The Best Manual Coffee Machines 2023 - A Baristas Expert Guide
Reviewed by Mike Russo
SCA certified barista professional - Over 10 years experience in the industry
- Which ingredients improve sleep?
- What should I look for?
- What should I avoid?
- How we judge the best supplement
- Our number one sleep supplement
Hey there coffee lovers, it's Mike Russo, your go-to coffee making expert and barista! Today, I'm excited to share my knowledge and expertise on the top 5 coffee machines and what to look for in a machine. As a coffee enthusiast, I know how important it is to have the right coffee machine to get that perfect cup of coffee.
With so many different coffee machines available on the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one for you. But don't worry, I've got you covered. In this blog, I'll be sharing with you the top 5 coffee machines that I've personally used and tested. I'll also be sharing what features to look for in a coffee machine so that you can make an informed decision when making your purchase.
Whether you're a casual coffee drinker or a coffee connoisseur, having the right coffee machine can make all the difference in the world. So, if you're ready to take your coffee game to the next level, then join me on this journey to discover the top 5 coffee machines and what to look for in a machine. Let's dive in!
Word of warning: beware of low cost machines
As a coffee enthusiast and professional barista, I've seen my fair share of low quality coffee machines and equipment. These products are often made with cheap materials and lack the necessary features to make a good cup of coffee. They may seem like a good deal at first, but they will ultimately let you down in terms of taste, durability, and safety.
What's even more concerning is that these low quality coffee machines and equipment are often sold on Amazon, where it can be hard to tell the difference between a good product and a bad one. Many of these products may have fake reviews or misleading descriptions, making it even harder for consumers to make an informed decision.
So, what can you do to avoid falling victim to these low quality coffee machines and equipment? Firstly, do your research and look for trusted brands and products with good reviews. Be wary of products that are significantly cheaper than their competitors, as this is often a red flag. And finally, consider investing in a quality coffee machine or equipment, even if it means spending a bit more upfront – it will pay off in the long run.
Why manual coffee machines are the best
In my opinion, manual espresso machines are the best because they allow you to have complete control over the brewing process. Unlike automatic machines, manual espresso machines require a bit more skill and technique, but the result is worth it. With a manual espresso machine, you can adjust the pressure, temperature, and time to create the perfect shot of espresso. You can also experiment with different grinds, beans, and milk frothing techniques to create a wide variety of drinks, from lattes to cappuccinos.
Another advantage of manual espresso machines is that they are built to last. They are made with high-quality materials and have fewer moving parts than automatic machines, which means they are less likely to break down.
How we judge the best coffee machine
When it comes to judging our top 5 coffee machines, we look at a range of factors to ensure that we're recommending the best of the best. One of the most important factors we consider is speed. In today's fast-paced world, no one wants to wait ages for their coffee to brew, so we make sure that the machines we recommend can make a quality cup of coffee in a reasonable amount of time. We also pay close attention to consistency and taste. A great coffee machine should be able to consistently produce high-quality coffee with a delicious taste every time.
Ease of use is another crucial factor. Nobody wants a coffee machine that's difficult to operate, so we make sure that the machines we recommend are user-friendly and intuitive to use, even for beginners.
Value for money is also a top consideration. A coffee machine is an investment, so we want to make sure that the machines we recommend provide excellent value for the price.
Lastly, customer satisfaction is a critical factor. We scour customer reviews and feedback to ensure that the machines we recommend have a high level of customer satisfaction and positive reviews. After all, what's the point of having a great coffee machine if it doesn't make customers happy?
Based on 973 votes
Based on 973 votes
A+
Overall Grade
Pros
- Espresso, Cappuccino, Latte & much more in under 45 seconds!
- Excellent taste and consistency
- All in one set - includes everything you need to get started
- Large 1.4L water tank and built-in milk frother
- Single shot or double shot options
- Quick and helpful customer service
- Comes in 3 colours
- Fast delivery and rock solid 1 year warranty
Cons
- Only available online
- Express delivery is only available in the UK
Overview
I have to say the EspressoWorks coffee machine is a great bit of kit and it's hands down the best one to buy (in my opinion!). With the EspressoWorks coffee machine, you can enjoy a variety of coffee drinks, including espresso, cappuccino, and latte, in under 45 seconds! The taste and consistency are excellent, and it's an all-in-one set, so you don't need to purchase anything else. Plus, the 1.4L water tank and built-in milk frother make it easy to make multiple drinks at once.
You can choose between single shot or double shot options, and the customer service is quick and helpful. It also comes in three colours, and the delivery is fast. Lastly, it comes with a 1-year warranty, giving you peace of mind that you're investing in a quality product. Trust me, as a coffee making expert and barista, you won't regret choosing the EspressoWorks coffee machine for your home or office.
EspressoWorks have given us an exclusive discount code. Use the following code to get a huge £50 off your order, making our top pick even more affordable for all.
Code: BARISTA50
2. Sage Barista Pro
Price: £730
by Sage
Based on 311 votes
Based on 311 votes
B
Overall Grade
Pros
- Consistent coffee
- 1.9L XL water tank
- Fully manual machine
- Quality of coffee is impressive, as is the speed
- Comes in 5 colours
- 2 year warranty
- Fast delivery
Cons
- Expensive - not within budget for most people
- Noisy - can be extremely loud when both grinding and extracting
- Slow waiting times for customer service
- Large bulky machine, takes up a lot of counter space and doesn't always fit under cupboard units so be sure to check this first
Overview
When it comes to the Sage Barista Pro, there's no denying that it's an impressive machine with some great features. However, like any coffee machine, there are a few drawbacks to consider before making a purchase.
Firstly, the price of the Sage Barista Pro is certainly on the high side, which means it may not be within the budget for most people. Additionally, this machine can be extremely noisy when both grinding and extracting, which may be a deal-breaker for some.
Another downside is that the waiting times for customer service can be quite slow, which can be frustrating if you encounter any issues with the machine. And finally, it's worth noting that the Sage Barista Pro is a large, bulky machine that takes up a lot of counter space and may not fit under cupboard units, so be sure to check your measurements before purchasing.
While the Sage Barista Pro has its drawbacks, it still produces consistent coffee with an impressive quality and speed. It comes with a large 1.9L XL water tank, is a fully manual machine, and comes in 5 colours. Plus, it has a 2-year warranty and fast delivery, so if you have the budget and space for it, it's certainly worth considering.
3. Beko Espresso Machine
Price: £70
by Beko
Based on 269 votes
Based on 269 votes
C
Overall Grade
Pros
- Good tasting cup of coffee
- Large 1.4L water tank
- Cheap and cheerful but built to last
- 1 year warranty
Cons
- Not visually stunning and limited options
- Noisy and vibrates heavily
- Does not include cups, milk jug, tamper or grinder
- No colour variations
Overview
The Beko Espresso Machine is a solid choice for those looking for a cheap and cheerful option that still produces a good tasting cup of coffee. However, like any coffee machine, there are a few drawbacks to consider before making a purchase.
Firstly, the Beko Espresso Machine is not visually stunning and has limited options, which may not be suitable for those looking for a machine that matches their kitchen decor. Additionally, this machine can be quite noisy and vibrates heavily, which may not be ideal for those who prefer a quieter machine.
Another downside is that the Beko Espresso Machine does not include cups, milk jug, tamper, or grinder, which means you'll need to purchase these separately. And finally, it's worth noting that there are no colour variations available for this machine, which may be a deal-breaker for some.
While the Beko Espresso Machine has its drawbacks, it's still a solid choice with a large 1.4L water tank, a good tasting cup of coffee, and built to last. It also comes with a 1-year warranty, which provides some peace of mind.
4. SAGE The Bambino Plus
Price: £449
by SAGE
Based on 301 votes
Based on 301 votes
C
Overall Grade
Pros
- Nice looking and easy to clean
- Great tasting coffee when it isn't over-extracting
- 1.9L XL water tank
- Single shot or double shot options
- 2 year warranty
Cons
- Over spill occasionally
- Complicated to use - The instructions could be better
- Occasionally over-extracting resulting in bitter coffee
- Does not include cups, milk jug, tamper or grinder
- Limited colours
Overview
The SAGE The Bambino Plus is a nice looking and easy-to-clean machine that produces great tasting coffee when it's not over-extracting. One of the cons of the SAGE The Bambino Plus is that it can occasionally over-spill, which can be messy and a waste of coffee. Additionally, this machine can be complicated to use, and the instructions could be better, which may not be suitable for those who prefer a more straightforward machine.
Another downside is that the SAGE The Bambino Plus can occasionally over-extract, resulting in bitter coffee. It's worth noting that this machine does not include cups, milk jug, tamper, or grinder, which means you'll need to purchase these separately. And finally, there are limited colours available for this machine, which may not be ideal for those looking for a machine that matches their kitchen decor.
While the SAGE The Bambino Plus has its drawbacks, it's still a solid choice with a 1.9L XL water tank, single shot or double shot options, and a 2-year warranty. And when used correctly, it produces great tasting coffee that's hard to beat.
5. Gaggia New Classic Inox
Price: £349
by Gaggia
Based on 198 votes
Based on 198 votes
D
Overall Grade
Pros
- Uses both coffee pods and ground coffee
- 2.1L water tank
- Water pump pressure - 15 bar
- 2 year warranty
Cons
- A little complicated to use
- Limited colours
- Comes with a continental plug
- Does not include cups, milk jug, tamper or grinder
- Slow customer service
- Inconsistent taste
Overview
One of the things I like about this machine is that it can use both coffee pods and ground coffee, which gives you more options. It also has a 2.1L water tank and a water pump pressure of 15 bar which is pretty impressive.
However, it does come with a few downsides. First, it can be a little complicated to use, especially for beginners. Second, it only comes in limited colours and has a continental plug which may be inconvenient for some. Lastly, it does not include cups, milk jug, tamper or grinder, which means you have to purchase them separately. Also, customer service can be slow, and the taste can be inconsistent.
The final word
When it comes to making great coffee, the EspressoWorks 10 Piece Kit is hands down the best on the market. This machine can make Espresso, Cappuccino, Latte, and much more in under 45 seconds! The taste and consistency are excellent every time, and with the single shot or double shot options, you can customize your drink just the way you like it. The best part is that it's an all-in-one set that includes everything you need to get started. With a large 1.4L water tank and built-in milk frother, you can make multiple drinks without having to refill or clean in between. Plus, the customer service is quick and helpful, and the machine comes in three different colors. And let's not forget the fast delivery and rock-solid 1-year warranty. So, if you're looking for a high-quality, all-in-one coffee machine, the EspressoWorks 10 Piece Kit is definitely the way to go.
Those that struggle with chronic sleep deprivation often turn to over the counter or prescription drugs to mend their sleeplessness. However, these can be dangerous when taken long term and some prescription drugs can be addictive. This is why many people are opting to try natural treatments to remedy their sleep deprivation in a safe and healthy manner.
However, in order to truly benefit from the many health benefits sleep supplements have to offer, it’s important to choose the right one. Keep reading to find out what criteria to look for and what to watch out for when choosing your sleep supplement.
Which ingredients help to improve sleep?
5-HTP
5-HTP helps to boost serotonin levels in the brain, which in turn is converted into melatonin. Melatonin is the hormone in our body that is responsible for regulating our sleep cycle. 5-HTP has become one of the most popular supplements to help relieve sleeplessness, pain, stress and anxiety, and more.
B Vitamins
Studies have found that B vitamins, particularly Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12 and Vitamin B9, can significantly help to improve sleep quality. These B vitamins aid in regulating tryptophan, which helps to produce melatonin.
Ashwaghanda
Research has shown that ashwaghanda can improve the quality of your sleep and help you switch off and drift off easily.
Montmorency Cherry
Montmorency Cherry provides a natural source of melatonin, helping to promote a more restful sleep.
Zinc
Zinc has been shown to increase the quality of sleep, while also promoting calmness.
L-Theanine
L-Theanine is proven to relax you and calm your busy and anxious mind.
We've analysed some of the top-selling sleep supplements on the market to help guide you in the right direction. We'll show you what to look for and what to avoid in a high-quality supplement, plus, we share our top 5 picks of the year.
What should I look for in my supplement?
Look for a supplement with 5-HTP & Montmorency Cherry
5-HTP is one of the best ingredients that you can find in sleep supplements. This is because it is a precursor to melatonin - it turns into melatonin, which then induces sleep. Studies have found that taking 100mg of high quality 5-HTP per day can help to improve sleep. Montmorency Cherry is also an extremely safe source of natural melatonin. This is far safer than buying a pure melatonin supplement (which are now illegal in the UK and prescription only due to safety concerns.)
Choose a supplement with multiple ‘sleep inducing’ ingredients
Many sleep supplements only contain 1 or 2 ingredients in their formulas (for example, many only contain 5-HTP). However, there are numerous ingredients that help to promote restful sleep and they function differently. Some ingredients help by stimulating the activity of GABA while others turn into melatonin. Finding a supplement that delivers several ingredients that provide different benefits will likely yield better results. Some other great ingredients to look out for include biotin, magnesium & l-theanine.
Money-back guarantee.
Look for a product that offers a money-back guarantee on all purchases. Offering a money-back guarantee is a sign that a company is confident in the quality of the products they are providing.
What should I avoid in my supplement?
Pure Melatonin Supplements
5-HTP and montmorency cherry is a much safer alternative to melatonin and delivers excellent results. There are many risks and unpleasant side effects associated with taking melatonin directly, which is why it’s banned from being sold in the UK and several other countries in the world now.
Anywhere currently directly selling melatonin supplements in the UK without a prescription is doing so illegally (and therefore the product quality should be doubted). The most common side effects include headaches, dizziness, drowsiness and nausea. Some less common symptoms include changes in mood (some people experience anxiety and depression), low blood pressure, tremors, disorientation, abdominal discomfort, and more.
Low potency products
When choosing a quality sleep supplement, it’s important to choose a potent formula. Make sure that the supplement you choose contains adequate dosages for the ingredients in their product. Many brands pack their formulas with a great lineup of ingredients, but they don’t put the recommended dosage. Thus, if your supplement is not potent enough, you will likely not see the results you are hoping to see.
Beware of online reviews (especially on Amazon).
Before purchasing any product, one of the first things we do when researching it is check its online reviews. Unfortunately, these are not always a trustworthy way to measure the quality and effectiveness of a product. Companies often pay for reviews on popular online retailers, like Amazon, to try and trick their way to a five star rating. While you should definitely consult these reviews before purchasing, do your own research as well.
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* Results are based on the opinion of the author and their own rankings and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. Trademarks used on our website belong to their respective owners and no implied or expressed endorsement of our website or services is intended. Rankings can be affected by the relationship or ownership interest we have in various products featured.
MARKETING DISCLOSURE: This website is a blog. As such you should know that the we have a monetary connection and the same ultimate beneficial owners (UBO) as some of the products we recommend on this site, including the #1 pick/partner on this blog post (EspressoWorks 10 Piece - Rose Gold). We may receive payments from direct sales of these products or commissions whenever a qualified sale occurs on any of featured sites, including sales from properties owned by the same UBO's, along with other partners through the Amazon Associates program.
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