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Take it from us, there’s no better way to start the day than with a hot cup of coffee in the morning. And as the UK’s coffee scene continues to grow, more households than ever are ditching the expensive daily coffee-shop runs in favour of perfecting their own home barista setups.
However, with dozens of formats, pressure ratings, brand options, and accessories on the market to choose from, finding the best coffee machine for your kitchen counter isn’t quite as simple as choosing between a flat white or a cappuccino. In this buyer’s guide, we break down the primary types of coffee makers, compare key features, and highlight the leading brands available at The Range - giving you the info that you need to invest in the right machine for you.
When shopping for a new coffee machine, the first decision is choosing the brewing style that matches your daily schedule, skill level, and taste preferences.
A bean-to-cup coffee machine takes whole coffee beans, grinds them, and brews the coffee in the same machine. Depending on the model, you might be able to make an espresso or a longer coffee at the touch of a button. More advanced machines offer adjustable strength, temperature, and grind settings.
The best thing about these machines is the freshness of your morning cuppa. Grinding beans just before brewing helps preserve their distinct aroma, while the ability to adjust the settings gives you room to experiment with different coffees.
Milk features vary - some machines have an automatic milk system for making drinks such as cappuccinos and lattes, while others use a steam wand. If you mainly drink espresso or black coffee, a simpler model should be just right.
Bean-to-cup machines tend to cost a little more than basic pod or filter models, and they also need cleaning. That being said, these machines are a well worthwhile investment for those that really love their coffee.
If you never seem to have enough time to get everything done in the mornings, a pod coffee machine makes getting a coffee ready quick and simple. Just insert a compatible capsule, press a button, and let the machine handle the rest. There's very little preparation, and cleaning is usually simpler than with a machine that uses loose grounds.
Pods also make it super easy to change up your usual drink. You can keep different flavours and styles in the cupboard for different moods (hello, hazelnut latte), including decaf options. Some machines are designed primarily for espresso-sized drinks, while others offer larger cups or work with particular capsule systems.
The main thing to remember is that pods aren't interchangeable across every machine. Before buying, check which capsule collection the machine accepts and whether your favourite coffees are available in that format.
A pod machine is a brilliant choice for smaller kitchens and people who love a quick and consistent brew.
If you prefer to get hands-on with your morning brew, an espresso machine lets you prepare coffee using ground beans or coffee sold specifically for espresso machines.
Now there is a bit of a learning curve when it comes to these machines, but that's a big part of the appeal. Small adjustments to the amount of coffee, grind size, and extraction time can completely change the flavour of your espresso. This means that it can take a little time to perfect your coffee-making technique, but once you’ve got it down, you’ll be enjoying barista-level coffee in the comfort of your own home.
Many machines also have a steam wand, which you can use to heat and texture milk for drinks such as flat whites and lattes.
If you love a long black coffee or regularly make drinks for more than one person, a filter coffee machine might just be the choice for you. With these machines, water passes through ground coffee held in a filter, with the brewed coffee collecting in a jug underneath.
Rather than preparing each cup separately, you can make several servings in one cycle. This is useful for busy mornings and a game-changer if you’re working from home.
Filter machines are generally straightforward to operate and can be a more affordable starting point than many espresso or bean-to-cup models. You'll need ground coffee, along with paper filters if the machine doesn't have a reusable one.
There are plenty of names to look out for when shopping for a coffee machine, and each brings something a little different to the kitchen.
De'Longhi is a particularly familiar name in home coffee making, with machines covering manual espresso, automatic bean-to-cup, and filter coffee brewing. Perfect for people who want to start getting more hands-on with their favourite morning ritual.
You'll also find coffee-making options from brands such as Ariete, Cooks Professional, and Morphy Richards. These are worth exploring if you're comparing different designs, features. and price points. Our selection includes a variety of styles, so we’d recommend looking at the individual product details rather than choosing on brand name alone.
The best coffee machine for your home is one that suits the way you enjoy your coffee and fits your lifestyle. A pod machine keeps mornings simple, a bean-to-cup model brings freshly ground coffee into your routine, and a manual espresso machine gives you more control over the finished drink. Filter coffee makers are a good choice when you want several cups ready at the same time.
Whatever you end up going for, you’ll find plenty of coffee machine options at The Range - and if you’re looking for more ways to kit out your kitchen, take a look at our wider kitchen appliances and cooking & dining collections.
It can be a good investment if you regularly drink coffee made with freshly ground beans and want the grinding and brewing handled by one appliance. Consider the purchase price, cleaning routine and features you'll actually use before deciding.
The cost per drink depends on the capsule brand, the coffee you buy and the serving size. Compare the price per cup rather than just the price of the machine or the pack.
Yes. Choose a machine with a compatible milk system or steam wand if you want to make milk-based drinks. Some pod machines also use dedicated milk capsules or separate frothing accessories.
