Coffee Maker Buying Guide: Find the Perfect Coffee Machine for Your Morning Brew

For many of us, coffee is more than just a drink—it’s a ritual, a moment of peace, and that much-needed pick-me-up to start the day right. But with so many coffee machines out there, finding the best coffee maker for your lifestyle can feel overwhelming. Should you go for a sleek espresso machine or a fuss-free drip coffee maker? What about capsule machines or those magical all-in-ones that do everything but drink the coffee for you?

At Anson’s, we’re here to help. Whether you’re an espresso aficionado, a filter coffee fan, or simply want to enjoy café-style coffee at home, this guide will walk you through the key types of coffee makers, what to consider before buying, and our top picks to make your choice easier.

What to Consider When Choosing the Best Coffee Maker

Before diving into the types of coffee machines, take a moment to think about your needs. Ask yourself:

How much coffee do you drink?

Are you brewing for one or a household of coffee lovers?

What’s your preferred style?

Espresso, cappuccino, black coffee, cold brew?

How hands-on do you want to be?

Do you enjoy the ritual of grinding and tamping, or do you prefer a machine that does the heavy lifting?

How much space do you have?

Some machines are compact, while others need a dedicated spot on your counter.

What’s your budget?

Coffee makers come in a wide price range—from budget-friendly models to premium machines packed with features.

Types of Coffee Machines

Let’s break down the most popular types of coffee makers, so you can decide which is the best fit for your kitchen and coffee habits.

1. Drip Coffee Makers (Filter Coffee Machines)

Drip coffee makers are classics for a reason. They’re ideal for brewing multiple cups at once, making them perfect for families or anyone who enjoys sipping coffee throughout the morning.

Best for: Black coffee lovers, households, or offices.

Pros:

Brews large quantities at once
Simple to use
Affordable options available

Cons:

Limited to black coffee (no espresso or milk frothing)
Flavor can be less intense compared to espresso machines

2. Espresso Machines

Espresso machines are for those who love their coffee strong, rich, and versatile. They form the base for drinks like cappuccinos, lattes, and flat whites. These machines can be manual, semi-automatic, or fully automatic.

Best for: Espresso enthusiasts, latte lovers, people who want café-style drinks at home.

Pros:

Brews café-quality espresso
Many machines include milk frothers
Can make a wide variety of coffee drinks

Cons:

Takes up more space
Often more expensive
Can require more maintenance

3. Capsule (Pod) Coffee Machines

Capsule or pod machines are designed for convenience. Simply pop in a coffee pod, press a button, and your coffee is ready in seconds.

Best for: Busy mornings, small kitchens, casual coffee drinkers.

Pros:

Fast and easy to use
Minimal cleanup
Consistent results

Cons:

Ongoing cost of pods
Limited to the range of pods available
Less customizable

4. Grind-and-Brew Machines

These machines combine a coffee grinder and brewer in one. They’re perfect if you love the aroma and taste of freshly ground beans but don’t want multiple appliances.

Best for: Coffee purists who value freshness.

Pros:

Freshly ground beans = better flavor
All-in-one convenience
Often allows grind size adjustment

Cons:

More cleaning required
Typically larger than single-function machines

5. Mini Coffee Makers

Compact and lightweight, mini coffee makers are great for small spaces or for individuals who just need one or two cups.

Best for: Solo coffee drinkers, small apartments, dorms.

Pros:

Space-saving design
Simple to operate
Usually affordable

Cons:

Limited capacity
Fewer features

Accessories That Elevate Your Coffee Game

If you want to level up your at-home coffee experience, consider investing in some accessories:

Coffee grinder: Freshly ground beans can transform your brew. The Cuisinart Coffee Grinder and Mill lets you grind beans to your preferred consistency—ideal for drip, French press, or espresso.
Milk frother: Great for crafting creamy cappuccinos and lattes.
Reusable filters: Eco-friendly and can enhance the flavor of drip coffee.
Descaling solution: Essential for keeping your machine running smoothly and extending its life.

Anson's Top Picks

Ready to find the best coffee maker for your home? Here are some of our favorite models, chosen for their quality, features, and value.

Nescafe Dolce Gusto GS-1003 Genio S Plus Coffee Maker

This compact pod machine delivers maximum convenience without sacrificing style. With custom temperature and volume control, you can enjoy everything from espressos to iced coffee with a single touch.

Benefits:

Ultra-compact design fits any kitchen
Adjustable settings for personalized drinks
High-pressure system (up to 15 bars) for rich crema and flavor

Delonghi ICM-17210 10 Cups Drip Coffee Maker

Perfect for households, this drip coffee maker brews up to 10 cups of delicious filter coffee. Its aroma selector lets you fine-tune the strength of your brew.

Benefits:

Large capacity ideal for families
Aroma selector for customized strength
Anti-drip system so you can pour mid-brew without mess

Koizumi KKM-1101R Grind-and-Brew Coffeemaker

Freshly ground beans at the press of a button. This machine combines grinding and brewing, so you can wake up to the smell (and taste) of freshly brewed coffee.

Benefits:

Built-in grinder for fresh grounds
Compact design despite dual function
Easy-to-clean components

Tefal CM312D 0.6 Liters Mini Coffee Maker

This mini coffee maker is a space-saving solution for solo drinkers or small kitchens. Don’t let its size fool you—it delivers rich, satisfying coffee.

Benefits:

Compact and lightweight
Simple one-touch operation
Dishwasher-safe filter holder

Delonghi ECAM 650.85 MS Coffee Maker

This fully automatic espresso machine is for true coffee connoisseurs. From espresso to macchiato, it crafts barista-level coffee with ease.

Benefits:

Touchscreen interface with customizable drink options
Built-in milk frother for creamy lattes and cappuccinos
Programmable profiles for multiple users

Delonghi Primadonna Soul ECAM 610.75 MB Coffee Maker

The ultimate coffee machine for those who want it all. With advanced bean-adapt technology, it tailors brewing parameters to your chosen beans for the perfect cup.

Benefits:

Bean adapt technology for optimal extraction
Wide range of coffee recipes at the touch of a button
Sleek, premium design

Final Thoughts: Choose What Suits Your Coffee Ritual

There’s no single best coffee maker for everyone—it’s about finding the machine that fits your taste, routine, and space. Whether you crave barista-level espresso, need a family-sized drip coffee maker, or want the ultimate convenience of a pod machine, Anson’s has a coffee solution for you.

Explore our full range online or visit a store near you. Our friendly team will be happy to help you choose a coffee maker you’ll love waking up to.