A nation of tea drinkers? Not so much; coffee, in all its latte and flat white forms, is edging ever closer to being our favourite caffeine drink of choice. Make sure you’re up with the trend with this round-up of the best at-home coffee making gadgets
MORPHY RICHARDS RED ACCENTS ESPRESSO MACHINE
However good freshly ground is, if you, like most people, are rather short on time first thing in the morning, then also having the option to pop in a coffee pod is quite appealing. Step forward this “best of both worlds” machine, which gives you access to the ready-to-go coffee market but maintains its roots with a twin fresh coffee dispenser that operates and maintains a 15-bar pressure (the one Baristas boast about being ideal). £99.99
LA PAVONI EUROPICCOLA MACHINE
Based on an original 1950s design, this is as much a work of art as it is for practical work. Of course, the iconic machine really can deliver on taste though, with a few modern adjustments to ease it into the 21st century. The best choice for those who value design taste as much as the taste of their coffee. £390
THE BARISTA EXPRESS
There are loads of higher priced coffee machines, but this one from Heston Blumenthal’s range of appliances sets a new standard at a price point that’ll have the competition scratching their heads. The features on this machine include an 18-setting grinder, pressure gauge and steamer – and a pretty sleek look, too. £549.99
KRUPS MILK FROTHER
With three separate settings, this automatic milk frother delivers the ideal milk/froth solution for both latte and cappuccino based beverages – also pretty good for a hot chocolate on these ever-chillier winter nights. £97.50
AEROPRESS
Those cafetiere/plunger based coffee machines make way too much mess, but thankfully there is an ingenious way to make extra smooth filter coffee more tidily. Many experts are backing this manually operated device as the best way to create a decent coffee in under 30 seconds; just load up your coffee in the chamber, stick in some hot water, wait 10 seconds and press the plunger. As you push, air pressure forces the brew through a filter and into your cup – without any of that dripping and splashing. £25