Choosing a coffee machine this Black Friday? Start with the drinks you enjoy, how much preparation you want to do and what you can comfortably spend. Then compare machines that meet those needs.
This guide explains what to look for, from built-in grinders and milk frothers to cleaning requirements and worktop space, so you can narrow down your options before comparing models and prices.
1. What Coffee Do You Enjoy Drinking?
Think about your usual coffee order. If you mainly drink espresso or Americanos, focus on coffee preparation and adjustment options. If you prefer lattes, cappuccinos or flat whites, pay closer attention to the milk system.
Also consider how many drinks you will make. Preparing one coffee before work is different from making several milk drinks for the household. Check the water tank capacity, how the machine prepares consecutive drinks and whether you need to wait between brewing coffee and steaming milk.
Before browsing, write down:
- Your favourite drinks: What will you make most often?
- Your daily quantity: How many coffees will you prepare?
- Your preferred routine: Do you want quick preparation or time to practise your technique?
Use these answers to filter the coffee machines at Keans.
2. Should You Choose Pods, Ground Coffee or Beans?
The main choice is between pods, ground coffee and whole beans. Each involves a different balance of convenience, control and ongoing cost.
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Machine type |
Consider it if… |
Check before buying |
|
Pod or capsule |
You want straightforward preparation with little handling of coffee grounds. |
Capsule compatibility, cost per drink and milk-frothing options. |
|
Filter coffee |
You mainly drink black coffee and want to prepare several cups together. |
Jug capacity, filter requirements and how the coffee is kept warm. |
|
Manual or assisted espresso |
You want to prepare espresso and have more involvement in the process. |
Whether you need a grinder, which steps are assisted and how you prepare milk. |
|
Fully automatic bean-to-cup |
You want freshly ground coffee with fewer manual preparation steps. |
Available drinks, milk-system operation and cleaning requirements. |
A built-in grinder does not necessarily mean fully automatic preparation. Some machines grind the beans but still require you to tamp the coffee, move the portafilter into place and start brewing. The portafilter is the handled basket that holds the ground coffee.
Read the preparation instructions or watch a demonstration to understand what you will actually do for each cup.
3. How Much Should You Spend on a Coffee Machine?
Set your maximum budget before looking at discounts. Include any equipment you need to start making your preferred drinks.
An espresso machine without a grinder may require a separate espresso-capable grinder. Depending on what comes in the box, you might also need a milk jug, tamper or scales.
Check the included accessories before adding anything extra. You can browse coffee accessories to identify any additional purchases your chosen setup needs.
Looking for the Cheapest Coffee Machine?
Compare both the purchase price and the cost of using it.
A lower-priced capsule machine may suit an occasional coffee drinker, while someone making several drinks every day should look closely at capsule costs. Equally, a more expensive machine only offers value if you use the features you are paying for.
For pods, work out the price per capsule and how many your usual drink requires. For beans, estimate how many drinks you will make from a bag using your chosen coffee dose.
This helps you decide whether a cheaper purchase will still suit your budget after Black Friday.
4. Do You Need a Built-in Coffee Grinder?
If you want to use whole beans, decide whether you prefer an integrated grinder or a separate one.
A coffee machine with a built-in grinder keeps grinding and brewing in one setup. A separate grinder gives you the option to change either appliance independently, but you will need space and budget for both.
For example, the Ninja Luxe Café Premier ES601UK combines a built-in grinder and scale with preparation guidance. When comparing it with another machine, consider which tasks that assistance would make easier for you.
Avoid choosing a grinder purely because it has more settings. Look at how those adjustments work and whether they suit the coffee you want to prepare.
5. Love Lattes and Cappuccinos? Here’s What to Look For
If milk drinks are your priority, compare how each machine heats and textures milk.
Manual Steam Wand
A manual steam wand gives you control over milk steaming, but you will need to learn how to position the jug and introduce the right amount of air.
Consider this option if you enjoy practising and want to develop your milk-texturing skills for art lattes.
Automatic Milk Steaming or Frothing
An automatic system handles more of the process. Depending on the model, you may select a milk temperature, texture or drink programme.
Check whether you steam milk in a separate jug or attach a milk container that dispenses into your cup. Also check which parts need cleaning after each use.
For example, the De’Longhi Magnifica Start includes a LatteCrema Hot milk system and one-touch drink options. It is worth comparing this preparation process with machines that use a separate steaming jug.
Want to Try Latte Art at Home?
Look for a machine that can produce finely textured milk, often called microfoam, rather than simply a thick layer of froth.
The Sage Barista Touch is worth considering if you want to practise latte art at home. Its steam wand supports microfoam milk texturing, and a stainless steel milk jug is included.
A suitable machine helps you prepare the milk, but pouring latte art takes practice. If you use plant-based milk, check the machine’s guidance for your preferred alternative.
6. Sage, Ninja or De’Longhi: Which Is Right for You?
Some of our best-selling coffee machines side-by-side:
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Coffee machine |
Coffee type and grinder |
Milk preparation |
Main features |
Who it may suit |
|
Whole beans or ground coffee; built-in burr grinder with 16 settings. |
Manual steam wand for microfoam and practising latte art. |
Adjustable grinding, single and double espresso shots, temperature-controlled brewing and a 2-litre water tank. |
Someone who wants a hands-on espresso experience with grinding and brewing in one machine. |
|
|
Whole beans; built-in burr grinder with 25 settings and integrated scales. |
Hands-free milk steaming and frothing, including cold foam. |
Espresso, filter coffee and cold brew options; Barista Assist guidance and weight-based dosing. |
Someone who wants different coffee styles and assistance with preparation. |
|
|
Ground coffee; no built-in grinder. Add a separate grinder to use whole beans. |
Automatic microfoam texturing with adjustable milk temperature and texture. |
Compact design, three-second heating system, single and double espresso shots and a 1.9-litre water tank. |
Someone who wants a smaller espresso machine with automatic milk texturing. |
|
|
Whole beans; built-in grinder with automatic coffee preparation. |
Integrated LatteCrema Hot milk system with three foam textures. |
15 customizable drinks, 3.5-inch touchscreen, four user profiles and a 1.9-litre water tank. |
A household that wants personalised coffees and milk drinks with fewer manual steps. |
|
|
Nespresso Vertuo capsules; no grinder required. |
No built-in milk frother; a separate frother is needed for frothed milk. |
One-button brewing, automatic capsule recognition, espresso and longer coffee sizes, and a 600ml water tank. |
Someone who prioritises straightforward capsule preparation and a compact machine. |
If Sage and Ninja are on your shortlist, read our Ninja vs Sage coffee machine comparison for a closer look.
The best brand for your first coffee machine is the one with a model that fits your preferred routine, budget and willingness to learn.
7. Will It Fit on Your Kitchen Worktop?
Check the machine’s width, depth and height against the space where you intend to use it.
Allow room around it for everyday tasks. You may need clearance above the machine to refill beans, space beside it to move a steam wand or access behind it to remove the water tank.
8. Found Your Favourites? Now Compare the Deals
Once you know your requirements, narrow your choice to two or three models. This makes it easier to compare useful features without being distracted by every offer.
Use a simple checklist:
|
What to compare |
What to record for each model |
|
Exact model |
Full model number and version. |
|
Your favourite drinks |
Whether it makes them and which steps you complete yourself. |
|
Grinder |
Included, separate or unnecessary. |
|
Milk preparation |
Manual wand, automatic steaming or integrated milk system. |
|
Size |
Dimensions and clearance needed. |
|
Cleaning |
Regular tasks and required products. |
|
Total purchase cost |
Machine, essential accessories and delivery. |
|
Ongoing costs |
Coffee, capsules, filters and cleaning supplies. |
|
Support |
Warranty terms, registration requirements and returns information. |
Then compare prices for the same model and included accessories. Check the final checkout price and any conditions attached to promotional codes, gifts or bundles.
Ready to find your next coffee machine? Browse Keans’ Black Friday coffee machine deals, compare the models that meet your checklist and choose the one that best suits how you will make coffee every day.
FAQs
Is Black Friday a good time to buy a coffee machine?
Black Friday can be a good time to buy if a machine that meets your needs is available at a competitive price. Shortlist suitable models beforehand, track their prices and compare the exact model and included accessories before deciding.
Are coffee machines with built-in grinders worth it?
A built-in grinder is useful if you want freshly ground coffee without buying a separate appliance. However, it does not always mean fully automatic preparation. Check whether you still need to tamp the coffee, handle a portafilter or steam milk yourself.
Can I make lattes with a pod coffee machine?
Yes, but you will need a way to heat and froth milk. Some pod machines include a milk system, while others require a separate frother. Check what comes with the model or bundle before buying.
Can I switch between regular and decaf coffee?
Yes, but how easily you can switch depends on the machine. Some bean-to-cup machines have a separate compartment for ground coffee, allowing you to use decaf without changing the beans in the hopper. With a single bean hopper, switching may involve emptying it and clearing beans and grounds remaining in the grinder. If you switch frequently, an espresso machine without a built-in grinder could be a more convenient option, especially if you use pre-ground coffee.
Does a higher bar pressure mean better coffee?
A higher advertised pump pressure does not automatically mean better espresso. Grind size, coffee dose, brewing temperature and extraction all affect the result. Compare the machine’s preparation features and adjustment options rather than choosing by pressure alone.
What should I buy with my first espresso machine?
Check the included accessories first. Depending on the machine, you may need an espresso-capable grinder, a tamper, a milk jug or scales. Budget for compatible cleaning and descaling products too, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
