5 Coffee Machines That Make Better Coffee Than Starbucks
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Let’s face it – Starbucks is fine if you like waiting in queues, mispronounced names, and paying £5 for foam. But if you're craving rich, barista-level coffee without the faff, there's a better way — in your kitchen.
We tested, tasted, and slightly trembled (thanks, caffeine) through a range of home brewers to bring you five coffee machines that make better coffee than Starbucks — and won't judge you for using oat milk.
1. Sage Bambino Plus
⭐⭐⭐⭐(4.3/5)
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Type | Espresso Machine |
| Milk Frother | Automatic steam wand |
| Dimensions | 19.5 x 32 x 31 cm |
| Additional Features | 3-second heat-up time, auto milk texturing |
Why we love it:
The Bambino Plus is small but mighty – think espresso with a Napoleon complex. It heats up faster than you can say “double shot flat white”, and the milk frother is so good it could replace your local barista (just don’t tell them). You get café-quality crema and velvety milk microfoam without needing a PhD in latte art. If you’ve got minimal space and maximum taste, this machine’s your morning best mate.
2. De’Longhi Magnifica Evo One Touch 
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐(4/5)
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Type | Fully Automatic Bean-to-Cup |
| Milk Frother | Automatic LatteCrema system |
| Dimensions | 24 x 36 x 44 cm |
| Additional Features | Touch panel, 13-setting grinder, dual thermoblock |
Why we love it:
If you want premium coffee with none of the effort, the Magnifica Evo is like having your own personal barista who never gets your name wrong. One-touch controls? Check. Velvety milk froth? Check. The ability to wake up, press a button, and drink a fresh latte while still half-asleep? Absolutely. It’s no surprise this bean-to-cup beauty might make you start skipping your usual café run.
3. Gaggia Classic Evo Pro
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐(4.4/5)
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Type | Manual Espresso Machine |
| Milk Frother | Classic commercial steam wand |
| Dimensions | 23 x 24 x 38 cm |
| Additional Features | Commercial-grade group head, brass components |
Why we love it:
This one’s for the coffee nerds – the kind of people who use words like “mouthfeel” and argue about grind size. The Gaggia Classic Evo Pro gives you full control, from tamp to steam. It’s built like a tank, and the espresso is restaurant-quality – if you put in the effort. It’s not for the lazy, but if you like the process almost as much as the drink, this is your dream machine.
4. Breville One-Touch CoffeeHouse
⭐⭐⭐⭐(4.2/5)
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Type | Pump Espresso Machine |
| Milk Frother | Removable automatic milk tank |
| Dimensions | 28 x 27 x 32 cm |
| Additional Features | 19-bar pressure, one-touch brewing |
Why we love it:
We love a coffee machine that does what it says on the tin – one touch, café-style drinks, no faff. This one’s perfect for latte lovers, occasional espresso drinkers, or anyone who doesn’t want to wrestle with manual milk steaming at 7am. It’s stylish, compact, and makes your kitchen smell like a coffee shop without having to deal with acoustic guitar playlists.
5. Nescafé Dolce Gusto Genio S Plus
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐(4.6/5)
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Type | Pod Coffee Machine |
| Milk Frother | None – uses milk pods |
| Dimensions | 11 x 27 x 28 cm |
| Additional Features | Customisable strength and temperature settings |
Why we love it:
If you’re in the fast lane of life but still want your morning fix to taste like something special, the Genio S Plus is your new best friend. Despite its small size and pod-based simplicity, the adjustable settings let you fine-tune your brew far more than you’d expect. And the fact it handles Starbucks pods better than Starbucks? Ironic, delicious, and slightly savage.
Our Top 2 Picks
🏆 Best Overall – De’Longhi Magnifica Evo One Touch
For anyone who wants proper café-style coffee at the push of a button. It's like having your own Starbucks machine… without the snarky baristas or burnt beans.
💡 Best Budget Buy – Breville One-Touch CoffeeHouse
It’s not the cheapest on the market, but it’s certainly the best value for money. Perfect for lattes and cappuccinos, with minimal effort and loads of flavour.