For more on types, see our buying guide. Fully automatic machines (that grind, dose and make the espresso) are covered in a separate report.

We recommend manual and semi-automatic models with a CHOICE Expert Rating of at least 80% and capsule (pod) machines with a CHOICE Expert Rating of at least 70%, so long as they also score at least 70% for the crucial taste test. We may also consider other important factors including milk frothing.

The CHOICE Expert Rating, our overall score, is made up of taste (60%), ease of use (20%), milk frothing ability (15%), and coffee temperature consistency over consecutive cups (5%).

Three experts test the espressos in a 'blind' tasting, checking the colour and thickness of the crema (the tan-coloured foam on the top of an espresso), aroma, flavour, mouth-feel (for example, creaminess or wateriness) and aftertaste.

How easy the machines are to use. We try the controls, fill the water tank and the bean hopper, adjust the grinder, make a coffee, and clean inside and out.

We experiment with each machine to find how it best froths milk, looking for fine, pourable froth. We use what the manufacturer recommends (a milk frother, milk-based capsule or coffee capsule extracted over milk).

We measure the consistency of four consecutive coffees for each machine after it warms up.

Not scored, but will affect how quickly you can turn out a cup of coffee.

Shop Ethical rates the environmental and social impact of the company (not the product) using independent sources. This rating is not included in our total score. The rating ranks from A (highest) to F (lowest); N/A means there is no rating for that company.

Brand reliability scores are based on responses from more than 2700 coffee machine owners in 2019. We ask whether they have run into a problem with their appliance in the last 12 months. Scores are based on brand, not model. Not all brands have scores as we require a minimum of 50 responses per brand.

Brand satisfaction score is based on how satisfied 2724 surveyed members are with their coffee machines from a scale of excellent to terrible (survey conducted in 2019). Not all brands have scores as we require a minimum of 50 responses per brand.

The manufacturer's recommended retail price. Prices are often flexible, so shop around both online and in bricks-and-mortar stores for options.

The recommended capsule (pod) type for each model. Nespresso (original) refers to the older-style capsules, while Nespresso Vertuo is the newer patented and barcoded system which comes in different sizes (these are incompatible with third-party capsules).

Thermoblock heats up only a very small quantity of water on demand as it flows through the system. Boilers heat a larger amount of water and keep it heated fairly consistently. A dual boiler includes two boilers; one for making coffee and one for steaming. Heat exchanger models use a single boiler but are designed to produce coffee and steam at the same time. 

How much water the tank can hold before it needs refilling.

The pressure the pump exerts when pushing hot water through the ground beans; measurement given in 'bar'. Some trial and error with the pressure and grind is required. A high bar does not necessarily mean a superior machine. We optimise the machines before giving them a taste test to give them their best chance.

How much the coffee machine weighs.

Whether the machine comes with a milk jug for frothing or not.

Manual machines generally contain integrated milk frothers. Capsule machines often have a separate milk frother which you either need to buy separately, or as part of a bundle. Some capsule machines use milk-based capsules.

Whether there is an alert to tell you the water tank is low.

A place to warm your cup while preparing the brew, usually at the top of the machine. A warm cup maintains the coffee temperature for longer, preventing it from cooling too quickly.

Some capsule manufacturers provide a recycling scheme.

Whether you can adjust the amount of water that pours into the shot.