries.
Black Friday mattress deals
Find all of the best mattress deals at our dedicated page
These are the best early Black Friday mattress offers around right now – some brands have even released their Black Friday sales early for 2021. This is definitely the smartest time of year to invest in the best mattress, and these are the brands we suggest buying from.
Emma | up to 50% off for Black Friday 2021
Emma’s best Black Friday sale ever is now on, with up to 50% off everything on site. That’s right: you can score our top-rated mattress from just £274.45. Don’t forget about accessories, too, and use this sale to buy a new pillow, duvet, bedding, mattress protector…
Simba | 50% off over £300+ for Black Friday 2021
Score a whopping 50% off in the Simba Black Friday sale, when you spend more than £300 on anything from a new mattress to some new bedding plus more. Both the Simba Hybrid Pro and the Simba Hybrid mattress are rated in our best 5 mattresses that you can buy. Mattress prices start from just £219.45.
Eve | up to 35% off mattresses + 20% off bed frames for Black Friday
Yes, you can get 35% off both the Eve Original foam and Eve Hybrid mattresses right now. This means that prices start from a low £194 for a cot bed mattress. What are you waiting for? The Eve Original is rated our best breathable mattress, plus the duvet is pretty great, too – and don’t get us started on the gorgeous bed frames.
Brook + Wilde | 40% off ALL mattresses £500+
Enjoy 40% off all mattresses sold at Brook & Wilde – so long as they are more than £500. We are big fans of the Ultima mattress after recently reviewing it, whilst their Lux mattress is a comfortable and slightly less expensive option.
OTTY mattresses | up to half price off for Black Friday 2021
There’s up to 50% off everything on site at OTTY for Black Friday this year. This makes for the perfect time to invest in a new mattress plus a new duvet, some pillows and even a mattress protector. This award-winning mattress brand even offers a 100-night trial when you buy direct.
Black Friday furniture offers
Discover our Black Friday furniture deals page for all of the bargains
Whether it’s one of the best sofas, a brand new bed frame or perhaps it’s new bedside tables that you want to buy this Black Friday? We say to do your shopping at the retailers below. This is where you can find early furniture deals on bedroom furniture, dining room buys and even living room furniture – including offers on the best sofa beds.
Amazon | SALE LIVE NOW
The internet giant’s early Black Friday sales have now started, with up to 40% off a whole host of products including selected furniture lines. Currently, there’s a focus on home office furniture and mattresses, but we expect more lines to be added each day.
Furniture123 | SALE NOW LIVE
The brand’s Black Friday sale is already live, with up to 50% off dining room and living room furniture and seating, up to 45% off bedroom furniture, up to 38% off kids bedroom furniture, and up to 62% off office furniture.
La Redoute | SALE NOW LIVE
One of our go-to destinations for on-trend and affordable homeware, La Redoute has a great contemporary furniture collection and even better sales, it’s Black Friday sale being no exception with up to 50% off EVERYTHING right now.
VonHaus | SALE NOW LIVE
Home to sleek media units, mid-Century inspired side tables, and contemporary seating, along with a whole lot more, online retailer VonHaus currently has up to 50% off furniture in its Black Friday sale.
Cox & Cox | SALE NOW LIVE
Although Cox and Cox’s official Black Friday sale hasn’t started yet, there is up to 50% off selected furniture, plus 20% off everything – including sale lines – until Wednesday 17th November.
Black Friday vacuum cleaner offers
Sourcing a new vacuum cleaner this Black Friday? Smart idea. We can help you bag the top vacuum for a cheaper price, so as to save you heaps of money on this must-have. Not sure which vacuum cleaner you want to buy? We’ve listed plenty of choices below, from the likes of Shark, Eufy and more, so that you can find the best option for you, whether you live in a 5-bed, a studio, or it’s a robot vacuum cleaner you want so that you don’t have to lift a finger.
Eufy by Anker, BoostIQ RoboVac 11S | £189.99 £119.99 (save £70) at Amazon
This brilliant robot vacuum cleaner makes an easy job of cleaning underneath furniture – and picking up pet hair. It can be scheduled to come out and clean at certain times of the day or days of the week, plus it also works with your Alexa so that you can control it via your voice. A bargain price to pay for some help with your household chores, get this deal now or you may regret it later.
Find more suggestions in our best robot vacuums guide
Shark Cordless Upright Vacuum Cleaner [ICZ300UKT] | £429.99 £326.40 (save £103.59) at Amazon
Yes, this Shark vacuum is rated our very best vacuum cleaner to buy for your home. Why? It can tackle pet hair with help from its motorised pet tool, plus it boasts a 60-minute run time. Better than that, it can work on both carpets and hard floors, and it’s lightweight for easy carrying up your stairs. You can transform it into a portable model with ease, for cleaning your stairs or upholstery.
Shark Cordless Handheld Vacuum Cleaner (Single Battery) [WV200UK] | £129.99 £99 (save £30.99) at Shark
A kitchen essential, this handheld vac easily deals with crumbs and dry food spills on worktops and tables. It’s also perfect for picking up pet hair throughout your home. One drawback is the run-time. At just eight minutes a charge, you may need a cleaner that has longer battery life.
The best handheld vacuums to buy this Black Friday
Shark Anti-Hair Wrap with Flexology and True Pet IZ201UKT| £379 £199 (save £180) at AO
This cordless model boasts all the same credentials as the existing Anti-Hair Wrap vacuums only with an extended battery life to offer even longer cleaning times. This model provides up to 80 minutes of run time for a deep cleaning experience.
See more of our best-rated cordless vacuum cleaners, or check out our best vacuums cleaners for pet hair guide
Black Friday kitchen offers
Another reason to shop the Black Friday sales? The kitchen deals are always incredible. By kitchen deals we mean offers on anything from the best toasters to air fryers, slow cookers, top kettles, coffee machines plus lots more. From top brands, too, including the likes of KitchenAid and Smeg. So, if the appliance you’ve been lusting after for a while is still a bit too expensive for your liking, then just wait for Black Friday. Here are the best early deals to bag now.
Breville Blend Active Personal Blender | £29.99 £23.33 (save £6.66) at Amazon
This Breville blender is an Amazon bestseller – and for good reason. It’s easy to use and compact to store on your kitchen counter, plus it comes with a portable bottle for on-the-go enjoyment. It has more than 45,000 positive reviews, so rest assured it’s worth your money.
Check out our best blenders guide for more Black Friday buys
Le Creuset Stoneware Espresso Cup | £16.51 £13.70 (save £2.81) a Wayfair
Switch your espresso cups for some Le Creuset ones and stick them on display in your kitchen. A total bargain, plus they are on sale in Volcanic Orange – our favourite colour.
Find more Le Creuset offers at our dedicated Black Friday page
Morphy Richards Verve Pour Over Filter Coffee Machine | £59.99 £42.99 (save £17) Amazon
Rated 4.4 out of 5 stars on Amazon, this chic white machine has a programmable timer so you can wake up to 12 cups of fresh coffee, and a reusable permanent cupcake filter to create a smoother flavour.
See our best coffee machines guide for more great buys – as reviewed by us
Ninja Foodi MAX Multi-Cooker [OP500UK] | £229.99 £178.99 (save £51) at Amazon
This 9-in-1 appliance can do everything from pressure cook to air crisp, slow cook, steam, bake, roast and grill your food – plus more. It has a family-size capacity making it perfect for busy households, plus it works to do its job fast. It has dishwasher-friendly parts and also a Keep Warm function for when your timings are a bit off. Handy for cooking anything from roast potatoes to vegetables and joints of meat…
See our best slow cookers guide if you want more suggestions
NINJA Foodi Dual Zone 7.6L Air Fryer AF300UK| £199 £179 (save £20) at Very
Those who are serious about air frying will love this dual-zone cooker from Ninja. It has two drawers that can be synchronised to cook in the same mode, or on different modes but with a simultaneous finish.
See more of the best air fryers to buy this Black Friday
KITCHENAID Artisan 5KSM125BMH Stand Mixer| £499 £399 (save £100) at Currys
Currys is showing up early with the Black Friday savings, and we’re particularly impressed by this £100 discount on the KitchenAid Artisan in a classic milkshake shade. It’s hard enough to find the Artisan in stock once Black Friday gets started, so finding it with a £100 discount is pretty special.
Check out our best stand mixers guide for more expert suggestions
When is Black Friday in 2021?
This year’s Black Friday sale falls on Friday the 26th of November. Cyber Monday is on the 29th of November 2021. Mark your calendars.
What is Black Friday?
A tradition in the United States since the fifties, Black Friday is an epic sale day that sees shops slash their prices to encourage Christmas shopping. Asda and Amazon brought Black Friday to the UK in 2010 and other brands followed suit, but bunfights over bargains in some stores have led it to become mostly an online affair over here.
Black Friday 2021 – everything else you need to know
Are the bargains as good as they seem?
There are some great deals – last year we spotted cheap Nespresso machines, budget-friendly mattresses and a even Miele vacuum at less than half price. However, some retailers use Black Friday as an opportunity to clear out old stock, or even increase the prices of items beforehand to make the deals look better on the day.
How can I avoid being ripped off on Black Friday?
‘It’s easy to get carried away, so make a list of what you want in advance,’ advises Danny Munday, general manager of HotUKDeals. It also pays to read reviews and compare prices of the models you like, so you know you’re getting a genuine deal. ‘Check the shipping costs before you order, too,’ adds Danny. ‘Some brands charge so much for postage, it cancels out any savings.’
Will my Black Friday purchases arrive by Christmas?
It’s not guaranteed, so check the estimated delivery times and factor in a few extra days on top. Due to the number of people shopping at the same time, some parcels may take longer to arrive than usual.
How long have I got to get these promotions?
Some deals sell out in seconds, so be ready to make a quick decision and have your card details to hand.
Fingers crossed, you can grab yourself some bargains. Good luck!
The post Black Friday home deals – the best early deals to buy in 2021 appeared first on Ideal Home.
Reading time: 14 min
Black Friday coffee machine deals 2021: Sage, Nespresso, and more
Now is the time to start looking for Black Friday coffee machine deals. Black Friday may be a few days away, but you won’t need to wait for November 26th to pick up a great saving on one of our favourite brands. We are already seeing some great coffee machine deals on brands like Nespresso, De’Longhi, Sage, Russell Hobbs, Morphy Richards, and Breville, so if you want to buy the best coffee machine, now is the time to shop.
Black Friday coffee machine deals can deliver a high-quality homemade brew every morning to keep you caffeinated all through the winter. That will save you from heading out into the cold to pick up a coffee to go, and allow you to work on your latte art or try different roasts to find your favourite bean.
We’ve rounded up the best coffee machine deals you can buy on Black Friday, so all you need to do is scroll through and find the right machine for you and your home. The cheapest coffee machines tend to be filter machines, with pod coffee machines costing slightly more. It’s a big jump up to bean-to-cup coffee machines, and there is a mixture of automatic and manual bean-to-cup machines on them market. In short, there is so much choice, you’ll be sure to find the best Black Friday coffee machine deal for you when you shop right now.
Black Friday coffee machine deals: where to buy
- Amazon deals: lightning deals on all our favourite brands
- Curry’s deals: great pod coffee machines from Tassimo, Dolce Gusto and more
- Argos deals: the best selection of filter coffee machines
- John Lewis & Partners deals: premium bean-to-cups at a discount
- Robert Dyas deals: shop Swan, Salter, Ariete and other budget-friendly options
- Very deals: save on De’Longhi, Sage and Nespresso
Black Friday coffee machine deals: today’s top discounts
Sage Barista Pro Espresso Machine: was £699, now £599 at Amazon
Save £100 on Sage’s smart coffee machine. With manual grinding and a steam wand, it still has a smart display to keep you involved in the process. This includes dose control grinding and precise espresso extraction.
Lavazza A Modo Mio Jolie: was £79, now £42 at Amazon (save £37)
The Lavazza A Modo Mio Jolie is one of our top picks of pod coffee machines. It has a simple lever for locking your pod into place, and a one-button controls to make operation easier.
Black Friday pod coffee machine deals
Image credit: Darren Chung
Calling all ‘cwaffee’ lovers! If you are looking for a good deal on the best pod coffee machines and can’t be bothered with the faff of filling up a portafilter with grounds or waiting for a filter brew to drip through, there are some great Cyber Monday deal on Nespresso, Dolce Gusto and Tassimo pod machines.
NESPRESSO by Magimix Vertuo Next & Milk Coffee Machine | was £199, now £119 at Currys
The NESPRESSO by Magimix Vertuo Next & Milk Coffee Machine comes with automatic blend recognition to adjust its brewing settings for the perfect cup, every time.
De’Longhi Dolce Gusto EDG225.W Genio S Pod Coffee Machine | was £79.99, now £75.99 at Amazon
The Genio S Pod Coffee Machine is very adjustable and can be used to make 50 brews. It has an 800ml capacity and is compact enough for any kitchen.
Black Friday filter coffee machine deals
Filter machines tend to be the most affordable option where a freshly brewed coffee is concerned. They don’t take up as much space on the kitchen worktop, and they tend to come in lots of great colours so you can match them to your decor.
Morphy Richards Verve Pour Over Filter Coffee Machine | Was £59.99, now £42.99, Amazon
Rated 4.4 out of 5 stars on Amazon, this chic white machine has a programmable timer so you can wake up to 12 cups of fresh coffee, and a reusable permanent cupcake filter to create a smoother flavour.
Cyber Monday bean-to-cup coffee machine deals
The best bean-to-cup coffee machines will come either with a wand for frothing milk by hand, or with a milt compartment where the job is done for you. Look out for a warming tray on top with room for multiple cups – this will ensure you serve your drink extra hot.
The machines are reduced by as much as 50 percent in the Black Friday coffee machine sales. For that reason – and the fact they would make excellent Christmas gifts – we can easily see these deals selling out before we even get to Cyber Monday.
De’Longhi Dinamica Plus: was £949, now £699 at Amazon (save £250)
When we tried this machine in our De’Longhi Dinamica Plus review, it wowed us with its automatic coffee modes and high-quality milk dispenser. With nearly £300 off, it’s a great deal.
De’Longhi Eletta Cappuccino Fully Automatic Bean to Cup Machine: was £999.99, now £599.99, Amazon
Can you really argue with over £200 off a smart coffee machine? The milk tank can be kept in the fridge and it can make literally hundreds of combinations of coffee drinks depending on how you like your beans ground or milk levels. It cleans itself, too.
What type of coffee maker is best for me?
image credit: Sage
Bean-to-cup coffee machines
Serious coffee aficionados should consider a bean-to-cup machine. This won’t just deliver a freshly ground, aromatic cup of coffee. Unlike machines that use pre-ground coffee in pods or capsules, a bean-to-cup encourages you to get creative – try different beans and roasts, vary how coarse or smooth you like your grind, experiment with water temperature (up to a maximum of 98C – any higher and your coffee will taste bitter), steam and how much milk, until you find your favourite combination.
Keeping your machine clean and scale-free is key to getting years of problem-free use out of it and if it’s tricky to maintain, you’re less likely to use it regularly. Look for a model that offers an easy clean option combined with one where the milk doesn’t enter the internal machinery, avoiding any fiddly disassembly. Larger than pod machines due to the internal grinder, bean-to-cup models can live on your countertop, but do consider the space they’ll take up.
Related: Black Friday stand mixer deals
Pod coffee machines
If you can’t function without a coffee first thing in the morning, but dread the rigmarole of making a decent cup from scratch, you need a pod coffee machine. There’s no faffing about grinding beans, measuring out the right amount of grounds, or cleaning up the mess they make.
These little machines are so simple to use, taking pods of coffee that’s been roasted, ground and sealed for freshness. Steaming water is forced through the pod at a high bar pressure, creating a tasty drink with a thick ‘crema’ of coffee extract on top, which is the key to a tasty espresso.
Some machines go a step further and have pods for longer, milk-based drinks, so you don’t even have to work wonders with a frothing arm to get a creamy cappuccino, mocha or latte. When choosing your system you’ll be tied into the manufacturer’s pod range, which might include a wide variety of coffees, or a smaller choice with teas and hot chocolates, so research before you buy.
Filter or drip coffee machines
Russell Hobbs invented the first fully automated coffee pot with a keep warm function back in 1952, and these machines have since become a fixture of many an office and kitchen since.
The pros and cons of filter – or drip as it’s known in the States – coffee machines are quite simple. The main con is they only make one type of drink – filter coffee. To add milk and sugar is really the only way to mix things up.
The main pro is that they can make a lot of drink at once. 12 cups of coffee in one jug is common. A decent machine will also come with a cup warmer – heating cups beforehand will keep your drinks hotter for longer. Some brands (KitchenAid, for one) have models that can be used with flasks, so you can brew your coffee to go.
The post Black Friday coffee machine deals 2021: Sage, Nespresso, and more appeared first on Ideal Home.
Reading time: 6 min
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…
Whenever we hear of a new coffee machine or we want to find out more about an already popular option, we call them in. We go for testing the pod coffee machines, espresso coffee machines, filter coffee machines or bean to cup coffee machines for a number of weeks (or months) to get a better understanding about how they work. Sometimes we can even keep the coffee machine on review, meaning that we’ll continue to use it and update you as we go. All the important factors such as ease of use, cleaning and maintenance and cost to run are all considered. We even take into account other user reviews we see on retailer and brand websites so no stone is left unturned when reporting back to you.
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.
The post Best coffee machine 2021: the 15 best pod, filter, and espresso machines appeared first on Ideal Home.
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