Best Coffee Machine To Buy: Bean-To-Cup, Filter And Pod

Whether you choose the Vertuo Next or the Vertuo Pop, these compact machines easily fit between an air fryer and a microwave on a worktop. With a footprint of just 13.97cm and the ability to brew up to 535ml coffee - the Nespresso Vertuo Next is just as compact as the Pop, albeit taller - the bonus is that it can brew more. Also, the machine is 54 per cent recyclable and the packaging is 99 per cent recyclable. And the 80 per cent recycled aluminium capsules get remade when they are recycled via Podback.

Our review: "Unlike the Vertuo Pop, I can fit my really big mug under the spout - I mean, that thing is like a small chimney pot! So, if you are looking for supersize coffee, definitely pay a little extra and opt for the Vertuo Next. Also, I'm really appreciating the joy of drinking Nespresso coffee with milk. I've tried both warm and cold oat milk and both mix beautifully with the coffee and crema to give a sumptuous smooth mouth feel - it's utterly delicious. Finally, all credit to Nespresso for delivering a sustainable, energy-efficient and luxurious coffee experience."

Read A Modern Kitchen's full review on the Nespresso Vertuo Next.

Something that we love about a coffee shop is all the different types of coffee we can get. Well, with this Sage, The Barista Touch coffee machine, why not be your own barista? Plus, the touchscreen display has a pre-programmed coffee menu where you can easily adjust the strength, milk texture and temperature to suit your taste. Further, it will even save up to six personalised coffees. Fancy! You won't have to leave the house for a coffee, either.

Customer review: "I absolutely love this. Took me a few minutes to get the hang of it but it's so easy now. Grind, choose your coffee, place cup under, and watch it pour. Then the milk, press the button and it froths it all for you automatically. Then add to your coffee and hey presto! Spent a fortune on espresso machine accessories since. Oops! Also, it's so beautiful."

Like a little espresso to start your day? Why not be a barista in the comfort of your own home with this De'Longhi Dedica Espresso machine? Make your favourite coffee drinks your way with the adjustable controls and milk frother, cappuccinos, lattes, flat whites and more. Plus, it's only 15cm wide - very slim and fits great on a kitchen counter. Great if you're in a rush, the Thermoblock heating for faster heating time means you get an espresso in just 40 seconds.

Customer review: "This is our second one and it's a great machine. Easy to use and makes decent espresso. We make between four and six coffees a day, so we don't need a toy but something that can cope with the daily load. This really does fit into a small space, which is a bonus. Had to replace the previous one after five years, our very hard water killed it in the end."

Available in three colours, this slim De'Longhi Nescafé Dolce Gusto Infinissima Pod Coffee Machine wouldn't look out of place in any kitchen. Simply slide your chosen pod (Dolce Gusto or Aldi Alcafé), and with one easy manoeuvre, this machine will make the perfect beverage of your choice. Nescafe's Dolce Gusto range is easy to use and easy to clean. With a high-pressure system, your creamy coffee-shop-quality coffee will be ready in no time.

Customer review: "I saw a lot of bad or mediocre reviews on it but honestly it is amazing, you can personalise your drinks, it looks so good in our kitchen, the coffee is great and creamy, and I like the design because it is easier to clean than other machines I've had in the past. Also, I recommend you use a jug to pour water in, but other than that, amazing value for the price. Also, it shipped so quickly."

This is the best filter coffee machine out there. Featuring multiple fittings for the brew basket, pre-set functions to determine the strength of the coffee, and a temperature setting so you can drink it cold or hot. What truly sets it apart from other products is the Precision brewer function, which allows you to customise brew time and bloom time, so you can achieve a fruitier or a more bitter coffee. We're very impressed.

Customer review: "The Precision Brewer by Breville/Sage is very well built indeed, like most of their products you get that quality feel as soon as you open the box. Having the gold standard built-in, the ability to produce a beautiful consistent supply of coffee at a high quality is a joy. Here is what really sets this coffee maker apart, the range and precise control to tweak the product to suit you is a great bonus, even to the point of allowing the coffee machine to make a cold brew using the permanent filter."

Made in partnership with Philip, the L'OR Barista Sublime coffee machine is complete with dual capsule recognition technology, which automatically detects the capsule size and 19-bar brewing pressure for true barista quality. It measures H27.6 x W15.7 x D40.2cm, which makes it ideal for small countertops as it won't take up too much space. It is compatible with L'OR Espresso single shot capsules and the L'OR Barista XXL capsules and allows customers to use a wide range of alternative branded coffee capsules on the market, providing maximum flexibility and choice.

Our review: "An affordable coffee pod machine at £80, the L'OR Barista Sublime is worth the investment if you're looking for a coffee hit but are not concerned with tasting the roast strength of beans, and are happy to use capsules or pods."

Read A Modern Kitchen's full review on the L'OR Barista Sublime.

If your kitchen already has Smeg products and you're loyal to the brand, then this coffee machine is a no-brainer to add to your collection. Even if you don't own a Smeg product, this Smeg BCC02 Bean-To-Cup Coffee Machine is a great mid-range appliance which includes features like a sophisticated thermo-block heating system to allow faster switch-on times and precise water temperature control for brewing, steam and hot water.

Customer review: "I have used many different bean-to-cup machines over the years and the last few went on to Nespresso. Decided to go back to b2c. After looking around for some time I came across this Smeg one. One of the smaller bean to cup about, modern clean looking well it is Smeg. I read the reviews and the one thing I do agree with is to read the instructions FIRST. I now have mine set just the way I want it, single espresso double espresso and 150cl. The machine heats up quickly so no hanging around, flushes each time it goes on and automatically off. Worth the money and I have tried a few beans from Waitrose and think I will stick to their house blend. Good all around."

Read A Modern Kitchen's full review on the Smeg BCC02 Bean to Cup Coffee Machine.

A seamless and sleek coffee pod machine, the Lavazza A Modo Mia Deséa is definitely the cream of the crop. We love that it has no pouring or splashes, so if you want to create a frothy cappuccino or latte, you can put the milk in the cup and then just add the coffee pod to the machine.

Customer review: "I absolutely love this machine - makes the best cappuccinos and does everything well. You can adjust the amount of milk froth and the temperature which is a major plus. The only thing (and the most frustrating) is that the machine is pretty much useless if you don't have the Lavazza Desea Mug (that comes with it). But you only get one, and as others have mentioned - it's impossible to buy another as they're constantly sold out and you can't get anything similar/ or elsewhere. They're only available on the Lavazza website. So if you accidentally break it, or just want more so you can make cappuccino etc. For others - you can't get another and will have to buy another machine essentially. It's so disappointing when otherwise I'd be in love with everything about this coffee machine."

The Nespresso Vertuo Pop machines are a vibrant range of compact coffee pod machines that come in a rainbow of colours. Make four different size drinks at the touch of a button: Espresso (40ml), Double Espresso (80ml), Gran Lungo (150ml) and Mug (230ml). The unique Centrifusion™ method of brewing and exclusive Vertuo capsules deliver an exceptional coffee experience.

Our review: "I call the Vertuo Pop the 'Crema of the Cup'. The thick frothy top you get on these decadent coffees is incredible. If you are a coffee lover, I highly recommend trying coffee from the Nespresso Vertuo range. Other benefits that the machine offers include: speed, ease of use, no mess and compact size. Nespresso offer a premium customer journey in every way. I greatly enjoy having my coffee experience curated and get to feel like a connoisseur. There are nods to Italian café culture in the names of the blends and language used to describe the preparation and cup size. The provenance of the beans and the tasting notes is akin to characterising fine wine. From the brilliant simplicity of colour-coded capsules, beautiful graphics and evocative language, Nespresso's attention to detail makes every step of the coffee experience feel like a luxurious treat."

Read A Modern Kitchen's full review on the Nespresso Vertuo Pop.

Save a fortune on fancy shop-bought frappes, now you can make them at home with the Breville Iced Coffee Maker. The insulated cup and ice cools the coffee quickly so you get a full-flavoured iced coffee that's not at all watered down. Simply add a scoop of your favourite ground coffee, fill the machine with water, and add ice to your tumbler - hey presto - a hot shot of concentrated coffee pours over the ice and cools fast due to the insulated cup retaining the cold. Get creative and add your favourite milk, syrups, squirty cream and sprinkles.

Our review: “I’m such a fan of iced coffee – but not a fan of the price a coffee shop is willing to charge for one. So, an iced coffee maker at home sounded like a solution. For under £30, it’s definitely something to consider if you have a penchant for an iced latte. Not only is it notoriously easy to use with a three-step method, but it’s ready in under four minutes. Though it feels a little on the flimsy side and only has one setting, it makes a fantastic cost-effective alternative to your favourite iced beverage. As soon as the brewed coffee pours directly into the giant tumbler, I’m ready to tackle the day.”