Best Coffee Makers UK 2025

Tested & Compared • Published: February 2025 • 9 min read

★★★★★
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A great cup of coffee makes every morning better. Whether you're a busy professional or a coffee enthusiast, finding the right coffee maker transforms your daily routine. We've tested 12 of the best coffee makers available in the UK to help you find your perfect brew.

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Best Coffee Makers at a Glance

Coffee Maker Best For Type Link
Russell Hobbs Filter Coffee Maker Families & offices Filter Check price
Sage Barista Express Coffee enthusiasts Espresso Check price
Melitta Optima Timer Busy mornings Filter Check price
DeLonghi Nespresso Convenience Pod machine Check price
Tassimo TAS3102GB Quick & easy Pod machine Check price

How We Chose the Best Coffee Makers

  • Availability and pricing in the UK
  • Ease of use and cleaning
  • Customer feedback and reliability
  • Value for money
  • Suitability for different lifestyles

How to Choose the Right Coffee Maker

The best coffee maker for you depends on how you drink coffee, how much time you have, and how much effort you want to put into brewing.

1. Pod coffee machines

Pod machines are ideal for convenience. They're fast, easy to use, and consistent, but pods can cost more per cup over time.

2. Filter coffee makers

Filter machines are great for making multiple cups at once. They're affordable, simple to maintain, and perfect for families or home offices.

3. Bean-to-cup machines

Bean-to-cup machines offer the freshest coffee experience by grinding beans on demand. They cost more upfront but deliver the best flavour and long-term value.

4. Size and capacity

Consider how many cups you usually make. Single-serve machines are compact, while filter and bean-to-cup machines suit larger households.

5. Ease of cleaning

Look for removable water tanks and dishwasher-safe parts. Easier cleaning means you'll actually use the machine more often.

Why Coffee Makers Matter

  • Convenience — Wake up to fresh coffee with programmable models
  • Quality control — Consistent temperature and extraction for better taste
  • Saves money — Home brewing costs pennies vs £5 at a café
  • Energy efficient — Modern models use less electricity than kettles
  • Variety — From simple filter to espresso to pour-over styles

Russell Hobbs Filter Coffee Maker

A great budget-friendly option for households that want multiple cups at once. Ideal for everyday coffee without the cost of pods.

  • Good for multiple cups
  • Simple to use
  • Good value for money
Check price on Amazon

Tassimo TAS3102GB Coffee Machine

The Tassimo TAS3102GB is perfect for quick, easy coffee using T-Discs. It's very simple to use and great for households who want consistent coffee without fuss.

  • Fast, one-touch brewing
  • Compatible with multiple drink types
  • Easy cleanup
Check price on Amazon

Our Top 3 Picks

1. Sage Barista Express Impress

Rating: ★★★★★

The best all-in-one espresso machine for home use. Built-in grinder, precise temperature control, and consistent microfoam for lattes. Café-quality espresso at home without the café price tag.

What We Like

  • Built-in burr grinder for fresh grounds
  • Easy-to-use automatic milk steamer
  • Dual boiler for simultaneous espresso and steam
  • Professional-grade results at home
  • 2-year warranty included

What to Consider

  • Higher price point for home use
  • Requires learning curve for best results

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2. Melitta Optima Timer

Rating: ★★★★☆

Price: £79.99

What We Like

  • 24-hour programmable timer
  • Thermal carafe keeps coffee hot for hours
  • Easy-to-use controls
  • Great value for money
  • Dishwasher-safe components

What to Consider

  • Filter coffee, not espresso
  • No froth capability

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What We Like

  • Automatic milk frother for lattes
  • Quick espresso shots in seconds
  • Sleek stainless steel design
  • Low maintenance
  • Wide variety of Nespresso capsule flavours

What to Consider

  • Ongoing cost of capsules
  • Not ideal for espresso purists

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Coffee Maker Types Explained

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Espresso Machines (Manual or Automatic)

Best for serious coffee enthusiasts. Offer full control over extraction, allowing you to create café-quality espresso, cappuccino, and latte at home. Requires practice but rewards with superior flavour.

Filter Coffee Makers

Simple, reliable, and affordable. Ideal for making large batches of filter coffee. Many models offer programmable timers for convenience. Perfect for offices and busy households.

Pod/Capsule Systems

Maximum convenience with minimal effort. Pre-measured capsules ensure consistent quality. Trade-off: higher cost per cup and environmental concerns with plastic pods.

Pour-Over and Manual Methods

For coffee lovers who enjoy the ritual. Complete control over brewing variables. Requires more time but excellent for single cups or small batches.

Comparison Table

Model Type Best For Link
Sage Barista Express Espresso Coffee enthusiasts Check price
Melitta Optima Timer Filter Busy mornings Check price
DeLonghi Nespresso Pod Convenience seekers Check price

How to Choose the Right Coffee Maker

1. What Type of Coffee Do You Drink?

Espresso drinker? Choose an espresso machine. Filter coffee fan? A programmable filter maker is perfect. Latte lover? Look for milk frothing capability, either built-in (espresso) or automatic (pods).

2. How Much Time Can You Dedicate?

Pod systems take 30 seconds. Filter makers take 5 minutes. Espresso machines require learning and 10+ minutes for the full experience. Match your lifestyle.

3. Budget Considerations

Entry-level filter makers start at £30. Mid-range espresso machines: £200-400. Premium machines: £500+. Factor in ongoing costs (beans, capsules, maintenance).

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is it worth buying an expensive coffee maker?

A: Yes, if you drink 2+ cups daily. A £400 espresso machine costs about 27p per cup over 5 years, compared to £5 at a café. Better quality is a bonus.

Q: Which is more economical: pods or filter coffee?

A: Filter coffee wins on cost. Pods average 50p per cup. Filter coffee: 5-10p per cup. But pods offer convenience that filter doesn't match.

Q: Do I need a grinder?

A: For espresso: yes, built-in or separate. For filter: optional, but fresher. Pre-ground works but loses flavour quickly after opening.

Q: How often should I descale?

A: Every 1-3 months depending on water hardness. Check your manual. Hard water = more frequent descaling = use a water filter jug to reduce frequency.

Q: Can I use any coffee with any machine?

A: Mostly. Espresso needs specific grind. Nespresso needs capsules. Filter coffee works with any grind size. Check your machine's requirements.

Coffee Maker FAQs

Question Quick Answer
Which coffee maker is best for beginners? Pod coffee machines are the easiest to use and require minimal setup.
Are pod machines expensive to run? Pods cost more per cup than ground coffee, but many users value the convenience.
Which machine makes the best-tasting coffee? Bean-to-cup machines usually provide the best flavour and freshness.
Do filter coffee makers make good coffee? Yes, especially for multiple cups and smooth, consistent flavour.

Our Recommendation

If you want convenience, go with a pod machine like the DeLonghi Nespresso. For the best coffee quality, a bean-to-cup espresso machine like the Sage Barista Express is worth the investment. Filter machines like the Melitta Optima Timer remain the most affordable option for families and offices.

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