10 Best Integrated Coffee Machines 2019

Fully automatic, with LCD touchscreen controls, this modern offering not only acts the part but looks it too.

In terms of usability, every part and tank is easily accessible from the front of the machine. The brewing unit is completely removable from the build for easy cleaning and maintenance, and with the press of a few buttons, you can run a cleaning function after every few uses to make sure it all stays in working order.

A separate hot water spout doesn’t only allow you to top up your drinks if you want to have something a bit weaker, but it also provides immediate hot water if you also like to have cups of tea ready in a short time.

For those coffees and hot chocolates that require frothy milk, the arm is one of the best we tried in this category range. The foam was light and airy, yet stayed foamed for quite a while without disappearing as soon as we started drinking.

The 2-litre tank was pretty easy to remove and refill, so even though it isn’t the largest, keeping on top of it wasn’t laborious. Staying on top of the appliance looking new isn’t hard either thanks to Whirlpool iXelium coating. It uses nanotechnology to keep clean and ‘age-resistant’, and it is meant to help the unit look good for longer – which we definitely rate.

Regarding the price, we agreed this was quite reasonable. It is an automatic machine, which explains why it reaches over the £1000 mark, but it doesn’t have a lot of the complicated extras which some higher-end models have. In the end, it is a relatively affordable option which produces great coffee for a price we think is generous for both the performance and the name.

Combining the space-saving benefits of an integrated appliance with the time-saving benefits of smart appliances, the Bosch CTL636ES6 is easily controlled, super quick and an all-in-one automatic.

It doesn’t only provide smart technology, but there are also aspects which will boost the flavour of your coffee. SensoFlow precisely heats your coffee to the optimum serving and brewing temperature, so not only will you never have a cold brew again, but the flavour is full of impact.

Aroma DoubleShot gives you the option to have an extra strong coffee, with a specialised grinding and brewing process that won’t make the coffee bitter with the added strength. Perfect for those mornings where you struggled to make it out of bed.

The OneTouch function means there is no extra programming or changing settings required to make a cappuccino or latte compared to a standard espresso, as the interface means they are all there as pre-sets. You can also select to make two coffees at the same time – and SensoFlow means they will both arrive at the perfect, consistent temperature time after time.

Now for the ‘Smart’ bit. Home Connect means you can connect it all up to your smartphone, and brew a cup of coffee when you’re in bed which will be ready for when you reach the kitchen. No waiting around or missing your favourite TV show, as long as the water/coffee/milk is all kept topped up.

Cleaning the machine is even made easy. Steam Blast will flush the internal workings with steam and hot water after every single use to keep everything in working order and hygienic. Better still, it is automatic, so no panicking that you’ve forgotten to do it for a while.

The price means it is at the higher end of the scale, but for the technology and efficiency you get, it will be well worth it after only a few weeks.

The cheapest inbuilt coffee machine option in our rundown, the Whirlpool ACE 010 IX is a stylish, simple to use machine for anybody looking for a built-in coffee maker which can handle a lot.

It can make two cups of coffee at any one time, so perfect for those busy mornings where everyone needs their caffeine at once. Able to prepare plain filter coffee, espressos, cappuccinos, americanos and lattes, it is a real all-in-one without the need for extra gadgets and improvisation. You can control the level of steam with a handy turn of the dial, offering precision.

There is stylish halogen lighting integrated into the machine, which will fit into any kitchen but particularly those with similar built-in appliances. Thanks to the 15 bar pump pressure, the coffee produced is as close to coffee-shop quality you’ll get without passing through your front door.

We loved the hot water spout, which gives you on-demand boiling water without the use of a kettle or waiting around for it to heat – great if you want to make a cup of tea or prepare some instant noodles. The entire thermos block system gives you a good level of control over the heat of the machine.

No plumbing is required, with water coming from a tank which you have to refill manually. This is great for anyone who doesn’t want the hassle of altering the layout of their kitchen to fit it all in.

Stainless steel can sometimes be a bit of a pain to keep on top of cleaning-wise, showing up fingerprints and the slightest of spills. However, this is anti-fingerprint stainless steel, so hopefully, the marks will be kept at bay for a little while longer at least.

Tall mugs aren’t great at fitting under the pourer so it may not be an option for anyone after long drinks. Espresso cups, standard mugs and wider cappuccino mugs are perfect though.

Fully automatic, this Smeg offering gives you the choice of freshly grinding your coffee beans for an extra kick, or giving you something a bit mellow by using pre-ground blends.

Not only that, but there is the further option to choose from five different coffee strengths so no matter what kind of day you have ahead, there is something to suit. It isn’t a smart machine in the sense you can control it from your phone, but it can be programmed to brew up at set times. Set it for 7 am for instance, and it will provide your coffee ready and waiting for when you reach the kitchen at 7.10 am all bleary-eyed and needing a bit of assistance.

Self-maintenance cleaning will give it a run-through with some hot water and steam every time it is switched on and off, so not only will it stay looking and working as new for longer, but there will be no taste transfer or product build up from the last cup that was made. All without you even thinking about it.

We liked the easy to use and understand interface and control panel, where every setting has its own button/dial, and the screen will tell you what you have selected before it is set to pour. It isn’t only coffee lovers who will be able to make use of the appliance, either. With a dedicated hot water dispenser, cups of tea and even instant noodles can be made without waiting around for the kettle to boil.

The cup size is adjustable and will accommodate small espresso glasses and wider cappuccino cups in equal measure. Thanks to the 15 bar pressure, which is seen as the best extraction rate, every mug made will taste just like your favourite coffee shop order.

This modern, easy to control and clean machine is the perfect addition to any kitchen.

Featuring a semi-automatic cleaning function and programme, the inside of the machine is kept clean and in full working order with the combined use of steam and hot water. The outside is easy for you to clean too, thanks to the durable stainless steel which can simply be wiped if any marks appear.

There are simple push-button controls to choose which function you would like (coffee/hot water or steam), and the force of the steam is simply altered with the turn of a dial. This opens up the possible coffee varieties, making it easier than ever to produce cappuccinos, lattes and Americanos as well as standard milk coffee.

The filters used are paper, so easy to replace and readily available both online and in the shops when the time comes. Even though this means a bit more waste, it does cut down on cleaning time.

The 19 bar maximum pressure is perfect for creating powerful, strong tasting coffees, but it will also adapt for those smoother milk-based offerings to offer something a bit more mellow.

With a 1L water tank, you have enough to make around 8 cups of espresso coffee without refilling or approximately 3 or 4 larger cups. It is easy enough to refill, with a wide enough slot to ensure the water doesn’t go everywhere but the tank.

Looks-wise, you may think it isn’t much different to the Whirlpool ACE 010 IX, but the depth and power are slightly different so make sure you get the right one.

Thanks to the variable temperature, grinding level, cup size and strength options, the amount of coffees available with a few setting selections is huge with this Fisher & Paykel.

It is primarily designed to fit at eye level, so the dimensions should be perfect for most kitchen setups. As it will make two cups at once, it will make those busy mornings a lot easier, and serving coffee to your guests a lot quicker.

The automatic cleaning cycle will immediately get rid of any milk or coffee residue before it reaches the chance to build up, so each cup will taste clean and it will all be bacteria-free. This will improve not only the working of the machine but also its lifespan.

We liked the interior light, which is a warm glow but illuminated both the machine and the surrounding area, as well as adding some atmosphere.

The grinding coarseness has a huge 13 options to choose from, so whether you want the impact in flavour of finer grounds or prefer something a bit more subtle, you are bound to be able to settle on the right one with a bit of experimentation.

You are free to make anything from espressos and Americanos to lungos, macchiatos and flat whites so there won’t ever not be an option for your tastes. We loved the little storage area hidden away behind the interface too so that you can keep your cups out of view yet within easy reach. The water reservoir and tank were both some of the easiest to remove, too.

Able to fit best into an eye-level cabinet, this AEG pick has those who regularly entertain into mind.

The MultiCup feature will prepare up to 6 coffees at one time, with the thermal jug able to keep everything at the perfect temperature before serving. This will also please anyone who has a household full of coffee lovers who all have to negotiate timings in the mornings.

For those who like tall coffees, this is also a great pick. The special programme will adjust the height, pouring pattern and pressure of the drink, ensuring it is served evenly and consistently.

There is no auto clean function like with some of the other machines in the same price bracket, but it is easy enough to keep on top of manually. To help the outside looking clean as well, there is a mark resistant coating which seems to keep fingerprints, grease and splashes at bay quite effectively.

Preparing your coffee is made easier and hassle-free thanks to the 7 pre-set coffee varieties which can be selected with OneTouch operation. The touch controls keep everything looking smooth, and the settings are easy to choose.

Milk frothing is done via the arm and Cappuccinatore jug, so you have more control over the milk and pouring as well as just how much froth is created. Two separate heaters for the coffee and the hot water means it can act as a kettle as well, and will always be able to reach the perfect temperature.

There isn’t a warning to let you know when the beans are running low, which isn’t a massive problem but feels like a big thing to miss out if it is something you are used to with an old model.

With the ability to change your coffee strength and grind level, the CDA VC801SS gives you the option to adjust the taste of your coffee before it is poured.

One or two cups can be made at the same time, which could save a lot of waiting around in the mornings if you have a busy household. It will let you know when the coffee bean and water containers are both running low, so you can top them up ready for when you’ll next need it.

We liked the touch controls, as opposed to buttons or dials. This is perfect for anyone who wants the entirely smooth integrated look, and also makes it easier to keep on top of when cleaning as there are no difficult edges.

15 bar pressure delivers the ideal taste, strong without becoming too bitter or overpowering. The hot water and steam functions make it easy to prepare your favourite milky drinks, and the screen information will let you know which settings have been selected before it starts getting to work.

Unfortunately, we think the price is a bit steep for what it offers (or should we say lack of what it offers). For a few hundred pounds more you can get programmable or smart coffee machines which provide slightly more flexibility. It does have an integrated bean grinder, which explains the price and gives it the edge over some of the semi-automatics half the price, but it could be worth investing in a machine which is more barista than basic.