We tried all the best coffee machines so you don't have to—these 12 came out on top

So, you're looking for one of the best coffee machines? Well, you've come to the right place. Along with one of the best air fryers, investing in a great coffee machine is an easy way to elevate your kitchen.

Whether it's a gift for someone else or a treat for yourself, here at Marie Claire UK we know how important good coffee can be. In fact, it's an integral part of our morning routines, so we took it upon ourselves to test a selection of highly-rated machines, to really see what all the fuss was about.

How to choose the best coffee machines for your home

When choosing the best coffee machine, it's important to think about what you like to drink. If you're partial to a strong morning espresso, then an espresso machine will most likely be the way to go. However, if a frothy latte is more your thing, you'll want a machine that comes equipped with a milk frother.

It's also worth considering how much space you have in your kitchen, as some machines can take up a lot more room than others.

Finally, think about how much you want to spend. In our roundup, we've included both affordable and luxury options, so we've got you covered, whatever your budget. A good coffee machine really is a great investment, as you won't find yourself buying a takeaway coffee every day. In fact, by buying one of these (and really utilising it), you'll be saving yourself money in the long run. You are welcome.

We've tested every single one of the coffee machines below, so you know that you're getting our honest review. For more information, don't forget to check out our guide to how we work on product reviews. Now, onto the good stuff...

The best coffee machines to buy now

1. Philips 5400 Series Bean-to-Cup Espresso Machine

"Okay, this coffee machine is one of the pricier ones on this list, but it genuinely is worth the investment. I simply fill it with fresh coffee beans, water and milk, and it grinds, brews and steams everything for me (I'm a bit of a technophobe and even I can work this machine with ease). It provides me with a huge variety of options - from flat whites and cappuccinos to iced lattes, and I can even choose how much foam and milk I want to add to each coffee, or whether I want to add an extra shot of espresso. The clever profile system lets me tailor my own (and up to three more) coffees to perfection, making my regular morning brew a breeze to make. Trust me, you'll want to invite people around just so you can show off this machine (as my fiancee has done endlessly since the day it arrived on our doorstep." - Valeza Bakolli, Junior Shopping Editor

2. Illy Easy E.S.E Coffee Machine

"If you're low on counter space and want to add a pop of colour to your kitchen, this is a great choice. Illy's E.S.E machine is compact and sleek - but still makes a pretty powerful brew. If you're not a fan of the bright red shade, it also comes in cream or black to suit your kitchen counter. It works in a similar way to a typical pod coffee machine - simply pop it in, press the button and a shot of espresso pops out. I'm a huge fan of the adjustable stand, which allows you to cater to differently-sized coffee cups (including the adorable espresso mugs I can't get enough of right now). The pods are slightly different from the conventional type, but they're easy to pick up from Amazon or the Illy website - they're pretty affordable and incredibly tasty." - Valeza Bakolli, Junior Shopping Editor

3. Nespresso Vertuo Pop

"If you don’t want a huge coffee machine in your kitchen, the Nespresso Vertuo Pop is a compact coffee maker that’s small in size, but big on taste. This machine stands at 31.4 cm tall, so hardly takes up any room on the kitchen bench and is easy to clean and store. Not only is it compact, but it's also extremely easy and quick to use and performs brilliantly. The stylish design comes in six colours, so it can blend in or stand out, whichever you prefer.

I really liked how the Nespresso Vertuo Pop can brew multiple sizes of coffee, from an espresso to a mug. It uses larger capsules, to make the best Nespresso coffee I’ve ever tasted, plus the capsules come in different sizes according to the type of coffee you want. There’s also a huge variety of flavours and strengths.

It’s a clever machine, with one-touch brewing, fast heat-up, automatic fast pod ejection, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi technology. I also liked that it’s made from 35% recycled plastic and the pods are aluminium, so can be recycled by sending back to Nespresso.

The only downside is the fact that the Nespresso coffee pods can be a little more expensive. It's worth noting that Vertuo pods are not the same size as standard Nespresso pods, or supermarket derivatives, so just one to bear in mind. " - Ana Ospina, Designer

4. Grind One Pod Machine

"When I say I was excited about trying this coffee machine, I mean it: I was *excited*. I love coffee - sadly it doesn't love me quite so much, and I can only have one a day, pre 12pm. That said, I look forward to my morning coffee most days and no, I'm not ashamed to say it sometimes (often) gets me out of bed in the morning.

Testing the Grind One Pod Machine, the aesthetic is immediately noticeable. It's small enough, shiny and silver, made from stainless steel (so thought to last longer than other plastic alternatives which end up in landfill), and has a manual leaver, too, making it feel like it's built to make 'proper' coffee.

Pros, three weeks in: it was ridiculously simple to set up - I literally attached the mug tray, plugged it in, filled it with water, popped a pod in, and had delicious coffee! Noise-wise, it's quiet enough, and the crema (that's the creamy bit on top of the coffee, FYI) is consistent with each mug. Plus, it's really easy to choose how much coffee you want to be dispensed (great when you live with espresso fiends, like my partner), and the brand's Grind pods are some of the only home compostable pods currently available (it's also compatible with other major competitor pods, like Nespresso). 

Cons: I thought that it was a bit of a shame that it didn't come with a milk frother. That being said, you can purchase a version that does come with one, so I would definitely recommend that. It's also on the pricier end of the spectrum, compared to competitors, and is delivered in an awful lot of cardboard.

Overall, I'm a fan - it looks great in my kitchen, is simple to use, and makes delicious coffee. Sure, it may be more expensive, but IMO, I'd rather invest in a higher-end option that lasts a lifetime and stops me from contributing to landfill every five years." - Ally Head, Senior Health Editor

5. Tassimo by Bosch HAPPY Pod Coffee Machine

"For me, this machine is the perfect introduction into the world of coffee makers. It is so simple to use, the machine is nice and compact and you can purchase a range of pods depending on what you like to drink. You can even get hot chocolate pods if you don't fancy coffee.

All you have to do is fill the machine with water, pop in your chosen pod, press the button and watch as your cup of coffee comes to life. The only downside to this machine is that it doesn't come with a milk frother, but for the price, you really can't go wrong." - Grace Lindsay, Ecommerce Writer

6. Smeg Espresso Machine with Pump

"I can't lie, the first thing that drew me to this machine was the way that it looked. In fact, I think it's one of the most aesthetically pleasing coffee machines ever to exist. It's great for espresso lovers, however you can also make lattes thanks to the milk frother.

After reading the instructions, I found it super simple to use, and felt like a real barista after using ground coffee for the first time. I couldn't recommend the machine enough, and might even have to purchase the toaster and kettle to match." - Grace Lindsay, Ecommerce Writer

7. De'Longhi Magnifica Evo

"If you prefer using coffee beans over pods, say hello to your new favourite coffee machine. The De'Longhi Magnifica Evo is made for those who really take pride in the quality of their morning coffee, and it even comes with a milk frother to make a wide selection of drinks.

Although it took me a little while to figure out, once you've got the hang of it, it is super easy to use. You can also use ground coffee, so it's great if one of you wants decaf and one of you doesn't (like my partner and I). You can choose from three cup sizes and do two cups at once. Win win.

The only two things that I would make sure to consider before buying is that the machine is rather big, so make sure you've got enough space in your kitchen. It can also be a little noisy when grinding the beans, but trust me when I say it's worth it." - Grace Lindsay, Ecommerce Writer

8. Sage Barista Express Bean-to-Cup Coffee Machine

"For a machine that wouldn't look out of place in your local Starbucks, say hello to the Sage Barista Express. This luxury coffee maker is definitely an investment, but you'll never have to visit a coffee shop again.

Not only does it look chic sat in my kitchen, but it can turn your coffee beans into a delicious espresso in under a minute. You can grind the beans right before extraction for full flavour, and you can bring out your inner barista thanks to the manual milk frothing function. It is expensive, but if you are really into your coffee, then this is the way to go." - Sunil Makan, Editor

9. Sage the Bambino Espresso Machine

"Okay, so this coffee machine might be a little spenny, but it has honestly revolutionised my morning routine. Sage is a leader in the coffee industry, so you’re definitely getting what you pay for here. It takes some prior research, but once you’ve gotten the hang of the technique, it’s incredibly easy to use - even for a novice like me. The results? A smooth, creamy brew with a rich crema on top. Lovely. 

The Bambino features all the barista-worthy perks you’d expect from a larger Sage coffee machine (including a milk steamer and a wealth of handy accessories), just on a smaller scale. It goes without saying that this is the perfect compact machine if you’re short on counter space but don’t want to scrimp on the quality of your coffee. I’d also like to point out that the Bambino is currently on sale for £100 less at Amazon, so it’s a great time to invest if ever there was one." - Valeza Bakolli, Junior Shopping Editor

10. L'OR BARISTA Sublime Coffee Capsule Machine by Philips

"Fans of espresso, this is the investment for you. L’OR's BARISTA Sublime machine will certainly satisfy your need for a caffeine hit. The machine takes coffee pods, meaning you can easily select how strong you’d like your espresso to be. Not to mention, it’s compact and cute, so it will look just lovely on your kitchen bench, and won’t take up too much room if you’re in a small flat.  Did I mention you can do two espressos at once? Perfect if your partner is also a fan.

The one thing to note though is that the machine does not come equipped with a milk frother, so it is definitely an option for those who like their espresso without any additions. Overall, I think it’s a great machine if espresso is your coffee of choice, and at only £63, it’s definitely a worthwhile investment." - Zoe Anastasiou, Fashion Editor

11. Breville One-Touch CoffeeHouse

"My morning coffee is an essential part of my daily routine. I have often found myself sacrificing time to pop into my favourite local coffee shop, and as exciting as this is, it is not the most time effective, so I can safely say I was excited to find an alternative. 

This coffee machine has been a great addition to my fast-paced morning as it's versatile and easy to use. The machine is small and compact but able to provide a vast variety of options from espresso, latte, cappuccino, and americano - all at two different sizes. This machine also includes a variety of adjustable functions including an adjustable milk froth setting, moveable shelf height to adjust to different sized mugs, and a scoop and press tool to measure the desired amount of coffee. 

The only downside is that this machine can be noisy when it comes to grinding the beans which is not ideal as I live with a few other people in a small space, however this is to be expected with these kind of machines. 

Overall, I am very pleased with this coffee machine as it has given me different options for a coffee lover who is open to trying different types and brands. With its milk frother setting I have also been able to create chai lattes and hot chocolate for friends that are non-coffee drinkers as well." - Sofia Piza, Producer

12. Bugatti Diva Coffee Machine Chrome

"This has to be one of the most boujee, luxe coffee machines that I have laid my eyes on. It was a hand-me-down from my parents, and every time I use it I feel really classy and sophisticated. It is big and heavy (7.7kgs), so if you have a small kitchen it will take up a lot of your counter top.

If you're serious about your espresso then this is the coffee machine for you, and you can use either E.S.E coffee pods or ground coffee. If you go with the later, it can take a little bit of time to get used to the measurements but once you've sorted it, you're set. It also comes with a steamer if you want some froth on your coffee.

All I'll say is that its called Diva for a reason!" - Sophie Cookson, eCommerce Analyst