Coffee Machines

19 Essential Coffee Machine Features

Choosing a coffee machine can be overwhelming with numerous features to consider that your new coffee maker might need.

By selecting some desired features first, you can simplify the decision-making process for which type of coffee machine suits your needs best.

Below, you can explore many features that various coffee machines offer, helping you choose the ones that matter most to you.

#1 Timer Function

If you want your coffee machine to start brewing at a specific time, look for one with a timer function.

This feature allows you to set the machine to brew your coffee exactly when you want it.

It's especially handy for those who can't function until they’ve had their morning coffee—prepare the night before and set the timer for the next morning.

#2 Keep Warm Function

Some coffee machines are equipped to keep coffee warm for a longer period after brewing.

This is achieved through a built-in heating plate that keeps the carafe warm while it's still on the machine.

#3 Refill Indicator

Coffee machines with larger tanks, which you might not empty in one go, sometimes feature a refill indicator.

This indicator usually comes in the form of a light that alerts you when the tank is low on water.

In some cases, you'll also find this function available in apps for machines equipped with Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.

This is particularly useful for machines with concealed water tanks or rear-facing tanks that are difficult to see.

#4 Glass Carafe or Thermal Carafe

If you’re interested in a coffee machine with a thermal carafe, you can choose between machines with a glass carafe or a thermal carafe.

The glass carafe is a classic seen in many machines, but it doesn’t retain heat well, making it more suitable for coffee that will be consumed immediately.

Alternatively, if you already have a thermal carafe you’d like to use, you can pour coffee from the glass carafe into it.

Other drip coffee makers come with a thermal carafe where the coffee brews directly into it, eliminating the need to transfer it afterward.

The thermal carafe is often double-walled, which retains heat exceptionally well, so you won’t be left with cold coffee too quickly.

This is especially useful if the coffee machine is on an office desk, ensuring there's always hot coffee available for the next person.

#5 Capacity

When it comes to capacity, two important aspects are how much coffee the machine can brew in one go.

Different machines may have different brewing capacities.

Capacity depends on the size of the water reservoir and the size of the carafe/cup.

You should especially consider this if you need to brew coffee for a large number of people at once.

In this case, look for a coffee machine with a large water tank and a generous carafe, so you won’t have to brew multiple times.

Below is an approximate cup yield based on various liter measurements:

#6 Drip Stop

Many coffee machines now come with a drip stop feature, which prevents drips when you remove the carafe or cup.

This feature helps reduce the need for extra cleaning, as it avoids spills from the machine.

Perfect for those who prefer less mess when making coffee.

#7 Auto Shut-Off

Auto shut-off is essentially a standard feature that all coffee machines should have, as it’s a legal requirement in the EU for devices not to remain on standby for prolonged periods.

As such, today all coffee machines sold in the EU—including Denmark—must have an auto shut-off feature that powers down the machine after a set time.

This regulation helps avoid appliances remaining switched on unnecessarily and wasting energy.

There can be differences in how long various machines stay on, but you needn’t worry, as machines that don’t comply with the regulations are not allowed for sale.

This means all coffee machines sold within the EU must include an auto shut-off feature, ensuring they turn off automatically.

#8 Display / Screen

The newer and more expensive models often feature a digital display, allowing you to visually select the beverages you want the machine to prepare.

In some cases, the display is also touch-enabled, eliminating the need for buttons as you simply tap the screen for your selection.

Some models have a less advanced digital display, showing only letters and numbers and controlled through buttons beside the display.

#9 Built-in Coffee Grinder

Higher-end and more advanced coffee machine models may come equipped with a built-in coffee grinder for fresh ground coffee.

The grinder can usually be adjusted to create the desired coarseness, allowing you to brew your preferred type of coffee.

Freshly ground coffee is said to have a more aromatic flavor compared to pre-ground coffee.

Thus, coffee machines with grinders might be just the thing for you if you want the best coffee possible.

#10 Coffee Bean Hopper

Not only do some coffee machines have a built-in grinder, but many also include a bean hopper for holding coffee beans.

This allows the machine to automatically dose the beans to the grinder and grind coffee based on your selected type.

#11 Aroma Function

Different coffee machine manufacturers sometimes feature unique settings to enhance or control the coffee’s aroma.

Some of these functionalities include:

• Aroma control
• Aroma selector
• Aroma twister
• Aroma swirl

Different brands will have various names for these features.

Some may be trademarked, so you’ll only see them from specific brands, while others use different names for the same feature.

So don't be discouraged if you can’t find a specific feature under a certain brand; they just might have called it something else.

#12 Coffee Machine with Milk Frother

There are several types of coffee that involve milk or milk froth, and thus there are coffee machines with built-in milk frothers or steamers.

The milk frother works by circulating the coffee with steam, which is injected into the milk, causing it to froth up and heat.

Milk froth is used for lattes, cappuccinos, and macchiatos, allowing you to create a wide variety of coffee drinks with the help of a steamer.

This way, you can effortlessly prepare milk froth or hot milk for your coffee drink without needing separate equipment.

#13 Cup Warmer

To prevent a cold cup from pulling heat away from your coffee, some espresso machines come with a built-in cup warmer.

Typically, the cup warmer is a plate at the top of the machine where you can place your cups to warm them up.

This way, they’re better prepared to maintain your coffee's temperature for a longer period.

This small extra feature can give you a café experience in the comfort of your home.

#14 Water Filter

Some coffee machines feature a built-in water filter designed to protect the machine from limescale while ensuring a better, purer taste in your coffee.

The water filter is particularly useful if you live in an area with hard water, which has a high mineral content.

Limescale can build up inside the machine and the more deposits it collects, the more frequently you’ll need to descale it.

This means the water filter not only provides a clearer cup of coffee but also aids in machine maintenance, reducing cleaning needs.

The water filter should be changed regularly to prevent clogs, and new filters can be purchased separately.

#15 Drip Tray

Most coffee machines designed for cups come equipped with a drip tray, so there isn't a mess if you remove the cup.

This makes cleanup easier if the machine happens to drip, or if the chosen cup is too small, or if it’s filled to the brim and spills a little when removed.

Drip trays are generally easy to clean and can often be removed for rinsing under the tap.

Above the drip tray, there’s usually a grate to direct drips away from the cup, preventing spills pooling under the cup when removed.

#16 Dual Bean

Dual Bean means that the coffee machine can accommodate two types of beans in one machine, allowing you to select your preferred coffee beans.

Each bean hopper typically has its own grinder, ensuring the coffee grounds from the two beans don’t mix during grinding.

This can be a brilliant function if you enjoy different types of coffee or if multiple people in the household have their own favorite beans.

#17 Number of Cups

Some coffee machines allow you to specify how many cups you would like to brew.

This way, you don’t end up with an excess of coffee in the carafe that needs to be disposed of.

If you're uncertain about how much coffee to make for your group, this feature can be quite helpful.

#18 Hot Water Function

Certain types of coffee may require extra hot water on hand, such as an Americano, which is a diluted espresso.

With a hot water function, it’s easy to get hot water from your espresso machine.

Besides diluting your coffee, you can also use the hot water function to make tea, hot chocolate, and other hot beverages.

This means you won’t need a kettle or alternative ways to boil water, simplifying your setup for various hot drinks.

#19 Cleaning Indicator

If keeping your machine clean is a challenge because you’re unsure when it needs attention, a cleaning indicator might be just what you need.

The indicator is a small light that illuminates when it’s time to clean your machine of limescale and other residues.

This is especially vital in areas with hard water to ensure your machine is adequately descaled.

Furthermore, having an indicator serves as a helpful reminder, letting the machine alert you when it’s time for cleaning, so you don’t have to guess.

6 Things to Consider Before Buying a Coffee Machine

You might find choosing a new coffee machine a bit overwhelming due to the many options and features available.

Here are some questions you can ask yourself to guide your search for a coffee machine that suits your needs perfectly.

#1. What type of coffee do you want?

First, determine what kind of coffee you prefer—whether it’s regular black coffee, a rich espresso, a creamy latte, or something entirely different.

If you lean towards milk-based coffee drinks, or enjoy variation in your coffee, an espresso machine would be the versatile choice you seek.

Fully automatic and semi-automatic espresso machines can steam milk, allowing you to make a broader range of coffee drinks.

#2. How advanced do you want the machine to be?

If you prefer things straightforward and easy, advanced espresso machines might not be your cup of tea.

They can take some time to learn and navigate correctly before you achieve the desired results.

If considering an automatic espresso machine with a digital display or a smart home coffee maker, it may quickly become too sophisticated for less tech-savvy individuals.

#3. How many cups do you need to brew at once?

How many cups you need to brew at a time is crucial in determining which machine to choose.

If you're in a large family or often entertain guests, making one cup at a time can be tedious, often leading to the first cup cooling down while waiting for the last to finish.

However, machines that brew one cup at a time can offer your family or guests some variety so everyone gets their preferred coffee.

The easiest choice for serving multiple guests is probably the classic drip coffee maker.

This allows you to brew large quantities at once, though other coffee machines may also provide this capability.

If you have time to enjoy the process of brewing, a French press, percolator, or vacuum coffee maker can also serve several cups at once.

#4. What budget do you have in mind?

When considering your budget, be sure to factor in not only the price of the machine itself but also the cost of coffee for it.

Some coffee machines can be expensive to brew, such as capsule coffee machines.

Capsules tend to be pricey, with costs depending on your coffee preferences.

Typically, a pack contains enough capsules for 8-16 cups, which can get costly if you're a frequent coffee drinker.

Of course, the price of coffee for other machines depends on whether you purchase pre-ground coffee or whole beans and what type and brand you select.

So with machines other than capsule models, you have a bit more control over how much you spend on coffee.

However, you can often find cheaper brands producing capsules compatible with other brands of capsule machines, allowing for some savings.

Alternatively, reusable coffee capsules let you fill them with any desired coffee or hot drink.

This way, you can opt for a standard pre-ground coffee used in other machines, essentially creating your own capsules.

Thus, you save money and contribute to environmental efforts by not constantly discarding plastic capsules.

Filter coffee machines are often the most affordable choice both upfront and in coffee brewing.

Packages usually produce many cups of coffee and are therefore relatively inexpensive to brew.

#5. With or without accessories? (automatic or manual)

If you wish to grind your own coffee beans for the freshest brew, or enjoy froth in your coffee, consider whether you want those features integrated or purchased separately.

You can get coffee machines with built-in grinders or milk frothers/steamers, thereby eliminating the need to buy them separately.

It’s quite convenient to have everything consolidated in one machine, which does increase the price slightly, but generally amounts to a similar cost as buying a grinder and frother separately.

#6. Design

If you have design preferences, ensure to include this in your considerations.

Design is very much a matter of taste, and coffee machines come in a wide variety of styles and colours.

This doesn't make it easier to choose a coffee machine, particularly if the design also needs to align with specific features.

Luckily, with so many options available, you’re likely to find a machine that matches both your aesthetic and functional needs.

If your home has a consistent style, there’s almost certainly a coffee machine that fits seamlessly into that theme.

Drip Coffee Maker - Easy Coffee for Many

The drip coffee maker is one of the most well-known types of coffee machines here in England.

It can brew coffee for many cups at a time, typically ranging from about 8-16 cups per session.

This machine uses a drip technique, where a filter filled with coffee sits above the carafe, and a water tank provides water to the filter when the machine is switched on.

The water passes through the coffee filter, infusing it with flavour and colour, and then drips into the carafe as finished coffee.

Most drip coffee makers come with a glass carafe, which is where the coffee drips from the filter into.

Many newer drip machines now come with a reusable coffee filter, which can simply be cleaned, providing a more sustainable option than single-use filters.

Thermal Coffee Maker

A thermal coffee maker is basically just a standard drip coffee machine but comes with a thermal carafe instead of a glass one.

The thermal carafe helps keep coffee warm if not all of it is consumed at once.

This makes it great for the office, when you have guests or simply if you drink a lot of coffee and don't want to brew a new pot every time you want a cup.

Capsule Coffee Maker - Quick Coffee for Every Taste

The capsule coffee maker has been a popular choice for quite a few years, providing users with an easy and quick way to get a cup of coffee.

There are many different types of coffee available for these machines, such as americano, macchiato, latte, cappuccino, and more.

Additionally, you can also make tea, hot chocolate, iced coffee, and chai lattes with the machine, ensuring variety for the whole family.

When it comes to the machine itself, they come in several types, with the main two being manual and automatic.

Manual

The manual capsule machine, as the name suggests, requires you to perform some manual tasks to brew your coffee.

In addition to the usual tasks like inserting the capsule and filling the tank with water, you also need to gauge the amount of water your coffee needs.

Automatic

The automatic machines know how much water is needed for your coffee, preventing it from being too weak or strong.

Generally, you will need to input the desired amount of water, as indicated on the capsules, making it fairly simple to use an automatic capsule coffee maker.

Some have a system where you just select the coffee type and it assesses the water amount needed.

Other Types of Coffee Machines

In addition to the more common coffee makers, there are plenty of other varieties and brewers to explore below.

Smart Home Coffee Maker

A smart home coffee maker allows you to brew your coffee remotely, meaning you don’t need to be physically present at the machine to prepare a cup.

You can find both drip coffee makers, capsule machines, and espresso machines in smart home versions, with the espresso machine being the most common.

Though they’re limited in availability right now, we should see an increase in smart home devices in the coming years.

French Press

Also known as a French press, a French press is a type of coffee maker featuring a plunger.

With a French press, you can also brew coffee for multiple cups at once, making it ideal for hosting guests.

The container is typically made of glass and set in a steel frame, with a lid containing the plunger, which you can press down from the lid right to the bottom of the jug.

To brew with a French press, you place medium-ground coffee at the bottom and pour boiling water over it.

Boiling water can be easily prepared in an electric kettle and poured over into the French press.

After putting the lid on, let the coffee steep for a few minutes before pushing the plunger all the way to the bottom of the jug.

This presses the coffee grounds to the bottom, separating brewed coffee on top, but a small amount of grounds always remains as the sieve doesn’t catch everything.

Duo Coffee Maker

Like standard single drip coffee makers, these may also feature thermal or glass carafes.

The duo drip coffee maker has two carafes that can brew two separate pots at the same time, which means you can make different strength coffees or larger quantities concurrently.

This is particularly useful for offices or other situations where coffee is made for a lot of people.

Percolator

A percolator is a relatively retro way to brew coffee but has been modernized over the years and now exists in electric forms.

Often, the electric percolators operate similarly to electric kettles; they're plugged into a power source and bring water to a boil.

You can learn more about percolators and see our selection on our percolator page.

Coffee Maker with Travel Mug

A coffee maker with a travel mug operates like a drip coffee machine but comes with a thermal mug instead of a carafe.

This design allows you to take your freshly brewed coffee on the go, ideal for road trips or to the office.

Additionally, the thermal mug keeps your coffee warm for longer, ensuring you don’t end up with a lukewarm cup when it’s time to drink.

This machine is great for those who regularly grab coffee on their way out the door, allowing you to brew directly into your travel mug without needing to pour it from a carafe.

Hybrid Coffee Maker (3-in-1/2-in-1)

If you’re having difficulty choosing among all the various coffee machines, there actually are hybrids that combine multiple machines into one.

For instance, you can find espresso machines that can also make capsule coffee, or even more advanced models that function as espresso, capsule, and drip coffee makers in one.

This grants you the flexibility to pick the brewing method matching your mood.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Different Coffee Machines

Below, you can find some advantages and disadvantages of various types of coffee machines.

This should help clarify which machines best meet your requirements.

Capsule Coffee Maker

Advantages:

1. Quickly and easily brews various coffee styles
2. Can produce tea, hot chocolate, chai lattes, and other warm drinks (great for the whole family)
3. No need for additional equipment like a grinder, milk frother, etc.
4. Typically compact, requiring little space
5. Brew only one cup at a time, minimizing waste compared to making a full pot
6. Consistent results with each brew (though manual ones may vary)

Disadvantages:

1. Capsules are generally expensive
2. Environmental concerns due to waste and recycling difficulties
3. Less aromatic as the coffee is pre-ground
4. Limited flavour options as you can only choose from compatible capsules
5. Only brews one cup at a time (inconvenient for multiple servings)
6. You don’t control the amount of coffee in capsules
7. Some capsules are exclusively purchasable online

Additionally, there are various pros and cons linked to the types of capsule machines available.

For instance, a manual model may require you to dose the right amount of water and stop brewing yourself.

Conversely, the automatic version manages the dosing and stops when brewing concludes.

Conclusion

A capsule coffee maker is perfect for those seeking convenient, versatile coffee options for the entire family, even if it comes at a higher cost.

Drip Coffee Maker

Advantages:

1. User-friendly (not much effort needed from the user)
2. Brews a large quantity of coffee at once
3. Easy to clean
4. Generally affordable
5. Cost-effective to operate

Disadvantages:

1. Only brews one type of coffee
2. Usually requires a separate grinder for fresh coffee

Conclusion

A drip coffee maker is for those who want an easy option for brewing multiple cups simultaneously while maintaining a straightforward operational process, making it quite affordable to brew coffee.

French Press

Advantages:

1. Many believe French press coffee has greater flavour and body than filter coffee
2. Simple and easy to use

Disadvantages:

1. Takes a bit longer to brew
2. Multiple parts to clean
3. Requires a separate grinder for fresh coffee

Conclusion

A French press is ideal for anyone looking to enjoy the brewing process and still be able to serve multiple cups at once.

Espresso

Advantages:

1. Allows for a variety of advanced coffee styles and flavours
2. Often comes with an integrated grinder and frother/steamer
3. Brews only one cup at a time, thus avoiding waste

Disadvantages:

1. More expensive than most other coffee machines
2. Requires more cleaning
3. May have a longer brewing time (depends on model and coffee type)
4. Typically brews only 1-2 cups at a time (more with larger café models)
5. Longer operational process
6. Can take time to master (manual)

Conclusion

The espresso machine caters to various preferences, depending on the model you choose.

If you enjoy taking your time brewing a coffee and diving into espresso-making, a manual or semi-automatic espresso machine would suit you.

For those simply wanting a good cup of espresso or another espresso-based coffee without much fuss, an automatic or fully automatic espresso machine is the right choice.

Percolator

Advantages:

1. Can brew multiple cups simultaneously
2. Affordable to purchase
3. Cost-effective to use
4. Compact, taking up minimal space

Disadvantages:

1. Percolators can overbrew coffee, resulting in bad flavour
2. Stovetop percolators can be tricky to control temperature

Conclusion

A percolator appeals to those who appreciate a retro coffee brewing style and want to serve multiple cups at once.

Overall Conclusion

All coffee machines have their pros and cons, and the key to a great cup of coffee ultimately lies in your understanding of how to correctly use your chosen machine.

Of course, personal taste plays a significant role in the type of flavours and strength each can produce.

It is up to you to experiment and find the right coffee, water dosage, and brewing methods to cater to your personal preferences.

Coffee Machine for the Office

If you're looking for a coffee machine for an office setting, you have several options to consider.

First, contemplate what type of coffee you want to offer—are you sticking to standard drip coffee, or are you aiming for something more advanced like an espresso machine?

If simplicity is your priority, drip coffee may suffice, and you'll want to think about how many people need coffee at a time.

For larger or medium-sized office environments, a duo coffee maker that can brew two pots concurrently could be beneficial.

This means more coffee can be prepared simultaneously, reducing wait times and ensuring multiple coffee machines aren’t required.

Moreover, this option allows for making different types of coffee, for instance, offering decaf for some while providing regular coffee for others.

With a duo coffee maker, you can satisfy varying preferences and serve coffee to multiple individuals at the same time.

Additionally, you may want to consider whether it comes with a glass or thermal carafe, the latter being great for meetings, as it keeps coffee warm for longer periods.

This ensures you don’t need to brew new coffee during lengthy meetings.

If there's a need for a wider variety of coffee types, an espresso machine might be the solution.

These machines typically allow for many coffee style options and brew one cup at a time, avoiding issues that can arise when one person makes coffee too strong or too weak for others.

While an espresso machine often requires more maintenance, especially with milk frothing features, having sufficient milk on hand also becomes necessary.

A good feature to look for in an office coffee machine is a model that keeps coffee warm for extended periods after brewing.

Not everyone may want a cup of coffee at exactly the same time, so this feature ensures there's always a warm cup available.

By doing so, you prevent coffee wastage and ensure individuals can brew just the servings they need.

Drip Coffee Maker vs. Espresso Machine

Drip coffee and espresso machines produce different types of coffee, with drip coffee using a drip method and espresso brewed under pressure.

Espresso delivers a more profound and concentrated coffee flavour, typically served in smaller quantities, whereas drip coffee tends to be somewhat lighter and consumed in larger volumes.

This allows the drip coffee maker to cater to larger crowds efficiently.

In contrast, the espresso machine usually brews one or two cups at a time and is ill-suited for producing full jugs.

If you enjoy milky coffee, then espresso serves as the base for most milk beverages, like lattes and cappuccinos.

Moreover, many espresso machines feature built-in milk frothers, making it easier to create milk-heavy drinks.

Besides these distinctions, you’ll find a lot of overlapping features between these two different coffee machine types.

Both types are available with integrated grinders, allowing for freshly ground coffee options.

Espresso machines also come in different styles, where some are highly manual while others are fully automatic.

Check out our selection of espresso machines, where you can learn more about espresso machines as well.

In addition to coffee machines, we also have a variety of other exciting kitchen appliances, like a handy panini grill that makes paninis, toasts, waffles, and much more.

Also, explore our collection of smart kettles.