Coffee Machine: Buying Guide

Coffee machine buying guide. Image of four different types of coffee machine

A helpful guide for buying a new coffee machine

Every coffee lover deserves a coffee machine in the comfort of their own home. Whilst it may seem costly to invest in a coffee machine, you’ll save a fortune at the drive through! No more queuing up in coffee shops, you’ll be able to create barista quality coffees whenever you need one.

Once you’ve decided to invest in a coffee machine, there are lots of options to choose from! Choosing your model depends on several factors. These include your budget and style, which functions you prefer and also which brands you like.

Our coffee machine buying guide will help you find the perfect model to suit your needs and preferences. Find out everything you need to know about coffee machines below!

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Coffee Machine Installation Types

First of all, we’ll take a look at the different types of coffee machine installation. Freestanding coffee machines come in a range of styles, sizes and colour options. You can place a freestanding model anywhere that is near to a plug socket, giving you more freedom of choice. A built in coffee machine on the other hand, is designed to be installed into a tall housing unit. The benefit of built in is that you can match your machine to your other appliances, creating a sleek and cohesive appearance. A built in model also keeps your counter space free!

Pros and Cons of Built In Coffee Machines

Image of an AEG built in coffee machine
  • You can create a sleek appearance by installing alongside your other appliances
  • There are often additional features, including being able to make two coffees at once
  • You can connect your smart phone to operate your machine remotely
  • Frees up valuable counter space
  • Often more expensive than freestanding coffee machines
  • You are more limited as to where you can position built in models
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Pros and Cons of Freestanding Coffee Machines

Image of a Smeg freestanding coffee machine
  • Usually less expensive than built in machines
  • You can position a freestanding model anywhere that reaches a plug socket
  • There is lots of choice in terms of colour, size and style
  • Freestanding models come in compact sizes, taking up little room
  • May offer less features than a built in coffee machine
  • Freestanding models use worktop space which can be a challenge in smaller spaces
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Coffee Machine Buying Guide: Types of Coffee

Once you’ve decided whether you need a built in or freestanding machine, the next thing to consider is what type of coffee you like.

Many built in or fully automatic coffee machines can make a whole host of different speciality coffees. You can choose between using beans or freshly ground coffee depending on your preference. From macchiatos to mochas, cappuccinos to lattes, you can impress your guests with a variety of options.

Bean to Cup Coffee Machines

There are many benefits to choosing a bean to cup coffee machine. One key advantage is the freshness and flavour you get. Using coffee beans which are freshly ground means you get the best aroma and flavour, just like you’d expect from your favourite coffee shop. Another benefit of using beans is that they are more environmentally friendly than using pods, which can also be more expensive.

Choosing a bean to cup coffee machine means you can also adjust the coffee quantity, strength and grinding level. By tailoring these settings to your preferences, you can create a bespoke coffee setting that you can enjoy again and again. One of our favourite bean to cup coffee brands, Jura have some top tips to becoming an at home barista. Find out how to create the perfect latte art, discover great pairings and more from the coffee specialists themselves!

Coffee machine buying guide: Image of a built in Siemens coffee machine

A Siemens Built in Coffee Machine offering up to 29 different coffee options

Coffee machine buying guide: Image of a Jura freestanding coffee machine showing the various coffee types to choose from

A Jura Freestanding Coffee Machine featuring 17 different coffee options

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Espresso Coffee Machines

If you can’t function without your morning espresso, and no other type of coffee hits the spot, an espresso machine is an essential! An espresso machine forces hot water through finely ground coffee beans, creating highly concentrated coffee. Espresso machines come in a variety of colours and sizes. You can opt for a single espresso maker, or even an espresso maker featuring a grinder in order to achieve that barista quality coffee in your kitchen.

Smeg retro style espresso maker in pastel green featuring a coffee grinder

A Smeg Retro Espresso Coffee Machine featuring a grinder

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Filter Coffee Machines

Whilst some of us need that short and strong coffee hit, others prefer a slow and steady stream of coffee throughout the day. A Smeg retro drip filter coffee machine can store a capacity of up to 10 cups in its glass carafe. You can keep your coffee warm for up to 40 minutes with this style of machine. Handy if you’re hosting friends as you can keep their coffee topped up regularly with minimum effort. Our range of drip filter coffee machines have a distinctive retro style, which is perfect for this classic type of coffee.

A Smeg Retro Drip Filter Coffee Machine finished in blue

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Coffee Accessories

Once you have perfected the art of home brewed coffee, you’ll want the accessories to further enhance your experience. From coffee grinders to cup warmers, we have everything you need to get the very best out of your brew.

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Hopefully our coffee machine buying guide has helped you choose your new model. If you have any questions or need further advice, give our sales team a call or pop into our Nottinghamshire showroom. See some of our coffee machines on display, even try one of our Jura coffees before you buy! Our team of experts are on hand to help.