Top-tier Automatic Coffee Makers: My Picks for Effortless Brewing After Testing 14 Models Within a Year
In the quest for the perfect cup of coffee, single-person households have unique requirements. Compact size, ease of use, and customizable brew options are key factors to consider. Here are some top recommendations to help you choose the best automatic coffee maker for your home.
First on our list is the Philips LatteGo 5500 Series. This compact machine (9.7 x 14.6 x 17 inches) is a great choice for single coffee drinkers, offering efficient use of beans, water, and milk without compromising on quality. Its water tank, measuring 1.8 liters, slides out from the front, making it convenient for tight spaces.
Another noteworthy option is the Bruvi BV-01 Brewer. This high-end single-serve capsule machine offers a variety of brew customizations, including espresso, Americano, cold brew, and more. Its touchscreen control panel is intuitive, and it uses recyclable B-Pods with optimized brewing parameters. Users may find occasional repositioning of the capsule necessary.
The Ninja Luxe Café Pro is an all-in-one machine that excels in espresso, drip coffee, and cold brew, with automatic milk frothing. It offers advanced automation for beginners, producing high-quality coffee with minimal manual effort. However, users who prefer manual control may find it less appealing.
For those who prioritize espresso quality, the Breville/Sage Automatic Espresso Maker is a solid choice. Known for its consistent espresso quality and user-friendliness, it is suitable for small households seeking good automatic espresso.
Lastly, the Cuisinart Grind & Brew is a space-saving and budget-friendly option. It combines fresh grinding and single-serve speed, making it ideal for small apartments and solo drinkers.
The Smeg BCC13, with its design inspired by 1960s appliances, also deserves a mention. It comes in a range of matt-finish colours and features a row of physical buttons along the top edge for drink and maintenance options. Its milk-foaming system works better with dairy milk than plant-based alternatives, and it has a generously sized water tank that slots into the top of the machine.
The Jura J10, successor to the J8, offers a vast menu of hot and cold drink options, including an impressive cold brew option that pulses cold water through freshly-ground coffee at high pressure. It also features the SweetFoam system for infusing milk with flavored syrup. However, it lacks the adjustable spout found in some other models.
Lastly, the 'iced coffee' options on the Philips LatteGo 5500 Series involve adding ice to the cup and pouring hot espresso over it. Meanwhile, the Smeg BCC13's bean hopper is protected from light by an opaque lid.
In summary, whether you prefer capsule-based customization, multifunction versatility, fresh grind, or espresso-focused machines, there's an automatic coffee maker to suit your needs. The Philips LatteGo 5500 Series, Bruvi BV-01, Ninja Luxe Café, Breville/Sage, and Cuisinart Grind & Brew each offer unique advantages for single-person households.
In the realm of lifestyle, the Philips LatteGo 5500 Series and the Cuisinart Grind & Brew are space-saving choices for gaming or cooking enthusiasts, who appreciate appliances that blend well with their home-and-garden decor. For example, the Philips LatteGo 5500 Series not only brews a perfect cup of coffee but also offers an iced coffee option, helping to quench thirst during long gaming sessions or cook-offs. On the other hand, the Cuisinart Grind & Brew combines fresh grinding and single-serve speed, catering to the food-and-drink preferences of solo households.
