coffee machines

Frequently asked coffee machine questions

• What coffee machine should I buy?

  Each type of coffee machine offers a different level of control, convenience, speed and affordability.

  1. Bean to cup coffee machines: are automatic and feature a built-in grinder and milk frother. They allow you to make fresh, flavourful lattes, espressos and cappuccinos at the touch of a button, with minimal fuss. If your budget allows it, choose a machine with multiple programmes.
  2. Espresso coffee machines: or manual coffee machines are more hands-on. They offer the full barista experience and tailor coffee to your tastebuds. However, they usually don't have a built-in grinder, so you need to buy pre-ground coffee or a separate grinder. Some feature a steam wand to heat milk, or a milk frother for cappuccinos, lattes and more. They also look great on a worktop and are easier to clean than bean to cup machines.
  3. Pod coffee machines: offer convenient, single-serve pods for a quick cup of coffee. They're affordable, easy to clean, need minimal fuss, offer consistent taste and take up little space in your kitchen. Just place a pod in your coffee maker – there's no need to worry about milk, frothers or steam wands. Some brands like Bosch Tassimo and De'Longhi Nescafe Dolce Gusto even offer recyclable pods.
  4. Filter coffee machines: brew multiple servings of coffee in one jug. Use ground coffee or buy a separate grinder for your beans. Then, pour hot water into the tank and wait. These devices are great value, take up less space than espresso or bean to cup machines and are easy to clean. They're the perfect choice if you love an americano and not interested in fancy frothy lattes.
• How do coffee machines work?

  Let us break down the types of coffee machines you can buy and what they do. This will allow you to make an informed choice when buying.

  1. Bean to cup coffee machines come with a built-in grinder and
  2. milk frother. Just press a button, and your device will grind the beans, brew then add milk.
  3. Espresso machines brew ground coffee by pumping boiling water through a puck. Some espresso machines also feature a milk frother or steam wand, which adds texture to the milk for a creamy latte or cappuccino.
  4. Pod coffee machines create a drink with the help of a flavour pod. Just place one inside your device and then press a button. Pod coffee machines offer convenient, single-serve pods for a quick cup of coffee. They're affordable, easy to clean, need minimal fuss, offer consistent taste and take up little space in your kitchen. Just place a pod in your coffee maker – there's no need to worry about milk, frothers or steam wands. Some brands like Bosch Tassimo and DeLonghi Nescafe Dolce Gusto even offer recyclable pods.
  5. Filter coffee machines infuse steam with coffee grounds through a filter. These machines brew multiple servings of americanos at once.
• What is the difference between an espresso machine and a coffee maker?

  Espresso machines offer a complete barista experience. They tailor coffee to your tastebuds and deliver a rich, flavourful drink. Some come with milk frother wands for cappuccinos and more. In contrast, a filter coffee maker creates a decent cup of americano for an affordable price. Choose an espresso machine if you're a coffee enthusiast and your budget can allow it.

• Are coffee machine pods recyclable?

  Pods made by Bosch Tassimo and DeLonghi Nescafe Dolce Gusto can be recycled via the Podback recycling scheme. Register to get them collected from your home or take them to a local collection point.

• When should I descale a coffee machine?

  This depends on whether you live in a hard water area. If so, you'll want to descale once a month. Or, if you live in a soft water area, you'll want to descale every three months. This will keep your coffee tasting its best.

• Do coffee pods fit all machines?

  No, all brands create different pods, which do not necessarily fit inside other coffee machines. Bosch uses Tassimo pods, whereas De'Longhi requires Nescafe Dolce Gusto pods. Both brands provide a wide range of options, including lattes, americanos, hot chocolates and teas. Plus flavoured coffee like vanilla and caramel. Tassimo also offers Kenco and Costa pods if you're a loyal brand lover.