For many, a morning coffee is a non-negotiable ritual. Yet, the daily expense of takeaway cups can quickly mount up. As a team of writers who rely on a caffeine kick to start the day, we know that sometimes instant coffee just doesn't hit the spot.
Investing in a home coffee machine can seem like a significant outlay, but for regular drinkers of hot or iced brews, it often proves more economical over time. Our team, with its varied tastes from steaming lattes to iced coffees in any weather, has put a range of machines through their paces.
So, which models are truly worth the splurge? Here is our definitive round-up of the best coffee machines on the market, featuring the personal favourites we use daily.
Jess's Top Pick: The Versatile L'OR Barista Absolu
Jessica Brunt recommends the L'OR Barista Absolu machine, which is currently on a compelling offer. Originally retailing for £119, it's now available at Amazon for just £74.99, representing a 37% saving.
This compact machine punches above its weight, capable of crafting both hot and iced drinks from a selection of 18 varieties. It's an ideal solution for households with different coffee preferences. A standout feature is the one-touch Intensity Boost, which delivers a more robust and full-bodied taste for those who prefer a stronger cup.
Jess praises the machine for its professional-standard results, a huge upgrade from watery instant coffee. While it requires regular cleaning like any machine, she doesn't find it overly high-maintenance. A minor drawback is that taller cups can sometimes be awkward under the nozzles. The initial setup instructions could be clearer, but once mastered, the machine is simple to operate and produces fragrant, frothy drinks in minutes.
It's worth noting that using pods is an ongoing cost, but compared to shop-bought drinks, savings are still possible. For instance, 100 L'OR Espresso Ristretto Coffee Pods are currently on offer at Amazon for £26.12, down from £39.95.
Harriet's Long-Term Champion: The Breville Barista Max
For Commerce Content Editor Harriet Morphy-Morris, the Breville Barista Max has been a game-changer. Despite a higher initial price of £269.99 (down from £461.99 on Amazon), she has used this machine at least twice daily for over two years.
This sleek espresso machine offers complete control, grinding any bean type with 30 different settings via a tap-and-go grinder. The thermocoil group head then efficiently brews the coffee. The integrated steam wand allows for the creation of any milk-based drink, significantly reducing the couple's takeaway coffee habit.
Harriet highlights its high-end features and efficient operation, a clear step up from older drip-style percolators. Her only noted missing feature is a temperature gauge. For her, the investment has unquestionably paid off, both in quality and long-term savings.
Eve's Pod Machine Conversion & Trusty Workhorse
Senior Fashion & Beauty Writer Eve Rowlands offers two recommendations. First, her new favourite: the L'OR Barista Sublime. As a former barista and self-confessed coffee snob, she was sceptical of pod machines but has been thoroughly impressed.
This compact machine offers three simple brewing options—Ristretto, Espresso, or Lungo—with capsule recognition technology that auto-adjusts water volume. It's compatible with Nespresso and supermarket own-brand pods. Currently, a bundle deal slashes the price from £153.89 to £79.99, including 100 free capsules on the L'OR website.
The main downside is the lack of a built-in milk frother, which must be purchased separately for lattes or cappuccinos. Eve also notes that for a longer coffee, a second hot water cycle is needed after the pod is ejected.
Her second, enduring pick is the De'Longhi Dedica Style. A ground coffee machine she has owned for six years, it still performs like new. Priced at £134.90 on Amazon (down from £229), its compact design is perfect for smaller kitchens.
It operates simply with three buttons for single espresso, double espresso, and steam wand activation. With 15 BAR pressure and thermoblock technology, it delivers an excellent espresso base for Americanos, lattes, and cappuccinos. Eve considers it one of her best kitchen purchases, having saved her a small fortune on £4 takeaway coffees.
Ruth's All-Rounder: The Ninja Cafe Luxe
Head of Operations (Affiliates) Ruth Ovens has embraced the Ninja Cafe Luxe, using it multiple times a week, if not daily, for over a year. Priced at £549 directly from Ninja, it's designed to create barista-style coffee regardless of skill level, using automatic settings.
Ruth has successfully made flat whites, cappuccinos, and lattes using various milks, including semi-skimmed, oat, almond, and soya. While she prefers black coffee, she enjoys making oat milk lattes for her partner. The machine has helped her ditch both takeaway coffees and expensive pods from a previous machine.
The only fiddly aspect she notes is changing the portafilter baskets, which takes some getting used to. However, the versatility and quality have made it a central part of her home coffee routine.
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