With around half of Brits working from home at least some of the time in 2020, there has never been a better time to invest in a coffee machine for use at home. There are plenty of options available, from the ultra basic to ones with a multitude of bells and whistles. We’ll take you through which budget coffee machines are the best options for your house.
Nespresso coffee machine will meets your small budget
Possibly the most well-known, easily recognised name in budget coffee machines are Nespresso. Nespresso has been around since the mid-80s, making it an established brand. The company was one of the first to launch pod machines, making espresso a possibility for people to enjoy in their own homes.
Nespresso coffee machines come in all shapes, sizes and colours. The Essenza mini triangle comes in green and red as well as classic black, while the Lattissima comes in chic brown or silver. Prices start at around £69 and go up to just over £200 for a budget machine.
Are pods right for me?
There is some question about which is better: fresh beans ground just before use; or pods, pre-prepared?
The benefits of pods for single drinks are without question. Each single shot holds just the right quantity of ground coffee to produce a perfect cup. For those of us for whom every moment counts, the ease of the pod is unbeatable.
Another fantastic feature is the easy clean-up. Instead of spilling used coffee grounds everywhere, or clogging up the sink, the pod just falls straight into the housing, then gets emptied into a bin. No muss, no fuss.
All Nespresso coffee makers accept the same pods, meaning that it doesn’t matter how much you spend on your machine, it will make the same delicious cup of coffee. For those who are a little more eco-conscious, we recommend selecting biodegradable pods, available wherever you buy your coffee!
Nespresso coffee machine Pixie
One of our favourites from the Nespresso would be Nespresso coffee machine Pixie. Small enough to take up minimal counter space, this tiny machine looks as though it fell out of a fifties diner. The silver plate gives it that retro look while the red housing is sophisticated and yet fun enough for any kitchen.
The Pixie is ideal if you prefer short, dark drinks. It’s a real and true espresso maker, with 19 bars of water pressure in a pint-sized machine. The Pixie starts from £99.
Nespresso coffee machine Lattissima
If you prefer a milky start to your day, in the form of either a cappuccino or latte, the Lattissima may be a better fit. It has the De’Longhi patented ‘automatic cappuccino system’ and an integrated milk tank as standard, so your favourite drink is ready at the press of a button, no steaming or frothing required.
The Lattissima fits larger mugs and glasses, so you can really get that cafe feel by drinking your latte from the right vessel. The Lattissima starts at around £189.
What about brewing a pot?
Of course, there may be more than one adult spending their days at home. Sometimes, no matter how delicious the final cup, pod coffee machines just won’t do the trick.
Filter coffee machines have been a household staple for decades, and for good reason. Brewing a single pot in the morning that stays fresh on the warming plate is a life-saver. This option is especially good for those who have young children in the house, as we’ve all poured that very desired cup of coffee only to have to deal with some emergency – a cold cup of coffee is a painful thing!
Moccamaster
Beautiful, modern, a pleasure on the eye: these are just some of the ways we can describe a Moccamaster filter coffee machine. Coming in a variety of colours from bright, cheerful yellow to subtle teal, the Moccamaster really fits in with any decor.
Filling the coffee and water tanks is a cinch, and the machine takes just moments to brew up a pot of the delicious dark stuff. Make a full, 10-cup jug or alternatively select half of that: for less liquid the brew is slightly slower, making sure to optimise the aroma and taste of the coffee. A Moccamaster starts at around £189.
De’Longhi Clessidra
If your household wants to keep it clean and simple, the De’Longhi Clessidra may be the way to go. With its hourglass shape, clear carafe and clear water tank, it is utterly timeless.
The Clessidra brews up to 10 cups at the press of the button and keeps the pot warm for 40 minutes. As coffee machines go, the filter machine is a classic. It starts at just £125, meaning the cost-per-cup is minimal.
Conclusion
Coffee makers for delicious, velvety coffee at home have come a long way. Whether you prefer pod or filter coffee machines, there is something out there to suit every budget, every kitchen, and every coffee drinker. Nespresso coffee machines would be the best quality and budget option. Of Course there are many more great brands to choose from like Moccamaster or Italian De’longhi. Our aim was to let you know that you don’t need to spend a lot to get high-quality coffee in the comfort of your own home.