Coffee machine guide
Brew like a barista with our tips, advice and recipe inspiration.
Why we love coffee
We're crazy about coffee in the UK, and we've been enjoying it for centuries now. Although we're traditionally a nation of tea drinkers, coffee is quickly becoming Britain's new favourite beverage.
Coffee is loved the world over as a morning boost. It's also a social drink: most workplaces have some form of 'coffee break', often enjoyed with a sweet treat.
The Swedes call this Fika, which essentially means 'coffee and cake break'. And with so many coffee machines to choose from, it's easy to make your own amazing brews at home.
Need some inspiration? Find recipe ideas, brewing tips and coffee machine buying advice below.
Our guide to the best coffee machine for your home
Find your perfect coffee with our guide to each type of machine. Whether you'd like to brew barista-style or keep things simple, there's a coffee machine to fit everyone's favourites here.
Pod coffee machines
Pod machines couldn’t be easier to use. You simply have to add a capsule with your flavour of choice and the machine will do the rest.
Best for: Convenience
Coffee type: Pod
Milk type: Depends on pod
One touch recipes: Depends on pod flavour
Manual milk recipes: No
Automatic milk recipes: No
Personalise: No
Cleaning: Manual
Filter coffee machine
In these machines, water passes through a filter which adds flavour and aroma to your brew. Great if you like black coffee and have a little more time to make it.
Best for: Get togethers and weekends
Coffee type: Ground
Milk type: N/a
One touch recipes: Americano
Manual milk recipes: No
Automatic milk recipes: No
Personalise: No
Cleaning: Manual
Coffee pump machine
Feel like a barista in your own home with a coffee pump machine. Extract all the flavour you’d expect from a coffee shop, without having to leave your kitchen.
Best for: The barista experience
Coffee type: Ground or ESE (easy serving espresso) pod
Milk type: Assisted/Manual frother
One touch recipes: Espresso, double espresso, americano
Manual milk recipes: Yes
Automatic milk recipes: No
Personalise: Yes
Cleaning: Descale
Bean-to-cup machine
Bean-to-cup machines have a built-in coffee grinder, which turns coffee beans into your favourite brew. Ideal for coffee making enthusiasts.
Best for: All coffee from black to milky
Coffee type: Bean or ground
Milk type: Manual, assisted or automatic options
One touch recipes: Espresso, double espresso, long coffee, cappuccino, flat white
Manual milk recipes: Yes
Automatic milk recipes: Yes
Personalise: Yes
Cleaning: Auto rinse and descale, auto milk carafe clean
Shop by coffee type
Latte machines
Milky, frothy and often mistaken for a flat white. A latte has a single shot of espresso, topped with steamed milk and a layer of micro-foam (frothy milk with tiny bubbles).
Cappuccino machines
A cappuccino has less milk, but more froth, than a latte. It often comes with a sprinkling of chocolate too, which might have something to do with why it’s so popular.
Americano machines
A shot of espresso, infused with water. There’s usually no milk or froth with an americano. Think of it like a diluted espresso that you can enjoy for a little bit longer.
Espresso machines
It’s a small shot of espresso. Simple as that. The taste is strong and flavoursome and there's no bells and whistles like other options. The truest coffee experience you can get.
Coffee machine reviews
Tried and tested by fellow coffee lovers.
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How to make coffee using a traditional machine
In partnership with De'Longhi and Union Coffee.
Making an espresso
Love the full flavour of espresso? Here's how to brew your own cup at home using a traditional coffee machine.
Creating latte art with steamed milk
Ever wondered how baristas create latte art? In this quick guide, we’ll show you how to make your own milk foam masterpieces.
How to make coffee using a bean to cup machine
In partnership with De'Longhi and Union Coffee.
Setting up your machine
Discover how to replicate your favourite coffee shop drinks at home using a bean to cup machine.
Using the milk settings
Tips on how to perfectly froth your milk for creating a latte, flat white or cappuccino.
Barista basics
Coffee accessories
From frothers for that perfect foamy brew, to descaling tablets so your machine keeps producing that perfect cup every time. Don't forget the accessories you'll need to keep your coffee tasting its best.
Grinding coffee beans
Use a grinder to crush coffee beans to your desired grind. There are three main types of grind – coarse, medium and fine. Coarser grinds are typically used for French press coffee whereas finer grinds are better for espresso.
Using a coffee press
When brewing with a coffee press, it’s best to use a coarser grind. Brew with hot but not boiling water for approximately four minutes, then slowly press the plunger down to separate the ground coffee from your brew.
Winter coffee recipes
These coffee cocktails are brought to you by De'Longhi.
Christmas treat
For a warm and indulgent coffee, this simple collaboration of flavours will really get you into the Christmas spirit.
Ingredients:
- 30ml aged Cuban rum
- 30ml espresso shot
- 180ml full fat milk
- 30gms demerara sugar
- A pinch of cardamom
- A pinch of nutmeg
Method:
1. Place the milk in the milk carafe or stainless steel jug to steam with the steam wand, you’re looking for a fluffy texture.
2. Pour into glass, add the remaining ingredients and stir vigorously.
3. Grate chocolate over the top.
DeLonghi’s secret
Adding a little lemon to dark roasted coffee, this little number highlights the coffee’s overtones.
Ingredients:
- 15ml grappa
- 15ml hazelnut liqueur (Frangelico)
- 15ml Amaro Averna liqueur
- 60ml espresso shot
- 2 ice cubes
Method:
1. Add all ingredients into a cocktail shaker and shake vigorously.
2. Pour into the cup.
3. Cut lemon slice to centre and place on the edge of the cup.
Havana shake
Coffee and rum, Cuban style, but don’t forget the chocolate to really enhance the experience.
Ingredients:
- 45ml aged Cuban rum
- 30ml espresso shot
- 7.5ml brown sugar syrup
- 2 ice cubes
Method:
1. Add all the ingredients into a cocktail shaker and shake vigorously.
2. Pour into the cup.
3. Grate the nutmeg over the cup and place the chocolate on the saucer.
Chocolate Sidecar
A distinctly flavoured cocktail with a citrus burst.
Ingredients:
- 30ml Cognac
- 25ml Espresso coffee
- 15ml triple sec
- 25ml lemon juice
- 15ml sugar syrup (to taste)
- 1 tsp chocolate powder (heaped)
- Chocolate syrup to garnish glass
Method:
1. Put some chocolate syrup on a plate and dip the rims of your glasses until they are covered. Put in the fridge to chill.
2. Combine all ingredients together in a cocktail shaker with ice and shake.
3. Strain into your chilled glass and revel in decadent deliciousness.
The Bitter Truth
A balanced blend of bitterness and sugary sweetness.
Ingredients:
- 12.5ml Campari liqueur
- 25ml pineapple juice
- 25ml lime juice
- 25ml Espresso coffee
- 1 tsp sugar (to taste)
- A pinch of sea salt
- A cinnamon stick for garnish
Method:
1. Combine all ingredients together in a cocktail shaker with ice and shake.
2. Strain into a chilled glass with crushed ice.
3. Garnish with a cinnamon stick and marvel at your creation.
Amaretto Old Fashioned
An all time classic with some new ideas.
Ingredients:
- 40ml Espresso coffee
- 25ml Amaretto liqueur
- 25ml spiced rum
- 5ml sugar syrup (to taste)
- A splash of bitters (to taste)
- A slice of orange for garnish
Method:
1. Add a single large ice cube to your glass.
2. Pour all of the ingredients in a glass and stir them together.
3. Top with the orange slice and sample your handiwork.
Gifts for coffee lovers
If you're stuck for present ideas, check out these fab gift-worthy options for the coffee lover in your life!
More help and inspiration
Coffee pods
You've got the machine, now get the coffee. Visit Sainsbury's and view the full range of coffee products.
Tea lovers and tea gifts
More of a tea person? Check out our guide to tea gifts, afternoon tea and the essentials for making great cuppa.
Go get baking
Whether you're just starting out or an experienced baker, find everything you need to create a showstopper right here.
Why buy at Argos?
Are you or someone you know a coffee connoisseur? Well you’ve come to the right place. We’ve put together a special selection of products dedicated to all the self-proclaimed bean experts and caffeine enthusiasts. Whether you prefer the slow grind of bean-to-cup models or the fast brew of a coffee-pod machine, you’ll find the perfect gift to treat yourself or someone who appreciates a quality cup of coffee just like you do.
Coffee machines
Whether you need a cup of fresh homemade coffee in the morning or a mid-day pick me up in the office, our coffee machines come in different sizes and offer varied functions, so you can have your desired brew whenever you like, just the way you like it. There’s no doubt the coffee lover you’re gifting is already clued up on the latest machines and methods of making coffee so, we’re here to help you pick the right one. Check out our Nespresso machines, widely loved and wildly recommended, you simply cannot go wrong. They’ll feel like a certified barista with one of our stylish coffee machines sat on their kitchen counter top. Choose from compact designs or more traditional café style models for a coffee making experience like no other!
Coffee making accessories
There’s nothing like a fresh, full-bodied and rich cup of coffee in the morning and if you enjoy a more personal and raw coffee making experience then our coffee grinders are a must-have. Achieve the perfect texture and intensity with our stylish coffee grinders. Enjoy a freshly brewed cup of your favourite coffee bean made precisely how you like it, every time.
Coffee cups
For such a sophisticated drink, it’s only right that you have an equally glamourous cup for your brew to flow in to. Sip your coffee in style with our glass coffee cups for a modern yet chic drinking experience; pair with one of our beautiful placemats and coasters for a look that’s totally Instagram worthy. Or if you prefer the traditional ceramic feel of a coffee cup in your hands, then our mugs would be the perfect finishing touch to complete your experience. Choose from modern or contemporary mug designs for a minimal touch or traditional patterns for a charming and rustic look. For the coffee lovers that are always on the go, get them a trusty travel mug to keep their drink warm and on hand throughout their busy day.