After two years of testing 30 coffee machines, our expert has curated a list of top recommendations spanning manual espresso, filter, bean-to-cup, and capsule types. The guide focuses on everyday coffee lovers who want to improve their brew without breaking the bank or spending hours perfecting their technique.
Best budget manual coffee machine: De'Longhi Stilosa EC230
The Stilosa EC230 is surprisingly affordable, costing less than a month's worth of takeaway coffees. It delivers tasty espresso with a medium-light roast, especially when paired with a good grinder. The steam wand, though lacking power, produces silky milk with practice. Note that the EC235 and EC260 models look similar but have inferior features, so check the model number before buying.
Best budget bean-to-cup: De'Longhi Magnifica Evo One Touch
This machine offers seven drink options and a built-in milk carafe, producing rich espresso and creamy cappuccinos. While not as quiet as pricier models, it's a great value pick under £400.
Best capsule machine: L'or Barista Sublime
Compatible with Nespresso and L'or capsules, this compact machine brews a huge range of coffees. It's easy to use, with a removable water tank and slide-out drip tray, though the drip tray can be finicky.
Best bean-to-cup: De'Longhi Rivelia
The Rivelia stands out with swappable bean hoppers, allowing you to switch between decaf and regular easily. Its touchscreen is intuitive, and the coffee quality is superb, with adjustable strength and froth levels. The grinder is noisy, but the flexibility and excellent espresso make it a top choice.
Best filter machine: Fellow Aiden
The Aiden delivers barista-quality filter coffee with minimal effort, offering preset recipes for light, medium, and dark roasts. It's highly customisable, with app control and cold brew capability, though it lacks an integrated water filter.
Best manual machine: Lelit Anna PL41TEM
For espresso enthusiasts, the Anna offers adjustable brew temperature via PID control, producing brilliant coffee. It's finicky and has a non-standard 57mm portafilter, but the value is excellent compared to rivals.
Best manual machine for beginners: Sage Bambino Plus
The Bambino Plus is easy to use with automatic milk frothing, making it ideal for newcomers. It brews consistent espresso, though the brew temperature isn't adjustable, so medium-to-dark roasts work best.
Other notable machines
The KitchenAid KF4 offers a slim design and excellent coffee but is pricier than the Rivelia. The Ninja Cafe Luxe provides manual espresso quality with automated assistance at a lower price. The Moccamaster KBG Select is a durable filter machine with a five-year warranty, while the Lavazza Jolie Evo is a compact capsule option for strong Italian espresso. The Sage Barista Touch Impress adds cold brew but at a high cost.
What you need to know
Choosing the right machine depends on your coffee consumption and effort willingness. Filter machines brew large batches, capsule machines offer quick cups, bean-to-cup models provide convenience, and manual espresso machines yield the best coffee with practice. Warranty and repairability vary, so consider these factors before buying. Regular cleaning and recycling options are also important for longevity and sustainability.
