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    Coffee Machine Buying Guide

    Pick out the perfect coffee machine with our guide.

    Whether you’re a beginner barista or an Arabica aficionado, we’ve got the perfect coffee machine for you. With our handy guide, you’ll soon be heading to coffee heaven on a fluffy cloud of milky microfoam. 

    Different types of coffee machines
    Bean to cup coffee machine

    Bean-to-cup

    Bean-to-cup machines are perfect for bringing the coffee shop experience home with you. Grinding fresh coffee beans for each cup you make, you can get your perfect drink at the touch of a button.

    Sage espresso coffee machine

    Espresso

    With an espresso machine, you can create barista-style coffee with some serious equipment. Using ground coffee to make a shot of espresso, a lot of models have steam arms or milk frothers for silky smooth cappuccinos or awesome latte art.

    Filter coffee machine

    Filter

    Perfect for anyone who enjoys a simple cup of coffee, filter machines offer great value for money. With a large capacity for plenty of java, you’ll be everyone’s favourite person in the morning.

    Pod coffee machine

    Pod

    For a quick and easy way to soothe your morning craving, pod coffee machines are the way to go. Just press the button and it filters water through ground coffee in the pod, pouring you the perfect cup.

    Which machine is right for me?

    Bean-to-Cup: Effortlessly perfect coffee

    If you fancy recreating your coffee shop favourites, then a bean-to-cup machine is for you. These fully automatic machines grind coffee beans for each and every cup, so you can be enjoying the freshest flat white with a touch of a button. Because the machine heats the water and milk to the perfect temperature, you’ll be set to sip in no time at all on those hectic Monday mornings. Some models even have pre-set programmes to store your favourite drinks, as well as built-in milk containers - so you can craft your favourite milky coffees. 

    Bean-to-cup machines
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    Pod: Quick, easy and oh-so tasty

    Quick shower? Check. Fresh outfit? Check. Super speedy morning coffee? Check. If you need your caffeine kick the quick and easy way, then a pod machine is perfect for you. These machines filter water through capsules, so all you have to do is pop in a pod and press go. Not only are these machines really simple to use, but there’s a huge range of drinks available – from creamy lattes to luxurious hot chocolates. And because pod machines come in a range of sleek and slim designs, they’ll fit right in to any kitchen.

    Pod coffee machines
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    Filter: Fancy a top up?

    If you need copious amounts of coffee to ease you into your mornings, we’re right there with you. Filter machines can make up to 12 cups of coffee at a time, keeping it warm for up to half an hour – perfect for busy days at the office or coffee catch ups with friends. All you have to do is choose your ground coffee and add water, and you can be sipping on your favourite blend in no time. And because filter machines are mess-free with a non-drip design, you’ll get maximum coffee with minimum fuss.

    Filter coffee machines
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    Espresso: Hone your barista skills

    If you want to craft drinks your local barista would be proud of, you’ll love playing around with an espresso machine. These models are a serious bit of coffee making kit, using ground beans for an intense espresso shot. They often come with a steam arm or milk frother, so you can take that espresso shot and turn it into a silky smooth cappuccino, or top it off with awesome latte art. Some models even have a built-in grinder, so you can choose your favourite beans for your own personal cup of coffee heaven.

    Espresso coffee machines
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    Shop our favourite coffee machines

    De'Longhi PrimaDonna Soul ECAM610.75.MB Bean to Cup Coffee Machine - Black

    De'Longhi PrimaDonna Soul ECAM610.75.MB Bean to Cup Coffee Machine - Black

    ECAM610.75.MB_BK

    (47)
    £1299
    £1234
    AO member price
    • 21 pre-programmed coffees – At the touch of a button
    • TFT touchscreen display – Large 4.3"" screen is easy to use
    • Wi-Fi enabled – Customise your recipes with an app
    • Bean Adapt Tech – automatically adapts grind size
    • Memory function - Remembers your favourite drinks
    Nespresso by Magimix Vertuo POP 11731 Pod Coffee Machine - Blue

    Nespresso by Magimix Vertuo POP 11731 Pod Coffee Machine - Blue

    11731_BL

    (12)
    £59
    • Compatible with a range of cup sizes
    • Clever tech extracts and blends coffee for best results
    • Smart Wi-Fi tech links the machine to mobile devices
    • Automatic capsule ejection - no need to fish for it
    • Removable drip tray for easy cleaning
    Nespresso by Krups Vertuo Plus XN903840 Pod Coffee Machine - Black

    Nespresso by Krups Vertuo Plus XN903840 Pod Coffee Machine - Black

    XN903840_BK

    (181)
    £89
    • Enjoy the full range of Nespresso® coffee
    • Programmable coffee sizes from espresso to lungo
    • Clever tech extracts and blends coffee for best results
    • Heats up quickly so you can enjoy your coffee sooner
    • Register with the Nespresso® Club for exclusive perks
    Melitta Purista Black F230-102 6766034 Bean to Cup Coffee Machine - Black

    Melitta Purista Black F230-102 6766034 Bean to Cup Coffee Machine - Black

    6766034_BK

    (26)
    £294
    £279
    AO member price
    • 5 different grind settings to suit your tastes
    • Height-adjustable spout to suit all cup sizes
    • Pre-brewing system makes aromatic coffee every time
    • Memory function remembers your favourite drinks
    • Use the smartphone app for tutorials & troubleshooting

    Features we love

    De'Longhi bean to cup coffee machines

    This guide covers all you need to know about De’Longhi’s bean to cup coffee machines

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    Melitta bean to cup coffee machines

    This guide covers all you need to know about Melitta’s bean to cup coffee machines

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    The Nespresso Vertuo range

    This guide covers all you need to know about Nespresso’s range of Vertuo pod coffee machines

    Find out more

    Sage’s specialty coffee machines

    This guide covers all you need to know about Sage’s specialty coffee machines

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    Swan espresso coffee machines

    This guide covers all you need to know about Swan’s espresso coffee machines

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    Kettles and Toasters

    This guide covers all you need to know about our huge range of kettles and toasters

    Find out more

    FAQs

    What is the best coffee machine for home use?
    How do I choose a coffee machine that’s right for me?
    How often do I need to clean a coffee machine?
    What is the life expectancy of a coffee machine?
    What's the difference between Espresso, Ristretto and Lungo?