For many in Britain, the day doesn't properly begin until that first cup of coffee is in hand. Yet with so many machines on the market, finding the right one for your kitchen can feel as complex as the drink itself. After months of rigorous testing, we've curated the definitive guide to the best coffee machines for UK homes in 2025.
Our Top Coffee Machine Picks for 2025
Our expert spent countless hours trialling 18 different machines, consuming enough coffee to declare his blood type a 'skinny macchiato'. The testing criteria focused on taste, usability, and value for money, with every machine evaluated against either the reviewer's own go-to machines or a curated selection of rivals. The result is a shortlist that caters to every preference and budget, from the complete novice to the aspiring home barista.
Best Budget Manual Machine: De'Longhi Stilosa EC230
Priced at an astonishing £105 at Argos, the De'Longhi Stilosa EC230 proves that excellent espresso doesn't require a hefty investment. This manual machine delivers flavourful, well-balanced espresso that will surprise connoisseurs. While its steam wand lacks power, with practice it can produce silky milk for flat whites and cappuccinos.
Potential buyers should ensure they purchase the EC230 model specifically, as the nearly identical EC235 and EC260 models come with automatic steam wands and pressurised baskets that produce inferior results. The main drawbacks are a cheap-feeling water tank and a useless plastic tamper – investing in a proper metal tamper is highly recommended.
Best Low-Effort Coffee Machine: De'Longhi Magnifica Evo One Touch
For those seeking convenience without sacrificing quality, the De'Longhi Magnifica Evo One Touch at £400 represents outstanding value in the bean-to-cup category. This compact machine offers seven different drink options and features a built-in milk carafe for effortless cappuccinos and lattes.
The espresso is rich and flavourful, served at an optimal 68°C, while milk-based drinks come topped with a pleasingly dense foam. The MyLatte function is particularly clever, allowing you to fill the carafe with the exact amount of milk for your preferred cup size. The main compromise is noise – the grinder reaches 75dB – and the lack of a dedicated hot milk function.
Best for Capsules: L'or Barista Sublime
Built by Philips and compatible with official Nespresso, Nespresso-compatible, and L'or's own pods, the L'or Barista Sublime at £59.99 from John Lewis offers remarkable versatility in a compact design. The machine heats up in just four seconds and can pour two normal-size cups simultaneously.
While some of the more potent L'or espresso pods might not suit all palates, with over 100 capsule options available, there's plenty of choice. The machine's main flaws are its tendency to separate into multiple parts when handled carelessly and some reported compatibility issues with certain third-party capsules.
Best Manual Machine for Beginners: Sage Bambino Plus
The Sage Bambino Plus at £399 from John Lewis strikes the perfect balance between coffee-brewing excellence and beginner-friendly features. Its modest dimensions make it suitable for most kitchen worktops, and it comes with almost everything you need – though you'll still require coffee beans and a grinder.
The machine's temperature controller ensures consistent brewing water temperature, while the automatic milk texturing produces wonderfully hot, silky frothed milk at the press of a button. It's described as 'a beginner's dream' for good reason. The limitation is that you cannot adjust the brew temperature, making it better suited to medium and dark roasts.
Essential Coffee Machine Maintenance
Whatever machine you choose, proper maintenance is crucial for longevity and performance. Daily cleaning is non-negotiable, especially for machines with built-in milk-frothing systems. Always consult your user manual for specific cleaning instructions, as putting the wrong parts in a dishwasher can cause permanent damage.
Long-term maintenance like descaling requires using the correct type of descaler for your specific machine, as the wrong chemicals can irreparably damage heating elements. For filter coffee machines, never use the coffee carafe to fill the machine with water, as this coats the internals with hard-to-remove coffee residue.
Sustainable Disposal of Old Machines
When upgrading your coffee machine, consider sustainable options before discarding your old one. Repair shops may breathe new life into malfunctioning units, while Freecycle and similar services can find new homes for working machines. Many manufacturers offer refurbishment programs, and local recycling centres typically accept small appliances – though it's wise to contact them first to confirm.
For those unable to visit recycling centres, some councils collect smaller appliances with regular bin collections, provided they meet size requirements – typically under 35 x 40cm and able to fit in a carrier bag.
This comprehensive testing reveals that whether you're after barista-quality espresso, convenient capsule coffee, or fully automated perfection, there's a machine perfectly suited to transform your morning routine in 2025.
