Brew 
Start with the drink you look forward to. If it’s a big mug of regular coffee, you’ll probably be happiest with a coffee maker. If it’s a small espresso or a creamy cappuccino, an espresso machine is the better place to look.
Want a Pot of Coffee for Breakfast?
A drip coffee maker is hard to beat for a shared morning pot. Add water and ground coffee, let it brew, and pour another cup when you want one. You don’t have to make every drink separately.
The Ninja CE251 coffee maker is an example of that kind of setup. A single-serve brewer makes more sense if everyone wants a different coffee or you usually drink just one mug.
What’s Different About an Espresso Machine?
Espresso is a smaller, more concentrated drink. A pump espresso machine pushes water through finely ground coffee, and that shot can become the base for a latte, cappuccino, or Americano.
You’ll have more to do with a hands-on espresso machine. You prepare the coffee in the filter basket, press it down, and lock the handle in place. A fully automatic machine handles more of those steps inside the appliance.
Will You Need a Grinder Too?
That depends on the machine. The Breville Barista Express includes one. The Breville Bambino doesn’t, so you’ll need suitable ground coffee or a separate grinder. Compare the cost of the whole setup before picking the cheaper brewer.
What If You Mostly Drink Cappuccino?
Look at the milk steps as closely as the coffee steps. A manual steam wand takes practice. Automatic milk frothing gives you more help. A separate frother lets you brew the coffee and add milk afterward.
A coffee maker with a frother can make a pleasant milk drink, but concentrated brewed coffee isn’t the same as traditional espresso. Our cappuccino machine guide explains those options.
Choose the Morning You Want
Like making and adjusting coffee? A hands-on espresso setup may be fun to use. Just want a cup before you leave? A pod brewer or automatic coffee machine could suit you better. Buy for the drinks you make most days, not the longest list on the box.
Coffee Machines You Might Want to Look At
| Machine | How It Makes Coffee | How You Make the Milk | Built-In Grinder | Who It May Suit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ninja Fresh Brew CE251 | Drip coffee | No frother included | No | Coffee for the Family |
| Breville Barista Express BES870XL | Hands-on espresso | Manual steam wand | Yes | Learn Espresso with One Machine |
| Philips 3300 LatteGo EP3341/50 | Fully automatic | Automatic milk frothing | Yes | Easy Coffee and Milk Drinks |
Still deciding? Have a look at our coffee maker reviews, espresso machine reviews, or cappuccino machines to see what else might suit you.