Coffee Machine: Buying Guide

Coffee machine buying guide. Image of three 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 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 which 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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Fancy a Quiet Coffee?

When you need a coffee to kickstart your day, the last thing you want is a noisy machine waking up the rest of the house. We have a range of Quiet Mark certified coffee machines which are independently tested and rated as the quietest models on the market. Lower decibels and less vibration mean you can make a brew in peace, bliss!

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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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Conclusion

To summarise, when it comes to choosing a new coffee machine, there are several factors to consider. What type of coffee you prefer will be the biggest deciding factor, however it is also important to think about your available space. Do you have enough free worktop space to house a freestanding machine? If you’re designing a whole new kitchen, would it make sense to add the matching built in model to sit alongside your oven and microwave? Some people prefer a speedy espresso to give them an energy boost before the daily grind. Others enjoy a pot of fresh coffee to hand throughout the day whilst working from home. You may want to consider how often you’re hosting visitors. Being able to make more than one coffee at once can be handy when you have friends round for a weekend catch up. Whether you’re a real coffee enthusiast or simply experimenting with new flavours, having a good quality coffee machine is always a great addition to your home.

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.