Home & Kitchen
Fireplace Stoves Pros and Cons in 2021
The large amount of radiant heat produced by fireplace stoves suits many of our houses – especially older, poorly insulated, and draughty homes with high ceilings.
A properly sized and installed fireplace stove can heat the whole home.
Many people also like the toasty radiant heat a fireplace stove produces. Some models can heat hot water, and all of them can be used during a power cut. Many have a flat top surface for heating a kettle – or even for emergency cooking.
Burning wood is carbon-neutral because it’s a renewable resource, but burning it cleanly is the key to making it enviro-friendly.
By burning dry wood in a clean-burning fireplace stove you win 3 times over:
Wood is a sustainable heating fuel.
You get more heat from a clean-burning (non-smoky) fire.
Cleaner burning means fewer smoke particles lodging in all our lungs.
That’s the positive stuff. The flip side of fireplace stoves is their contribution to air pollution and their relative lack of convenience.
If you burn wood carelessly or burn wet wood, you can create a health hazard through ultra-fine pollution lodging in people’s lungs.
Modern fireplace stoves can burn much more cleanly than older models. But our tests have shown that clean-burning only occurs if the fire is carefully tended – and with the right-sized dry wood.
Air pollution is not inconsequential. The ultra-fine soot particles in wood smoke are a health hazard.
They can lodge deep in the lungs causing premature death, hospitalization, and respiratory illness.
Fireplace stoves aren’t as convenient as heat pumps or central heating systems.
You “regulate” the room temperature through the amount of wood you burn, and there’s no timer-controlled automatic starting system. You also have to buy firewood in advance and store it.
If you’re about to buy a fireplace stove, here’s what to consider:
Type
Freestanding models are generally the most efficient (for a given firewood load, they return the most heat to a room). They’re also the cheapest to install.
But if you have an existing open fireplace, an insert model is most often the way to go. Although insert models are not as efficient as free standers, they’re way better than an open fire.
Heat output
If you have a non-draughty well-insulated home, then 10kW should be plenty. A larger house – or the same-sized but less-well-insulated and draughty house – further south will require 12-14kW.
In non-open-plan houses, there’s no point in overheating the lounge while the rest of the house stays cold. Install a heat-distribution system to help spread the heat throughout the house.
Be careful about manufacturers’ heat-output claims – some grossly exaggerate what you’ll get. Always check the compliance plate.
This has to be on every fireplace stove that’s sold – and it states the tested heat output, along with the efficiency and emissions rate.
Convector vs. radiant
All fireplace stoves both heat the air and radiate heat onto objects that are within a few feet of them. But some fireplace stoves are marketed as predominantly one type or the other.
It depends on the external design of the firebox. Convectors are best for well-insulated non-draughty houses with low ceilings. Radiant-type models suit older and less-well insulated (or draughty) houses with higher ceilings.
A convector heater heats the air immediately around it. Hot air is lighter (less dense) – so it rises away from the heater and gets replaced with cooler air, which is in turn heated.
This convection air-current means that the warmest air in the room ends up near the ceiling, with the coolest air near the floor. Convector heaters are air warmers.
A radiant heater “shines” heat on to anything in its path. That could be you if you’re near the fire or furniture within a few feet of the fire.
Controls/cleaning
The controls should operate smoothly, and it should be relatively easy to clean the outer surfaces and empty the firebox.
Flue system
The flue must have a larger diameter outer shield around it where it passes through the ceiling and attic space.
Some of the newer designs have this air-gap vented outside rather than into the room (outside venting stops hot air escaping from the room).
Some other fireplace stoves get the air needed to burn the wood from outside the house rather than from within the room: this improves efficiency and reduces drafts.
Emissions
The lower the particulate emissions from your fire, the less of a health hazard you’ll be causing. You can find this out from the fireplace stove’s compliance plate.
Wetbacks
A wetback uses copper pipes to circulate water from the fireplace stove to the hot-water cylinder and back. They’re expensive to install, and the hot water cylinder needs to be placed reasonably close to the burner.
The payback period for a wetback depends on how you use your fireplace stove. If the fireplace stove’s not used every day, a wetback is unlikely to be cost-effective.
Safety guards
Fireplace stove’s surfaces can get very hot and can be a danger to small children. Protective guards are available and highly recommended.
Building consent
Before you buy a fireplace stove, make sure your local authority will allow you to install the model you want: some councils will only allow the installation of models from their recommended list.
You will also need to get a building consent before installing your fireplace stove (you’re unlikely to get one retrospectively).
If an illegally installed wood-burner causes a fire, it may invalidate your insurance cover.
Installation
A poor installation job can ruin the heating and emissions performance of the best of fireplace stove.
Heat transfer
A heat-transfer kit usually removes warm air from the lounge and ducts it to a colder part of the house.
Alternatively, it can be set up to cold duct air from elsewhere in the house and deliver it to the lounge for heating.
Either way, the doors must be left open or ajar so that the air can circulate and even out the temperatures.
Best Fireplace Stoves
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Last update on 2021-02-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Are you a grump in the morning? Try a mood-altering, gentle wake up light
Banish beeping alarms and wake up as nature intended with our pick of the best wake up lights
The best wake-up light won’t just replace your alarm clock, but it’ll ensure you have a slower, gentler start to your day.
Dragging yourself out of bed is difficult at any time of the year. It’s definitely not aided by a startling, beeping alarm that can break the sleep cycle at the point at which your body is least ready for it.
Wake-up lights work to replicate the sunrise that would have naturally woken our ancestors. Still, year-round, it cancels out the circadian rhythm-confusing lack of morning light in winter. It carefully coaxes you into wakefulness using light and sound.
Take a look at our pick of the best and find a model that suits your sleep style (as well as your aesthetic). For more tech buys for your home, head to our technology hub page.
What is the best wake-up light?
Our favorite is the all-singing, all-dancing Lumie Bodyclock 250. Actually, it neither sings nor dances, but it is a highly customizable wake-up clock. It has a speed-controlled light with a range of 15 to 90 minutes (or anyone who really struggles to wake up).
Oh, and there’s a radio and noise options. Read down for more…
THE BEST WAKE UP LIGHTS
1. Lumie Bodyclock 250
Best wake-up light: lights, sounds, ready for action.
This is our pick of the best wake up light you can buy
Specifications
Best for: Customisation
Power type: Mains with back-up battery
Lux: 250
Reasons to buy
- Adjustable sunrise/sunset time
- Doubles as a bedside light
Reasons to avoid
- Not as good-looking
Lumie are the inventors of the original wake-up light, and to our judgment, their Bodyclock is still the best. The Bodyclock Active is a certified medical device recommended by sad.org.uk.
It wakes you with a gradually brightening light whose speed you can control within a range of 15 to 90 minutes. It’s perfect for the mornings when you really need to get going and those when you can afford a little more lie-in time.
Doubling as a bedside light and nightlight, it has many features. It has a snooze function, dimmable display, FM radio, and wake-up noise options, including white noise, waves, birdsong, and a rooster call. For its seemingly endless customization options, it’s our top choice.
Check it out on Amazon
2. Philips SmartSleep Wake-up Light
Best wake up light: choose nature or natter with this clock radio meets wake-up light
Specifications
Best for: Gentle wake-up
Power type: Mains
Lux: 300
Reasons to buy
- Variety of natural sounds
- Intuitive dimming display
Reasons to avoid
- Cannot change bulb
- The clock light doesn’t dim
A very close second to the Lumie Bodyclock Active is the Philips SmartSleep Wake Up Light.
It’s another highly recommended and reliable option. The added distinction of looking really good on the bedside table thanks to its sleek, almost seamless design.
It’s clinically proven to make getting up less of a chore with light settings, plus a bank of seven natural sounds and radio function. Whether you prefer birdsong or your local station to get you out of bed in the morning, you’re all set.
In our opinion, this is the best wake-up light for a gentle wake-up.
3. Withings Aura Connected Alarm Clock with Wake-Up Light & Sound System
Best Amazon wake up light: use sleep cycle analysis and room environment tracking to enhance sleeping habits
Specifications
Best for: Tracking your sleep and adjusting your environment accordingly
Power type: Mains
Lux: 300
Reasons to buy
- Sleep enhancement backed up by science
- Go to sleep and wake up functions
Reasons to avoid
- Can be arduous to set up
Withings Aura Sistema Smart Sleep effectively combines a speaker, bedside lamp, and alarm clock. It also has sleep cycle analysis and room environment tracking to optimize sleep.
Its combination of scientifically designed blue light and music programs is intended to ensure users wake up energized during the best point of their sleep cycle.
In addition to helping users wake up, the Withings Aura is also designed to aid the process of falling asleep. With sleep-inducing programs and access to an unlimited choice of music with Spotify.
The best wake-up light for sleep analysis, we think.
Check it out on Amazon
4. Lumie Bodyclock Iris 500
Best wake up light with aromatherapy: a SAD wake-up lamp with a built-in aromatherapy feature
Specifications
Best for: Immersive sleep experience
Power type: Mains
Lux: N/A
Reasons to buy
- Aromatherapy feature
Reasons to avoid
- No radio option
A unique take on the traditional Lumie wake-up light, the Lumie Bodyclock Iris 500 offers an aromatherapy option in addition to the basic features.
Capable of taking up to two diffusers, it’s now possible to wake up to a scent of your choice, in addition to a light and sound setting that suits. The best wake-up light for those who want an immersive sleep experience…
Check it out on Amazon
5. Philips HF3500/60 Wake-Up Light
Best wake up light and alarm clock: combines the bedside lamp and alarm clock for the best of both worlds
Specifications
Best for: Simple design
Power type: Mains
Lux: 200
Reasons to buy
- Stylish minimal design
- Adjustable for evening and morning
Reasons to avoid
- Some found the alarm a little grating
If you’re undecided about light alarm clocks, not fussed about nature sounds, and just want a simple model that builds on a standard sound alarm, the Philips HF3500/60 is the best wake-up light for you.
It’s a handsome stand-in for a bedside light and alarm clock. Its light settings are ample and varied, with ten different light intensities to choose from and adjustable brightness for the time display.
However, there’s just one alarm setting, so if you prefer to be gently enticed into wakefulness with birdsong, it may not be for you.
One final downside that some reviewers have flagged up is that the snooze feature can be quite tricky to activate. However, if it saves us from ourselves, we suppose, then all the better…
6. Philips Hue Go White and Color Portable Smart Light Table Lamp
Best portable wake up light: a portable bedside lamp that encourages better sleep
Specifications
Best for: Portability
Power type: Battery powered by charged by mains
Lux: 520
Reasons to buy
- Portable
- Easy to use
- Wide range of colors
Reasons to avoid
- Low brightness
What we love most about the Philips Hue Go light is its portability. You can easily pick it up and use it to guide you around in the dark.
This way you don’t have to turn on any powerful lights that will blast your eyes at five in the morning and properly get you out of deep sleep.
The Philips Hue Go is designed to slowly dim itself until it turns off, you can change this settings from your phone. Still, you can customize this in 15-minute intervals, with 60 minutes being the longest program.
You can obviously also leave it on indefinitely. You can use the Philips Hue Go app to customize your bedtime or morning routine, and you sync the light with other lights around your home.
The only downside is as it’s not voice-activated. You have to either use your phone to turn it off, which could interrupt your almost sleep or go old school and actually have to turn the light off manually.
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Last update on 2021-02-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Looking for smart bedroom gadgets? Filling your home with some of the best smart home techs can make your day-to-day routine easier and more efficient.
Still, while there are lots of smart tech options for the living room, kitchen, and general home, we don’t often think about how smart home tech can enhance the bedroom.
From smart alarm clocks to sleep trackers, there are many smart home tools designed to help you climb into bed at night, monitor your sleep, and then wake up in the morning.
What on earth, other than lighting, can be usefully smart in a bedroom? Well, there are all sorts of gadgets that will make life easier… and also help you sleep better, too.
We’ve picked out 8 smart bedroom gadgets we think can be genuinely useful, rather than just gimmicky.
1. Best smart alarm clock: Amazon Echo Spot
When it comes to our pick of the best smart bedroom gadgets, first up is an alarm clock.
The Amazon Echo Spot isn’t your old-fashioned alarm clock but one of the most recent additions to the Amazon Echo speaker lineup. It’ll sit flawlessly on your bedside table, ready to wake you up in the morning. But what makes it so special?
Voice activation
Complete with voice activation, it’s now possible to use your voice to ask Alexa to set your alarms in the morning (see our Amazon Alexa review for more info) – and perhaps more importantly, snoozing the alarm too.
Handy display screen
The Amazon Echo dot also offers a bright, clear 2.5-inch display that gives you the time as well as handy messages and the weather for today. The benefit of this? You can plan your outfit and journey to work appropriately.
Multi-functional
In addition to fulfilling the role of a more traditional alarm clock, this model also allows users to play music or audiobooks while going to sleep, plus it has all of the other Amazon Alexa functionality of other smart speakers too.
You could order a pizza using your voice directly from your bed with the Domino’s app, or you could connect this up, so it can control other smart gadgets around your home.
That means if you have Philips Hue lighting in your bedroom, you can easily snuggle up in bed and use your voice to turn them off when you’re ready to get to sleep.
A choice of 100 different alarms
You can’t currently use music to wake up in the morning with the Echo Spot – something we hope Amazon will sort in the future – but you can set up to 100 different alarms, so it’s nice and easy to have this set-up on your bedside to wake you at different times on the weekend to your average workday.
To compare all your options, browse our pick of the best alarm clocks currently available. Then, browse the rest of the Amazon Echo range on Amazon.
Check it out on Amazon
2. Best smart lightbulb kit: Philips Hue Starter Kit
Smart lightbulbs are perfect for *ahem* setting the mood in the bedroom, and, in our opinion, it doesn’t get better than the Philips Hue Starter Kit.
Adjust warmth and brightness to suit your mood
The two white bulbs – which come as part of the starter kit – can be set to any warmth level and any brightness between ‘hygge’ and ‘interrogation room’ (slightly less appealing) for maximum versatility. At the same time, the hub allows you to connect and customize a further 48 lights.
Smart connectivity
As with all Philips Hue products, the app shines just as brightly as the bulbs, letting you set your lights to do things like turn on when you step through the door after work.
Smart system compatibility
It is compatible with several voice assistants, including Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit, Nest, and many more.
Check it out on Amazon
3. Best bedroom fan: Dyson Pure Hot + Cool Link
Sleeping at night in the boiling heat is unbearable for most people, which is why we’d recommend a fan as another of our top smart bedroom gadgets. Don’t just buy any fan, though – this Dyson Pure Hot + Cool Link connects to your phone, so you can control it without having to leave your bed.
Smart connectivity
Thanks to smart connectivity, it’s possible to turn your fan on via your smartphone and arrive at a perfectly chilled home. The perfect remedy to a sticky commute, we think.
Heat and cool your room
This model can also be used to heat up your room during the cold season, so you don’t have to worry about
Air purifier
Perhaps the best feature of this product, though, is that it’s also an air purifier, and it will intelligently remove 99.97 percent of allergens and pollutants in your home’s air.
That means if you have hay-fever or asthma, you can monitor the air quality and be sure there’s a comfortable environment before you get home.
Check it out on Amazon
4. Best smart scales: Withings Body scale
While you may not need smart scales to monitor your weight, they can help you to track your overall health and can make the whole process of weigh-in day a little easier. This is why they’re another of our top smart bedroom tech ideas.
Our top pick is the Withings Body Scale, here’s why:
Connect to Withings Health Mate
This handy smart scale cleverly connects to the Withings Health Mate app, which stores your weight and other data, making tracking progress easier and more efficient.
Multiple users
It’s even possible to introduce your whole family to the scales, as this smart scale is equipped to work out who is standing on them each time, plus the little display will then show you your weight, the trend of your weight (whether it’s gone up or down) as well as your BMI (and then it’ll show what the weather will be like today).
Affordability
You can buy more expensive scales in the Withings range and other choices from Fitbit and Garmin. Still, we don’t think the extra features are particularly useful enough to get, so we’d recommend sticking with the Withings Body.
Check it out on Amazon
5. Best smart bedside table: Brightech Owen Side Table
If you have any gadgets that charge wirelessly, you should consider picking up an Brightech Owen Bedside Table. It will help you limit the number of wires scattered over your bedside at night. Here’s everything you need to know about it:
Qi wireless charging tech
Phones such as the iPhone 12, iPhone 11, Samsung Galaxy S21, and many more come with built-in compatible Qi wireless charging tech, meaning you can just place your phone down on the plus symbol on the top of the table. It’ll start pumping up the battery without you having to plug it in.
If your phone doesn’t support Qi, some major models have wireless charging cases that you can use.
Attractive solution
Plus, it’s an attractive-looking bedside table that offers lots of space and is sure to fit in with your décor if you have other wooden furniture.
Factors worth considering
The technology isn’t particularly quick yet, but when you’re charging overnight, and you don’t have to physically plug your phone into a cable, it feels like you’re living in the future.
6. Best sleep tracker: Withings Sleep
If you own a fitness tracker or smartwatch, you can usually use these devices to track the quality of your sleep.
But, if you don’t want an annoying gadget strapped to your wrist while you toss and turn, you can always opt for a different type of sleep tracker. Perfect for those interested in optimizing sleep, it’s another of our top smart bedroom tech ideas: Withings Sleep. Here’s everything you need to know about it:
Uninterrupted sleep tracking
Designed with a long thin pad that plugs into the wall for power and then slides underneath your mattress where you’d normally place your chest at night, this sleep tracker will monitor you throughout the night without disturbing your sleep.
As long as you sleep on top of it, the Nokia Sleep will be able to track your night’s quality, including your heart rate throughout, when you’ve been in different levels of sleep (like REM or deep sleep), as well as how much you’ve been snoring.
Smart connectivity
All of that data is then pinged through Wi-Fi to your phone, and you’ll then be able to break down your night’s sleep within the Withings Health Mate app that’s available for Android and iOS phones.
It only works for one person in your bed, but being able to track your stats without an annoying fitness tracker on your wrist is a big benefit for some.
Check it out on Amazon
7. Best smart baby monitor: Arlo Baby Monitor
An essential for parents, or parents to be, the Arlo Baby Monitor is the best smart baby monitor currently available. Here’s everything you need to know about it:
Get notifications straight to your smartphone
When shopping for a baby monitor, safety is paramount. A step-up from simply being able to see or hear your baby, this model sends notifications directly to your smartphone if it registers motion or changes in sound or temperature.
Night mode
Thanks to handy, built-in, near-invisible infrared LEDs, you can see your baby clearly in the dark, meaning you won’t have to worry about poor picture quality as soon as the sun goes down.
Additional features
In addition to the standard features described above, this model also offers a multi-colored night light option, a music player, temperature display, humidity display, and VOC air sensors.
All of which can help soothe you downstairs, and some of which will soothe your little one back to sleep.
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Last update on 2021-02-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Our best espresso machine selection will help you give your kitchen its very own dedicated coffee corner
Love your morning caffeine hit strong and authentic? You’ll need a proper espresso machine…
The best espresso machine can transform your mornings. Not many things beat the smell of fresh coffee in the morning, except maybe the taste of a smooth shot of espresso or a cappuccino just how you like it. Especially when it’s coming from the best espresso machine you can buy.
Whether it’s part of a pre-commute morning routine or you’re reluctantly heading back upstairs to commence the working day in your home office, having the facilities to make your own great espresso at home will perk up your morning routine.
So, why not start your morning with a drink brewed in the very best espresso machine you can buy for your home?
Not a big fan of espresso? Find our pick of the very best coffee machines of all types. If you’re looking for a bargain, the best cheap coffee machine sales are right here.
THE BEST ESPRESSO MACHINES
1. Nespresso Creatista Uno by Breville
The best espresso machine
Specifications
Best for: Overall quality
Reservoir: 50 oz
Bar: 19
Grinder: No
Reasons to buy
- Easy to use
- Quiet
- Perfect Coffee
Reasons to avoid
- Cost of pods
The Breville Nespresso Creatista Uno capsule coffee machine takes the top spot on our list of best espresso machines for good reason: it makes really tasty coffee, it’s really easy to use and clean, and it’s a smart addition to your worktops.
What’s it good at?
The crema this machine produces is really good. And it dispenses espresso fast (in just 25 seconds). Perfect if you’re impatient for that first shot of the day. It’s easy to use, too – and we like that.
What do we like about it?
It’s not limited to espressos: there’s an automatic steam wand with a choice of three milk temperatures and frothing levels – not something you’d normally see on a capsule coffee machine. Plus, the steam wand purges itself after use so cleaning it isn’t an issue.
The adjustable settings mean you can control coffee volume (there are three cup sizes) and milk texture, too. Simply adjust the coffee machine to suit, and it’ll produce your perfect cup every time.
This espresso machine has a high pressure (19 bar) pump, but it is quiet when working. There’s an energy-saving auto shut-off feature (after nine minutes), too.
Nespresso Creatista Uno by Breville Presentation
What else?
The 50 oz water tank removes easily, which makes cleaning and refilling a breeze, and the metal milk jug is dishwasher-safe. Always a bonus. There’s also an indicator that tells you when the coffee machine needs descaling (a fast, easy job).
What don’t we like?
The cost of pods – and the waste issue around them. That said, Nespresso does run a pod recycling scheme.
Check it out on Amazon
2. Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine
The best espresso machine for the coffee enthusiast
Specifications
Best for: Barista style
Reservoir: 67 oz
Bar: 15
Grinder: Yes
Reasons to buy
- Soaks the coffee to release maximum flavour
- High pressure steam output
Reasons to avoid
- Takes a while to master
The Breville Barista Express is a must-buy for real espresso aficionados – and it looks the part, too.
What’s it good at?
In a word: espresso. The consistency of the brew really is excellent, and the integrated coffee grinder means that you get the freshest possible quality. Those users who appreciate fresh tasting coffee rate it very highly, and actually enjoy getting to know all the different settings.
What do we like about it?
Heston Blumenthal is a chef renowned for his wacky recipes, so it’s no surprise that his coffee machine is just as out there, with its ability to grind beans to your preferred consistency, apply just the right amount of pressure for a smooth espresso and steam milk to the perfect level of frothiness. Espresso enthusiasts will love the fact that it has 18 different grind settings.
The other great thing about this machine is its classic style. Despite its advanced features, it’s very traditional in appearance, with a clean, stainless steel exterior that’ll look great against the backdrop of any kitchen.
Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine Presentation
What else?
This espresso machine is for those who take their coffee seriously; for those who love a quick cup on the go, it will be too fussy.
What don’t we like?
Users report that the Breville can get a while to get going the first time round, and that you really need a full water tank to have the best quality espresso. The machine also requires regular maintenance (about every four weeks), so you’ll need to be prepared for that.
Check it out on Amazon
3. Jura A1 Super Automatic Coffee Machine
The best modern espresso machine
Specifications
Best for: Modern
Reservoir: 37 oz
Bar: 15
Grinder: Yes
Reasons to buy
- Minimalist frontage
- Programme 3 cup sizes
Reasons to avoid
- Smallest capacity
The Jura A1 Super Automatic Coffee Machine is a slimline one-cup machine that delivers quality coffee – from espresso to ristretto – fast.
What’s it good at?
Its capacity to freshly grind coffee certainly gives it an edge over many other similar espresso machines. And, you can pre-set three cups and two coffee strengths via the simple operating panel – strong for the morning and perhaps a weaker one for coffees at the end of a meal.
What do we like about it?
Putting the coffee quality aside for a minute, we love the streamlined looks of this espresso machine – it’s pretty compact in size, too, so it shouldn’t take up too much room in your kitchen, perfect if you’re squeezed for space.
There’s an automatic energy saving mode with programmable switch-off, too, which means the machine is energy-efficient (even if you’re not).
Let’s talk science: Jura has worked on perfecting the cutting angle inside the grinding cone so that users can get that a delicious coffee aroma in half the grinding time.
What else?
There’s the Claris water filter which ensures the coffee delivered is as tasty as it can be. The filter works to protect the machine against limescale, too, so maintenance is easier.
What don’t we like?
There is no steaming arm, so it lacks the theatrics of other espresso machines in our list. It also has a small capacity, so expect to refill frequently.
Check it out on Amazon
4. De’Longhi PrimaDonna Bean-to-Cup Coffee Machine
Best automatic espresso machine
Specifications
Best for: Automatic
Reservoir: 43 oz
Bar: 15
Grinder: Yes
Reasons to buy
- Sleek, stylish and compact
- Automatic milk steaming
- Versatile
- Can make any type of coffee
Reasons to avoid
- Tank capacity is on the smaller side
- Very expensive
The De’Longhi PrimaDonna Bean-to-Cup Coffee Machine not only makes a great espresso but cappuccino and latte, too. It’s not cheap but it’s worth a look.
What’s it good at?
Making a latte, cappuccino or macchiato is easy as pressing a button, and you still benefit from the perfectly frothed milk and smooth shot of espresso that espresso coffee machines are renowned for.
What do we like about it?
This espresso machine is a hardworking all-rounder, able to make everything from an espresso to a cappuccino – and even a hot chocolate. Users love how customisable its performance is: tinkle around with the different settings, and it will give you a cup of coffee just the way you like it.
This espresso coffee machine also blends the convenience of the capsule coffee machine with the authenticity of a bean to cup. The machine can either grind coffee beans or you can choose a pre-ground blend of your choice. We like that.
What else?
With its stainless steel and black exterior, it’s smart, streamlined and will certainly look the part taking pride of place in your kitchen.
What don’t we like?
Some users remark that the default espresso setting produces coffee that’s not very hot, but this can be counterbalanced by warming up your milk before adding it to your coffee.
Other than that, the obvious point to think about is the price; however, given the sophistication of this machine, it’s still on the affordable side, as many similar machines come with a price tag of over $2,000.
Check it out on Amazon
5. SMEG Coffee Espresso Machine
The best retro-look espresso machine
Specifications
Best for: Retro look
Reservoir: 53 oz
Bar: 15
Grinder: No
Reasons to buy
- A range of colours available
- Slim
- Perfect for smaller kitchens
Reasons to avoid
- No grinder
The SMEG Coffee Espresso Machine isn’t all about good, retro looks – it makes great espresso, and cappuccino lovers will like it, too.
What’s it good at?
Milky coffees – the milk frother on this machine is truly great, creating perfectly smooth milk foam in a matter of seconds. Perfection for cappuccino lovers.
What do we like about it?
What people – and the Realhomes.com team – really love about this espresso machine is its simplicity; it’s easy to use and comes without too many component parts, so it’s easy to clean, too.
Not every kitchen has all the space in the world, so this small, yet perfectly formed coffee espresso machine will fit in perfectly, and especially well if retro gadgetry is a theme in your household.
There is variety of colours to choose from, including black, cream, red and pastel blue. If you’re after a retro look, this is the best espresso machine you can buy.
What else?
There is no grinder, so you’ll need to buy pre-ground coffee. Reviewers suggest buying coarser ground coffee for this one, as the water may pass straight through finer ground coffee.
What don’t we like?
Some users have pointed out that while the machine itself is quite lightweight, the portafilter (the bit that holds the coffee) is heavy, so you may need to hand stabilise the machine while you’re using it.
Check it out on Amazon
6. Gaggia Naviglio Coffee Machine
Best quick espresso machine
Specifications
Best for: Black coffee
Reservoir: 2 cups
Bar: 15
Grinder: Yes
Reasons to buy
- Includes a grinder and steamer
- Completely black in colour
- Small and unobtrusive
Reasons to avoid
- ABS plastic, rather than stainless steel
- Quite loud
- No water filter
The bean to cup Gaggia Naviglio Coffee Machine is a versatile buy – at an affordable price.
What’s it good at?
In a word: espresso. Reviewers consistently rate this machine very highly for its ability to make a perfect quick cup of the blackest espresso.
What do we like about it?
There are five settings so you can achieve a pretty perfect blend by adjusting the grind and using the front coffee strength guide.
The espresso is delivered at a perfect temperature and with a thick, oily crema on top – and the flavour’s good. Okay, it’s not the BEST on our list, but at this price, you get good quality.
Long coffees are just as good and if you want your coffee longer, you can override the default setting, or use the hot water button to deliver water through the steamer wand instead.
As an ideal all-rounder, with steamer and grinder, we think it’s good value – and with a much friendlier price tag than the Sage.
What else?
If you’re looking for a way to make a quick and efficient coffee in the morning, it boasts a quick heat boiler and many of its elements are dishwasher proof, too.
What don’t we like?
Unlike the Smeg machine above, the Gaggia is not so great at making milky coffees, with users reporting that the steamer performance is underwhelming.
Buying Guide for the Best Espresso Machine
What is the best espresso machine?
Buying a barista style coffee twice a day from your local coffee shop will cost around $3 a pop and so at least $30 every working week. That means even the most expensive espresso machine on our list will pay for itself in less than a year. Most users want their espresso machine to produce consistently great coffee, to be easy to use and clean, and not cost the earth. The Nespresso Creatista Uno delivers on all counts, and is our best espresso machine.
Reservoir
Otherwise known as a water tank, the reservoir on an espresso machine doesn’t necessarily need to be large; its size should depend on how many people will be using the machine and how often.
Bar
Essentially the amount of pressure used to push water through the coffee grounds/beans; the higher the number, the higher the pressure. The best espresso is said to be produced at 9 bars.
Does it have a grinder?
Important if you’re wanting to use coffee beans, however a grinder will more often than not bump up the price up of a coffee machine.
Size
Available in all shapes and sizes, from the sleek and modern to the traditional and slightly wacky, there’s always the option to choose a machine that fits in your space and is in sync with your existing decor.
Price
Expensive espresso coffee machines may have a grinder incorporated into their design, with De’Longhi and Breville by Heston Blumenthal giving you the option to grind your coffee beans to your preferred consistency.
Less expensive espresso machines may lack the capability to grind coffee beans, but there’s a diverse market of pre-ground coffee from around the world to tap into.
So, in no way are you compromising on that first sip satisfaction just by investing in the slightly less expensive but ever-so retro Smeg espresso machine that features on our list, for example.
Conclusion
Espresso machines are definitely an excellent investment for anyone who wants to enjoy the taste of a well-made coffee in a fast and hassle-free way. However, the choice of this device must be made carefully, especially if you are oriented towards an expensive one, which is why we recommend that you carefully review the information we have presented to you.
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Last update on 2021-02-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
