If you wake up every morning to the bland taste of instant coffee, it's time to invest in a proper coffee machine. With less and less of us commuting to work, we're no longer frequenting our favourite coffee shop. That means fewer delicious brews with the finest Arabica beans. 

But convenience doesn't mean you have to sacrifice flavour. Not these days.

Decades of innovation has produced home coffee machines that rival anything, even the greatest local barista. Nor will they take up your whole kitchen countertop or require a degree in roasting and brewing. Some even remember your favourite brew!

There's just one problem: choice. Not to worry. Here we'll give you the lowdown on what to look for. We'll also do a round-up of what's the best coffee machine to buy at the moment. 

What should I look for when purchasing a coffee maker?

Picture a coffee machine. If you imagine a vast array of levers and knobs, you couldn't be more wrong. These days, coffee machines take all the guesswork out of brewing: fresh coffee is only a few buttons away. All you need to decide is the kind of brew you prefer. It's a choice between ground coffee machines, bean-to-cup machines, and pod machines.

Ground coffee machines

Simple but effective. Looking like a coffee machine straight out of an American diner: ground coffee machines brew a tried-and-true cup of black coffee. No frills. No-fuss. Just a cup of Joe. 

It takes a bit of time to master, but once you do, you're guaranteed a delicious cup of coffee every time. Some machines even come with a steam wand. So, if you fancy conjuring up frothy milk for a latte or cappuccino, you're in luck.

Try it out with our delicious Ground House Espresso – with hints of dark chocolate and almond.

Pod machines

Pod machines have revolutionised home coffee brewing. Today, it's as simple as switching on the kettle. Just load up your coffee pod – containing pre-ground beans – press the button and wait. Before you know it, you'll be sipping a perfect cup of coffee with a consistency of flavour even Starbucks can only dream of. 

The downside: a lack of flexibility. If you're hoping to experiment and master brewing, this isn't the machine for you. However, if you're after convenience that doesn't sacrifice flavour, consider getting a Nespresso: the biggest and best pod brand.

Check out our awesome Presto Espresso Capsules – they're Nespresso compatible (and 100% recyclable).

Beans-to-cup machines

The coffee maker for connoisseurs and bean purists. Here at Presto, we’re unabashed coffee fans, we can't hide our love of a bean-to-cup machine. The smell of freshly roasted beans. The whirr as the beans are ground. The gentle trickle as the perfectly heated water passes through the beans to produce an immaculate cup of coffee. 

It's as fresh a cup of coffee as you'll find.

Plus, with increasing automation, newer models require only a push of a button. Next, you're sipping a creamy latte, a frothy cappuccino or tongue-bursting ristretto. Need we say more?

What is the best coffee machine in 2020?

Best Pod Machine: Opal One Capsule Machine

Sleek. Compact. Hassle-free. The Opal One is the ultimate coffee capsule machine. Pop the capsule into the top, close it up, press the button, then drink. However, you can also adjust the temperature in the unique silicon brew chamber.

It'll also take Presto coffee capsules – alongside the full range of flavours on the market. Plus, the elegant design is space-saving, meaning it'll slot neatly next to the microwave. No expansive countertop hogging machines here. 

Best Bean-to-Cup Machine: Sage Oracle Touch Automated Coffee Machine

Here's a coffee machine that wouldn't look out of place on the Starship Enterprise. In dazzling stainless steel, the interactive coffee machine lets you choose between an array of options. Ristretto. Espresso. Americano. Cappuccino. You name it; this machine brews it. 

Inside, the machine burr grinds your beans. Meanwhile, a temperature-controlled (PID) technology controls the heat. The result: the creamiest, richest and most delectable brew around. Just don't look too closely at the price tag…

What coffee maker makes the best tasting coffee?

Not everyone wants a mechanical marvel. There's a simple pleasure to grinding your beans, loading up the portafilter, and setting up your brew. Maybe, you'll start steam heating your milk. 

Well, if you're after a delicious brew the old-fashioned way, try the Sage Bambino Plus Espresso Machine.

In just 3 seconds, the machine heats up before commencing its precision espresso extraction. The flavour has to be tasted to be believed. Whatever the bean, you'll get a brew that demands attention. Taste buds burst with flavour.

Plus, in a stylish stainless-steel casing, the machine will complement any kitchen design without dominating your countertop. So, whether you prefer espresso or cappuccino, Sage has got you covered. 

Brew up your first cup with our special fruity Santa Barbara Signature Espresso beans from Carbon Coffee. 

What coffee machine does Starbuck use?

Since the late 2000s, Starbucks has relied on the Mastrena Espresso machine produced exclusively for the high-street chain. The machine has a computerised menu. So, in the fast-paced store, there's no chance of human error. That's how they serve up such a consistent cup of coffee every time. 

Also, the machine lies low to the counter. That allows baristas to see over the top, speaking to a customer even when coffee is being brewed. They've truly thought of everything. If you want to pick up a Mastrena, unfortunately, they're not available to the public. Regardless, most people don't have the money: a Mastrena Coffee Machine will set you back an eye-watering $17,750.

Still, with a bit of skill and a solid coffee machine, you can brew a cup of coffee the equal of any Starbucks store. So, check out our selection.

Like this review? Checkout these next: gaggia classic review, sage bambino plus review, delonghi magnifica review.