Buying Guides
Buying the best coffee machine
Whether you're a casual coffee drinker or an expert in espresso, we have the ideal coffee machine for your home.
What sort of coffee machine do I need?
Different coffee machine types:
Filter machines
If you...
- Like American-style coffee
- Want to make a pot of coffee
- Need a machine that’s cheap to run
Then opt for a filter machine because...
- They make no-frills black coffee
- They’re suited to making more than one cup for large households
- They’re great value and easy to use
Tip
If you prefer to buy whole beans, we also stock a range of coffee grinders
Pod machines
If you...
- Are pushed for time in the mornings
- Like to make a variety of hot drinks
- Want something compact and high-tech
Then choose a pod machine because...
- They are quick to work: simply pop in a pod, press the button and out comes your espresso
- They are multi-functional
- Their size is ideal for worktops and 1-2 people
- Smart coffee machines are compatible with a mobile app for ordering on the go
Tip
Pods should be recycled if possible; Nespresso offers a convenient drop-off service. Remember to totally empty the pod of all grounds and rinse it clean before placing in the recycling bag
Pump machines
If you...
- Are an espresso purist
- Want silky handmade coffee
Then try a pump machine because...
- You can grind, tamp and craft your own coffee
- They are traditionally made and manually or automatically operated
Bean-to-cup machines
If you...
- Are a coffee aficionado
- Want a barista experience at home
- Want a machine that makes everything from cappuccino to americano
- Are after something that’s great for dinner parties
Then consider a bean-to-cup machine because...
- They’re excellent quality
- They grind whole coffee beans to make fresh, barista-style coffee
- These machines offer the easiest way to make multiple coffee styles, pleasing everyone
Tip
These machines require extra attention when cleaning to prevent blockages or damage and avoid costly repairs
Features to look out for
Automatic and manual milk frothers
A milk frother heats and froths milk for creamy lattes, cappuccinos and more. Automatic frothers do this within the machine, while manual frothers have a tube coming out of the machine that you can use to do it yourself.
Tip
Frothers will froth almost any type of milk, except rice milk
Bar pressure
Look for 15-19 bar as the optimum bar pressure. This is essential for steam to meet the coffee granules at the right speed; too slow and it can result in bitter espresso.
Thermoblock
To achieve an excellent flavour, it's important that you brew coffee at the right temperature. A thermoblock heats water using a pump.
Tip
Coffee is at its best brewed at around 93°C, which is why no coffee machines have 'extra hot’ settings
Portafilter
This holds the coffee granules and should be kept warm. Basic models have aluminium holders, while more expensive models have brass ones that retain heat for longer.
Valve
Most machines have a mechanical valve to control water flow. Top-of-the-range machines have solenoid valves, which increase water pressure and shut off as soon as you finish the extraction.
Wattage
The higher the wattage, the faster the water is heated: useful if you’re making several espresso at once.
Smart technology
Some machines can connect to an app on your smartphone or tablet, so you can order your coffee from bed or as you're on the way home.
Extra coffee pods
Some of our pod machines have pods included. When you run out, shop coffee pods here. Waitrose stocks a variety of different brands, compatible with Nespresso, Lavazza and Tassimo machines.
To enhance your barista experience, visit our Nespresso Boutiques at Peter Jones on Sloane Square and John Lewis Kingston for a wide selection of pods, a tasting bar and the Nespresso capsule recycling service.
Accessories
Bring the barista experience into your home with accessories that will complement your coffee machine.
If you have a filter machine, you might need a...
coffee grinder
to expertly grind your beans to your preferred fineness
If you own a pod machine, you might like a...
capsule stand
to keep your pods neat and tidy
If your machine doesn’t have an automatic frother, it’s worth investing in a...
milk frother
to add the perfect finishing touch to your coffee
Tip
Freezing your ground coffee or beans isn’t the best way to keep them fresh: instead, place in an opaque and airtight container and store in a cool, dry place
Delivery options
We offer a range of delivery options.
Free standard delivery
If you spend £50 or more on a coffee machine, we offer free Standard delivery to your home.
Click & Collect
If you’d prefer to pick up your new machine in
PARTNERSHIP CARD
Our rewards credit card gives you 1.25% back in points towards vouchers when you shop with us.
PARTNERSHIP CARD
Our rewards credit card gives you 1.25% back in points towards vouchers when you shop with us.
John Lewis plc, 171 Victoria Street SW1E 5NN acts as a credit broker. Credit provided under exclusive arrangements with the lender John Lewis Financial Services Limited
