The Ultimate 2026 Coffee Machine Buying Guide
Is there anything better than the taste and smell of fresh hot coffee? If you’re a coffee lover then it's a great idea to have your own coffee machine at home so that you can enjoy your favourite brew any time you want - but which should you choose? Automatic, manual, pod? It seems like the options are endless! But don’t worry, we’ve covered everything you need to know about choosing a coffee machine in this helpful and informative coffee machine buying guide! Read on below for our helpful tips on choosing the right one.
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how to find the perfect coffee machine.
Types of coffee machines
There are a number of different types of coffee machines that you can choose from - each have their own pros and cons, so it’s important to consider your lifestyle and how you like to enjoy your coffee. At Retravision you’ll find a huge range of coffee machines from leading brands like Breville, Delonghi, Jura, Sunbeam, Phillips and more!
Manual Coffee Machines
Manual coffee machines are perfect for coffee fanatics who want to have complete control over every step of the coffee making process. From grinding the beans to frothing the milk, a manual coffee machine will let you serve up a cup of coffee exactly the way you want it. Of course, there’s more manual work involved with a manual coffee machine, so if you’d prefer to just press a button and enjoy, you may want to consider an automatic coffee machine instead.
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Automatic Coffee Machines
As you might have guessed from the name, automatic coffee machines are designed to automate the coffee making process. Usually, you won’t need to do much more than put in your coffee beans and milk and away you go! Most automatic coffee machines will grind your beans and froth your milk themselves, and some even have self-cleaning functions! They often come with programs pre-installed so that making the perfect cappuccino or espresso requires little more than pressing a button!
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Pod Coffee Machines
Pod or capsule coffee machines have become increasingly popular over time because they’re so quick and easy to use. These are a great entry point into buying a coffee machine because they won’t require you to buy your own beans and they usually require minimal maintenance and cleaning. With a pod machine, all you will usually need to do is buy your pods, feed them into the machine and press start! In just seconds you’ll have a perfectly blended, delicious coffee waiting for you.
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Coffee Dripolators
Coffee dripolators or percolators are designed to brew fresh coffee from ground coffee beans. Water is poured over your freshly ground coffee and brewed before being fed into a jug. If you enjoy drip coffee then a drip coffee maker is a great option.
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Milk Frothers
Milk frothers are a popular device to pair with a coffee machine. They are designed to froth cold milk so that you can enjoy beverages like cappuccinos or lattes in the comfort of your own home. If you’re buying a manual coffee machine or a pod machine, you may want to pair it up with a milk-frother. Many automatic machines will come already equipped with a milk frother to create your perfect coffee.
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Coffee Grinders
Most coffee machines will require pre-ground coffee to create your brew. You can buy this from stores, but if you prefer the taste of freshly ground beans you may need to invest in your own coffee grinder. If you’re purchasing one, look for options that will give you an even and consistent grind.
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Coffee Machine Accessories
We stock a range of coffee machine accessories at Retravision to help keep your coffee tasting as fresh and as tasty as possible! From cleaning products and descalers for your coffee machine to milk jugs and coffee grind bins, we’ve got everything you need for the perfect hot cup of Joe!
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What to consider
In addition to picking out the perfect type of coffee machine for your household, there are also some other things you should consider.
Programs and settings
Most automatic coffee machines will come with different program options to help you make the perfect cup of coffee - when picking one out, have a look at whether or not it's capable of creating the type of coffee you like to drink. You should also think about the settings and adjustability of your chosen coffee machine. Can the strength of your coffee be changed? Does it have a self-cleaning function? Think about how you like to enjoy your coffee and what features might enhance the experience.
Controls
Is it easy to understand and use your coffee machine? Some machines have very simple knobs or buttons whilst others may have more complicated electric displays. What information do you want your coffee machine to give you? Do you want different program options displayed on the screen and perhaps a timer to tell you how long it will be until your coffee is done? Maybe all you need is a button for ‘go’ or an indicator light to tell you when your coffee is ready to drink.
Cleaning
Some machines are easier to clean than others. If you don’t fancy the idea of taking out multiple components and washing them after every use, then you may want to choose a pod coffee machine or automatic machine with a self-cleaning function.
FAQs
Yes, manual coffee machines can be very user friendly but there is usually a little bit more work involved in preparing your coffee. If you’re busy and on the run, you may want to consider a pod coffee machine or an automatic coffee machine instead.
Coffee machines operate by heating water and passing it through coffee grounds to extract flavours and create a brewed beverage. The specific process varies based on the type of coffee machine.
Espresso Machines use high pressure to force hot water through the finely ground coffee, producing a concentrated shot of espresso. The pressure helps extract rich flavours and creates a crema on top.
Single-Serve Pod Machines use pre-packaged pods or capsules. The machine punctures the pod, and hot water is forced through it to brew a single serving of coffee quickly and conveniently.
Speak to our home appliance experts to find the right coffee machine for you.
Cleaning and descaling a coffee machine regularly is essential for maintaining its performance and ensuring great-tasting coffee. You should clean removable parts like the carafe, filter basket, and drip tray after each use to prevent coffee residue buildup. Make a habit of wiping down the exterior and non-removable parts at least once a week.
Coffee machines should be descaled every 1-3 months, depending on the hardness of your water and the frequency of use. Descaling removes mineral deposits that can affect the machine’s performance and longevity. To descale your machine, you'll need to purchase descaling tablets or a mixture of vinegar and water as recommended by the manufacturer.
Selecting the perfect coffee machine on your first try involves considering your personal preferences, lifestyle, and budget. Here are some key factors to help you make the right choice:
Decide on the type of coffee you enjoy most. If you love espresso-based drinks, consider an espresso machine. For convenience, single-serve pod machines might be best. If you prefer manual brewing, explore options like a French press or pour-over.
Consider how often you plan to use the machine. For daily use, a drip coffee maker or automatic espresso machine might be ideal. If you brew coffee occasionally, a simpler model like a French press might suffice.
Think about how much effort you're willing to put into making coffee. Pod machines offer quick and easy brewing, while manual methods provide more control but require more involvement.
Determine how much you're willing to spend. Coffee machines range from affordable models to high-end options with advanced features. Balance your budget with the features you value most.
Look for features that enhance your coffee experience, such as programmable settings, built-in grinders, milk frothers, or adjustable brew strengths.
Consider the space available in your kitchen. Compact machines are suitable for smaller spaces, while larger machines may offer more features but require more room. Don't forget to consider your existing decor, and if the coffee machine fits with the style of your kitchen.
There are several types of coffee machines available, each offering unique brewing methods and catering to different preferences:
Drip Coffee Makers are popular for brewing multiple cups of coffee at once. They work by dripping hot water through a filter containing coffee grounds, making them ideal for households or offices.
Single-Serve Pod Machines use pre-packaged coffee pods or capsules to brew single servings quickly and conveniently. They are perfect for individuals who want a quick, no-mess cup of coffee.
Espresso Machines are designed to brew espresso by forcing hot water through finely ground coffee, these machines are available in manual, semi-automatic, and fully automatic versions. They are ideal for those who enjoy espresso-based drinks like cappuccinos and lattes.
French Press is a manual method that involves steeping coarse coffee grounds in hot water before pressing them with a plunger. It’s great for those who prefer full-bodied coffee with rich flavours.
Pod coffee machines are great for a convenient and quick caffeine fix. Here are Retravision's most popular choices for coffee pod machines.
• The Delonghi Citiz is an automatic coffee machine that pours espressos at the touch of a button with an integrated milk frother for the perfect lattes cappuccinos and flat whites.
• The Delonghi Essenza Mini Capsule is a compact machine serving single or double espressos.
Choosing a good coffee machine depends on your coffee preferences, lifestyle, and budget. To find your perfect fit, consider these factors:
Brewing Method: Decide whether you prefer drip coffee, espresso, single-serve pods, or manual methods like French press or pour-over.
Frequency of Use: For daily use, an automatic drip coffee maker or single-serve machine might be convenient. For occasional use, a French press or pour-over may suffice.
Convenience: Single-serve pod machines and automatic espresso machines offer convenience and speed, while manual methods provide greater control over the brewing process.
Budget: Determine your budget and look for machines that offer the best features and quality within your price range.
Additional Features: Consider features like programmable settings, built-in grinders, milk frothers, and ease of cleaning.
A descaler is a cleaning solution used to remove mineral deposits (scale) that accumulate in coffee machines over time. helping to ensure your coffee tastes fresh and prolonging the lifespan of your coffee machine. These deposits are caused by minerals, predominantly calcium and magnesium, that are found in tap water.
Descalers can be either liquid or powdered and are specifically formulated to dissolve and flush out these mineral buildups. It is important to use a descaler regularly, as recommended by the manufacturer, to keep your coffee machine in optimal condition.
Depending on your coffee machine, you'll be able to make a variety of your favourite coffee shop drinks, including:
Regular Coffee: Brewed using drip coffee makers, single-serve machines, or pour-over methods.
Espresso: Made with espresso machines, providing a strong, concentrated coffee base.
Cappuccino: A combination of espresso, steamed milk, and milk foam, typically made with an espresso machine with a steam wand.
Latte: Similar to a cappuccino but with more steamed milk and a thin layer of milk foam.
Americano: Espresso diluted with hot water, made with an espresso machine.
Macchiato: Espresso topped with a small amount of milk foam, also made with an espresso machine.
Cold Brew: Coffee steeped in cold water for an extended period, made with a cold brew coffee maker.
Iced Coffee: Regular coffee brewed hot and then cooled, served over ice.
Dual boiler coffee machines come with two boilers so you can steam and brew simultaneously. They’re great for coffee connoisseurs because they allow more control over temperature compared to coffee machines that rely on a heat exchanger to both brew water and steam milk.
Easy to use manual coffee machines, compact automatic coffee machines and pod coffee machines are all popular choices for use at home. When finding the right option for you, we’d suggest thinking about the space in your kitchen, how you like to enjoy your coffee and how much control you’d like over your coffee.
The cost of coffee machines varies widely depending on the type and features.
Single-Serve Pod Machines generally cost between $150 to $600, with some premium models priced higher. Manual and semi-automatic Espresso machines generally feature additional brewing capabilities and can be priced from $250 to over $2000.
The coffee machine you buy is dependent on how you prefer to drink your coffee, your budget and if you'd rather have high or low involvement.
If you prefer quick and easy brewing, a single-serve pod machine such as Breville might be best. If you enjoy espresso and espresso-based drinks, consider a semi-automatic or fully automatic espresso machine, such as those from Jura or De'Longhi could be your best option.
See Retravision's range of coffee machines and speak to our home appliance experts for advice.
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