Tech lovers need coffee. Fact. It’s an essential part of pulling an all-nighter, gaming or just making that 7-7 working day a little more enjoyable. If like me, waiting behind a group of teenage girls ordering double whip, triple hazelnut, non-fat soy lattes drives you crazy then you need to invest in your own machine. But there’s coffee machines and there’s coffee machines. As a self-confessed coffee addict and tech lover, I am now obsessed with the latest coffee machine technology. In this review, I’m going to give you my top 5 coffee machine picks for tech lovers based on price, functionality and general awesomeness.

What Types Of Coffee Machine Are On The Market Right Now?

This is a great time to be alive if you love coffee. Never has there been such a great choice of pod machines, drip coffee makers, espresso machines, and percolators. That is until you visit my Mother and receive a teaspoon of instant in a flowery cup… shudder. Here are the main types available:

Pod coffee machines are the current “must have” for coffee fashionistas. When you are using a pod coffee maker, the coffee comes in stylishly sealed pods which slot into your coffee maker. Each pod makes one cup of coffee making it an ideal choice for singles or those working in a busy office where brewing and waiting for coffee is not an option.

Each coffee maker will have its own matching pods which come in a variety of strengths and flavors… even decaf but why would you? Of course, you need to check which pods your coffee machine takes and be sure to keep a stock at home.

When you think of a coffee machine this is probably what you think about. Usually, these machines have a glass style pot underneath and your coffee is brewed and filtered through.
Drip coffee machines are ideal for families, shared houses or small offices. Providing you all like the same coffee of course.

You’re either a cappuccino drinker or you’re not. If you are then you might want to get yourself a home cappuccino and espresso maker. Of course, coffee machines are not created equally so you will need to check out the various features of your chosen machine. Cappuccino machines are slightly different from coffee makers in that they use pressure or steam to force water through coffee that has been finely ground.

Some of this pressure or steam can also be used to froth milk. Most cappuccino machines will now froth milk for the top of your coffee and some even clean themselves. Yes really #thedreamisreal.

If you’re not adverse to a little hard work, then the French Press coffee maker is for you. This is not a machine though as there is no wizardry involved. With French Press, coarse coffee grinds sit together with boiling water in the carafe for four minutes. After four minutes, you push the plunger down to filter the grinds. The coffee is then poured through the mesh filter which allows all the flavor to pass through. French press coffee makers are available in single cat Daddy size right through to 10 cup monsters.

Remember the 1980s? Maybe not. Percolators were the height of sophistication back then and every Sue Ellen had one. Of course, now, they have come a long way and designs have moved with the times too. A coffee percolator constantly cycles the boiling brew through the coffee grounds until the preferred strength is reached.

Coarse ground coffee is placed in the top chamber while water is poured into the water chamber. Percolators can make up to 50 cups of coffee. They also make noise. It slightly resembles Darth Vader in a sauna which you may or may not enjoy we’re not judging.

Let’s take a look at the top 5 coffee machines, in no particular order, most of which are available to purchase on Amazon.

$40.98 Best for Budget

This is a compact mug sized coffee machine which works with K-cup capsules. The size of the Bella dual brew coffee maker makes it travel-friendly, if like me, your idea of camping is a five-star lodge overlooking the great outdoors. K-capsules are available in a variety of flavors and strengths and are available from around $1.00 each when you buy them in bulk.

Why It’s Awesome

• It’s dishwasher safe so no washing up
• It offers three mug sizes 6oz, 10 oz and 15 oz
• It’s compact for small apartments or desks
• You can choose your coffee flavors including hot chocolate
• It’s really good value for new owners yet doesn’t look cheap

Overall Rating 4/5 A great value, good looking machine.

$66.66 Best For App Users

Mr. Coffee has teamed up with WeMo from Belkin to create Mr. Coffee Smart Coffeemaker. This is a great coffee machine because it is app-controlled meaning you can brew your coffee from literally anywhere. You can also set a schedule, monitor your machine remotely and even get mobile notifications. Necessary? Absolutely.

To put this in real terms, your coffee will be ready for you when you have had your shower, returned from the gym or arrived at the office. Alternatively lay in bed on Sunday and order your machine to make coffee without leaving your bed. (You will still need to collect it yourself)

Why It’s Awesome

Overall Rating 3/5 Cool functionality, great value but not so good looking

$157.33 Best for Cool Science Geeks

Feel like playing the mad but oh so cool scientist? This is the coffee machine for you. What can’t this coffee machine do? Enjoy pod-free (yes that world exists) single-serve or carafe style hot or iced coffee all year round. Choose froth, choose flavours, choose life with this great all-rounder.

Why It’s Awesome

Overall Rating 4/5 A great all-rounder but will take up more counter space

$595 Best For Dinner Party Show Offs

This is the absolute thoroughbred of coffee machines but then the price tag told you that already right? The machine is currently out of stock on Amazon but available through its makers Clive Coffee. Aside from looking stunning, this coffee machine consistently delivers water at the ideal temperature of 200°, uses a unique showerhead design to uniformly saturate coffee grounds and automatically detects water levels.

It doesn’t require any programming which you may or may not consider to be a plus and will make either a single cup or a carafe. The downside is that you will need to remodel your kitchen to be good enough to own this machine. It’s the law.

Why It’s Awesome

Overall Rating 3/5 The best-looking machine on the market but with limited functionality for the price.

$194.99 Best For Reformed Starbucks Addicts

This is Nespresso’s first connected machine which means you can instruct it to make your coffee from your Apple or Android smartphone. The machine takes Nespresso original line capsules which cost around £36.99 for 50 and come in a variety of flavours and strengths.

Luckily, your connected app also allows you to order new capsules directly and can alert you when stocks are running low or when it’s time to ask your boyfriend to clean it. As an added extra, this compact little machine also offers a milk frothing feature.

Why It’s Awesome

Overall Rating 5/5 This is my top pick for style, functionality, cost and beauty

. Conclusion