10 Best Home Coffee Machines 2025 in the UK

The Breville Barista Max is an espresso machine designed for home use, especially suited for those who want café-style coffee without complicated setups. It features an integrated bean grinder with 30 grind settings, making it easy to get fresh and flavorful coffee tailored to your taste. Its 2.8-liter water tank is a decent size for multiple cups before needing a refill, fitting well in most kitchens without taking too much space. The machine’s brewing system uses a 15-bar Italian pump and a temperature control technology to help deliver consistent espresso shots, which is great if you value good coffee quality.

It also includes a steam wand to froth milk for lattes and cappuccinos, producing fine microfoam that’s impressive for home machines. In terms of ease of use, the one-touch grinder and auto shot volumetric control simplify the brewing process, although there’s still a manual button if you prefer more control. Cleaning and maintenance are relatively straightforward but require regular attention, especially to the grinder and steam wand, to keep it working well. Brewing time is fairly quick, allowing you to enjoy your coffee without long waits.

The machine weighs around 7.75 kg, so it's not very portable, and some users may find the cleaning routine a bit time-consuming. While it is priced higher than basic espresso makers, the combination of features and the quality of drinks make it a solid choice for coffee enthusiasts who want to replicate café-quality espresso and milk drinks at home.

The Breville Barista Max+ Espresso Coffee Machine is designed for coffee enthusiasts who enjoy a café-style experience at home. One of the machine's main strengths is its Intelligent Grind & Dosage feature, which offers 30 grind settings and ensures the perfect amount of coffee is dispensed for your brew. This is complemented by the Precision Extraction Timer that allows you to monitor your espresso extraction for optimal flavor. The Temp IQ Shot Control works to maintain consistent water flow and temperature, ensuring each cup is as good as the last. An integrated milk frother is also a highlight, allowing you to create velvety microfoam suitable for lattes and cappuccinos.

In terms of ease of use, the machine's intuitive design makes it accessible for both beginners and seasoned coffee makers. However, it's worth noting that the machine's dimensions (31 x 31 x 41 cm) and weight (9 kg) may require a bit of counter space, which could be a consideration for smaller kitchens. Maintenance is relatively straightforward, although regular cleaning is essential to keep all the features functioning optimally. Some users might find the setup a tad complex initially, but once familiar, the operation is smooth and user-friendly.

The Breville Barista Max+ is a match for those who appreciate high-quality coffee and are willing to invest time in learning the machine's functionality. Its 15 Bar Italian Pump ensures robust coffee quality, but the brewing time might be slightly longer due to the precision it aims for. This machine is ideal for homes where coffee is enjoyed as a ritual rather than just a quick morning fix.