The best coffee machines UK 2021 for home use: coffee makers for all budgets from Sage, Tower, Breville
This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission on items purchased through this article, but that does not affect our editorial judgement.
Capsule coffee machines are currently popular. But constantly buying pods is both expensive and wasteful – the non-recyclable capsules are a burden on the environment. Instead, opt for a machine that’s compatible either with ground coffee or coffee beans.
If you love American-style coffee, like to have a pot of coffee on the go and don’t want to spend a fortune on gadgets, a filter machine will be perfect for you. They make a delicious pot of black coffee by dripping water through ground coffee beans into a jug. They can typically make several cups in one go for larger households too.
If you have more of a budget and are a coffee connoisseur, opt for a bean-to-cup machine, which will bring you a barista experience at home by grinding whole coffee beans to make fresh coffee.
They typically include a steam wand so you can froth milk too. These will be pricier than a filter machine, but will be able to easily make coffees of all types, from flat whites to cappuccinos, and produce a fantastic taste.
What should I consider when buying a coffee machine?
Before splashing out on a coffee machine, ask yourself what kind of budget you have in mind and what kinds of coffee you most enjoy. If you want to spend under £30 and enjoy a simple pot of black coffee, a filter coffee maker will be for you.
If you are prepared to spend hundreds or even thousands, you can enjoy all the bells and whistles of a fancier machine that can effortlessly make all your coffee dreams come true. Consider, too, how much space you have at home: the sizes of coffee machines can vary hugely so make sure you take dimensions into account before splurging on your dream machine.
Here, we’ve taken a look at a selection of non-capsule coffee machines, so whether you love an Americano, an espresso or a latte, you’ll find a machine for you in our roundup. We sought out models across all kinds of budgets and tested each machine, rating them on their ease of use, value for money, appearance, and, most importantly, their ability to make delicious coffee.
If you’re always super busy and on the move, you need this Digital To Go Coffee Machine from trusty British kitchenware brand Lakeland in your life.
The clever automatic filter coffee maker brews fresh filter coffee straight into a large thermal travel mug, perfect for grabbing on the go without any faff.
It’s ideal for those who have a set routine as you can programme it to brew at the same time every day.
The machine couldn’t be easier to use with its digital display, it has a reusable filter and it takes both filter coffee and coffee bags, making your morning coffee as simple and portable as possible.
If you're serious about how your coffee tastes, and have both the financial means and the kitchen counter space, you will not find a better at-home coffee machine than the Sage Oracle.
Performing all the functions of a professional machine, including café quality espresso and milk frothing, it provides the added kindness of taking any skill requirements out of making a cup of joe.
Aside from moving the portafilter from grinder to group head, every function on this machine – grinding, tamping, extraction, milk frothing – is automated.
All you have to do is find the option you want on the touchscreen: and you can customise the drink to your preference, from strength, milk texture, and temperature.
The taste is seriously impressive: as coffee aficionados know, the key to a great cup is perfect extraction – ensuring the temperature is correct, the grounds properly tamped, and water distilled through the grinds for long enough for strong yet not bitter cup. The Sage Oracle has this nailed.
If you want customised cappuccinos, luscious lattes, and the Americanos and espressos of your dreams but have never worked as a barista, this coffee machine is a dream come true.
