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10 Espresso Machines That Are Unexpected
Espresso Machines - The Best Espresso Makers in the UK

Espresso machines are the best way to have the best coffee experience. They're a labor of love but allow you to control every aspect of your coffee.

They have an espresso tamper for flattening the grinds, and a steamer for frothing milk in cappuccinos and lattes.

1. Stovetop

We have a broad selection of stovetop coffee makers that can assist you in making a perfect cup. In the UK, approximately 98 millions cups of coffee are consumed each day. These appliances, also known as moka pots, use pressure to create an espresso-like cup of tea without the need for messy filter papers. They are a simple, easy-to-use device that can be used to enhance any coffee and can be combined with milk to make cappuccinos and lattes.

The bottom of the moka pot is filled with hot water. The coffee beans are placed in a basket, which is between two pipes leading to the upper chamber where the finished beverage will be served. As the water in the bottom chamber boils, it is pushed through the coffee grounds under high pressure. The aromas are released into the upper chamber as the water flows upwards. The end result is a fragrant strong, rich and robust coffee that can be enjoyed by itself or paired with milk and sugar.

When you are buying a mokapot the first thing you need to consider is the unit's capacity. It is essential to make sure the size of the bottom chamber as well as the capacity of the basket is sufficient for your needs as larger pots will require a longer waiting time while a smaller one may not be able build up enough pressure. We suggest that you look at the material the machine is made of. The stainless steel machines are more durable and strong however they cost more.

It is also important to consider whether the appliance is compatible with your chosen heat source, whether it's electric or gas. Additionally, you might consider looking into any additional add-ons available like steamer arms for milk that are used to heat up and foam milk in cappuccinos and lattes. You should also think about the amount of cups you can make in one go, since this is a good method to determine the best size for your needs.

We also suggest that you examine the base of the moka pot to ensure it fits on your burner. We discovered that certain models, like the Stelton collar espresso maker had a very narrow base and were difficult to center on a gas burner while larger bases, such as those of the Bialetti Venus and the London Sip stovetop espresso makers, gave better results. We also preferred those with thicker walls since they were found to transfer heat more efficiently and stop it from sputtering too fast.

2. Capsule

There are capsule coffee machines, which make use of pods to make espresso, cappuccinos, etc. This is an excellent option for those who don't want to be tangled with brewing, grounds and cleaning up - they are a quick, simple and effortless method to get your caffeine fix in the morning.

You will need to buy the coffee pods separately, but there is a large selection on the market from brands like Nespresso, Dolce Gusto and Tassimo. There are various sizes to choose from and you can pick the size and type of coffee that suits your taste. The smallest is the Nespresso Essenza Mini, which is perfect for small spaces and can make one cup at a time. A larger model is available that can also take larger cups, but it will cost more.

If you want a more sophisticated alternative that also produces better tasting coffee, the Illy Iperespresso is an elegant shortcut for coffee snobs. It isn't the cheapest machine but it makes a superb cup of coffee, and is easy to use as well. It comes with a clever feature which allows it to automatically adjust its settings according to the type of pods it's using. This makes it one of the most adaptable machines we've seen.


You should choose one with a milk carafe if you want to try out all the drinks you can make with a pod maker. This will let you experiment with cappuccinos, lattes, and a variety of other drinks. Coffeee can still make popular drinks with capsule machines, however it will be a hit-and-miss affair.

If you're interested in getting capsule coffee machines be sure that it's listed as compatible with ESE pods. It will have an adapter or basket that will fit these smaller pods. Some of the machines in our collection have this feature, meaning you can use them with Nespresso compatible pods, as well as Dolce Gusto or Tassimo pods.

3. Manual

These are manual espresso machines for those who are a bit more discerning. They resemble the original espresso machine invented in Italy in the early 1900s. They operate by manually pumping water into a filter, locking it, and then forcing the water under pressure of 9 bar to make an espresso.

A manual espresso maker is often more of a labor of affection than a capsule maker as they require you to heat the water in a separate manner from the coffee, pour it into the chamber above the pre ground coffee or pods and then press down on the plunger or lever to create pressure and push the water through and into the cup below. This method of operation can be messy, lengthy and a little frustrating to master, but the end result is worth the effort.

Some of the more modern models like the Flair 58 and the Sage The Barista Touch Impress have taken a different approach to make it easier to control, they have utilised an electronic temperature controller known as a PID (Proportional-Integral-Derivative). This technology is used in immersion circulators and high-end toasters. It is designed to stabilise the temperature of the boiler used to brew. The beauty of this is that it eliminates a lot of the guesswork about the ideal temperature for brewing and lets you adjust the temperature of your espresso with precision.

There are several big names that produce manual espresso makers. The likes of Rancilio and La Pavoni are familiar names to many who have worked in a cafe or coffee shop. They make the massive commercial espresso machines that have three or two heads that you see in coffee shops. However, in 1997, they introduced the Silvia semi-automatic espresso machine that has a few bells and whistles that help to reduce the stress out of making espresso.

Fully automatic espresso machines will take care of all the work for you. They grind the beans, tamp them, pull the shot, and some even steam your milk. However, they can be costly so you will need a good cash flow to be able to afford one.

4. Semi-Automatic

If the thought of re-creating a perfect espresso shot from your favorite cafe at home is appealing to you and you want to replicate it, then a semi-automatic coffee machine is the right one for you. These machines let you alter your preferences as time passes and adjust your espresso drink based on your mood at any given moment.

These machines are outfitted with a portafilter, and steam wand. They have similar brewing processes to superautomatics, however they require manual steps such as grinding the beans and putting in the portafilter. These machines require more skill and know-how to operate since the brewing process is not automated.

A semi-automatic machine which is good will come with a removable filter and a tamper to compress the coffee grounds in the portafilter prior to making. It also allows you to regulate the quantity of water and the pressure used in the brewing process. This means that you can tailor your shots to your own preferences and to the specific type of coffee bean that you are using.

A semi-automatic must also include a temperature control that can be adjustable. This feature lets you determine the brewing temperature of your coffee beans based on how they taste. This will also allow you avoid temperature swings. This is crucial, especially when it comes the boiling brew. Without a PID controller the temperature of brewing can fluctuate up to 20oF from one cup to the next. This swing is lowered to 0.1oF using a PID.

A few of the more expensive models come with a milk frother to create milk-based espresso drinks. This can help you make delicious lattes, cappuccinos and macchiatos. The pitcher that froths should have a comfortable handle and a spout for easy pouring.

It is also recommended to choose an option with a detachable filter basket and a system that automatically doses the ground. This will save you from needing to do grinding and tamping manually on your own. It also makes cleaning the machine easier.

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