Automatic coffee machines

DITCH THE BARISTA AND BREW THE PERFECT CUP AT HOME

- Zak Storey

Making coffee has become increasingly complex over the years. From grind size to extraction times; from ratios to temperatures; pressure and tasting notes... it's easy to get overwhelmed by the variables you have to control. For the many that like to tinker and dial in every single facet of their local roasteries' most recent batch, those intricacies are all part of the fun. It's a therapeutic, almost ceremonial process.

But what if you just want a coffee? What if you want a barista-style drink right in the comfort of your own home, without having to stand in line for 20 minutes? That's where these beauties come in.

The humble bean-to-cup (B2C) coffee machine has come a long way in the last ten years. We've got machines that can do cold brew, ones that can handle oat milk, or filter and purify your water supply before it even touches the sides of a cup. There's a whole host to choose from, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.

WHAT'S ON TEST...

1 Gaggia Accademia

A true showpiece, built by arguably one of the most influential coffee companies in the business, the Accademia takes the very best modern tech and incorporates it into a sleek, LED-illuminated unit backed up with a host of unique features (including a dedicated steam wand and grind control), allowing it to create 19 drinks at the push of a button.

₹2,20,000, accademia.gaggia.com

SPECS

Tank size: 1.6L Hopper capacity: 350g Pre-ground support: Yes Dimensions: 28.2 x 38.5 x 42.8cm Warranty: Parts, five years

2 Jura J10