Rating of the best coffee machines for the office in 2020: review of models, pros and cons

A coffee machine is a kitchen appliance that will make your morning invigorating. Such a device was previously often found exclusively in offices, cafes and bars. Now coffee machines have become more affordable, and modern manufacturers produce various models and variations of the device. Automatic coffee machines are considered one of the most popular and practical. This kitchen appliance will simplify the process of preparing your favorite espresso; perhaps, thanks to additional functions, you will be able to enjoy a delicate latte or cappuccino at home. We will talk about the features of choosing a coffee machine later in the article, consider the key criteria for selecting the optimal models, and dwell on the rating of the best in this segment.

Which coffee machine is better to buy for your home?

In machines for home use: grain, capsule, pod coffee. Despite the fact that capsule models are now very popular, automatic coffee machines with a traditional drink preparation system are more suitable for home use . The main reason is that using capsules will simply be more expensive, while bean coffee will last for a longer period, and it still has a rich and natural taste.

The best coffee machine for home use is one that combines functionality and stylish appearance.

Moreover, this is a device that will meet all your requirements. The demand for these household appliances is steadily growing, so manufacturers are constantly improving technology to satisfy customers' needs for high-quality coffee equipment. By and large, an improved device for making coffee combines a coffee grinder and a coffee maker. And depending on the features of the model, bean or ground coffee is used.

Reliability

This is one of the most important indicators that should be taken into account when choosing a coffee machine for your home, because it determines how long the coffee machine will serve you. Coffee machines that allow you to prepare almost any coffee drink and are produced by fairly well-known brands are considered reliable. That is why these devices are deservedly popular among coffee connoisseurs.

These machines meet all modern requirements for coffee equipment and last a long time.

Quality

The quality of the resulting drink and the quality of the machine used also play an important role when choosing a coffee maker. As you understand, good coffee equipment is made from high-quality materials that are safe for human health.

It’s better to think three times before purchasing coffee equipment from an unknown supplier, because it may not meet your expectations.

Price

The cost of a coffee machine for most buyers is one of the most important factors influencing their choice. Affordable filling machines are perfect for use at home.

In general, the price of an automatic coffee machine is influenced by a large number of different factors: the presence of a programming system, an LCD display, a second boiler that allows you to simultaneously prepare espresso and cappuccino, and the productivity of the coffee machine.

The simplest devices are sold at prices ranging from 5 to 10 thousand rubles; they usually do not have much functionality. The middle price segment includes coffee machines costing 15-40 thousand rubles. These machines are considered optimal in terms of quality/price ratio.

Cappuccino maker options

Office coffee machines with the ability to make cappuccino automatically are very popular. Many people prefer milk-containing drinks to regular espresso or Americano. However, this also has its own characteristics. which affect the cost of the device.

The most expensive models are equipped with a built-in cappuccino maker. The steamed or hot milk program allows you to brew a delicious cappuccino or latte at the touch of a button. Some models allow you to prepare two cups of drink at the same time. These features significantly affect the price of the coffee machine.

In the mid-price category, there are models in which cappuccino can be prepared in a semi-automatic mode . that is, in order to get a portion of such a drink, you need to move the cup. Having selected the cappuccino preparation program, frothed milk is first poured into the container from the supply unit, and then the cup must be placed under the coffee dispensing unit, which the machine will signal. This takes a little longer than with fully automatic mode, but allows you to save on the cost of the device.

The cheapest models with the ability to make cappuccino can hardly be called automatic , but the manufacturer positions them as such. The entire automation of the process consists in the fact that the milk is foamed and heated in the machine, and drinks containing it must be prepared independently. However, you can control the taste of the prepared drink yourself by choosing the volume of milk as you wish. And such models are much cheaper.

Price

A coffee machine is an expensive pleasure, so before you decide to buy, you should think about whether you need it or can you get by with a budget coffee maker? If the decision is made in favor of an improved device, you should move on to choosing devices from different price segments :

the cost of budget models starts from 20,000 rubles;
Electrical appliances for brewing coffee in the mid-price category include coffee machines costing from 35,000 rubles;
devices with advanced functionality will cost much more – from 70,000 rubles.

For your information! Information about how much a coffee machine costs is determined by the level of automation, the presence or absence of a cappuccino maker, the number of boilers, body material and external design.

First place: Philips HD 8828 coffee machine

The Philips HD 8828 automatic coffee machine is a very good solution in the class of inexpensive devices with a fully automatic cappuccino maker.
Designed for preparing espresso, espresso lungo and cappuccino.

The model features a simple and strict design, made in black color scheme. Compact size and dimensions ensure ease of installation. The control panel contains quick preparation buttons where you can program your favorite drinks.

In terms of functionality, the model is indistinguishable from machines of the more expensive Saeco class: all the same characteristics (15 bar pump, brewing group, built-in coffee grinder, automatic cappuccino maker with a separate milk jug, automatic rinsing system) at a much more affordable price.

The coffee machine manufacturer is Romania.

Functions

Coffee maker functions:

Built-in coffee grinder with 100% ceramic millstones for five grinding levels.
Automatic preparation of cappuccino.
Prepare two cups of coffee at the same time.
Steam option.
Pre-brewing system.
Boiling water option.
Automatic system cleaning.
Programming function.
Function of squeezing out residual moisture.
Automatic decalcification.
Filming brewing group.
Waste container capacity: 15 servings.
Maximum cup height: 15.2 centimeters.
Removable water tank.
Lack of water indicator.
No grain indicator.
Hot water supply.
Automatic descaling cycle.
Automatic jug cleaning.
Automatic rinse cycle.
One distribution group.

Customizable characteristics for each drink:

Adjusting the coffee strength.
Adjustable temperature.
Adjusting the volume of the drink.

The wide functionality of the Philips HD 8828 automatic coffee machine ensures maximum ease of use and good quality coffee.

Peculiarities

Model features:

Suitable for beans and ground coffee.
function for removing dirt and scale. The coffee machine automatically cleans the coffee circuits with water before turning on and off, so your coffee will always be fresh and aromatic. In addition, regular descaling will extend the life of your coffee machine. The coffee machine will not only inform you when descaling is necessary, but will also help you do it with clear messages on the screen.
Removable brew group – the brew group is accessible from the side panel. Easily removed in one movement.
Fully automated coffee preparation process, including cappuccino maker. Hot cappuccino is prepared at the touch of a button thanks to the built-in milk jug. A special jug prevents milk from splashing; its design promotes the formation of dense, fine foam, ideal for cappuccino.
Adjustable grind settings for the perfect coffee taste - Five levels of coffee grind - from the finest (for a rich, strong espresso) to the coarsest for a lighter taste.
Adjustable settings for temperature, volume and strength of the drink make it possible to prepare the perfect coffee according to personal preferences. The memory function allows you to store a different volume for each drink.
Intuitive display for easy operation of the coffee machine, showing all the necessary information. Buttons on the front panel indicate specific coffee drinks.
The adjustable coffee spout allows you to use a cup of any size for preparing a drink, including a 15 cm high latte macchiato glass. The position of the spout can be adjusted with one movement.

Advantages

Advantages of the model:

Fast and fully automated coffee preparation process
Economical water consumption.
Good value for money.
Convenient access from above to the water tank
Thanks to its compact design, it does not take up much space.
High capacity tanks: water tank - 1.8 l, milk jug - 0.5 l, grain container - 250 g, waste container - up to 15 servings. Capacious containers for grains and waste, a large water tank do not require frequent filling or emptying.
Easy to clean and maintain the coffee machine, significantly increasing the usability of the device.
The coffee machine is as easy as possible to operate. The user manual contains accessible and detailed step-by-step instructions.
Almost silent operation.
Energy saving mode.
Convenient display with backlit buttons.

Flaws

Main disadvantages:

No timer.
No pressure gauge.
No panel for heating cups.
Lack of auto shut-off function.
Inability to heat cups and reservoir.
Inability to illuminate cups.

Video review

Video presentation of the device in the video below:

Results

The Philips HD8828 model is distinguished by its wide functionality , ease of use and the ability to quickly prepare basic coffee drinks, while the coffee maker produces truly high-quality coffee.

An additional advantage is the simple but at the same time stylish design, compactness and small size of the coffee machine. Philips HD8828 is one of the most affordable models with an automatic cappuccino maker with a built-in milk jug. It is worth noting that it froths milk no worse than its much more expensive competitors.

The coffee machine is optimal for home use in a family of 4-6 people. A spacious tank, economical water consumption, and a fully automated coffee preparation process make the model suitable for use in a small office.

For professional use in coffee shops with high traffic, it will be inconvenient due to the lack of connection to the water supply and the presence of only one dispensing group.

This device takes first place in our rating! In our opinion, this representative has the best price/quality ratio.

What to look for when choosing a coffee machine

To choose a good coffee machine, you need to take into account not only the type of bean processing, but also some less significant parameters. They allow you to determine the performance of the device and what drinks it can create. The list of the most important parameters includes:

The power should be 700-1000 W, the most advanced models can be adjusted manually;
Automatic control allows you to brew coffee faster than usual;
The cappuccino machine allows you to create a pleasant foam from whipped milk, which is necessary for preparing many drinks;
The built-in coffee grinder can operate both manually and remotely;
Consider the grinding regulator : it is he who will control the strength of the coffee or coffee drink;
The capacity of the liquid container is liter for home coffee machines or 1250 milliliters for office coffee makers.

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Second place: Delonghi ECAM 22.360 coffee machine

Compact automatic coffee machine ECAM22.360.S in a silver housing, equipped with the patented De'Longhi automatic system for preparing excellent cappuccino at the touch of a button.
The coffee machine has a 2-line text display that allows you to customize settings according to your individual preferences, a heated cup holder and a water purification filter.

This is one of the most automated models that will allow you to adjust most parameters to your personal requirements - such as grinding degree, water hardness and drink temperature.

It seems that this model provides everything for the ideal preparation of your favorite drinks and the use of the machine itself:

automatic warnings that the machine needs to be washed,
preparing high quality ristretto,
espresso and cappuccino, the taste of which will satisfy any gourmet, at the press of one button,
storing milk in the refrigerator and auto shut-off.

Country of origin: Italy