Six of the best coffee machines

By Peter Jenkinson

It is easy to save yourself a small fortune as well as avoid high street queues by investing in your own coffee machine.

For those who can't get going without their early morning kick-starter, check out these fine devices to create your perfect barista-quality blend in the comfort of your own home.

Manual machine - ROK Espresso Maker - £129 from www.rokkitchentools.com

Not only does this ready-to-use machine create a marvellous espresso, it makes a decent work of art for your kitchen. Complete with all you'll need to make a top-class pot of coffee - plunger, water chamber and portafilter, splitter, storage tin and stainless steel milk frother - it is an attention-grabber of the highest order.

Upper class - Bugatti Diva Coffee Machine - £583 from www.amara.co.uk

This Bugatti number is sure to wow your kitchen crowd. It's a stunner - and guarantees to make the perfect espresso, cappuccino, latte or macchiato every time. With a cup warmer to boot, this is definitely one to have on show.

Pod machine - Nescafe Dolce Gusto - £89 from www.pixmania.co.uk

Easy to use and with no fuss, this small but powerful machine delivers coffee shop quality at a fraction of the price. Whether you like your cup frothy or intense, there's a plethora of pods available - just pop one in and you're ready to go in a matter of seconds.

Tamper, tamper - Krups XP5210 Espresso - £125 from www.johnlewis.com

Get yourself some top-quality coffee with this great-looking machine. An automated tamping system gives a perfect espresso every time and at the perfect temperature. Plus with a useful steam nozzle to foam up your milk, it's a great all-rounder.

Full service - Krups EA8005 Bean to Cup - £399.95 from www.krups.co.uk

Possibly the best bean-to-cup machine on the shelves, this compact device is first class. The 15-bar pressure and adjustable water temperature make it ideal for all manner of brews. And with an integrated burr grinder, one cup just won't be enough.

Smooth operator - Nespresso U - £119 from www.nespresso.co.uk

Cutting-edge technology combined with great looks makes this new U machine an ideal addition to any kitchen. Load up one of the many coffee capsules available and at the touch of a button, you've your very own home-based barista. Choose from three sizes for an authentic-tasting, hassle-free hot beverage.

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