View image in fullscreen The Filter Coffee Review The best coffee machines in 2026 for every home and budget, tested by our expert From capsule to bean-to-cup, espresso to filter, these are the coffee makers our aficionado rates the highest from his test of 30
The best espresso machines to release your inner barista
Sasha Muller Wed 5 Aug 2026 16.01 CEST Share Prefer the Guardian on Google The Guardian’s journalism is independent. We will earn a commission if you buy something through an affiliate link. Learn more .
W hen it comes to something as earth-shatteringly important as coffee, everyone has an opinion. Some crave a single perfect shot of espresso, while others seek the milkiest latte; some love Starbucks and others, well, don’t. That’s why the idea of there being a single best coffee machine is fanciful – everyone’s idea of the perfect coffee couldn’t be more different.
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As a selfless service to coffee drinkers everywhere, I’ve spent the past two years researching and trialling coffee machines to produce a shortlist of tried-and-tested recommendations. The list spans all the main types of coffee maker: manual espresso, filter, bean-to-cup and capsule. (Not sure what all of this means? Read our dedicated guide to the different types of coffee machine .)
I’ve aimed this guide at everyday coffee lovers who want to up their game without spending a fortune or losing hours to perfecting their craft. Ease of use, simplicity and relative affordability play just as important a role as the quality of the coffee. If you love coffee and need help choosing, then read on – you’ll brew better coffee with one of these machines on your worktop.
Best budget manual coffee machine De’Longhi Stilosa EC230
Best budget bean-to-cup coffee machine De’Longhi Magnifica Evo One Touch
Best capsule coffee machine L’or Barista Sublime
Best bean-to-cup coffee machine De’Longhi Rivelia
Best manual machine for beginners Sage Bambino Plus
Why you should trust me Having spent more than seven years as the resident coffee bore at a product-testing publication, I’ve wiled away countless hours in the search for better-tasting coffee. I’ve tested every type of machine, from capsule, filter and fully automated bean-to-cup models all the way through to fully manual espresso machines .
Sadly, though, I have had to accept defeat in my pursuit of latte art mastery – despite the occasional happy accident, most of my attempts resemble indecent cave drawings. I apologise in advance for any incriminating photo evidence.
View image in fullscreen The coffee machines were tested across criteria such as taste and usability. Photograph: Sasha Muller/The Guardian I tested (or retested) 30 machines, several of which I’ve reviewed previously and three of which have a permanent place on my kitchen worktop. I’ve also pored over user reviews and forums, and consulted the recommendations of trusted coffee experts online and on YouTube in the search for other models to test.
Every machine has been run alongside either my own go-to machines or a curated selection of rivals for side-by-side taste and usability testing. Several kilos of fresh coffee beans and a pile of Nespresso-compatible pods have been sourced directly from my go-to roaster, Craft House Coffee . I’ve used the manufacturers’ official pods where applicable, too.
For the filter and espr…