10 Best Home Coffee Machines 2025 in the UK

The Nespresso EN267.BAE Citiz & Milk Coffee Machine offers a sleek, urban smart design that appeals to both coffee enthusiasts and design aficionados. With its compact size, it's ideal for urban dwellers with limited kitchen space. The machine shines in ease of use, featuring two programmable buttons for Espresso and Lungo, making it accessible even for those new to coffee machines. Its high-performance 19-bar extraction system ensures rich coffee quality, while the fast 25-second heat-up time caters to those in a hurry.

One of its standout features is the integrated Aeroccino3 milk frother, which provides the ability to create both hot and cold milk froth at the touch of a button, expanding your coffee-making possibilities. The automatic function ensures energy efficiency by shutting off after 9 minutes of inactivity, which is a thoughtful touch for energy-conscious users.

However, the machine's reliance on Nespresso capsules may limit coffee variety and increase long-term costs compared to other options that use ground coffee. The 1-litre capacity might be insufficient for large households or frequent entertainers, and while the machine is easy to maintain thanks to its automatic features, it still requires regular cleaning to keep the milk frother in top condition. For individuals or small households seeking a stylish, easy-to-use coffee maker that delivers quality espresso and milk-based drinks with minimal fuss, this machine is a strong choice. However, those who desire more versatility in coffee selection or greater capacity may need to look elsewhere.

The Breville Barista Max+ Espresso Coffee Machine is designed for coffee enthusiasts who enjoy a café-style experience at home. One of the machine's main strengths is its Intelligent Grind & Dosage feature, which offers 30 grind settings and ensures the perfect amount of coffee is dispensed for your brew. This is complemented by the Precision Extraction Timer that allows you to monitor your espresso extraction for optimal flavor. The Temp IQ Shot Control works to maintain consistent water flow and temperature, ensuring each cup is as good as the last. An integrated milk frother is also a highlight, allowing you to create velvety microfoam suitable for lattes and cappuccinos.

In terms of ease of use, the machine's intuitive design makes it accessible for both beginners and seasoned coffee makers. However, it's worth noting that the machine's dimensions (31 x 31 x 41 cm) and weight (9 kg) may require a bit of counter space, which could be a consideration for smaller kitchens. Maintenance is relatively straightforward, although regular cleaning is essential to keep all the features functioning optimally. Some users might find the setup a tad complex initially, but once familiar, the operation is smooth and user-friendly.

The Breville Barista Max+ is a match for those who appreciate high-quality coffee and are willing to invest time in learning the machine's functionality. Its 15 Bar Italian Pump ensures robust coffee quality, but the brewing time might be slightly longer due to the precision it aims for. This machine is ideal for homes where coffee is enjoyed as a ritual rather than just a quick morning fix.