Help me choose coffee machine!

[RealReginaPhalange]

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i narrowed it down to four below. Its for my husband’s 40th bday. Never had a coffee machine before. We usually drink instant nescafe, although he is much more coffee lover than me

https://www.argos.co.uk/product/4335575?clickSR=slp:term:coffee%20machine:19:19:2

https://www.argos.co.uk/product/2254562?clickSR=slp:term:coffee%20machine:1:19:1

https://www.argos.co.uk/product/1123759?clickSR=slp:term:coffee%20machine:3:19:1

https://www.argos.co.uk/product/9474479?clickSR=slp:term:coffee%20machine:8:19:1

We've used an aeropress now for 18 years. With a milk frother. Id never go back to a machine, too much space, fuss and cleaning.

I'm sure OP could have asked AI herself @YDBear 😅 Presumably she posted here looking for people's actual opinions/ experience with the machines!

OP, personally I just have a Lavazza pod machine which is great and was only about £50, but my parents have the DeLonghi one you link (or the equivalent at the time they bought it).

It's been going strong for about 8 years now, really easy to use and maintain, and makes a nice coffee, so I'd say that's a good bet. Also it does have a milk foamer and is absolutely fine for a nice milky coffee.

I don't have experience of the others.

Does it have to be bean to cup from Argos? If he’s into coffee and might enjoy making it himself (learning how to do pretty patterns with the milk etc!) he could get a really decent espresso maker with a built in frother for the budget you have. Gaggia are a good make.

Would need a bean grinder or to buy espresso grind coffee and get a tamper etc. - but would make it about the actual making of the coffee as well as the drinking.

I have an older version of the delonghi and it’s ten years old and still going strong, has never had a problem.

It makes nice coffee.

The milk frother is ok. I wouldn’t say it makes barista style cappuccino etc but it’s good enough for us. We mostly just make a black coffee and add milk from the fridge tbh.

I recently got the de longhi Rivelia bean to cup machine as recommended by several mumsnetters - I loved the fact I could easily change from regular to decaf.

I have a Sage and I’m very happy with it. I’m very particular about coffee!

weve also got a sage and its fab we also try diff bean companies aswell

Nespresso here with Costa pods 😋

Sorry OP but also Delonghi bean 2 cup here - I bloody love it

My mums is 14 years old and still makes a perfect cup - they are the best!

Agree with PP.
We have a gaggia classic. Bought a second one after our first gave up after 14yrs.

Best thing in our kitchen..

https://www.currys.co.uk/products/delonghi-dinamica-ecam-350.35.w-bean-to-cup-coffee-machine-white-10162583.html

I have this but I defo didn’t pay this much - must’ve been on offer

If he really likes coffee he might have his own preferences. For example, I rarely have milk, and if I do, happy to heat and whisk, so wouldn't bother with a difficult to clean frother.
The most particular coffee people I know love their Aeropress.

The Delonghi. I'm am long time Bean to Cup machine user and bitterly regret moving from Delonghi (long story...) The one you've linked to is regularly listed as a best buy in that cost range.

Also agree. A Gaggia Classic is a great home coffee machine. Built like tanks and hold their value surprisingly well.

But if it has to be from Argos, get a Sage:
https://www.argos.co.uk/product/8957997?clickPR=plp:61:146

I would recommend you go with the De’longhi. I have a de’longhi and I love it. I think it’s called “Magnifica Evo Next” or something. It’s so easy to use and the coffee is great.

De’Longhi.
I have a Rivelia and use it everyday, it makes lovely coffee

https://www.argos.co.uk/product/7761287?clickPR=plp:1:13
Sage is the best. What sort of coffee do you like. This machine is great for flat whiter and latte style of coffee.

We’ve had Delonghi for decades - our old one was fantastic and lasted about 20 yrs; sadly the new one, same model, is terrible and I cant recommend 😫

Another Delonghi fan (Rivellia - there are cheaper models but we like being able to use both caf and decaf beans). Their milk frothers clog up over time so we have the steam wand type and a separate Nespresso frother.

I got this Sage espresso machine for my husband for Christmas, I can’t fault it. We buy ground coffee (most fancy coffee places will grind it for you to suit the machine for free)

We have a ninja one- this one that I’ve linked. It’s amazing! Would definitely recommend.

edited to add- link doesn’t work- it’s the ninja luxe cafe machine- on a good price on the ninja website at present.

https://ninjakitchen.co.uk/product/ninja-luxe-cafe-premier-espresso-machine-es601uk-

That’s what we use, plus a good burr grinder as the most vital bit is the quality of the beans.

For simplicity Nespresso pod machine with Nespresso pods.