Every type of coffee machine, explained
There is no single best coffee machine, only the best one for the way you drink coffee. Here is every common type in one place: what it makes, how much effort it takes and who it suits. Where we have written a full guide, you will find checked models for your country with sizes and the maker's official manual.
All coffee machine types
Espresso machine
A pump pushes hot water through finely ground coffee at high pressure. You grind, dose and tamp yourself, and get real espresso, lattes and cappuccinos. The most control and the most learning.
Bean-to-cup machine
Grinds the beans, brews and often froths milk at the press of a button. Fresh espresso drinks with little effort, but a bigger machine and regular cleaning.
Capsule and pod machine
You put in a sealed capsule and press a button. Very easy and tidy, the same cup every time, but you are tied to one capsule system and the cost per cup is higher.
Drip filter coffee maker
Heats water and drips it over ground coffee in a paper filter, into a jug. Ideal for several mugs of filter coffee at once, with almost no effort.
Moka pot
A small stovetop pot that pushes boiling water up through the coffee by steam pressure. Strong, rich coffee, no electricity needed (except the hob), and it lasts for years.
French press
Coffee steeps in hot water, then a metal mesh plunger separates the grounds. Full-bodied coffee, no filters to buy and nothing to plug in.
Pour-over dripper
You pour hot water by hand over coffee in a cone with a paper filter. Clean, bright filter coffee and full control, for a few minutes of attention.
AeroPress
A plastic cylinder where you steep coffee briefly, then press it through a small filter. Quick, forgiving, easy to clean and very good for travel.
Cold brew maker
Coffee steeps in cold water for many hours, then is filtered. Smooth, low in bitterness, and kept in the fridge for iced coffee.
Percolator
Water boils and cycles up through a tube and over the coffee again and again. A strong, hot classic, popular for camping and big batches.
Siphon (vacuum) brewer
Two glass chambers: vapour pushes water up to the coffee, then the brewed coffee is drawn back down through a filter. A show at the table and a very clean cup.
Turkish coffee pot (cezve)
Very finely ground coffee is simmered with water, and often sugar, in a small long-handled pot, then served with its grounds. Electric versions do it automatically.
Portable espresso maker
A small hand-pumped or battery-powered device that makes espresso-style coffee anywhere, from ground coffee or capsules.
Milk frother
Heats and foams milk for lattes and cappuccinos, next to any coffee machine. Electric jug, handheld whisk or manual plunger.
Guides for the other types are being written one by one, with the same checks. Until then, the search button opens your local Amazon store.