I’ll cut straight to the chase: I absolutely loved testing this portable blender. One of my guilty pleasures is stopping by Whole Foods for an eye-wateringly expensive green smoothie. It's always nice to have a boost of fruit, veg, protein, and fiber when you're miles away from your kitchen. But if you have one of the best portable blenders, you can enjoy that same luxury without the weekly overspend.

For cold, fresh smoothies, the Nutribullet Flip is the best portable blender I’ve tried so far. It’s a battery-operated machine with a stainless steel lining that keeps your drinks cool for up to 24 hours – a unique feature in the market. The motor is powerful, the design feels trustworthy, and the lid never leaked during my week of testing. My only disappointment? It can’t handle hot ingredients and it struggles on crushed ice, so soup and frozen margaritas are off the menu.

Specifications

Design

The market for cordless blenders is still small, so the Nutribullet Flip feels like an exciting new contender. In terms of appearance, it's very different from the rest (see the picture above). It has an opaque exterior that's lined with stainless steel to keep your drinks cold for hours. That's wonderfully practical, but it does mean you lose the satisfaction (and control) of watching your ingredients blend.

It's also pretty chunky. I have very small hands, and I found it a bit hard to twist the lid off. That said, the materials feel sturdy and reliable, whereas other portable blenders can feel cheap and plasticky.

I was sent the black colorway to test, and I thought it looked a little like a boring, camping thermos. But as of December 2024, Nutribullet has brought out some fun colorways, like purple, white, and indigo, which feel more personalized.

While the design is utilitarian, it is functionally brilliant. I loved the 'flip-to-blend' feature; it's fun and intuitive. The power button lights up and flashes different colors to tell you the charge status. The liquid measures inside the pitcher are super helpful, as are the included metal straw, straw cleaner, and travel lid.

My main design disappointment is that it's not suited to hot ingredients. I wouldn't have expected that from other portable blenders, but when I saw the word 'insulated' on the packaging, I instantly imagined blending hot soups for a healthy office lunch. Sadly, that's not the case.

Blending performance

Throughout the week, I made seven different smoothies in the Nutribullet Flip. I've never felt healthier! Without boring you with the details of every single blend, here are the results of the top three trickiest blends.

1. Berry breakfast smoothie

This was the first smoothie I made with the Nutribullet Flip. I added a banana, frozen blueberries, a scoop of protein powder, yogurt, and oat milk into the cup – as well as some tough-to-blend oats and chia seeds.

After pressing the power button, the blender sprang to life. It measured a very quiet 73 decibels and ran for 30 seconds before stopping automatically.

Without the ability to see inside the opaque blending cup, I had to trust the process. When I opened the lid, I was pleasantly surprised to find a vibrant, frothy smoothie.

I could see a few flecks of blueberry skins, but on the taste test, the drink was deliciously smooth. The oats added a slight graininess, and I found a banana lump when I drank to the bottom of the cup. This is not quite Vitamix quality, of course, but for a portable blender, this was very good. In hindsight, blending it a second time would likely have eliminated the stray lump.

The smoothie stayed refreshingly cool as I drank it – a testament to the Nutribullet Flip’s thoughtful design. Sometimes when you're testing an appliance you get an instantly good feeling; I was really excited for the week ahead.

2. Iced coffee shake

I decided to test the Nutribullet Flip's claim to keep drinks cold for hours on end. At 6pm on Tuesday night, I blended a frozen banana, oat milk, cacao powder, collagen powder, ice cubes, and a shot of espresso. With the blending lid tightly on, I left it on my kitchen counter overnight.

The next morning at 7am, the shake was still cool. While it wasn’t ice-cold, it hit the perfect temperature for a morning pick-me-up. I took it to work and drank it at 10am – it was lovely.

3. Frozen kale & mango smoothie

I love a green smoothie and this was the ultimate test for the motor. I added a frozen blend of chopped kale, mango, pineapple, avocado, pumpkin seeds – along with a couple of small ice cubes and some coconut water.

This was the first time I saw the yellow flashing light – which concerned me. The instructions manual revealed this could indicate a jammed blade or overheating. I gave the blender a shake and tried again. I assume a lump of ice had lodged itself under the blade, because it was fine after that.

After two rounds of 30 second blending, the results were very smooth, creamy and pretty perfect. There were a few, tiny flecks of kale, but overall, I was impressed that the ice and seeds had disappeared to nothing.

I ended up making this smoothie most days going forward, and the results were consistently good.

4. Crushed ice

I'm not quite sure why you'd want to crush ice on the go, but I tested it anyway. I added six small ice cubes to the cup. This blender lacks a pulse function, so I ran four blending cycles. It got up to 100 decibels, which is as loud as a garbage truck (sorry neighbors). I got the yellow warning sign a couple of times, so I had to shake it to dislodge the ice from the blades.

You can see from the results, it didn't really work. If you want crushed iced on the go, the best you'll get it the Ninja Blast. But really, for frozen margaritas or slushies, you want a wider, stronger countertop model like a Vitamix or Breville Super Q. But if you're adding just a few ice cubes to a liquid blend, the Nutribullet Flip works fine (see the recipes above).

Is it bag-friendly and spill-proof?

I was slightly annoyed that the blender was too chunky for the coffee cup holders on the sides of my rucksack. However, the blender fit easily inside the main body. I carried it around all week, next to my laptop and notebooks. It felt lightweight and the lid stayed very secure. Not a single drop leaked. Even when I packed it into a gym bag for a barre ballet class, it remained spill-proof, despite rolling around quite a bit during transit.

It was too bulky for my handbag, but there is a handle so you can carry it around like a tote – if you so wish. I also tested it out in my car cup holders. It was much too tall for the central cup holder by the gear stick, but it slotted perfectly into the larger cup holder between the seats.

Cleaning, storage & maintenance

Portable blenders can sometimes be tricky to clean, especially if you’ve blended in the morning and left the container in your bag all day, allowing residue to harden.

However, I found the Nutribullet Flip easy to rinse and wipe down. The residue easily lifts away from the stainless steel interior, using a soft sponge and hot soapy water. There was a large space beneath the blades, so I could clean this area thoroughly without cutting my hand. The only part you need to watch out for is the sip hole in the lid, which can be easy to overlook. I found the straw cleaner very helpful for this.

In terms of storage and maintenence, it fits in a cupboard easily and I am thrilled to report I didn't need to charge it all week long. Nutribullet say there are over 14 30-second blending cycles per full charge.

How does it compare?

In many ways, this is the best portable blender I've ever tested. In terms of power, the 11 volts blows the competitors out the water. However, at over 3lbs, it's not as compact, slender or lightweight as other models, like the Ninja Blast (which weighs 1.7lbs). The Ninja Blast also excels on crushing ice, so if you're a slushie or frozen cocktail fan, that could be your winner. The Ninja is also a bit cheaper, but that's reflected in the more plastic materials.

Should you buy it?

Yes, if you're looking for refreshing cold smoothies and shakes on the go, you can't go wrong with this. It's super powerful, robust, effective and well-designed. There are some things to bear in mind: it's pretty large, chunky and it can't crush ice into a fine powder. But personally, I don't think those are dealbreakers.

If you're something who travels a lot or works long hours, you'll love the cold-insulation technology and long battery life. All week long, I enjoyed morning and afternoon smoothies that were fresh, full of fiber and packed with healthy fruit – with very little planning or effort. That's a winner for me.

How we test portable blenders

We're proud of how we test blenders. As H&G's kitchen appliances editor, I test blenders in my home kitchen and fit them into my daily routine, so I can see how they function in real life. When it comes to portable blenders, it's all about ease, portability and reliability.

We have a series of standardized tests that we carry out to help us gauge which kind of user each portable blender would suit. We'll keep making these tests harder and harder until the blender can't cope. It's important to know the limits of your model, even if they're extremely high.

Smoothies: We blend a mix of frozen and fresh fruits, leafy greens like spinach or kale, and regular or nut milk. We'd note down how well each ingredient was blended, how quickly it was done, and how loud it was in the process. If the blender has an automatic shutoff we made a note of how many tries it took to get the smoothie to the perfect consistency.

Added extras: We also try blending tough ingredients that add nutritional value to your smoothies, like sunflower seeds, collagen and protein powders. This is a good measure of the blenders vortex system, which should blitz evenly to create a smooth blend.

Crushed ice: Finally, we try crushed ice to see if the blenders can handle a few ice cubes. This is a big challenge for a portable blender since, it's not shaped very well for blending ice cubes. You generally need a lot of space and a wider blending pitcher if you want properly crushed ice but some surprise us with how well they do.

Speed & noise: It's pretty embarrassing to use a loud blender in the office or subway, so we measure the decibels on our performance tests, too. We also measure the speed so you can see how efficient the motor is.

Clean-up: Clean-up is just as important as the blending. If it's tricky and inefficient, we'll be the first to let you know.

Reliability & design: After these tests, we'll group together to think about how the model compares to other similar blenders in the market, and we'll consider who it suits. Here, we'll let you how well-built it is, whether it's well-designed for small bags, car cup holders, whether it leaks and how easy it is to use. We also read up on customer reviews to see how it fares over a long period of time and what unique insights real-life users can bring to our reviews.

Often, we're lucky enough to keep the products ourselves, which means we can continually update our buying guides with comments about longevity, including whether they leaked in our bags!

Our review and testing guidelines provide more insight into our processes, and our testers for this guide are listed below.

Pizza ovens are among my favorite appliances. I was skeptical when they first came on the scene, but they make restaurant-quality pizza at home.

Yet one of the biggest drawbacks of most pizza ovens is that they can only be used outdoors. If you live somewhere cold, that puts your pizza oven out of action for several months of the year.

However, there are a few ways to make it easier to use a pizza oven in winter. I've tested a lot of the best pizza ovens during cold winter months, so I know all the tricks to make it a little easier.

1. Keep the propane and stone in the warm

It's well known that propane is less efficient at lower temperatures. The colder the air, the more propane you need to cook, costing you money. A smart method of saving money is to store your propane somewhere warm before you use it, as this will make your fuel source more efficient and therefore heat up your oven more quickly.

However, this hack is also true of pizza stones. Pizza stones are excellent conductors, which is why they're in the oven in the first place. However, if you keep your oven in a garage, greenhouse, shed, or out in the garden, the stone will be just as cold as the air.

An easy way to give yourself a head start is to keep the stone in the house the day before you bake a pizza. The stone will be at the ambient temperature of your home, giving you a head start for cooking. Chef Sean Martin says 'Keep your pizza stone in your house when it's not in use, that way you don't have to warm up a freezing stone and you prevent it from getting wet. Be sure you place the stone in your grill before it fully warms up to avoid thermal shock and cracking your stone.'

2. Stick to drier ingredients

Because it's harder to keep a pizza oven at temperature during the winter, and the average temperature of the oven will be lower, the oven will do a worse job of cooking wetter ingredients. This means that the oven will struggle with ingredients like fresh peppers, onions, or chillies. It will also struggle with pickled olives. The pizza will taste great, but it might be a little soggy.

One way to mitigate this is to slice the vegetables thin. You can - very carefully - use a mandolin to slide the vegetables so thinly that they're almost translucent. This reduces the moisture in every slice, making it more likely that the juices will evaporate and saving your pizza from turning damp

3. Close the door - or buy one to fit

Pizza ovens will drop temperature faster in the winter, so one of the most important things is to keep the door of the oven closed as often as you can. Unless you're baking a pizza, the door should be should to retain as much ambient heat as possible.

However, lots of pizza ovens don't have doors. For example, even some of our favorite tested Ooni and Gozney ovens don't have doors. This is fine in the summer when the temperature inside the oven isn't fighting against below-freezing temperatures outside, but it can be an issue in the winter.

However, you can find (slightly bootleg) doors for these ovens on the internet, like this door for a Gozney Dome pizza oven at Amazon. You need to make sure the door fits the oven, but it's a great way to improve fuel efficiency, saving you money in the long run and creating better pizza.

4. Make a prep station

If you're making a lot of pizzas at once, by far the best thing you can do is create a prep station, and this is especially true when baking pies in freezing temperatures. Just like a pro pizzeria, the most efficient way to turn out a lot of pizza is to create a prep station. Ooni sells prep stations, but you can find prep stations for much cheaper on Amazon. You don't even need separate containers - you could make your prep station out of any bowls you have lying around.

However you set it up, the crucial thing is to have ingredients on hand so you can turn out the pizzas one after another. If you create a prep station with cheese, sauce, and topping at ready, it means that you can create one pizza while another pizza cooks. With a little practice, you can turn out plenty of pizza in under ten minutes, limiting the time you have to stand out in the cold.

Pizza expert Michael McCoy told me that 'having a prep station close to your oven is great because the second you put a pizza on a peel, time is not your friend. The less time from table to peel to oven, the better.'

5. Use an indoor oven

You cannot use most pizza ovens indoors. Unless the oven is specifically rated for indoor use, you cannot use it in your home, as it presents a major fire and smoke risk.

However, if you don't already have a pizza oven, it might be smart to invest in an indoor pizza oven. It's the same concept but works indoors.

Full disclosure: I've enjoyed testing several of the best indoor pizza ovens over the years but they don't taste as good as an outdoor pizza oven. They cook pizza under an electric filament rather than a flame. It's like an overpowered easy-bake oven; indoor pizza ovens are closer to air fryers or broilers than ovens. This means that the pizza doesn't taste as good as in true gas or wood pizza ovens. It's always tasted more like frozen pizza, even when you make it fresh.

However, if you live somewhere with freezing temperatures you might find that these ovens are a good compromise. They let you cook fresh pizza fast at home without having to stand out in the yard and freeze.

There's a lot to consider when cooking pizza outdoors. Even the type of fuel you use can have a huge effect on your pizza. Gas is more reliable than wood, but wood burns hotter, so it can be more efficient in winter. Which of these you prefer is up to you, but it's worth considering the benefits of wood vs gas pizza ovens before you buy one.

When preparing for the upcoming holiday, we can all hope to be as cool, calm, and collected as the iconic Michelle Pfeiffer. She shared how she roasts her turkey to golden brown perfection in an Instagram post from last Thanksgiving, and it's never looked so easy.

Though you can't anticipate every aspect of what could go wrong when hosting for the holidays, half the battle is having the best kitchen appliances and tools. Choosing the right accessories helps all your food come out on time, keeps guests satisfied while waiting, and eliminates the stress of putting away items to make your kitchen beautiful enough for hosting. A glance at Michelle Pfiffer's kitchen shows that she might have the perfect formula: a stylish kettle, a wonderful coffee maker, and a high-quality roasting pan. Luckily, Black Friday is the best time to shop for these tools.

Starting with the least obvious, having one of the best coffee makers is a great way to kick your Thanksgiving off right. Most people are happiest when they have a cup of coffee, and Pfeiffer's machine is perfect for making enough for everyone. She always keeps the Cuisinart DCC-3000 Coffee-on-Demand 12-Cup Programmable Coffeemaker (available on Amazon) on her countertops, even while cooking Thanksgiving dinner. This large coffee maker is versatile and stylish, beautiful on the countertop, no matter what.

Second, Pfeiffer swears by keeping one of the best electric kettles on her countertops throughout cooking. Her kitchen features the Breville Crystal Clear Kettle (on Amazon). I absolutely love a clear kettle; I think it's so beautiful and unique. An electric kettle like this one makes cooking with hot water much easier and allows you to have a cup of tea on deck as you are preparing dinner.

Finally, Pfeiffer cooks her turkey to perfection with a carefully designed roasting pan. Though you can cook meat in any pan, a specialized stainless steel container is the best turkey roasting pan. Look for one with a grill in the bottom to cool and keep the meat's bottom from getting soggy. Our pick is the Rorence pan (from Amazon), which is currently $10 off.

No matter how you are preparing for Thanksgiving, having the right tools by your side can't hurt. Start with the things that will make your life easier and more beautiful, even after the season has passed.

As a trained cook and kitchen appliances tester, I’ve spent the past year curating a list of my favorite gadgets, trinkets, and tableware – so I can bring you the ultimate kitchen gift guide.

For the friend who can’t stop raving about their best air fryer, I’ve found kitchen gifts to make their crispy creations even more irresistible. And for the host or hostess who seems to have it all, I’ve found a few surprises that are sure to impress. Even if they're a coffee lover with the most exacting standards, I’ve found barista-approved treats.

Striking the perfect balance between expertise, luxury, and the element of surprise, even the most well-stocked foodie will appreciate these tried-and-tested, H&G-approved kitchen gifts.

Best gifts for the home cook

The home cook finds joy in stirring sauces, experimenting with new recipes, and daydreaming about flavors. These kitchen gifts are sure to spark their imagination.

Best gifts for the budding baker

From whipping up weekend cookies to homemade sourdough, these kitchen gifts will elevate every baker's skills and bring a professional touch to their kitchen.

Best gifts for the air fryer obsessive

They’re so obsessed with their air fryer, it’s become a regular topic of conversation! These tried-and-tested air fryer gifts will bring even more flavor and fun to those quick, irresistibly crispy meals.

Best gifts for the hostess with the most

For the hostess who has it all effortlessly under control, bring something new to the table with these thoughtful, wow-factor kitchen gifts.

Best gifts for the chef who has everything

They've got every tool in the book, apart from these chef-worthy kitchen gifts – including the latest, highest-rated gadgets.

Best gifts for the coffee lover

Tested and approved by the H&G experts, these gifts are perfect for the coffee lover who appreciates quality in every cup.

Best stocking fillers

Treat the foodies in your life to these joyful stocking fillers. They are all under $50, apart from the Mackenzie-Childs spoon rest (sorry, I just couldn't resist).

When is the best time to buy kitchen gifts?

Black Friday weekend is the best time to shop kitchen gifts. At this time of year, newer models and designs will be released, so you’ll typically be able to buy older models at lower prices.

I also see appliance bundle deals in the holiday season, which can help you save more when purchasing multiple kitchen gifts from the same brand.

Plus, winter is a great time to get deals on summery kitchen gifts – like ice cream makers, the best blenders, best juicers and iced coffee makers.

The best kitchen gift combines the elements of surprise, luxury and practicality. Any of the items on this list is sure to bring a smile to someone's face!

If you're in the market for an indoor pizza oven, you only have two options: the Breville Smart Oven Pizzaiolo and the Ooni Volt 12. No other indoor pizza oven on the market comes close to these two models. They've remained the only real options for several years.

However, if you're new to domestic pizza ovens, it can be hard to choose between the two. They look similar, perform the same task, and cost roughly the same.

I've tested lots of the best pizza ovens - in fact, the Breville was one of the first I tested years ago. After lots of tests, I've found that the Ooni Volt 12 makes better-tasting pizza than the Breville. However, the Ooni has several shortcomings - its price, size, and ease of use - which means the Breville can be a better option.

Which oven makes the best tasting pizza?

Winner: Ooni (just, and not for every type of pie)

Taste is hard to call because it's so subjective. However, when it comes to a classic pizza, the Ooni Volt does a better job. You can see in the images below that the pizza made in the Ooni had much better basics. The crust is crisper, and the cheese is golden. The sauce retains its moisture without becoming overly wet and soggy. The Breville oven is worse in all of these departments. The crust is slightly burnt, but still isn't as crisp the cheese isn't as well melted or browned, and the sauce is a little wetter than it should be.

However, the Breville has a significant advantage over the Ooni Volt in that it has dedicated settings for different types of pizza. While the Ooni is better at generic cheese pizzas, the Breville is designed to make lots of different styles of pizza and sort all the timing and temperature for you.

Which oven is easier to use?

Winner: Breville

The feature mentioned above makes the Breville oven much easier to use than the Ooni Volt 12. It offers dedicated settings for different styles of pizza, and it also has dedicated darkness settings, so not only can you tailor the pizza to a particular style, but you can also bake it exactly as you want.

This means that unlike the Ooni Volt 12, there's no learning curve. You can just set it to New York, for example, dial in your desired doneness, and cook.

However, there is a significant catch here, which is that the Ooni oven is better for making pizza in bulk. It has an excellent temperature boost function, which increases the temperature of the oven when its door is open. This means you don't have to wait a few minutes for the oven to get back up to temperature to make your pizza.

On top of that, the Ooni oven is faster than the Breville. On their highest, fastest settings, the Ooni Volt 12 is 30 seconds faster than the Breville oven, which is part of why it tastes a little better.

Which oven is cheaper?

Winner: Breville

For the last year, these ovens were the same price - $999 - but the Breville oven was recently reduced by $200 to $799. The Ooni Volt was also reduced to $899, but it's $100 more expensive than the Breville.

On top of that, the big issue with Ooni products is that they don't include vital equipment. Breville's oven comes with a pizza peel and pan, but Ooni's does not. A peel is essential because it's the tool you need to load the pizza into the oven. With Ooni, you have to pay an extra $10 for the peel. It's not exactly a financial hit, but it's $10 more than you have to pay for the Breville, which is already cheaper.

Which is best for storage?

Winner: Breville - unless you have outdoor space

The Breville Pizzaiolo is easiest to store because it's smaller than the Ooni Volt, which can totally dominate a countertop. The Ooni is also slightly too big for most kitchen base cabinets, so it can be trickier to store than the Breville oven.

That said, the Breville Oven is also huge; when I tested it for a different magazine a few years ago I found that took up almost an entire half of my countertop. However, it's a little smaller than the Ooni Volt 12, so it's a better choice for storage.

However, the Ooni Volt 12 is rated for outdoor use, which also means that it can be stored in outdoor buildings, or, in a pinch, under a cover outdoors, which isn't possible with the Breville oven.

Which is better looking?

Winner: Breville

I think the Breville oven is better looking than the Ooni. It's not the most exciting-looking oven in the world, but it's a neutral stainless steel appliance that won't look out of place in any kitchen. The Ooni, however, is a black monolith that's fine in modern, Scandinavian kitchens, but will look a little too sci-fi in more traditional homes.

Buy Ooni Volt 12 if...

• You want the very best pizza
• You want fast pizza
• You want to make lots of pizza

Buy Brevillie Smart Oven Pizzaiolo if...

• You want to save money
• You want easy pizza
• You have a smaller kitchen

However, these pizza ovens aren't your only choice. Indoor pizza ovens are notoriously poor compared to outdoor pizza ovens, so before you spend any money on these ovens it's worth weighing up indoor pizza ovens vs outdoor pizza ovens. Outdoor models are less convenient, but they taste much better.

Homemade pizza is at its best when cooked in a domestic pizza oven. These clever appliances mimic a traditional pizza oven, making for fast, authentic pizza that a frozen pizza thrown in your oven can't touch.

When you're shopping for a pizza oven you'll notice that they can be divided into two categories: indoor and outdoor. As the weather gets colder, it's smart to consider if an indoor pizza oven is the right way to go. After all, an indoor pizza oven can be used all year, not just in summer, and some of them can save storage.

However, before you spend hundreds on a new oven, there are a few drawbacks that even the best indoor pizza ovens can't overcome. As a pizza oven tester, I've tried plenty of both types, so I know exactly which oven is best for each home.

Which type of oven makes the best tasting pizza?

The most crucial problem is deciding which of the two makes the most delicious pizza. However, it's an easy answer.

Outdoor pizza ovens create a taste that is far superior to indoor pizza ovens. That's because the different fuel sources have a huge impact on taste. The rough rule is that wood-fired tastes best, followed by gas, distantly followed by electricity, which is the heat source in all indoor ovens.

Wood-fired ovens taste best because they impart a smoky flavor to pizzas that other fuel sources can't match. On top of that, wood ovens have flame rolling across the top of the oven to broil cheese. Altogether, this makes for perfect pizza. The best pizza ovens are all wood ovens because they're the closest thing to a traditional brick pizzeria oven.

Gas-fired ovens also have this flame rolling across the top of the oven, so they achieve similar results to wood ovens. However, they lack the smokiness of wood-fired pizzas. If you don't like the smell or taste of smoke, a gas oven could be for you, but many people find that they taste a little sterile by comparison. It's like the difference between a charcoal grill and a gas grill - there's ultimately not much difference, but the smokier option tastes slightly better.

Both gas and wood pizza ovens can reach high temperatures far above a domestic oven. Where a kitchen oven taps out at 500°F, gas or wood pizza ovens can reach 900-1100°F. This is what crisps the crust and metals the cheese, and it means that your pizza can be cooked in one or two minutes rather than ten.

Both types of outdoor oven can be augmented with a huge range of bonus features from steam injectors to keep thicker dishes like calzones from drying out, to skillets for searing meats. They offer much more versatility than electric pizza ovens.

That's because electric pizza ovens are just big toaster ovens. They cook with a huge electric filament. This doesn't have the smokiness of a wood-fired oven, nor the flame-cooking of a gas-fired oven. It makes for a similar pizza to those you'd make in a domestic oven, just with a slightly crisper base thanks to the pizza stone. If you want the very best-tasting pizza, you need a wood-fired pizza oven.

The fairest way to compare is to pit the best indoor pizza oven against the best outdoor pizza oven:

You can see in the table above that the Ooni Karu is a better pizza oven than the Breville Smart Oven. The Ooni cooks with more fuel types, makes larger pizzas - so you can feed more people - and makes them much faster. When we put the two to the test, we found that the Ooni Karu 16 makes much better-tasting pizzas, too.

However, there are a couple of things to recommend about the Breville oven. Its exterior is smaller, so it takes up less room, and while it's only electric it can be plugged into utility power and run straightaway, with no finicky propane hoses or wood pellets. It also has dedicated settings for different styles of pizza, making it easy to make a wide range of different pies.

Which type of oven is cheaper?

Pizza ovens are notoriously expensive, and many models cost more than $1000. However, indoor pizza ovens are more expensive. Indoor ovens like the Breville Smart Oven Pizzaiolo and Ooni Volt 12 tend to cost around $800, depending on sales events. Comparable outdoor ovens like the Gozney Arc and the Ooni Koda 16 cost $700-$600.

If you need a budget pizza oven, I strongly recommend a cheap wood pizza oven. They can taste as good as ovens more than three times the price, and crucially, much better than the equivalent indoor pizza oven. For example, we can compare the Cuisinart Indoor Pizza Oven with one of my favorite pizza ovens, the Ooni Fyra:

You can see in the comparison table above that the Cuisinart pizza oven only wins in one category, its exterior dimensions. The Ooni Fyra has a larger cooking surface, cooks almost seven times faster, and best of all, tastes much better. The Ooni has a lower MSRP too, so it's unless there's a sale, it's also cheaper. If you have any outdoor space, a cheap outdoor pizza oven - even a cheap mass-market pizza oven like this from Walmart - will be a much better budget option.

Which oven is easier to use?

Indoor pizza ovens are much easier to use than most outdoor pizza ovens, and it's their only real benefit. They're easy to set up and use and you can cook whenever you want.

Firstly, indoor pizza ovens run on utility power, so they're very easy to set up. You don't need to worry about sourcing propane and filling up the tank, or fuss with hooking the gas tank up to the oven. You don't need to keep up a continual supply of wood pellets and learn how to light and stoke them. Just switch on the oven and you're good to go.

Indoor pizza ovens don't have as steep a learning curve as other types of pizza oven. Most indoor pizza ovens have programs for different types of pizza. This means you can set it and forget it; you don't need to monitor a temperature gun to work out the single degree Fahrenheit for your ideal New York slice. You can just launch the pizza into the oven and the temperature and timing are sorted for you.

Most importantly, you can use an indoor oven whenever you want. I've had some great times cooking in an outdoor pizza oven, but it gets harder as the weather gets colder. If you've ever used an outdoor pizza oven in winter, you'll know it can be miserable. It's harder to light the oven, it's harder to use with numb fingers, and in the winter months, you can't host. Your guests won't want to sit out in the cold while you fumble with a pizza. This isn't a problem with an indoor pizza oven, because you can use it whatever the weather.

Which is best for storage?

I think that outdoor pizza ovens are much easier to store than indoor pizza ovens. Indoor pizza ovens are often marketed as space-saving appliances, but my experience is that they take up a lot of room. In a large kitchen, that's fine, but most indoor pizza ovens take up at least a square foot. That's a lot of countertop real estate. I know from testing pizza ovens in my small apartment that an indoor pizza oven can take up half a countertop and an entire shelf in a kitchen cabinet.

Outdoor pizza ovens, however, can be stored outside under a cover, or in a garage or shed. While usually bigger, they're stored out of the way. If you keep a pizza oven in the kitchen, you'll have to navigate around it every time you open a cabinet.

Which is better looking?

Pizza ovens are big, expensive appliances, so they'll likely be on display in your kitchen or garden year-round. That means that appearance is much more important than people like to admit.

Indoor pizza ovens tend to look worse than outdoor ovens. Outdoor ovens are designed to be the focal point of a social space, or built into an outdoor kitchen. Indoor pizza ovens are kitchen appliances, designed to look neutral and inoffensive. However, this means that they're pretty boring. Indoor ovens are either stainless steel or black, and they don't do much to elevate the look of a room.

For an example, take the Ooni Volt and the original Gozney dome below. The Ooni is a pretty good oven, but being brutally honest it's not the best-looking appliance in the world. It's a pretty dull black and silver design that looks more like a UFO than a stylish part of your kitchen design. If your kitchen is anything other than Scandi minimalism, you might find this a little too workaday for your style.

The original Gozney Dome in olive, however, is a much more stylish appliance. It's colorful without being garish and can work with a wide range of garden styles from the traditional to the modern. It would look fantastic nestled into a corner of the patio, surrounded by handy kitchen herbs like basil, rosemary, and thyme. Outdoor pizza ovens like this tend to come in many different colors, so you can tailor the oven to your style.

Pizza oven FAQs

Can an outdoor pizza oven be used indoors?

An outdoor pizza oven cannot be used indoors. Both gas and wood pizza ovens create smoke which can be toxic or a fire hazard when used indoors. The only exception is the Ooni Volt 12, the only oven rated to be used both inside and outside.

With the type of pizza oven nailed down, there are plenty of other things to consider before you buy a pizza oven. It's important to consider which is the best fuel for a pizza oven, or weigh up which of the two biggest brands is best between Ooni and Gozney.

Whatever you do, make sure to measure your space before you buy. Pizza ovens are surprisingly hefty appliances and need a lot of room, so make sure it will fit.

Pizza ovens are amazing tools for cooking restaurant-quality pizza at home, but they’re not without their limitations. Even the very best pizza ovens can be impractical to use in drizzly weather or the cold winter months. That’s where the best indoor pizza ovens shine.

As a trained cook, I've tested dozens of indoor pizza ovens alongside my team of expert product testers. We've personally tested every option in this guide, using our favorite pizza recipes from Neopolitan-style slices to calzones and flatbreads. We're looking for indoor options that deliver consistent heat, reliable results, and a whole lot of fun.

In our tests, the Breville Smart Oven Pizzaiolo stood out as the best indoor pizza oven on the market. It mimics the intense heat of a wood-fired oven while being compact and safe for indoor use. If you’re looking for something slightly more affordable but still high-performance, the Ooni Volt 12 is a fantastic runner-up - it heats up fast, cooks evenly, can also be used outside and looks great on the counter, too.

For those on a tighter budget, the Cuisinart Indoor Pizza Oven is worth a look. It’s not quite as refined as the Breville or Ooni, but it gets the job done and can still produce a great pie with the right dough and technique.

The quick list

Best indoor pizza ovens 2026

Best indoor pizza oven

This was the first ever indoor pizza oven to hit the market, and in all my years of testing these ovens, I'm yet to find a better option. Of all the indoor pizza ovens out there, it gets closest to the leopard-spotted charred finish you'd get from a wood-fired pizza oven. The pizzas we've made in this oven are the nearest to restaurant-quality of any indoor oven I've tested, with delicious leopard spotting, a perfect crust, and golden, melted cheese.

One of the best features of this oven is that it's easy to use. Unlike every oven I've tested, there are dedicated settings for different types of pizza. If you want a New York slice, just switch it to that setting. You can do the same for deep dish, thin and crispy, and there's even a dedicated setting for frozen pizzas. You can set the temperature more precisely if you need to, but I found that the settings make the whole process foolproof. Unlike other pizza ovens out there - especially the Cuisinart below - the timer is pretty accurate.

On top of that, the price has recently come down by $200, which makes it cheaper than the Ooni Volt 12 below. They used to be the same price, so this is one of the things that puts it above the Ooni. However, $800 is still a lot to spend on a pizza oven. My personal favorite, the Ooni Fyra 12, is hundreds of dollars cheaper and, frankly, makes better pizza.

That's something to bear in mind as you read this list: none of the indoor ovens featured here quite match a gas oven, and a wood-fired oven tastes even better. There's a smokiness to those pizzas that these indoor ovens can't match, though the Breville Smart Oven gets closest.

You can find more details in our Breville Smart Oven Pizzaiolo review.

Best indoor and outdoor pizza oven

At the time of writing, the Ooni Volt 12 is the only pizza oven you can use both indoors and outdoors. That means it's perfect for year-round use; unlike most pizza ovens, you won't be freezing outdoors while you try to make a pie in the colder months, and you won't be stuck in a stuffy kitchen next to a hot oven during the summer.

By indoor oven standards, it makes pretty great pizzas. It made a delicious artichoke pizza with the same stone-baked crust you'd find in a traditional pizzeria. However, our tester found that 'Something about the Breville felt a little more authentic than the Ooni.' The leopard-spotting is better in the Breville, so it looks and tastes a little better. However, it's very tight to call. You wouldn't be disappointed if you were served one of the pizzas from this oven in a restaurant.

The best part of this oven is all the little touches. The first is that it's fast, especially by indoor oven standards. Ooni recommends a preheat time of 20 minutes, but our tests found it reached temperature in around 15. This speed is coupled with an innovative 'boost' button, which maintains the temperature even when the door is open. That means you can turn out pizzas one after the other without waiting for the oven to heat back up, which is a unique feature among pizza ovens, let alone indoor pizza ovens. It's much easier to use than the Breville oven above.

So why isn't it number one? Well, this oven is poorly suited to use indoors. It's huge - it's more than two feet deep and nearly two feet across. If you're cooking in a small kitchen, which is one of the main use cases for an indoor pizza oven, you'll have to give up half your counter space. This also makes it very hard to store, as it will take up the entire shelf of a base cabinet and you may not be able to close the door. The Breville above is pretty big, but it's at least manageable, a half-foot shorter than the Ooni. The Volt 12 also weighs in at 39lbs, so while you can lift it out of storage or into your backyard, it's not a process that you'll want to do very often.

On top of that, like all Ooni pizza ovens, the Volt 12 doesn't come with helpful equipment like a pizza peel or a thermometer - if you want these, you'll need to pay at least $1000. This is a great oven, but a thousand dollars is a lot of money to spend on pizza, no matter how good.

You can find more details in our Ooni Volt 12 review.

Best budget indoor pizza oven

The Cuisinart Indoor Pizza Oven is a rare thing: an indoor pizza oven that doesn't cost too much. The two ovens above cost at least $800 outside of sales periods, which is far too much money for most people. This oven retails for around $400, though you'll often see it on offer for more like $300, which is more than half as cheap as the two ovens above. It's also much better than Ooni in that it includes a pizza peel, slice, and deep dish for free, saving you money and ensuring you're ready to go straight out of the box.

Best of all, it's simple to use, so it's a great option for beginners. Unlike Ooni ovens, which need a steep learning curve and fiddly propane or wood attachments, you just put the pizza stone in this and it's good to go. The temperature control and timers are old-fashioned analog dials, so you don't need to learn any operations, just switch them on.

However, when I was testing this oven I found that it doesn't stack up to the ovens above. It's also loud. Most pizza ovens are relatively quiet, but my decibel meter found that this pizza oven tops out at 60 dB. That's similar to a cheap air fryer; it's not the worst sound in the world, but it's louder than the competition.

Most importantly, this oven makes pretty good pizza, but unlike the Breville and Ooni, it's not much better than the pizza you can make in a typical kitchen oven. The base of the crust was well cooked, but the dough was undercooked, even though the cheese on the top of the pizza was overcooked. Both pizzas I made tasted like store-bought frozen pizza, despite being made by hand.

It's much slower than other pizza ovens I've used. The Breville and Ooni above are slow by pizza oven standards - it takes them around three or four minutes to cook a pizza - but they're much faster than this. When you consider that a gas or wood-fired pizza oven can cook a pizza in a minute, the seven minutes needed for the Cuisinart Indoor Pizza Oven feels like an age.

I found that it's pretty poor when making other types of food. We test all our ovens on lots of different meals to see if they're versatile, and this oven couldn't handle a tray of brownies. They were baked solid at the rear of the oven and uncooked in the middle, which isn't what you want from any oven. As I tested this oven, I wondered several times if I should give up and cook my ingredients in the oven.

There are more details in my full Cuisinart Indoor Pizza Oven Review.

Comparison table

How we test indoor pizza ovens

We tested these ovens by making a lot of pizza and putting them through taste tests. I know − it's a hard life being a product reviewer. We tried dozens of cheese pizzas, pepperoni pizzas, and as-many-toppings-as-possible pizzas, as well as garlic breads, flatbreads, and calzones.

We timed how long it took each oven to reach temperature and cook a pizza so that we could assess their energy efficiency, as well as the ease of ignition.

We paid close attention to the look of each oven to see which spaces they would suit. We also considered the nitty-gritty details like assembly, storage, and manoeuvrability. Then we judged all of this against price and warranty, to make absolutely sure that the ovens we recommend offer the best value for money.

You can find more information on our testing process in our How We Test guide.

Indoor pizza oven FAQs

Should I buy an indoor pizza oven or an outdoor pizza oven?

There are only two reasons to buy an indoor pizza oven. The first is if your home lacks a yard or other outdoor space. In this case, an indoor pizza oven is your best bet for delicious homemade pizza. A pizza oven is also a good idea if you live somewhere cold. If it snows a lot, an outdoor pizza oven might not be practical, and an indoor pizza oven will offer you year-round use.

However, if neither of these applies, you should buy an outdoor pizza oven. These cook on gas and wood, which is much closer to a traditional pizza oven than an electric filament. Indoor pizza ovens can taste great, but they're much closer to a homemade pizza cooked in a domestic oven than a gas or wood pizza oven. That's because gas and wood outdoor pizza ovens can reach much higher temperatures, which broil the top of the pizza and bake the dough into a crisp crust.

How much should I spend on an indoor oven?

The two best ovens are at least $800, so expect to pay at least that much. There are some options out there for around $400, but they aren't always the best quality.

What type of indoor pizza oven should I get?

If you can, avoid a rotating pizza oven like this at Amazon, because it doesn't work, and if it did, wouldn't taste any different from a domestic oven. Instead, you need an electric pizza oven with a door. The door retains the heat, making the oven more efficient.

Final thoughts

Indoor pizza ovens aren't your only option for good homemade pizza. If money is tight, it's also worth considering a toaster oven for fast, apartment-friendly pizza.

It's no secret that Ooni makes the best pizza ovens in the world. We've tried and tested them with various pizza recipes, for our shopping guides and have consistently given them five stars. However, the main issue with Ooni is that their ovens are very expensive. Spending $900 on a pizza oven is hard to justify, even if you're obsessed with pizza, like me.

That's why I wait for the Ooni sales to find the best deals. Summer is often one of the best times to shop the brand. Last year, the Ooni summer sales offered up to 30% off our favorite ovens, as well as 20% off accessories. Some bundle deals are live already, so I have dropped them below.

As soon as more deals land, I'll list the best prices from the Ooni summer sales below. I won't include everything (I don't think $2 off Ooni socks is essential), but otherwise, you'll find the lowest prices from the Ooni sales below. Plus, the best offerings from the rivals, like Gozney, too.

Ooni Summer Sales

Other pizza oven deals

Ooni sales FAQs

When is the Ooni summer sale?

Last year, the main Ooni summer sales ran from July 11th - 17th. This gives you around a week to choose which pizza oven you're going to go for.

Are other pizza oven brands running deals?

Yes, the Summer Special at Gozney has already kicked off with some really great discounts on their best-sellers, like the Roccbox and Dome S1 ovens.

For more savings on outdoor cooking, take a look at our guide to the best grill deals.

If Martha Stewart approves an appliance, we are inclined to add it to our shopping carts. And after seeing the domestic dynamo making a beautiful green juice, we might just have to get a juicer ourselves. Lucky for us, we know exactly what model and make the home expert owns.

On her Instagram page, Martha Stewart demonstrated a step-by-step guide on how to make her staple, healthy morning beverage, and it's all done with a Breville 3X Bluicer Pro.

In the video, Stewart states that she is ritualistic about the fresh juice, drinking it every single day. As such, she is just as serious about the appliance she uses.

'You have to have a really good juicer,” she says in the video. 'I prefer this Breville; it really works extremely well. It’s worth the investment.'

While the Breville Bluicer Pro typically retails for $399.95, it is currently on Memorial Day sale for 20 percent off on Amazon, at $319.95 – a steal considering all the appliance's capabilities.

The appliance is a two-in-one blender and juicer (hence the "bluicer" title), allowing for users to make juices, smoothies, cocktails, and more. Some of the highlights include the 10 speeds, five one-touch programs, and Cold Spin Technology for the freshest and smoothest beverages possible.

As evidenced in the video, the Breville has a green juice function, which is optimal for juicing greens such as celery, cucumbers, and herbs.

'Be sure you have a pitcher under the spout,' Stewart states, demonstrating how efficiently she juices her greenhouse-grown celery.

Short on kitchen countertop space? Another key feature of the Breville is its compact size. Due to its multi-purpose capabilities, the device saves space already, and this is heightened with a design that has the pulp bin located behind the brushed stainless steel base.

For those who find cleaning appliances a drag (and who doesn't, really?), the Breville also features a self-cleaning function, making it all the easier to blend juices and smoothies without hand washing every single time. And, with such a great offer, how can we refuse? Act quickly, and happy shopping!

Most pizza ovens I test need a lot of setup. I need to clear a space outside and organize some propane, or arrange wood pellets and logs for a fire. On top of all of this, they're usually around $800.

Not so with the Cuisinart Indoor Pizza Oven. This is the rare pizza oven for under $500, and it's electric, so it plugs straight into an outlet. If you want a pizza oven on a budget, this - hypothetically - is the oven for you.

I've tested plenty of the best pizza ovens over the years, so I know exactly what to look for in a good model. Unfortunately, I didn't find it with this. It's a good oven, but I'm not convinced that it's any different to a kitchen oven.

Product specifications

Unboxing

This oven arrived in a huge box which was almost too big for my countertop. There's no polystyrene, but there's some plastic wrapped around the oven.

This is a very big appliance. It's smaller than the Breville Smart Oven Pizzaiolo, but that's not saving very much. It's larger than any air fryer I've used and larger than a toaster oven, which is the closest direct comparison.

However, I was very happy to see all the extras that come with this pizza oven. It comes with a pizza peel, a pizza cutter, and a deep-dish pan. The biggest players in the pizza oven industry - Ooni and Gozney - don't include these essential accessories, so it was great to see them included in the box.

It's the easiest pizza oven to set up I've ever tested. You put the rack and pizza stone into the oven and you're ready to go. There's no gas or wood to connect and no steps to burn off plastic smells before you cook.

Test 1: Pepperoni pizza

With nothing else to do, I started the first test. I kneaded, rested, and stretched out the dough, added some tomato sauce and shredded mozzarella for a simple Neapolitan cheese pizza.

As I prepared the dough, I set the pizza oven to warm up, and this was my first indication that it wouldn't be the greatest pizza I've ever made. This oven can only reach around 750°F. That sounds incredibly hot when compared to the average American domestic oven, which tops out at about 450°F. However, top-line gas and wood-fired ovens usually reach around 950°F, more than double the temperature of this oven. The very best can be hotter than 1000°F. This means that they give a pizza a delicious, charred crust, and cook it in around a minute. This oven was starting from a much lower temperature, so I was immediately unconvinced.

The other thing I noted as I waited for the oven to hit the temperature is that it's relatively loud. It maxed out at 60 dB. It's like a cheap air fryer, or someone using a hairdryer in the next room. It's hardly deafening, but it's the loudest of these ovens that I've tested.

After 12 minutes the oven beeped to let me know that it was at temperature, so I loaded a pizza onto the handy folding pizza peel and launched it into the oven. There was a little sticking here. I had floured the peel and the base of the pizza, but the peel had some holes in it which caught a little on the dough.

As I predicted, this oven was slow. Previous experience had me twitching to turn the pizza after half a minute, but it had barely changed color. After the typical one-minute mark, I was ready to take the pizza out, but again, it had barely started cooking. The crust puffed up at around the three-minute mark (it should do this almost instantly) and the pizza was ready in around 6 minutes.

The pizza lifted easily from the stone, which was a relief; I had worried that the cooler cooking temperature wouldn't be enough to separate the crust from the stone. The slicer was a lot of fun to use, too - unlike a pizza wheel, it's a mezzaluna, a long blade that had the pizza cut into perfect slices in seconds.

The pizza itself was a little disappointing. To paraphrase the saying, it's pizza - even when it's bad, it's still pretty good. It tasted like a frozen pizza: the dough was a little undercooked, the cheese was a little overcooked, but the crust was fairly good. However, I couldn't get past the fact that I would've had the same result from baking the pizza in my oven. It seems like a waste of $400 to buy a separate oven that's slightly harder to use for basically the same result.

Test 2: Cheese pizza

To ensure the problem wasn't user error, I tried a simple cheese pizza. I rolled the dough out to be a lot thinner, and I hoped that the dough would be less soggy without the grease from the pepperoni.

I found that this made some difference, but not much. It cooked faster, but I left it in longer just to be sure. This meant that the cooking time was around 7 minutes.

The result was fine, but again, it was not all that different from just cooking it in the oven. The dough was better cooked this time round, but still relatively soft. It has all the fun of using a pizza oven, but none of the results.

Test 3: Brownies

We always test pizza ovens at how well they can cook other dishes, and this Cuisinart oven is no exception. I had some ready-made brownie mix on hand, so I combined it together and poured it into the deep dish pan.

After 20 minutes I had brownies - sort of. The brownies were well-cooked at the back, but I noticed a distinct cool patch all along the front of the pan, which was uncooked. This is pretty worrying, as the mix was only an inch thick, which doesn't bode well for thicker bakes.

This is a worse result than the other tests. In the other tests, I could've achieved the same result in an oven. In this test, I had slower, worse result than if I'd just cooked them in an oven.

Cleaning, storage, and maintenance

Having said all this, this pizza oven was easy to clean. It was simple to brush the worst of the soot from the pizza stone, and I could quickly wash the pizza peel and deep dish pan in the kitchen sink. The latter is nonstick, which made it even easier.

Storage, however, is a bigger issue. It's a very big appliance, and I don't have anywhere in the apartment to store it. It would have to sit on my countertop year-round, and it takes up about half of the space. That's a lot of room to give up for an appliance that's pretty niche.

How does it rate online?

I found an interesting mix of reviews online. Most other professional reviewers have found that it's far from the quality of other pizza ovens, and not much different from baking in an oven.

However, lots of other users on Amazon and other retailer websites love it. They like the pizza it makes, and like that it's cheaper than lots of other pizza ovens. They also like that it runs off electricity instead of gas or wood, which can be expensive, and impossible if you lack outdoor space.

However, lots of others agree with me that it's not much different from an oven. Others found it too large or took a while to cook. It's not a problem I have, perhaps because I was running it off a 230V outlet, but others found that it takes around half an hour to reach temperature.

How does it compare?

The fairest comparison is to the Breville Smart Oven Pizzaiolo, another indoor pizza oven. The Cuisinart has one clear advantage over the Breville: price. This oven is usually $600 cheaper than Breville's oven, so if you want indoor pizza on a budget you'd be hard-pressed to beat this on price.

However, the benefits end there. The Breville makes larger pizzas, gets much hotter and cooks faster, and has a dedicated mode for cooking different styles of pizza. While I think gas or wood tastes a little better, the pizza you can make in the Breville Oven is far better than the pizza in the Cuisinart.

Another option is the Ooni Volt 12, which is similarly better at making pizza than the Cuisinart and can also be used outdoors.

Unfortunately, I think this oven is far from the standards of gas or wood-fired ovens. These ovens cook faster and give pizzas delicious leopard spots. Wood-fired ovens in particular impart deep, smoky flavor. This Cuisinart oven is far off the flavor you can get from an Ooni Fyra 12, for instance.

However, I think a better comparison would be to something like the Breville Smart Oven. This is a little toaster oven with an air fryer mode, and I think you'd be better off with this. It has a pizza mode which does a similar job to this oven, but takes up less room and has more functionality. You'd also be better off Cuisinart's own TOA-60 toaster oven. It's not great, but you can cook more with it.

Should you buy it?

I don't think you should buy this oven. In its defense, it's just as much fun as any other pizza oven I've used. However, I could've had as much enjoyment out of doing all the same steps with my usual kitchen oven, and I would've made a very similar pizza.

How we test

We test all our pizza ovens on a wide range of different pizzas and recipes. We time how long it takes them to warm up and cook, measure how loud they are, and double-check all the measures. We then assess the taste of all the pizzas and judge this against the price of pizza to see If it's good value.

Knowing how to choose a food processor that suits your kitchen needs is key to making the most of your space, money, and time. There's plenty to consider before you dive into a food processor purchase and, thankfully, you've got the help of our experts for choosing the perfect one.

We've tested all of the best food processors on the market, as well as food choppers and some of the best food processor combos too. That means we've seen the small, the stylish, and the stunning, as well as ones which are a little less impressive.

Before you choose a food processor, you'll want to think about the size of your kitchen, the capacity that you need, what you will use your food processor for, how much you want to spend and, where you'll store it. We'll cover all of that and more right here.

How to choose a food processor 

The key factors to consider when you're buying a food processor are: capacity, footprint, power, functions, and price. I'll go deep into the details of that and more, but if you want a quick table for what to expect in different price ranges, here's a summary.

Matching aesthetics and style

Food processors aren't known for being the most beautiful appliances on the market, but it helps if you can pick one which matches your interior kitchen design, whether it's a retro-farmhouse style or a more modern, minimalistic tone, there'll be one to match your kitchen. Here are some of our tried and tested suggestions for different kitchen styles:

What sort of size and capacity do you need?

In the table above, I gave you a rough guideline for what sort of capacity and size to look for in a food processor. Large homes that need to make big batches of dips, sauces, smoothies, and nut butters, will need at least 11 cups of capacity. 

If you're a couple or small family, you'll probably want a 7-10 cup capacity. This will be enough to make hummus for you and any guests. There's a danger in sizing-up because the food processor blades won't do as thorough of a job if you've not got a very full food processor. The same applies for sizing down, in which case you're likely to have to run your chopping, dicing, slicing, and blending tasks in batches. 

The smallest food processors might also be called food choppers. These will have up to seven cups of capacity and will be great for single-person homes or couples. You'll be able to chop an onion, grate a carrot, and slice half a cucumber in these. They'll be useful extras to have, but don't count on them if you're squeezing all the extended family round for food.

Often, the footprint of your food processor is proportionate to capacity. Bigger models will require more space on your countertop. The bigger they get, the more important storage options will become. It's important to check that your extra accessories can be stored in the food processor bowl. You'll also want to measure your wall cupboards, if you have them, to make sure that your food processor clears them once the lid and feeding chute is fixed on. You can always pull it out further onto the countertop if you need to, but it's good to have options.

Which functions and features are important?

All basic food processors come with blades, which can chop, mix, and blend up your ingredients. However, as you pay more money, you'll get extras which increase the versatility of your food processor. Mid-range and premium food processors will have slicing and grating discs, so that you can shred cheese and carrots as well as cutting cucumber without getting your hands dirty. If you can see these features on a smaller food processor, make sure you check the chute size, since the smaller models might have narrow chutes which require some more vegetable prep before you can feed your foods into the bowl.

More versatile food processor and blender combos will come with blending pitchers, bullet blender attachments, and blending cups. This will mean that you have more clutter to store away, but, in the grand scheme of things, you'll be able to save space, since you've combined two appliances into one. Check the capacity and power of the blender to make sure that it can cater to your needs. 

Some food processors have special ice functions as well as pulse settings, speed settings, soup settings, and pre-sets for different kitchen tasks. These can be really useful, especially if they'll time how long your machine has been running for. However, bear in mind that you're paying a premium for a luxury rather than a necessary function.

What's good value and a reasonable warranty?

You can pick up an inexpensive food processor easily. The cheapest model that I've tested (and would still buy) is the Magic Bullet Kitchen Express. I actually recommend this all the time, because it's super speedy, really powerful, compact, and consistent. It's only $50 for the food processor with the blending attachments too. You can't go wrong if you're a small household.

At the other end of the spectrum, you've for the luxurious Vitamix food processor and the Ninja Professional Food Processor-Blender Combo. The Vitamix Gourmet SmartPrep Kitchen is $900 (currently reduced to $799.95 at QVC). You get a blender, food processor attachment, and plenty of different discs for various functions. It's a beautiful and powerful appliance, but you pay a premium for the prestigious brand name.

Somewhere in the middle of the two is the Ninja 3-in-1 Food Processor, which is $200. I love it because you get a full-sized food processor and blender, as well as smaller blending cups. It's powerful, sleek, and exceptional value. The only people I wouldn't recommend it to are those in smaller homes.

FAQs

Should I buy a food processor blender combo?

If you don't have both appliances or think you need to upgrade the quality of your food processor and your blender, I would recommend buying a blender and food processor combo. They'll save you space and money, so it's really a no-brainer. The only downside is, you won't get to select specific functions for both. For example, if you want a blender that heats and an 11 cup food processor, you'll have to do a lot more research than if you bought the two separately.

What factors should I consider when picking a food processor?

You'll want to work backwards, when choosing a food processor. The most important thing is that it can meet your needs. Think about whether you need yours to slice, and grate as well as chop. Then, think about the capacity and size of your food processor so that you can use it for your needs. You'll then need to set a budget and think about what yours should look like.

Pizza ovens continue to take the appliance market by storm, as more and more of us start to cook delicious, authentic pizzas in our backyards. 

But the one thing that has always stood out in my quest to find the best pizza oven is the eye-watering price. All the bells and whistles of our favorite pizza oven cost about $1200 put aside, which is a lot to spend on some pizza. 

After years of testing pizza ovens, I have a good sense of how much you should spend. This is exactly how much you spend on every type of pizza oven so you aren't overcharged.  

How much should I spend on a wood-fired pizza oven?

Never overspend on a wood-fired pizza oven. These are very simple appliances, and while they're often listed for hundreds of dollars, you should never spend more than $350 dollars. This is true across sizes; from 12" to 16", anything above $350 is too expensive. 

The exception here is if you want a huge oven for an outdoor kitchen. Manufacturers like Alfa make huge ovens from 23" to 39". For example, check out the Alfa Allegro at BBQ Guys, a huge 39" oven that costs more than $4000. These cost well into the thousands, and you should only consider this if you have a huge budget, regularly feed a crowd, or have a lot of space for an outdoor kitchen. 

How much should I spend on a gas pizza oven?

Gas pizza ovens are a little more complicated because the price varies between sizes. From my experience, $400 is the hard limit for 12" ovens - any more and you're overpaying. Look to spend no more than $600 for a 14"-16" pizza oven and you won't be overcharged.

Again, the truly massive pizza ovens will start costing you into the thousands, but I advise against these. They're fun, and they look incredible in an outdoor kitchen, but it's overkill for almost any family and you're paying a premium for a few extra inches of room. 

How much should I spend on a combo?

Combos are where things get a lot more complicated. My fellow product tester Emilia Hitching says that 'combination ovens can run off both gas and wood pellets, which is a great feature; you have the convenience of gas if you just want a quick pizza after work but the more complex flavor of wood smoke if you want to impress your guests.'

I think $500 is a good price for a small 12" combo pizza oven. Unfortunately, this type of oven has a big jump up in price between sizes, because these tend to be flagship models with fancy digital thermometers and glass doors. Because of the extra tech, expect to spend around $1000-$1500 for a full-size 16" combination gas and wood pellet oven. 

How much should I spend on an indoor pizza oven?

My honest advice is that you shouldn't buy an indoor pizza oven. You'll see lots of cheap countertop ovens like this advertised on Amazon, but my experience tells me that they're a bad idea. They're cheap, and I'm sure some of them work fine, but they're ultimately no different to an air fryer or an oven, which totally defeats the point of using a pizza oven. 

Unfortunately, I also think that indoor ovens from large manufacturers aren't worth buying. Don't get me wrong, they can be great; the Ooni Volt 12, available at Ooni, is packed with intriguing features, and the Breville Smart Oven Pizzaiolo, available at QVC,  has dedicated settings to help you cook different styles of pizza. However, the point of a pizza oven is that it cooks a pizza with flame in a way that the usual kitchen oven can't match. While I've made some good pizza with indoor ovens over the years, it's not much different from baking a pizza in an oven. 

If you are tight for space and still interested in an indoor oven, I wouldn't spend more than $350. I recommend this Cuisinart Indoor Pizza Oven, available at Cuisinart. I'm partway through testing it, but it's about as good as the Ooni and the Breville, despite being hundreds of dollars cheaper. 

How much should I spend on a grill-top pizza oven?

Again, my honest advice is to steer clear of these ovens. I covered this when I dove into the debate between pizza ovens vs grill-top pizza ovens, but grill-top ovens aren't true pizza ovens. 

They're heated from the bottom and don't cook with flames, so not only are they no different from using an oven, but actually worse, because it's hard to cook the top of the pizza. If you still think it's worth considering, I recommend that you spend no more than $150. 

How much should I spend if I'm on a budget?

If money is tight, you need a cheap wood-burning pizza oven. Wood burners are cheaper than gas ovens because they don't have gas pipes or gas connectors. You don't need a fancy brand, either. They're definitely better - my favorite is the Ooni Fyra 12 - but places like Amazon have some gems that won't break the bank. If the $350 Ooni is too steep, my best advice is to grab an oven like this Aidpiza oven from  Amazon.

In full transparency, I haven't tested that particular model, but I've tested lots of similar Chinese-made ovens from Amazon which have since been discontinued. None are as good as a fancier oven from Ooni, but all cook delicious, smoky pizza. They all make better pizza than you'd make in a kitchen oven. 

The only drawbacks are that these ovens don't have customer service, so you're in trouble if anything goes wrong. It may not be the case for the oven above, but lots of the cheaper ovens I've tested from Amazon have slightly sketchy safety features, like poorly-balanced doors and insufficient heatproofing. However, they make excellent pizza. 

FAQs

What's a good warranty for a pizza oven?

A good warranty for a pizza oven is around 5 years. However, make sure to check the fine print, because sometimes this warranty only applies to the pizza stone, not the whole pizza oven. 

If you want to know even more, the team and I have covered the best wood for a pizza oven and how to light a pizza oven.

As the hot weather returns, we're seeing lots of new domestic pizza ovens. Big brands and new, upstart players are all competing for a slice of the market, and I'm seeing new innovations every week.

However, even the best pizza ovens are very expensive. When a good oven costs more than $700, it's wise to mull over the merits of a pizza oven vs a regular oven. If you can make a decent pizza in your oven at home, why bother with a different appliance?

I'm a professional product tester and I worked on outdoor appliances for years. I've seen lots of pizza ovens up close, so I know all the benefits and drawbacks. Better yet, I chatted to a chef about whether or not a backyard pizza oven really makes a difference. 

What's the point of a pizza oven?

The point of a domestic pizza oven is to replicate a traditional brick oven. Unlike a normal oven, a pizza oven reaches incredibly hot temperatures. This means that the pizzas cook incredibly quickly, usually under two minutes. 

Most pizza ovens use open flames, which gives the crust distinctive leopard spots of delicious, smoky char. It makes for a restaurant-quality pizza that tastes much better than a pizza from a normal kitchen oven. 

Which is cheaper to run?

A standard domestic oven is by far the cheaper option. You only need to pay your regular gas or electric bill. Cooking pizza won't make any more of a dent in your monthly payments than any other type of food. Unless you're buying a new oven, you don't need to spend any money to make homemade pizza in a domestic oven. 

This isn't the case for pizza ovens. These are expensive. Doing some back-of-a-napkin math, the average price for a pizza oven across the three biggest brands in the US (Ooni, Gozney, and Breville) is $795. 

That's a lot to spend on pizza, and worst of all, it doesn't even include essential accessories like a pizza peel or thermometer. Add in fuel on top of the extras and you're looking at around $1000 before you've even baked a pie. The running costs for years of use mount up too, because you need to buy replacement gas or wood pellets. 

Which is fastest?

Pizza ovens are a lot faster than regular ovens. Chef Serge Krikorian told me that 'most home ovens max out at around 500°F', which is half the temperature a domestic pizza oven can reach. I've seen pizza ovens reach more than 950°F, and some claim to max out at 1100°F. That sort of heat will turn raw dough into a perfectly cooked pizza in less than a minute. 

A regular oven, on the other hand, will probably take around 12 minutes to cook a pizza. It's hardly a long wait, but a proper pizza oven is 12 times faster. This is what contributes to the delicious flavor of pizzas cooked in a pizza oven. 

Chef Krikorian told me that 'The shorter cooking time helps retain the freshness of the toppings and maintain a crisp crust.'  Where an oven will bake everything, losing some moisture from vegetables, a pizza oven will give them a delicious char while maintaining bright, light freshness. 

Which is easiest to use?

An oven is much easier to use than a pizza oven. You just switch it on and wait for it to heat up: that's it. The only type of pizza oven this is true for is an electric pizza oven, but to be honest there's very little difference between an electric pizza oven and a normal oven. I'm in the middle of testing Cuisinart's electric pizza oven, available at QVC, and while it's cheap and fun to use, it doesn't taste any different from a pizza cooked in a standard domestic oven.

A gas pizza oven is more straightforward because technically all you need to do is hook up a tank of propane. However, that then introduces all the issues of propane - how to store it safely, the errand of refilling the tank, and the ongoing cost of the gas. 

The hardest oven of all to use is a wood-fired pizza oven. These taste better than anything else, but you need to master setting fire to your pellets or kindling and then maintaining the temperature. Like propane, wood or pellets is an ongoing cost. 

Which is most versatile?

Ovens are more versatile than pizza ovens, but pizza ovens aren't one-trick ponies. We've used pizza ovens to cook chicken, peppers, lamb, and even sweet treats like brownies. Hypothetically, anything you cook in an oven can be cooked in a pizza oven, but the limiting factor is time and size. 

It would take a lot of kindling or pellets to keep the average pizza oven at roasting temperature for hours. What's more most pizza ovens have a small opening that won't fit a whole chicken or tenderloin. The smokiness is nice for some desserts, but too savory for some. On top of that, most pizza pizza ovens can only be used outside, so if you live somewhere cold, it will be out of action for a few months of the year. 

Buy a pizza oven if...

• You want the best tasting pizza possible 
• You love to host pizza parties

Stick to an oven if....

• You're on a budget
• You don't have room outdoors

FAQs

What's the cheapest type of pizza oven?

The cheapest type of pizza oven is a wood-fired pizza oven, which usually cost between $200-400. 

I've tested a lot of pizza ovens over the years, and the team and I have put out plenty of coverage from how to light a pizza oven to the best wood for a pizza oven.

It's almost unquestioned that Ooni makes the best pizza ovens around. I've tried several models and they all deliver top-quality pizza. There's a reason Ooni takes up two of the top three spots in my guide to the best pizza ovens. However, there are a couple of big drawbacks to the brand.

Ooni ovens are incredibly expensive; their costliest is more than $800. Unlike lots of other brands, their ovens don't include essentials like a pizza peel and pizza cutter. You have to pay extra for accessories, so if you want our favorite ever pizza oven, the Ooni Karu 16, be prepared to spend more than $1300.

That's why I've brought together a list of the best Ooni alternatives. If you want to save a little money, you'll find some good options here, as well as some top-line models that don't get quite the same attention as the big brand. I've been a product tester for years and examined plenty of the best pizza ovens. I've after taking into account cook time, ease of assembly, price, and the all-important taste test, these are the best Ooni alternatives.

The quick list

We'll dig into the specifics further down. For now, these are all the best pizza ovens at a glance.

• Back to the top ⤴

Best Ooni alternatives 2026

Best budget pizza oven

Solo Stove's Pi Pizza oven is one of the cheapest we've tested, but it stands up to Ooni ovens nearly three times the price. It's a great option for beginners, too, because it has an obvious but incredibly helpful feature. There's a guard at the back of the oven which will stop you throwing your pizza into the flames. This means that even a total novice can make a good pizza.

It runs on both gas and wood, so you can switch between convenient gas and authentic, smoky wood. The pizzas we made on this tasted incredible and are comparable to those we've tried in Oonis.

However, it can be a little complicated. If you're cooking with wood, you need to use wood exactly one inch wide, and five inches long. You'll also need a small fire starter to start the flames. It's also tricky to top up your fuel once the fire is going.

While a compact oven is great, the Pi makes pretty small pizzas. We found that we could only really make 10" pizzas, which is fine for single portions but small if you're making a lot of pizzas to feed a crowd.

You can find more details in our Solo Stove Pi Pizza Oven review.

Best gas

The Gozney Arc had some incredibly high praise from our tester, Laura. She used to work at a pizza place and has made thousands of pizzas, but thinks this oven helped her make better pizzas than any of them.

Unlike the larger Gozney domes, this oven has a small footprint and a sleek profile that's great for smaller homes. However, it still fits a 14" pizza, so it's great for bigger portions and feeding a crowd.

It makes delicious pizza, a pretty good calozone, and it also excelled in our more left-field tests, making excellent roast peppers, chicken, and even a brownie.

The drawback is that it only runs on gas, so you won't get the full smokiness of a wood-fired oven. Like Ooni ovens, it can be expensive to buy all of the add-ons.

There's more detail in our full Gozney Arc review

Best indoor pizza oven

Pizza ovens are usually restricted to outdoor cooking, so we were pleased to see Breville's Pizzaiolo come onto the market. This oven is rated for indoor use, so it's worth considering if you live in an apartment and want homemade pizza.

I've had a look at this oven a few times and by far my favorite feature is the dedicated pizza settings. Unlike other pizza ovens that take a little mastery, this has a simple dial that will set your oven to the precise temperature of a wide range of different pizza styles.

However, this oven is fuelled by electricity, which means it can't replicate the flavor of a gas-fired oven, and even further away from the smokiness of a wood-fired oven. It's also one of the most expensive ovens out there; even combination gas and wood ovens don't cost so much.

You can find more details in our Breville Smart Oven Pizzaiolo review.

Best-looking pizza oven

The S1 is an update to the original Gozney Dome; unlike the original, it's a little smaller and only runs on gas. However, the idea is that the S1 is cheaper than its predecessor. That sounds like a bargain, but it's still around $1500, so it's not the cheapest.

It turns out huge 16" pizzas in under two minutes, but our tester found that you can easily fit two 8" pizzas, which is good if you want to turn out a lot of pizza relatively quickly. Unlike a wood-fired oven, it's incredibly easy to control and maintain temperature. This made for delicious pizzas and a fantastic calzone.

However, it's very expensive, and the starting price is higher than most Ooni ovens. Like Ooni products, you have to spend extra to get vital equipment like a pizza peel.

There are more details in our Gozney Dome S1 review.

Fastest pizza oven

The Roccbox is Gozney's most affordable oven, usually coming in at around $500. Unlike other ovens, it also includes an essential pizza peel. It hits 950°F, among the highest temperatures on the test. It also means that the Roccbox cooks the fastest of any oven on the test, finishing a pizza in little over a minute. What's more, all the pizza we made was delicious, with great leopard-spotting.

A friend of mine happens to have one of these and I was over the other week. It made an incredible flatbread, and it's also great for a delicious pizza bianca with goat's cheese.

The marketing materials for this claim that it's a 'portable' oven, and that's not exactly true. It's easier to move around the yard than other pizza ovens I've seen, but you can't exactly take it to work. We also found the wood hopper a little lacking, and it can't match the blistering temperatures of gas.

You can find more detail in our Gozney Roccbox review.

Best large pizza oven

If you want a truly authentic pizza, the Alfa Nano is probably as close as you can get without building your own clay or brick oven. It has a huge capacity which can hold two pizzas at once. There are other, even bigger models - I'm thinking of the Alfa Moderno, available at BBQ Guys - but it's very expensive.

It makes delicious pizzas, but like other wood-fired ovens, it takes a little time to master. That said, our tester achieved a fantastic crust and well-cooked toppings.

It might be called the 'nano', but if you have a small yard, this is definitely overkill. It's also very simple for such an expensive oven, lacking a digital thermometer or any bonus features.

You can find more details in our ALFA Nano Pizza Oven review.

How we test

We tested these pizza ovens on a huge range of pizza styles. We've tried traditional Neapolitan pizzas, New York style, Chicago deep dish, and calzone. We've also tested the ovens on a range of different breads, including garlic bread, focaccia, and naan.

We then pushed these ovens beyond just dough. We've roasted chicken, lamb, and a wide range of vegetables to test their versatility. We've even tested sweet treats like brownies.

In every test, we timed how long it took each oven to reach temperature and cook a pizza so that we could assess their energy efficiency, as well as the ease of ignition.

As we cook, we pay close attention to the appearance of each oven to see which spaces it will suit. We also consider the boring but essential details like assembly, storage, and maneuverability. We evaluate all of this against price and warranty, to make absolutely sure that the ovens we recommend are the best value for money.

You can find more information on our testing process in our How We Test guide.

Meet the team

FAQs

What's the cheapest Ooni?

The cheapest Ooni is also my favorite: the Ooni Fyra, available at Ooni. It costs $349, though that doesn't include a pizza peel or slicer.

Final thoughts

If you're just starting out with a pizza oven, it's worth learning how to light a pizza oven. If you have a wood-burning oven, it's important to invest in the best wood for a pizza oven.

These alternatives are good options, but for my money, Ooni still makes many of the best pizza ovens on the market. If you know you want an Ooni, take a look at my dive in to the best Ooni pizza ovens.

With almost identical names, it might feel like the toaster oven vs toaster debate is just splitting hairs. However, as someone who tests these products for a living, I can tell you that there's much to be made of the differences. 

You might think that a toaster just toasts bread, but if you've done any research into the best toasters on the market, you'll know that advanced models get techy with different bread types. They can also make grilled cheese sandwiches, pastries, and pop-tarts. 

The best toaster ovens take a more general approach to toasting, but will offer baking, broiling, air frying, grilling, and more. They'll be a hard-working appliance on your countertop. Here's everything you need to know if you're struggling to choose between the two.

What can a toaster do?

Toasters are a kitchen classic. I would argue that any countertop is incomplete without one. These nifty appliances don't demand much space, working simply and quickly to take your bread to golden brown toast.

The beauty of toasters is that even the most technical models are simple. Sure, they'll have different settings for different types of bread and baked goods, but, at the end of the day, you put your toast in a slot, lower it, and minutes later, it pops up crisp and brown. Some of the most advanced toasters will automatically lower and lift your toast, but that's about as crazy as things get.

A basic toaster won't cost you too much. You can pick up a compact, two-slice model for $30, such as the Elite Gourmet, which is $29.99 at QVC. However, if you keep scrolling through the toaster offering, you could end up splurging on a Smeg four-slice toaster for $279.95 or Breville's Toast Select for $199.95. Don't even get me started on designer toasters (just make sure to look at the Smeg X Dolce & Gabbanna Meditteraneo).

Toasters are great if you just want to warm and brown breads and pastries, these are an inexpensive, compact option. You'll have to pick yours carefully since slot size can limit what you put in your toaster. Some simple, extra accessories, such as sandwich racks (available at QVC) can give you the capacity to make a grilled cheese sandwich in your toaster. 

What can a toaster oven do?

Toaster ovens, often called countertop ovens, are less of a kitchen classic and more of an appliance trend. If you're looking for an energy-saving alternative to your main oven, you're in good company with these compact, efficient ovens.

The best toaster ovens can handle more than simple toast. They'll air fry, grill, bake, and roast, meaning you can cook a range of meals in your toaster oven. Even better, you'll often get more precise temperature and time controls than the simpler, crude controls on a basic toaster.

The downside of toaster ovens are how bulky they are. A toaster is small enough to sit unnoticed on the countertop. You can tuck it into drawers and cupboards, but a toaster oven demands a lot more space. These are often heavier than toasters too, so we wouldn't advise putting them high up in cupboards either.

Differences between a toaster oven and a toaster

There's some obvious back and forth in the toaster oven vs toaster debate. Toasters are smaller, simpler, and often cheaper than toaster ovens. They're perfect for browning bread, but you won't be able to do much else. Toaster ovens are the opposite. They're bigger, but can handle a lot more than toasting tasks. Here's a deeper dive into the differences:

Space
Toasters are compact and lightweight, even if you've opted for a four-slot option. This makes them easy to store and maintain in comparison to toaster ovens. Brands such as Instant and Ninja have made toaster ovens that aren't very tall, but they still demand a lot of countertop real estate in comparison to a toaster. They're heavier and harder to lift up in to wall cupboards too.

Speed
The beauty of toasters is that they'll pop up your toast in a matter of minutes. The ultra-hot elements should be able to evenly brown and crisp any breads and pastries that you but into them. Giving a toaster oven the same job might mean that it takes slightly longer. We've always found that they need a little pre-heating. However, you can toast open-face melts, sandwiches, and handmade pastries a lot easier.

Controls and versatility
Toaster ovens really come out on top when you're looking at the controls. Most will air fry, bake, broil, dehydrate, and more, as well as toast, of course. Toasters on the other hand hone-in on bread. The best, most complex options will have precise settings for different bread types, across rye, brioche, bagels and more. If you buy regular bread, a toaster will evenly brown both sides. Specialist settings for defrosting and bagels will always be better on toasters. However, if you make your own bread and know that the slices can be weird, wonderful, and not very friendly for conventional slots. Similarly toasted sandwiches and baked goods, such as muffins and croissants always do better in toaster ovens.

Price
Toaster ovens are typically more expensive than toasters, if you look at comparable models. That's not to say that there aren't inexpensive toaster ovens and luxury toasters out there, but it's an average.

Our top picks put head to head

Which should you buy?

If you're all about bread, a toaster will be the best option for you. It can consistently brown a range of types, whether that's rye, white bread, pop tarts, bagels, and more. If you fancy something with a little more versatility, or you like toasting sandwiches and pastries, it's worth considering a toaster oven. 

FAQs

Is it better to have a toaster oven or a toaster?

Ultimately, this will depend on your needs. If you exclusively eat breads, already own an air fryer, and more often than not, need the full capacity of your oven, you'll be better off with a toaster. If you're looking to save on space and your utilities, it's worth looking into toaster ovens.

Do I need a toaster if I have a toaster oven?

You can use both, but you'll be wasting space in your kitchen. Toaster ovens do a great job of producing evenly golden toast in next-to-no time.

How do I know which toaster to choose?

There's a fair amount to consider, so if you need help on how to choose a toaster, we've got the answers. You'll want to think about how many slots you want, whether they need to be a special thickness or length, and what settings and functions you consider to be essential. We talk you through all the decision making factors in our guide on how to choose a toaster.

Forget turning water into wine, the Sage InFizz will take any flat drink and add enough sparkle to make it special. Gone are the days of your carbonizer only making sparkling water. With the InFizz you can make sparkling wines and sodas with minimal effort.

Since its launch, the Sage InFizz has been the talk of the SodaStream community. If you're wondering whether you should buy a SodaStream, I'd throw the InFizz in the mix. Sage has taken things one step further.

I had used my SodaStream every day for five years before I touched the InFizz. Now I'm not sure I'll go back.

Specifications

Unboxing

Unboxing the Sage InFizz is every bit as premium as the product itself. The neat cardboard box feels like good quality and is easily recyclable too. The InFizz comes all assembled with a BPA-free bottle, sieve, funnel, and cleaning brush. Those extra accessories are really useful, especially because you'll be fizzing sticky and sweet liquids in the bottle, so you'll want to keep it really clean.

On the countertop, again, it looks like luxury. It's not too heavy and is available in a range of finishes, black, cream, and stainless steel. It's tall, but there was enough space under my wall cupboards for it to sit with some space underneath.

Who would it suit?

If you like life's luxuries, you'll love this. I won't deny that SodaStreams are cheaper and still really good at making sparkling water, but the durable metallic build of the InFizz is brilliant if you want a longer-lasting home carbonator.

On a basic level, this is easy to use for fizzing and infusing water. You can control the carbonation levels to get things just so. The people who will really make the most of the InFizz are aspiring home bartenders and those who want to make sodas and lemonades at home. You can fizz orange juice, lemon juice, and wine, creating your own cocktails effortlessly.

I've tested this out with a number of friends and they've appreciated the level of control that it can give you over champagne, orange sodas, and more. If you like a gentle fizz, just one pump will do the job. Four pumps will give your sparkles their own levels of sparkle. 

What is it like to use?

Sage sends an instruction manual with the InFizz, but you won't need this. You can easily slot the gas cylinder into the back. Just make sure you buy a screw top one, because you have to twist it clockwise into place.

There are useful markers on the outside of the bottle that will let you know about maximum and minimum fill levels. This is around 31 oz, so you have to fizz in relatively large quantities, but you get a neat lid for the bottle, so you can store yours in the refrigerator.

Sage recommends keeping your liquids between 33 and 46 degrees to fizz them, so they'll already be cold. I tested the InFizz on orange juice, cranberry juice, infused water, and wine. Here's what I found.

Test 1: sparkling water

As someone who's firmly on team sparking, this makes excellent carbonated water. I tested it across all the different fizz levels each was excellent.

If you just use one pump, you get a very gentle fizz. It gives a little something to the water, but not very much. It could be useful for topping up the fizz on a drink that's getting flat or for those who don't want much fizz at all.

If you use two to three pumps, you'll get a good level of fizz. Four is the maximum number, so this is about as sparkling as San Pellegrino water. The bubbles feel small and quite light, rather than larger ones, which can get quite aggressive, so it's easy to drink.

Of course, I tested the four-pump function (and ended up with some fizz coming over and out of the bottle). There's a red lever which lets you release any carbon that might make your drink bubble over, which is a great feature for keeping your countertop clean.

I also tried infusing the water with cucumber and mint with great levels of success. I'd recommend giving the bottles at least 12 hours to infuse (it'll look great in the fridge) and then you can fizz away. Staying hydrated will never be easier.

Test 2: sparkling juice

It's a great novelty to be able to fizz fruit drinks and squash. I've heard of endless amounts of carbonizers that have been lost to sticky sugary drinks. I tested basic orange juice and worked through the different levels of carbonation again. This was seriously impressive, delivering perfect results time and time again.

I also tested cranberry juice, again to great success. If you're making cocktails in the sun and want to give some fizz to your drinks, these are perfect. Again, the red lever which released carbon was incredibly useful. I was worried my white table might get cranberry stains on, but it remained pristine, even with maximum fizz levels.

The neat feature on the Sage is the angle which you take the bottle out at. You can flip the bottle out, making it a lot easier to twist and unlock it from the main body of the InFizz. The lid stays firmly on throughout this. You remove that after.

Test 3: sparkling wine

If you're out of champagne or on more of a budget, you can use this to fizz your wine. Again, it's really useful to be able to control the different levels of carbonation in your cocktails and drinks. I saw this at a launch with Sage and they made negronis and cocktails with it. They were all delicious.

I tested mine with a Pinot, working through the different levels of fizz. It was really great and this is probably one of my favorite features that you get access to with the InFizz. 

Cleaning, storage, and maintenance

The silicone cleaning brush is a true savior. It can get right inside the bottle, reaching the walls and scrubbing them clean without becoming sticky or dirty. The body of the InFizz isn't as high maintenance as other brushed stainless steel surfaces can be. Even though I was working with wine, cranberry juice, and orange juice, the InFizz stayed in pristine condition.

In terms of storage, this is as easy to fit into your kitchen as any carbonizer. It's stylish enough to keep out on the countertop and low enough to clear any wall cupboards. You'll use it often enough not to need to put it into cupboards, but if you do, you'll have room for this.

How does it rate online?

The Sage InFizz is brand new to the market and it's created more than just a fizz. Expert reviewers are rightfully impressed (and obsessed) with the versatility of the InFizz, praising it as an excellent cocktail companion as well as a fun appliance to have when you're hosting parties or looking for some sparkle in the kitchen. It's scored five stars with almost everyone who uses it.

The only drawbacks that people mention are the upfront cost of the InFizz and that the bottle isn't dishwasher safe. I think the useful cleaning wand solves the problem of cleaning up the bottle. Plus, I rarely trust my dishwasher to do a good job of cleaning any bottles. The price is a more obvious criticism if you compare it to other models on the market, but it feels really durable.

How does it compare?

There's hardly a sentence with the InFizz in where there are not also whispers of SodaSteams. The brand has dominated sparkling water makers for years, but Sage's break into the scene has really mixed things up.

I answered the question 'should you buy a SodaStream?' after using one for almost five years. On our dedicated SodaStream page, I walked through each different model and, whilst they're brilliant for sparkling water. Whilst I love them, they're a world away from the InFizz.

If all you drink is sparkling water, it's worth considering a SodaStream. These sparkling water makers are popular for a reason. For a relatively small price, you can make some seriously good sparkling drinks. Those on a budget will want to shop the Gaia, since it's only $70 and can carbonate water just as well as the InFizz. 

If you're drawn to the premium aesthetics of the InFizz, it's also worth looking at the SodaStream Art or E-Terra. Both of these are still cheaper than the InFizz, they're $149 and $159 respectively. The Art still requires you to push down to fizz your water, so choosing between that and the InFizz is an aesthetic choice. The E-Terra has pre-sets, so you don't need to do a thing. However, to me, the appeal of self-controlled carbonators is how much control you have over the end product, so it doesn't make sense to buy an automated one.

For sparkling water, it might make sense to buy a SodaStream. However, if you want to fizz your own wine and juices, you need the InFizz. You can't fizz anything except water in the SodaStream. Although, you can buy syrups which you add to our SodaStream water afterwards. the whole InFizz experience is more versatile and much easier than faffing around with branded syrups. 

Should you buy it?

If you're one of life's movers, shakers, and cocktail makers, you'll want the Sage InFizz. Not only is it impressively versatile, it looks premium, and comes with well-considered features, even down to the cleaning. I didn't think I'd ever move on from my trusty SodaStream, but, nearly six years later I've changed alliances. The Sage InFizz is a hosting essential.

With a jam-packed market of versatile toasters, knowing how to choose the best toaster for your kitchen can be tricky. There are single-slice, two-slice, four-slice toasters, as well as smart toasters and simple toasters too. If that sounds like a lot to handle, don't worry.

Our team of experts works tirelessly, testing the best toasters on the market. We dedicate our days to researching and using the best toasters for every kitchen, home, and slices of bread.

Whether you're looking to make a super stylish countertop statement or you want a simple, pared-back model, here's our advice for how to choose a toaster that will blend into your kitchen, seamlessly becoming the best, most used appliance in your kitchen.

How to choose a toaster

Whilst looks aren't everything, it's important that your toaster matches your interior design. Here's a quick selection of the kettles that we love for each different kitchen style.

What size toaster do I need?

The size of toaster that you'll need falls into two categories: dimensions and slots. Knowing what the dimensions of your toaster should be is straightforward. I'd recommend measuring the height, depth, and width of the countertop or cupboard that you plan on keeping your toaster in. You need to make sure that there's enough clearance for toast to pop up without obstruction. Plus, you don't want any cabinets or shelves above it, since these can be a fire hazard. 

Your toaster should generally only come out by about 1/3 onto the countertop. That way it won't be too obtrusive in the space of the whole kitchen. Even if it's a beautiful toaster, you won't want it to dominate.

Slot wise, you generally get to choose between two or four slice toasters. If you have a large household or you're often hosting, you'll want a four-slice toaster. Two slice toasters are great for smaller kitchens, because they're usually around 11 x 7 inches big. Four slice toasters typically measure around 14 x 9 inches, so they're more versatile, but also more demanding space-wise. 

 For those who also enjoy artisanal or homemade bread, it's worth looking for four-slice toasters that are made up of two long slots rather than four normal-sized ones. This will mean that you can fit long slices of sourdough into them without needing to cut them in half. We'd always recommend making sure that the slots are long and wide enough to fit your favorite bread in.

What functions and settings are essential?

Basic toasters should have at least a toast and defrost setting. This allows you to toast simple slices of bread, both fresh and from the freezer. Lots of basic models also offer a bagel setting which can toast the cut side of the bagel whilst warming the outside. 

If you like a more advanced and technical toaster, you might want to look for pre-sets, which will toast your bread to different levels depending on whether it's an enriched dough sourdough, pop tart, or seeded, brown bread. These settings might also let you control how brown or crispy your toast ends up. The best toasters will give you a countdown to when your toast is ready, so that you know whether you've got time to tackle other tasks in the kitchen before your toast pops up.

You should also get a reheat and a cancel button, which allows you to control and stop your toasting when you notice that it looks brown. Some smarter toasters offer a high-lift lever that allows you to safely check the toast levels of your bread without finishing the toasting timer cycle. It'll also help you to easily lift smaller items such as English muffins and short pieces of bread out of the toaster without burning your fingers. If that's never something that's relevant to you, there's no point in spending more money on features that you won't use.

Modern toasters have automatic lift and lower functions, so that all you have to do is press a button and the toaster will do the rest for you. This might sound lavish, but just wait until you deep dive into smart toasters. You can get touchscreen models with apps and WiFi connectivity, which act like smartphones giving you technical controls, including customizable settings, over your bread.

What is a good energy usage for a toaster?

Toasters are generally pretty efficient appliances. A toaster that is around 800-1,000 Watts will generally be considered energy efficient. It's worth looking for certifications, such as Energy Stars which will give you an indicator that your toaster is ultra-energy efficient. 

If you're conscious of your consumption, it's a good idea to unplug your toaster when it's not in use. These can consume power when they're on standby, so if you need to reduce your utilities, make sure it's not draining energy when it's not in use. It's also important to only toast what you need. If you overfill it, your toaster will become less efficient, requiring more energy to produce standard results.

Do you need any extra accessories

Premium toasters might come with some extra accessories. Whilst these aren't essentials, they might make your toaster more versatile. For example, if you have toast tongs and a sandwich press, you can make toasties without too much mess. You might also get a wire rack, especially with a four-slice toaster, which will help you put baked foods, such as pastries and croissants into your toaster.

How much money should you spend on a toaster?

There's no fixed price that you should spend on a toaster, I say this as someone who has spent more money than she would have liked to on hers (although I don't have any regrets). If you want a basic toaster with simple functions, you can get away with spending $30. However, be prepared to compromise on warranty, functions, design, and durability.

Mid-range toasters will cost up to $100, offering some more advanced features, a reasonable build quality, a longer warranty period (a few years), and more versatility. If you up your budget a little more, you'll be spending up to $200, but you'll get an Energy Star certification, ten (or more) year warranty, sleek design, and digital displays and timers.

If you need to work out how much to spend, think about how often you'll use it, the interior design of your kitchen, which features you really need, and which brand you're buying from. I bought a KitchenAid ProLine toaster because I already have a KitchenAid kettle and wanted mine to match. I spent a little more money on the auto-lowering function and capacity, but as someone who bakes their own bread, it's worth every penny. 

Traditionally drip coffee makers with integrated grinders are much more expensive than your average coffee maker. Finding a good one is tough, which is why I was so surprised by the Instant Grind & Brew. 

Instant is best known for its multicookers. However, their latest, affordable coffee maker line is blowing many reviewers' minds. The Instant Grind & Brew is one of the best drip coffee makers that I've tested, offering freshly ground coffee, customizable settings, and smart features. 

On paper, it looks perfect and in practice, it's even closer to perfection. I tested this in my kitchen for a week, so that I could pit it against the likes of the best coffee makers on the market. Here's what I found.

Specifications

Unboxing

The Instant Grind & Brew has a 10-cup capacity, so it was no surprise that this arrived in a big box. The box and most of the protective packaging is cardboard, so it's easy to recycle. There's some plastic wrap on the front of the machine, which is harder to recycle, but it ensured that the Instant arrived in pristine condition, so I can't complain.

True to its packaging, this is a big coffee maker. Thankfully, it's not as heavy as it looks, so I could lift it around my kitchen, testing how it looked in various positions on my countertop. You might have guessed from the pictures, this is big. It's tall and wide, so comes with a demanding footprint. However, in spite of the slightly-cheap plastic body, it looks sleek. I'd happily keep it on display.

Who would it suit?

The Instant can brew ten cups of coffee in well under ten minutes, making it an incredibly appealing option to large homes with lots of coffee drinkers. The hot plate will keep your coffee warm, so even if your home can't get through the coffee in one sitting, there will always be some waiting. Add in the brew-ahead function and the Instant is practically made for busy families: you can always have a cup of coffee on the go if you make the most of the Instant's functions.

The other main draw of the Instant is its integrated grinder. This means that you can put beans in your coffee maker and it will grind them for you, so that you get the freshest flavors possible for your coffee. You can also put coffee grounds in if you've already got a favorite blend. However, you wouldn't be making the most of what the Instant can do if that's your go-to brewing style.

If you just drink single-servings and you want a small, simple coffee maker, take a look at your options. The Instant markets itself as a big and bold coffee maker, which is exactly what it is.

What was it like to use?

Everything about using the Instant Grind & Brew is easy. The touchscreen interface is easy to use, offering 24-hour programmable features, customizable strength settings, a pause and pour function, and more. It seems like there's nothing the Grind & Brew can't do.

Our first test for any coffee maker is a single-serving. This is relatively rare in the world of drip coffee makers, since they tend to be better at bigger batches. Most machines don't even offer a single-serve setting, so I wanted to make sure that the Instant could follow through on its brewing promises. 

I tested making coffee with both the grinder and pre-ground beans. Whilst freshly ground beans offered a much fuller flavor, the grinding process was a lot loud. This is no surprise since grinders are always noisy, but I had this set up in the test kitchen and mouthed a theatrical 'sorry' across the room with my hands plugging my ears because it turned some heads (and not in a good way at this point). In total, I measured the Instant's grinding noise at 82 dB, which is pretty loud. However, the grinding took no more than 30 seconds and the coffee that it made was more than worth it.

For both ground and pre-ground options, my coffee was brewed in a matter of minutes. The single serving was 10 oz, which is on the generous side (some machines count a cup as 6 oz). The flavors were distinct and delicate, proof that the showerhead water distributor had done its work, evenly saturating my coffee grounds.

I could taste richer flavors in my freshly ground coffee compared to the pre-ground, but this was no surprise. Both cups were delicious and, even when I came back to the pot an hour later, the flavors were still bright and delicious.

It's worth noting here that the Instant comes with a reusable gold tone filter, which won't absorb coffee oils as much as paper filters. It'll also save you money longer-term as if the Instant wasn't already doing enough hard work.

The next test I wanted to carry out was on a full carafe. The Instant claims to make ten cups of coffee, which is a considerable amount, especially if you live in a large home with lots of coffee drinkers. I wanted to make sure that the flavors remained consistent, delicious, and strong, even when batch brewing.

True to its name, the Instant brewed comfortably enough coffee to fill ten cups. It was hot, at around 200 degrees, but not burnt. The flavors were bold, distinct, and still better on my freshly ground coffee option. 

Whilst brewing the larger quantity, I tested out the pause-and-pour function, which worked seamlessly. I normally wouldn't recommend hopping in mid-brew, since drip coffee is very deliberately brewed and saturated, so if you have some before the machine is finished, you might not be able to enjoy the fullest flavors. My cup was slightly more acidic than I would usually like it to be, but nonetheless delicious. When I came back to the carafe at the end of brewing, the overall flavors had mellowed out.

Instant's drip coffee maker offers three different brew strengths and five brew settings, so there is plenty to play with. You can also adjust the grind size of your coffee beans, so it's pretty customizable, again, perfect if you live in a large home.

Whilst I was testing this, I found that the flavors were at their fullest when I wasn't looking for anything too extreme. The strong setting got a little too acidic for me and the lighter setting lost some clarity. Keep it simple, stick with the middle and you'll be able to enjoy a good cup of coffee.

Cleaning, storage, and maintenance

There's a cleaning reminder button that will let you know when you need to get started on maintenance. It will also help you run through a rinse cycle. The filter basket is easy to lift out and empty into your food waste without creating too much mess.

The touchscreen did get some fingerprint marks on, so it's worth keeping a microfiber cloth nearby to wipe it clean. The reservoir isn't removable, which makes cleaning a little tricker than it needs to be (it's a personal grievance of mine). I'd recommend putting in only as much water as you need, so that your water doesn't sit stagnant in the reservoir. This isn't great from a flavor or hygiene perspective.

How does it compare?

This is a new model on the market, so people are keen to compare this to their favorite coffee makers. Naturally, the OXO 8-Cup drip coffee maker is part of the conversation. It's the one that we think is the best on the market, but even the Instant offers some competitive features that the OXO doesn't.

For starters, the Instant can grind coffee freshly into your cup within one appliance. The OXO doesn't have an integrated grinder, so you'd need to invest in one and grind coffee manually if you wanted to enjoy the same flavors. However, OXO makes up for the extra effort with its useful presets, which can brew a single cup of coffee as well as a range of flavor profiles.

Both coffee makers offer customizable profiles, a programmable start function, and they make use of rainmaker shower heads for even saturation. Whilst the OXO doesn't have a neat hot plate and timer like the Instant, it does boast an insulated carafe, keeping the coffee warm for as long as it should be drunk. Hot plates tend to encourage people to drink stale and burnt coffee when they shouldn't. Even though the Instant didn't overcook the coffee, after about an hour, I did spot that the flavors were getting flat.

The OXO also brewed more consistently delicious coffee. I'd put this down to the quality of the coffee maker, which is approved by the SCA. Whilst the Instant coffee was delicious and brewed with a gold-tone filter, the quality was dependent on my beans and I spotted some variations between batches and strength settings. 

If you're looking for value, the Instant has a lot to offer. It's aimed at beginners and those who want convenient coffee. Whilst the OXO can cater to beginners, it's a higher price, so it also appeals to those with more refined, high-level coffee requirements.

Should you buy it?

If you like the idea of drinking coffee, freshly ground, in large quantities, this is perfect for you. The Instant offers value and capacity like no other drip coffee maker that I've tested before. However, the carafes have a little variation between each batch and some of the plastic body might feel cheap to those who are used to the likes of Breville and Moccamaster.

How we test

Prior to endorsing or reviewing any product, we conduct hands-on testing with a team of experts who know their stuff when it comes to coffee. 

Our testing methodology follows a specialized, streamlined process tailored for each coffee maker we review. With expertise gained as a trained barista, I'm Homes & Gardens' coffee maker reviewer and I've tested over sixty different coffee makers in the last nine months.

Before I call any coffee maker in to test, I scrutinize the claims made by brands about their products to establish clear testing criteria. In the case of the Instant drip coffee maker, I rigorously evaluated its performance alongside the automatic machines, espresso machines, and various other coffee appliances that I've used. 

I tested the Instant on making everything from a single cup of coffee to a whole carafe. I made notes on the flavors, temperature, and time it took to brew my coffee, whilst also noting down how easy the Instant was to use, clean, and maintain. 

I'll take a step back and look at the machine holistically, letting you know if it's good value, a competitive option within the context of drip coffee makers, and who I think it would suit. With all of that information packed into this review, if you choose to invest in one of these, you won't have any unwelcome surprises waiting in store for you.

If you're interested in finding out more about how we test coffee makers, you can visit our dedicated page.

According to Pinterest's 2024 predictions, 'Cafecore' is set to revolutionize kitchen aesthetics by bringing the allure of your favorite coffee shop right into the heart of your home. And it's big news over on TikTok, too.

If you're looking to turn your kitchen from utilitarian to uber-charming – the Cafecore kitchen trend could be just what you're looking for. Echoing the most welcoming of cafes, it's all about inviting you and your guests to curl up with a hot beverage and enjoy a comforting corner of your kitchen, without the formality of a dining table. Sound rather pleasant? We think so too.

For those of us guilty of romanticizing that first coffee of the day, it seems fitting to dedicate an intimate corner or coffee nook to building a beautiful at-home brewing station, complete with bistro-style tables and chairs, or warm and welcoming banquette seating ideas with a color palette to match. Here, we delve into the nuances behind the trend to find out how a coffee corner could help you slow down, savor those daily rituals, and transform your space into a living kitchen.

How To Create A Coffee Corner In Your Kitchen

To help you carve out a corner that echoes the comfort of your favorite coffee spot, we've tapped into the minds of interior designers to get their take on how to create nooks in your home. 

The beauty of this idea is that it doesn't require tons of square footage. 'I've been pushing comfortable seating in kitchens for years so I'm excited to finally be on trend,' says designer Bethany Adams. 'To start, you must have the restraint to not wrap your entire kitchen in cabinetry and leave one wall open for a cafe corner.  Built-in banquettes are lovely, but for ultimate flexibility, a little settee and cafe table or two comfy chairs are perfect to have a friend for coffee, a morning cuddle with the dog, or a glass of wine with your partner after a long day.'

In stark contrast to a separate dining room, which can be a more formal space to gather family and friends, a coffee corner is the art of creating a casual space that naturally invites connection and conversation. Just like your favorite table at your favorite cafe.

'That feeling you get when you go out to eat can easily be created in your kitchen or breakfast nook,' says Kristina Khersonsky, founder of Studio Keeta. 'Cafecore is romanticizing something as simple as your morning coffee at home, and adding the extra layer of comfort for you to feel like you have your very own cafe at home. It just takes a little effort with the small details for a big impact,' she advises. So let's get into the details. 

1. Select bistro-style table and chairs

To infuse your kitchen with an air of Parisian charm or an independent coffeehouse, choose a little bistro table and chairs to set the stage for your cafe corner. Not only do they barely take up any space, but they are dainty and charming kitchen seating ideas, too.

'I love the idea of taking advantage of unused spaces in your kitchen by leaning to a cafe corner aesthetic,' says interior designer Kathy Kuo. 'The key to success is to choose a smaller cafe table with minimal footprint and plan to only put two chairs around it,' she suggests. 'Bistro chairs in woven materials look great in an instance like this, and they're lightweight and easy to move if you end up needing to free up kitchen space on occasion.'

As Kathy suggests, seats with a woven or rattan base will bring a vintage feel to the space, while tables made from wrought iron or marble with cast iron bases offer a stylish departure from wood. Consider the size of your kitchen, the smaller your coffee nook the best suited you'll be to a round table that promotes intimacy and simple chairs that tuck neatly underneath. 

2. Or instead, build a banquette

Think of all the hallmarks of your favorite coffee shop – we can almost guarantee comfy seating is high on that list. A banquette is an excellent choice for creating casual and inviting seating in the corner of your kitchen or dining space, offering a comfortable spot to enjoy your morning coffee or unwind with a book. It's all about encouraging you to linger a little longer.

'In addition to creating a more intimate dining experience, a small bench seat is so flexible – it can be used for occasional working from home/homework or having coffee or cocktails with friends,' suggests Tiffany Duggan, founder of Studio Duggan. A banquette, similar to cozying up together on the couch, helps to foster a sense of togetherness that formal chairs cannot.

'They are also excellent space savers as the bench (unlike a dining chair) can sit right against the wall. Creating a cozy banquette is an excellent way of adding both interest and practical use to a dark, bland corner and is often a real focal point of a kitchen,' adds Tiffany.

When planning your banquette seating ideas, consider including custom storage hidden away in the bench seat and choose plush cushions and throw pillows in coordinating colors and patterns.

3. Invest in essential brewing equipment

Investing in good coffee-making equipment is the key to achieving that perfect cup. So, to physically bring the coffee shop to your kitchen, try to dedicate a specific area to set up your at-home coffee station. Whether it's a moveable bar cart, an appliance garage, or a pantry cupboard, set up a spot where you can display your mugs, store coffee beans, and house your coffee machine and teapot (we don't discriminate on tea drinkers here).

'Cafecore is the idea of turning to our local and favorite coffee shops for design inspiration, and implementing it in our own homes,' explains Richard Davonport, managing director at Davonport. 'It can be as simple as finding the perfect container to store your coffee beans, a syrup station, or a dedicated coffee pantry which houses just about everything you could ever need to make the perfect cup of coffee.' 

'A dedicated coffee cupboard is the way to go,' suggests Richard. 'Often in the form of a double kitchen cabinet, hidden behind the doors are your coffee machine, pods, beans, syrups, and mugs. Everything is neatly stored to reduce visual clutter in the kitchen, you simply open up the doors to make your morning brew.'

4. Add cafe curtains to windows or under cabinetry

You might have already heard, but trending in a big way in 2024 is the humble cafe curtain. To be used on windows to conceal either the top or bottom half, or to replace doors on cabinetry for a whimsical, cottage kitchen idea – they strike a delicate balance between privacy and openness, allowing natural light to peep through.

'The cafe curtain is not only the prettiest of window coverings, but it is actually a very useful and authentic method of sectioning off a room, hiding a view, or creating privacy,' suggests Helen Parker, creative director of deVOL Kitchens. 'Look to create an intimate coffee corner by draping vintage lace in your window or simply add a touch of Parisian cafe culture to your home with deVOL's aged brass cafe curtain rails.'

Opt for fabrics that complement your color scheme and overall design. Sheer linens or lightweight cottons can enhance the airy, welcoming atmosphere you're aiming for.

Studio Keeta founder Kristina Khersonsky, agrees. 'Add vintage cafe curtains to your windows to soften the space. Cafes usually decorate with a curated collection of ceramic mugs, plates, and coffee spoons consider adding vintage or vintage-inspired coffee cup sets, and even go a step further by displaying them on open shelving to give a cafe feel.'

5. Soften with muted colors and cozy textures

The beauty of recreating a coffee hub at home is being able to perfect a calm atmosphere, away from the hustle and bustle of a busy cafe. To really cash in on that feeling, try softening the space with a palette of hushed tones and cozy, warming textures.

Cafecore is all about creating a space in your home to retreat into with a hot drink of your choice and your book/laptop/crocheting. So you want to think about colors and patterns that will allow you to relax into the space. 

'Because you are creating a separate space within a larger room, you can take a bit more creative liberty to use surfaces and design elements that may not appear anywhere else in the space,' suggests Luis Carmona, founder and designer at Verde. 'Perhaps a different medium or color palette can be used to further make this space stand out on its own. The easiest way to do this is by using paint to accent a space, and the same goes for textures such as wallpaper, wooden slats, or tile,' he suggests.

If you're wondering, what are the most relaxing colors to decorate with? There are two schools of thought: look to nature or look to coffee to inspire. Think soft, muted hues like subtle pinks, soft blues, and gentle earth tones to provide a serene backdrop for your cafe corner. Or, turn to warm creams, caramels, and moody mocha shades for something more cocooning (and on theme!). Be sure to layer textures and textiles – from smooth marble countertops to plump cushions and soft throws for curling up with.

6. Add ambient light, art and accessories to personalize

Of course, no space feels truly "designed" without finishing touches like wall decor ideas, lighting, and accessories. Consider open shelving with hooks to display your favorite mugs and stylish accessories, add a curated collection of coffee table books, or keep it simple with a couple of wall plates. These personalized touches create a sense of intimacy and make the space uniquely yours.

Natural light is so important to create an inviting space, but if you're lacking (this is a corner after all), ambient lighting could be the secret ingredient your coffee nook is missing. Consider pendant lights, wall sconces, or picture lights to add warmth and create an inviting atmosphere.

'Adding character to the space by using art, lighting or texture helps it stand out from the surrounding area,' adds Luis Carmona. 'Wall sconces or recessed lighting are both great to emphasize a space while providing accent lighting to a specific task. They also make the space much more functional allowing it to be used during the day and night. With a well-defined nook, you can treat it as a little alcove with its own personality and sense of style.'

From coffee stations to coffee bars and dedicated coffee nooks, it's clear that we've all gone a little caffeine-crazy in 2024. By carving out a corner of your kitchen and dedicating it to your favorite beverage, you'll not only be right on trend but able to give yourself a cozy, comfortable spot reminiscent of a welcoming cafe. 

Everybody knows that De’Longhi is an expert in espresso machines. Everybody also knows that they make some of the most expensive espresso machines too, so when I spotted the Dedica Arte in their repertoire, I was intrigued.

As a former barista, I couldn't wait to get this into our test kitchen to see how it performed in practice. I put the Dedica Arte through the tests which we give all the best espresso machines on the market. I made espresso, Americano, and cappuccino and was impressed with this slim machine's capabilities. 

De'Longhi has stripped out lots of technical features which you'll see in their other, more advanced espresso machines. The pared-back, simple Dedica Arte is perfect for beginners who want to learn to make coffee with the same machines as professionals. Whilst I won’t be downsizing from my current espresso machine, I will be recommending this to plenty of people. 

Specifications

Unboxing

It might sound sad, but I was really excited by the De’Longhi’s packaging. Everything, including the protective plastic-like wrapping, is either recyclable or compostable. Very few brands can boast completely recyclable packing, so this is good news both for your garbage and the environment.

De’Longhi includes a weighty tamp, branded milk jug, portafilter, and portafilter baskets. Some brands don’t cover all of these extras, so it’s generous of De’Longhi to include them. It means you can get started right away. 

It’s easy to get this set up too. As always, De’Longhi does all the hard work, so that all you need to do is fill up the reservoir, run a rinse cycle, and then the machine is ready to go. I had everything in place and could start brewing within five minutes.

Who would it suit?

On the countertop, the Dedica has a sporty, Italian look. The stainless steel finishes look premium, without being glitzy. The machine's curved edges and slim silhouette makes this perfect for small spaces and narrow countertops. It's refreshing to have a stylish machine that doesn't demand attention in your coffee station.

As a pared-back model, the Dedica Arte is perfect for beginners. It's easy to navigate the simple settings, without feeling limited by the functions. However, if you want to pre-brew, bloom, and adjust the settings, you won't be able to. Professionals might need to look at some more expensive models, such as the Breville Bambino Plus.

The Dedica Arte doesn’t have an integrated grinder. This means you’ll have to budget for one of these and make space in your countertop for one too (we have plenty of recommendations in our best grinders buying guide). Of course, you can use pre-ground coffee, but if you want fresh flavors you'll need a good grinder.

What is it like to use?

The Dedica Arte has some of De'Longhi's signature, simple functions. The reservoir is easy to fill up and setting up the machine takes less than five minutes. You won't even need the instructions to get started, which is brilliant, both for beginners and professionals. 

 The Dedica Arte has three buttons on top: single shot, double shot, and steam. This is all you need to make a whole menu of cafe drinks. It'll warm up in a matter of minutes, so I didn't have to wait for long before I could begin testing.

Test 1: espresso

The first test we set any espresso machine is making, you guessed it, espressos. These form the basis of all coffees so the flavors, temperature, and quantities must be right on. 

The Dedica doesn’t have a grinder, so I used the KitchenAid Burr Grinder (available at Amazon) to grind coffee on the finest, espresso setting. I tamped 0.6 oz of coffee into my portafilter and locked it into the brew head. I had to hold a hand on the top of the machine because it lifted off the countertop. This is one of those catch-22 scenarios: the Dedica Arte is slim and lightweight, which means that it's easy to move around the kitchen. However, because there's not much weight in the base (and no grippy feet) it's tricky to use with the same force and confidence as a more premium machine.

Aside from having to hold the Dedica Arte down at the beginning, the rest of the espresso-making process was easy. The Dedica was speedy, brewing my espresso in 23 seconds, even from the first time. The shots were consistently delicious too, with well-extracted with rich, sweet notes of chocolate and caramel. My espresso was 1.25 oz, which is perfect. 

I tested the double espresso function too and achieved similar results: the Dedica brewed 2 oz of delicious, well-balanced coffee. I could see a nice, thick, hazelnut-colored crema on top, which was confirmation that this had extracted all the rich coffee oils from my grounds.

Test 2: Americano

Making an Americano in one of these is easy. The steam wand doubles up as a water dispenser. I pressed the steam button and turned the steam wand on, filling up my cup with hot water. I checked the temperature and, thankfully, it wasn’t boiling. De’Longhi had brewed this at a perfect 194 degrees Fahrenheit.

I made a long black (water before espresso) and an Americano (espresso before water) and found the long blacks to be much easier. The steam wand has a relatively high pressure, so it’s easier to fill your mug with water and then add an espresso. If you do it the other way you risk ending up with coffee splatters on your countertop.  

The brew head dripped some coffee after I had brewed my shot, but the drip tray neatly filtered this away. I couldn't even see dried coffee on the stainless steel, which makes maintenance much easier.

Test 3: Cappuccino

I tried making cappuccino with both dairy and oat milk. It’s hard for the espresso machine to go wrong here, because most of the steaming relies on you. 

The steam wand can rotate about 360 degrees, reaching every angle. It’s easy to turn on and off and not too aggressive. De’Longhi also includes a small stainless steel milk jug, which is perfect if you want to use your machine straight away. It’s really only suitable for single servings though.

The steam wand textured my oat and dairy milk expertly. I was pleased with how intuitive it was to use, making this a good investment for beginners. Sure, you’ll have to learn how to use a steam wand. However, within five minutes (and with a lot of practice) you’ll have it working perfectly. 

Both my oat and dairy cappuccinos tasted great. The already sweet notes from my coffee were softened with the sweet, velvety milk. The foam for the cappuccino started reaching towards the top of the stainless steel jug, so I struggled to keep my milk really smooth towards the end of the steaming, but bigger stainless steel milk pitchers like this one from Walmart are inexpensive and only needed if, like me, you like big cappuccinos.

Cleaning, storage, and maintenance

The Dedica is very low maintenance. After a whole day’s use, I could see a few fingerprints on the stainless steel, but these wiped away easily. The drip tray pulls out and is easy to rinse in its separate parts, so overall, it’s pretty painless.

Unlike De'Longhi's more premium models, the Dedica doesn’t have super smart cleaning reminders. You’ll need to be diligent with using filtered water, cleaning your brew head, and descaling the machine every three months. If you stay on top of that, your machine will last a long time. 

How does it rate online?

Lots of people bought this because they were fans of the De’Longhi brand, but not ready to commit thousands of pounds to their coffee maker. This means that the Dedica Arte scored highly for value and on appearance too. It was often called out for the 'sleek' and 'slim' silhouette, which can sit in even narrow, galley kitchens and small spaces.

Reviewers all found this easy to use and enjoyed making lattes and cappuccinos, which surprised me. I thought beginners might struggle steaming milk on the steam wand, but people were too busy praising the flavors of their coffees to worry about steaming milk.

The people who were most critical of the Dedica Arte were those who wanted some more elaborate and technical features. If you're looking for blooming functions, adjustable temperatures, and sizes, you'll need to increase your budget and take a look at some other espresso machines (that we've tested and recommended).

Some people also felt that the lightweight build made it feel a little cheap. I think this is really in the context of De’Longhi models again. This doesn’t feel cheap, but it feels like a less premium build than normal. 

How does it compare?

The KitchenAid Semi-Automatic espresso machine is incredibly similar to this. If I blind-tested them, I think I could mistake one for the other. There’s really nothing different in their functionalities or their price. If you’re torn between the two, it’s a matter of appearances. The De’Longhi has a very traditional, barista-like aesthetic. It's made with brushed stainless steel and looks like it means business. The KitchenAid is a little longer, so will come out further on the countertop. It comes in more colors and you can buy a beautiful, coordinating burr grinder from KitchenAid. As you can see, it's all about how you want to style your coffee station.

 As far as the best espresso machines for beginners go, the KitchenAid and Dedica Arte are your best options. If you find the lack of grinder and technical features too simplistic, I would recommend looking at De'Longhi's La Specialista Pro. This is still easy to use, but you can adjust the grinder, brew time, temperature, and size of your coffees within a huge range. It looks beautiful on the countertop but demands much more space than the Dedica Arte. It's also at least triple the price.

Should you buy it?

If you're a beginner who wants to make your start in the espresso machine world, this is perfect. It's great value and makes delicious coffee without demanding too much space on your countertop. It's easy to use, but the simple functions might be limiting for more advanced coffee connoisseurs.

How we test

We put every espresso machine through a series of standardized tests so that we can compare every model. Once we have researched and found an espresso machine that our experts like the look of, we take it to our test kitchen. There, we use it to make espressos, Americanos, and cappuccinos. 

Espressos are important because they're the basis of all coffees. A machine needs to be able to make these quickly and they should be delicious too. A good Americano should be easy if a machine can make a well-rounded espresso. However, some machines brew the water too hot or too cold which can spoil the notes of the coffee. Lastly, a cappuccino is the final test for any coffee maker. This is a measure of how well the espresso machine can texture both dairy and oat milk. We look for silky, smooth warm milk, which compliments and balances the flavors of the espresso we've made. If there are any other coffee functions and settings, we'll test the time, flavor, and textures of them. 

Aside from the brewing, we look at the appearance, cleaning, storage, maintenance, and value of the espresso machine. We'll compare it to other models on the market so that you know whether this is what you're looking for. If there's anything you need to know about a machine, you can bet that we'll have it covered. If you want to find out more, you can visit our dedicated page for how we test coffee makers.

Learning how to use a Nespresso machine takes a matter of minutes. Whether you're brand-new to Nespresso or dusting off an old model, it won't be long before you're brandishing some barista-worthy skills using your shiny single-serve machine.

Luckily, all of the best Nespresso machines work in the same fundamental way: you put a capsule in, press a button, and then the machine does the rest. It doesn't get any more complicated than that. However, there are plenty of tips, tricks, and mistakes people make that you'll want to know about to make the most of your Nespresso machine.

I've spoken with baristas, Nespresso chefs, and coffee experts, as well as drawing on my own experience testing the best single-serve coffee makers on the market so that I can bring you a comprehensive guide to using your Nespresso.

The first time you use a Nespresso

Once you've unboxed your Nespresso, the first thing you need to do is rinse it. This removes dust and dirt from your machine, ensuring you make a delicious cup of coffee from the get-go.

To rinse your machine, fill your reservoir with filtered water. This normally sits at the back of the machine. If it's not there, it'll be at the side (and you can't miss it). Place a container under your brew head, ready to collect any water the machine spits out in the rinsing process.

Next, hold down the button on top of your machine for seven to ten seconds. You'll hear your machine brewing water before you see it. The entire rinse can take up to ten minutes and will often require a full reservoir of water, but it's worth doing.

Understanding the Nespresso pods

The most confusing part of using a Nespresso is the capsules. Here's the summary: Nespresso Vertuo coffee makers can only be used with Vertuo capsules and the same applies to their Original machines and Original capsules.

Within each capsule line, there is a range of names, colors, and roasts to choose between. The best resource I can offer you is the Nespresso coffee chart. This is a translation chart for all things capsule, explaining the colors and names, whilst explaining what to expect from your cup. 

Nespresso will give you a starter selection with a chart the first time you buy your machine, so you can work out what you like and then sign up for a Nespresso subscription on your favorite pods.

I spoke with an expert from the Nespresso Chef Academy, Galen Zamarra. He told me that 'the Vertuo capsules were originally introduced to North America because Americans drink larger-sized coffees than Europeans. They are not a substitute for drip coffee, because they still make coffee like espressos. If you drink mostly espressos, I prefer the Original capsules. These are more specific in terms of authentic espresso brewing. If you drink latte-style drinks, Vertuo pods will suit you better; they're stronger and you won't need to use multiple pods to get good flavors in your cup'.

Using your Nespresso machine

Before brewing, fill your water tank with fresh, cold water. Once your reservoir is full, press the power button on your machine, so that it warms up. The buttons will blink and, when they stop (normally after about 30 seconds), it's ready to get to work. If the buttons are blinking red and the machine is never warming up, you need to fill the water tank with water. 

Next, lift the lever of your machine, so that you can insert your pod. More modern machines, such as the Vertuo Plus and Creatista require you to push down on a button sat on the top of the machine instead of lifting a lever. These modern models will automatically lift up so that you can put your pod inside. Either way, place the pod into the compartment. It should sit snugly inside.

Then, close the lid, and close your lever (if you have one) to the horizontal position. Nespresso's site offers a top tip: 'When you open or close the lever, move it fully until it stops. Otherwise, the pod may fall down.' 

Before brewing, place a cup under the Nespresso brew head. Kayla Stavridis, former barista, recommends adjusting the drip tray (which doubles up as the cup holder) so that your cup sits as close to the brew head as possible.' The further your coffee falls, the more the crema will break and the less aesthetically pleasing it will look. 

When you're good to go, press whichever coffee button you need. Most Vertuo machines have one button, because the machine uses barcode technology to detect which coffee you're brewing. Original machines have different buttons for ristretto (small cup), espresso (medium, but still small cup), and lungo (big cup), so you'll need to press whichever coordinates with the kind of coffee you want.

Texturing milk in your Nespresso or Aeroccino

Galen Zamarra, the award-winning Nespresso chef, has some suggestions for making cafe-style drinks. If you want an Americano, he says, 'extract a lungo, remove the capsule, and press the large cup button again. If you want a latte or cappuccino, extract two lungos (if they're Original pods, just one if they're Vertuo) and adjust your milk frother to suit your drink.'

If you have a machine with an integrated steam wand, such as the Lattissima or Creatista, your Nespresso will automatically texture milk. Make sure this is in place before you start brewing your coffee. 

If you don't have one of these features but want a milky coffee, you'll need to invest in a milk frother. Nespresso's own one is called the Aeroccinio, which is available at Walmart. Luckily for you, it's one of the best milk frothers on the market (although, I've included some alternatives below if it's not for you).

Brew your shot of espresso before using the Aeroccino. When your Nespresso is busy making coffee, you can turn your hand to the milk. The Aeroccino has simple settings: cold frothed milk, hot milk, slightly frothed milk (latte milk), and really frothed milk (cappuccino). Touch whichever you want and the Aeroccino will do the rest. When it automatically stops, you can pour your milk into the coffee. 

It's very easy. For the best results, use cold whole milk (or cold barista versions of plant-based milks), because this gives your Aeroccino plenty of time to texture your milk before it gets too hot and burns.

Tips, tricks, and common mistakes

There are plenty of simple tips, tricks, and practices that you can follow to ensure that you're making the most delicious coffee in your Nespresso. Kayla Stavridis, recommends warming your coffee cups up before you use them. She says that 'A preheated cup will not only help to keep your coffee warmer for longer, it'll also help to preserve all the aromatic coffee flavors that are most potent on your first brew'. You can do this by running it under warm water and drying it, or keeping your best coffee cups in a warm (and safe) place. 

Once you're comfortable making coffee in your Nespresso, you've got plenty of fun ways to play with flavors. If you look at Nespresso's website, you'll see recipes for affogato, coconut-flavored roasts, and suggestions for syrups which you can add to your coffee if you want to switch up your flavors. Even on a basic level, changing the milk you add to your coffee can surprisingly enhance the different notes of your coffee bean.

Everyone will tell you that filtered water is key to brewing consistently delicious coffees. Galen Zamarra, Nespresso specialist, has some slightly controversial, but effective recommendations. He says, 'Most people assume that using purer water will make them a better coffee. We always found that when you use filtered water, you take out minerals that naturally enhance coffee's flavors.  He recognizes that this, of course, presents a problem. Nespresso machines can build up limescale, which slows them down and can damage your machine. 

Zamarra explains that 'Nespresso's solution is desacling. Most machines will give you a light or app notification when it is time to descale. If you do this regularly, your machine will last a long time and you will enjoy better-tasting coffee and proper extraction times.'

Galen Zamarra also reassured me not to worry about the potentially wasteful capsules. Nespresso offers free recyclable bags and it's free to ship your used pods back to them. He says 'They turn the pods into cool things like Swiss Army Knives and Pens. They're even bringing compostable capsules to the US too.'

FAQs

What can I make in my Nespresso?

Name a coffee and you can make it in your Nespresso machine. These single-serve coffee makers cover the basics and then your extra equipment (milk frothers, chocolate, coffee grinders, and perhaps even your latte art skills) can do the rest. If you want to make variations on espresso coffees (double espresso, ristretto, etc.) your best bet is the Nespresso Original. If you want to make milky coffees (latte, cappuccino, etc.) you'll want a Nespresso Vertuo.

How do you use Nespresso coffee capsules?

You don't need to do anything more than select which capsule you want, pop it in the pod slot, and close the lid. If you're struggling to work out what goes where and need some visual help, you might find this YouTube guide to using your Nespresso helpful.

How do you use Nespresso with milk and pods?

Different Nespressos follow different processes for making coffee with milk and pods. The Lattissima requires you to fill up and attach the milk carafe, whereas the Creatista needs you to fill up a stainless steel jug. If you don't have either of these, you'll need an Aerocinno and you'll be choosing which milk setting you want to use for yourself. Here's a video on how to use the Lattissima One and here's a video on how to use the Creatista. If you need help learning how to froth milk, I've written an extensive buying guide on the process.

The infamous cappuccino, drunk exclusively before 11am in Italy is a café favorite. If you’re wondering how you make one at home (as well as why they’re a pre-11am exclusive) you’re in the right place. As a former barista, I'm more than familiar with all the cappuccino components.

These famously delicious drinks are best made in an espresso machine. If you already own one of these, all you need to know is how to make espressos and how to steam milk at home. Once you've perfected these, you'll be able to make so much more than cappuccinos. When guests demand it, you can whip up lattes, flat whites, and Americanos in no time.

Our priority for now though is making cappuccinos. These strong, sweet, frothy drinks are, in my opinion, the best coffee you can learn to make. They’re a proper coffee delight, celebrating aromatic espresso flavors with the soft, silky sweetness of milk.

I’ve spoken with baristas and coffee experts to give you all the essential information you need (as well as some barista-recommended tips and tricks) for making delicious cappuccinos in the comfort of your own home. If you want all the details on when to drink it; why cocoa is essential; and who makes the best cappuccino cups, look no further. Here's everything you need to know. 

How to make a cappuccino with an espresso machine

If you own an espresso machine, you’re in luck. It’s easy to make the perfect cappuccino in one of these. Kayla Stavridis, a former barista, says ‘To start, you'll need to pull a double shot of espresso. It should have a rich caramel color. Then, steam your milk to create a velvety microfoam. To do this, keep the steam wand just below the milk's surface to introduce air and create foam. Stop when your milk is about 150-155°F. You'll be able to tell because the outside of your stainless steel jug will be hot to touch.'

Different baristas have different ratios for making a cappuccino, but the general rule is 1/3 espresso, 1/3 hot milk, and 1/3 foam. Kaya recommends 'pouring your milk with a low, steady hand to maintain the milk layers'. When you want to get the characteristic foam into your cappuccino cup, pour quickly and at a steep angle from your milk jug.

You'll often see cappuccinos served with a dusting of cocoa or chocolate on top. It's not just a pretty flourish, there's some science behind it. Cacao and coffee share hundreds of aromatic compounds, according to the Barista Institute's findings. You'll often find coffee beans described with 'chocolate notes' and vice versa. 

I spoke with Ashley Palmer-Watts, founder of Artisan Coffee Co and Michelin-starred chef, who takes the pairing one step further. He recommends 'taking a bite of chocolate (which shares flavor profiles with your coffee beans) and then having a sip of coffee. Alternate between the two and you'll find that they both enhance each other, meaning you can enjoy the nuances of each, even if you aren't a coffee professional'. No need to ask twice: this is our permission to have chocolate every time we have a cup of coffee.

If you don't already have a complete coffee setup, here are some of my personal recommendations for an espresso machine, cappuccino cup, and a coffee grinder (if you don't have one integrated into your espresso machine).

How to make cappuccino with a single-serve machine and milk frother

It’s really easy to make a cappuccino with a Nespresso or a Keurig and one of the best milk frothers. Sometimes you can buy a single-serve coffee maker in a bundle with a milk frother, or, you might already own one. Either way, you're in for a treat. It's easy to make a delicious cappuccino in one of these machines. 

You follow the same process as you would with an espresso machine: pull a shot of coffee, and froth your milk to the high setting (if you have icons, these are often the double layer of foam). Then pour your milk over the espresso at a steep angle, so that you get all the foam in your cup. 

Kelly D'Amico, a former barista, recommends frothing the milk last because it separates almost as soon as you sit it down on the side, making it harder to get the perfect foam-to-liquid ratio. If you need some shopping advice for milk frothers, here are my three, tried-and-tested favorites:

How to make cappuccino without a machine

I've done a deep dive into the details of making espresso and steaming milk when you don't have a machine. Whilst your results might not be identical to your local barista's, you can still achieve some impressive results. Don't just take my word for it, SCA-certified coffee specialist, Jee Chloe, says 'if machines aren't your thing, have no fear. There are plenty of hands-on methods you can follow to get delicious coffee. I recommend using a moka pot; a French press for an 'earthier taste; or even a basic saucepan. Any will do.'

Jee's advice is simple. To make an espresso without a machine, you just need to brew really strong coffee. The reason a moka pot is the most popular alternative to espresso machines is because it can emulate espresso flavors and the thick syrupy texture almost uncannily. If that sounds like something you could use, I have written a buying guide for the best moka pots.

Moka pots aren't for everyone though. The next most popular alternative involves a French press (which can double up as your milk frother too). All you need to do is brew intense French coffee, you can make something that resembles a delicious espresso. It might sound strange, but I wouldn't recommend investing in the best French press here. You need to have a looser seal than the most premium models boast, because, to froth milk you'll have to plunge repeatedly. A tight seal will make this exhausting. Something like the inexpensive Bodum Chambord (available at Amazon) will work well without costing you more than $30. 

Both of these methods require more patience and effort, but one sip of the cappuccino will remind you that this is a labor of love (which is very much worth it).

Tips, tricks, and troubleshooting

The first question, tip, ritual, and trick we need to answer is why Italians don't drink cappuccinos after 11 am. I asked my Italian barista friend who told me that, whilst it's not a law, it's a national, cultural norm. It's not about the caffeine content, because they'll happily enjoy espressos into the evening. Instead, they consider cappuccino's too milk-heavy and hard to digest past breakfast. Instead, you can enjoy it with a pastry in the morning.

After speaking with lots of baristas, I've seen a pattern of other tips and tricks that they recommend. Without exception, every barista I interviewed emphasized how important it is to experiment with flavors: try different, good-quality beans; alternative milks; and adjust the ratios to find the perfect flavors for your palette. At the end of the day, a coffee is only as delicious as the drinker deems it to be. Don't forget about the chocolate too.

Whilst it's great to know about ways to enhance your cappuccino, what do you do if it's not tasting quite right?

Kayla Stavridis, a former barista, says ‘The most common mistake people make when making cappuccinos is with the milk. Overheating your milk can ruin the delicate flavor balance of a cappuccino. Aim for that sweet spot around 150-155°F for the perfect texture and taste.' It's not over once you've steamed though. She says that the pour is equally important 'it can affect your cappuccino's final taste and presentation. Practice pouring from different heights and angles to find what works for you.'

Kelly D'Amico, a former barista, also says 'my pro-tip is making sure that you properly clean your steam wand after use. Once the milk protein has dried, it's really hard to clean off. You can always use vinegar to clear any build-up too'. It might not be glamorous, but it is important.

FAQs

What is the difference between a latte and a cappuccino?

A latte (which you might also see called a cafe latte, is made using an espresso and hot steamed milk. This sounds the same as a cappuccino. However, a latte has less foam and more milk. The latte will have about 1cm of foam on top. A cappuccino is 1/3 foam, so will be stronger when sipped and more frothy on top. If you want to know how to make a latte at home, I've written a detailed guide for you to follow.

How is a traditional cappuccino made?

A traditional cappuccino is made using an espresso machine. This has the technical capabilities to extract delicious coffee oils under high pressures and temperatures. It can also steam milk, producing silky, velvety results.

What are the main ingredients for a cappuccino?

There's a standard ratio for making a cappuccino. It has equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and foam. It's easy. You can adjust this to suit your personal preferences, but this is the general way that beginners are advised to follow. Plus, it's probably what your barista makes for you at your local.

Knowing how to make a latte at home can make you a lot of friends and make you the host of many coffee mornings. Also known as, caffè lattes, these simple drinks are universally beloved for enhancing fresh espresso flavors with sweet, silky, frothy milk.

There are a range of ways you can prep yours: iced, hot, made in an expert's espresso machine, or with one of the best Nespresso machines on the market. Whichever takes your fancy, it helps to understand the basics, so you can brew the perfect one. 

You might wonder what the difference between a latte, cappuccino, and a flat white even is. I used to get asked this all of the time when I was a barista. The short answer is, that a latte is weaker than a cappuccino, bigger than a flat white, with about one centimeter of foam sitting on top.

You'll need to know a few things before making a latte. Most importantly, you'll want to have mastered how to make an espresso and how to steam milk. Once you've nailed these basic skills, you'll be ready to tackle making lattes, flat whites, and cappuccinos. Next stop: latte art.

How to make a latte with an espresso machine

We've gone deep into the details of how to make an espresso and how to steam milk, so I won't repeat them here. Instead, the experts and I will talk you through what specifically makes a latte a latte and how to achieve that with an espresso machine.

Lattes are milk-forward coffee drinks. You'll have seen them in cans and cartons as well as on the menu at your local coffee shop. Steve Spring, coffee expert, says 'the typical ratio for a latte is about 1/3 espresso to 2/3 heated milk, with a small layer –about 1cm – of milk foam. It's typically favored by those who enjoy the rich flavor of coffee, but prefer it tempered with the smoothness and sweetness of milk'.  

When making your latte, the espresso must be of the highest quality. You'll get the best flavors from a dark roast ground finely. If you can grind your own coffee, that's the best way to drink it. However, the most important part is your espresso machine. Whether it's an automatic or a manual espresso maker, you don't want to skimp. You need these high-quality machines to extract as much of your coffee's essential oils as possible. If you don't already own an espresso machine, I've included some personal recommendations below. 

When you pull a shot with one of these, you want to see a puffy crema with a hazelnut hue. This indicates that you've got all the delicious oils out of your coffee beans. It's equally important that your milk is heated to between 150-155 degrees Fahrenheit and textured to create microfoam so that it's silky (the texture of wet paint). Steve Spring, a coffee expert, says 'the milk should be steaming and frothy, but not scalding. Steaming to this standard requires some practice. Aerating the milk too much can make the foam too thick and dry, more suitable for a cappuccino than a latte'.

Whether you're using a steam wand or handheld tools, the best milks to use are whole milk, or barista-specific non-dairy options (I recommend oat). We've covered how to steam milk in detail across a range of appliances.

How to make a latte with a Nespresso machine or Keurig

It's easy to make a latte with a Nespresso, Keurig, or, in fact, any of the best single-serve coffee makers on the market. You'll need to use an espresso pod (or the equivalent espresso setting) to brew 1-2 oz of really intense, strong coffee. Next, you'll need to use whichever milk frothing attachment you have. Some single-serve machines have automatic steam wands, while others sell their milk frother separately (such as Nespresso's Aeroccino, available at Walmart). 

Either select the latte setting or the icon that demonstrates a single layer of frothy milk. The double layer is for cappuccinos. Brew your espresso shot, then steam your milk, and pour that on top of your espresso straight away. Jecca Chantilly (also known as Jessica Chan), a former barista, says that 'to ensure you get the foam at the top of your latte, pour the milk into the cup rapidly, then move the pitcher on a circular motion. Once most of the milk has been poured, slowly shake the pitcher to create some latte art and put the reserved foam on top.'

The reason Jessica suggests steaming your milk and then pouring it without pausing is that the milk and foam separate quickly. If you let it sit on the side and then pour, you'll get your foam in one, big lump, rather than integrated into the rest of your coffee. 

Tips, tricks, and troubleshooting

As you might expect, baristas have lots of tips and tricks for perfecting how you make your lattes. Kayla Stavridis, former Starbucks barista, says that the most important place to start is with good equipment. She believes that 'a quality espresso machine and grinder can make a significant difference to the taste and quality of your latte'. A good grinder will give you fine, consistently ground coffee, helping you to extract the maximum amount of flavor from your coffee beans. Then, a good machine will be able to reach the perfect brewing temperatures and create concise pressure for perfect espressos and milk steaming.

Kayla also said that it's important to practice and experiment with your lattes. She recommends trying out syrups, spices, and alternative milks. She also says to 'practice pouring from a low height first as well as sticking to the 1:3 ratio of espresso to milk'. This will ensure you get the perfect latte flavor balance and texture.

As always, it's important not to heat your milk beyond 155°F, because it will taste burnt and will not complement the flavors of your espresso at all. If you're struggling to find the espresso flavors your local barista normally achieves, it's worth looking at your beans. If you buy cheap coffee beans, you won't be able to enjoy full, gourmet flavors either.

FAQs

Can I make a latte with regular coffee?

You can make a latte with regular coffee but will need to make some adjustments to your brewing style. Whether you drink French press or pour-over, you'll need to brew an incredibly intense version of your normal coffee. Use a 1 to 15 coffee-to-water ratio, or simply adjust your normal measurements, so that your coffee is intense. 

Then, follow our guidance on how to steam milk (using a steam wand or milk frother) and make your latte following the 1:1:1 ratio for espresso, milk, and steamed milk.

What is the ratio of coffee to milk in a latte?

There's no hard and fast rule for what makes the perfect latte, but most baristas follow a general 2:1 coffee to steamed milk rule. The way that latte milk is made should result in the overall ratio of your latte looking 1:1:1 for espresso, hot milk, and foam. When your drink settles, there should be about one finger's width of foamed milk on top of the latte. 

What's the difference between a latte and a caffè latte?

There's not any difference of note. A caffè latte typically has more steamed milk than a latte, but the variance between how different baristas make different drinks means that you'll get a very similar coffee. If there's both a caffè latte and a latte on a menu, expect the caffè latte to be weaker and more milky. However, if you can just see one of the names, it's because the barista treats them as the same drink.

As filter coffee is one of the nation's favorite drinks, it's important to know exactly how to make drip coffee at home. A light, delicate, freshly brewed cup can be your motivation for getting out of bed in the morning, your weekend treat, and everything in-between.

As H&G's coffee expert and a former-barista, I've spent the last 9 months testing the best drip coffee makers on the market. I've tested big brands, such as Breville, OXO, and Technivorm, giving every model the best chance to brew a delicious single-serving, as well as a flavorful, family-sized carafe. So, as you can imagine, I've brewed thousands of cups of coffee in my time.

I've spoken with baristas to find out how even the most sensitive coffee drinkers brew their filter coffee. As it turns out, most people follow the same simple steps. They all emphasized the importance of investing in quality beans, one of the best grinders on the market, and a good coffee maker. Once you've established a good grounding, it's hard to make a bad cup of drip coffee.

If you think you'd like something a little lighter and more ritualistic, I've compared making drip coffee to pour-over, to give you a representation of how the best work for each person. However, for now, here's everything you need to make a delicious cup of drip coffee.

Drip coffee essentials

Before we dive deep into the details, you need to have a good drip coffee maker and one of the best coffee grinders to be able to make drip coffee at home. We've tested a range of what's on offer, but these are the three you need to know about.

How to make drip coffee

Most drip coffee machines are automated, so you don't really need to lift a finger to enjoy filter coffee. The more technical machine you buy, the more brewing settings you'll have access to.

Thankfully, the basics of most drip coffee makers are the same. You'll need to start with freshly ground coffee. Filter or drip coffee normally demands a medium grind size. Most grinders are generally good around medium grounds. However, if you want our expert recommendation, the Fellow Ode grinder (available at Walmart) is an incredible option. Ashley Palmer-Watts, founder of Artisan Coffee, says 'the biggest thing with getting good coffee is using properly ground beans. You really want a burr grinder, because this will help you achieve a richer and more balanced flavor'.

Bean wise, you can use any type of roast. I particularly like using blonder roasts because you can't use these in espresso machines, so it's great to make the most of blonde, delicate notes where you can. I cannot recommend you trying Ashley's The Smart Cookie roast enough. It's perfect for this kind of coffee.

Once you've got your coffee sorted, there's a standard recipe to follow. Kayla Stavridis, former barista, says 'the golden ratio for drip coffee is about one to two tablespoons of coffee for every 6 ounces of water.' Although, Kayla says that 'whilst this is a good starting point, you should adjust the coffee-to-water ratio based on personal preference, so you can customise your cup'. That way, you can drink your coffee exactly as you like it. 

Kayla adds, make sure you use good water too. 'It's often overlooked, but using filter water to brew your coffee makes a world of difference as well as preventing any scale from building up on heating elements' She also advises that you aim for the water to be between 195°F and 205°F, although your machine will automatically do this for you.

That's really all there is to making drip coffee. If you've ground up the beans and added water to your machine, you'll need to push a few buttons (depending on which model you have) and the machine will do the rest.

Tips, tricks, and troubleshooting

Whilst cracking the basics is crucial for learning how to make drip coffee at home, if you want to elevate your cup from passable to perfect, here are a few tips, tricks, and some troubleshooting advice from the experts.

The first, most important factor is your drip coffee maker. You'll want to invest in a quality model, because this is the appliance which does all the brewing for you. We have plenty of recommendations in our buying guide for the best drip coffee maker, but you could also look for Speciality Coffee Association (SCA) approval. This tells you that your coffee maker meets a high standard for brewing (the OXO, Breville, and Technivorm which I mentioned above are all SCA-approved).

Steve Spring, expert roaster from Seattle Coffee Roasters, says that it's also important to ensure that you've got evenly saturated beans.  He says 'some drip machines do this automatically, but if yours doesn't you might need to pre-infuse or bloom the grounds by adding a small amount of water to them and waiting about thirty seconds before starting the machine'. 

Almost all the baristas I spoke with recommended blooming your coffee before hand. Pre-saturating your grounds helps to release any acidic CO2 from your coffee. It'll give you a smoother, sweeter cup every time. Once you've started blooming, you won't go back.

Only brew as much coffee as you will drink. Whilst hot plates are good (and, boy, do I use mine), letting your coffee sit on a hot plate for hours will likely make it taste stale and sour. Steve Spring recommends 'transferring your coffee to a thermal carafe if you know you won't drink it straight away'. That helps you to steer away from any burnt flavors.

Another reason your coffee might taste stale is if you haven't cleaned your filter basket thoroughly. Stray grounds will make your coffee taste bitter or sour. It's important to clean all of your machine, so that scale doesn't build up and other dust and dirt doesn't get in the way of you enjoying a delicious cup of filter coffee.

FAQs

How much coffee do you put in a drip coffee maker?

The golden ratio for drip coffee is one tablespoon of ground coffee for about 3-5 oz of water. This is a good starting point, but you'll want to adjust the quantities of coffee which you add in to suit your taste preferences. Some people like to add more coffee for an intense flavor, others prefer theirs lighter. 

It's worth adjusting your grind size if you want to switch-up how much flavor extraction you're achieving. Whilst you should sit around medium grinds, is you opt for a slightly finer setting, your coffee will taste sweeter. A coarser setting will give you a more acidic, bold flavor profile.

How do I make drip coffee taste better?

If you're not enjoying your drip coffee flavors, it's important to check a few things. You should be using good quality coffee beans. Start on a medium roast, but drip coffee is versatile. You can use blonder or darker roasts depending on what you like.

It's also much tastier if you're brewing with freshly ground coffee, from a burr grinder, on a medium grind setting. If this means investing in your own coffee grinder, do it. I promise this little machine will pay you pack endlessly in flavors.

Check your water, because if you're not using filtered water, impurities could be affecting the flavors of your brew too. It will also be damaging your coffee maker.

After all this, clean your machine, check that your filter is clear too and try again. If you are still struggling with the fundamental tastes of your coffee, I've written a whole article on how to make coffee taste better.

Can I make drip coffee without a machine?

It is possible to make drip coffee without a machine, although it will end up looking (and tasting) a lot more like pour-over coffee. If you've been caught short without your drip coffee machine, use medium-grind coffee and steep it with boiling water in a pot. After five minutes, pour this through filter paper and you'll have drip-like coffee.

Nespresso and espresso machines sound almost identical, but they're completely different coffee makers. If you're wondering which is best for your kitchen and your caffeine fix, look no further. 

As a former barista, I've spent a lot of time with the best espresso machines on the market. These close-to-commercial machines are hard to beat; they can reach temperatures and pressures like no other coffee maker. They'll guarantee you a greater-than-gourmet cup of coffee. However, they can get expensive and overwhelmingly technical, which is when you might be tempted to look elsewhere. That's where you'll find Nespresso.

The iconic coffee maker brand quite literally has espresso in its name. Their machines are some of the best single-serve coffee makers on the market. Even though I would normally class myself as a coffee snob, I have to admit, Nespresso does an excellent job of speedy coffee.

Having tested both the best Nespresso makers and the best espresso machines on the market, I'm well-placed to help you choose which is the best for you. I've compared them for taste, value, usability, style, and more. I've even given you my expert recommendations further down.

What's the difference between Nespresso and espresso?

Even though there's almost no difference in their names, Nespresso and espresso machines have very little in common. Nespresso's site says that "in order to understand the differences between these machines, you first need to understand the difference between espresso and coffee". Of course, they all come from the same bean, but the flavor extraction process is completely different.

The classic, quintessential Italian method for making coffee uses espresso machines. These put freshly and finely ground coffee under high pressures and temperatures. The machine then 'pulls' water through the espresso grounds, making an espresso 'shot'. This has a bold, rich, and creamy flavor and is often thicker than filter or French press coffee. These shots form the base of all coffees: cappuccino, latte, Americano.  

Nespresso do not class themselves as an espresso machine, even though they have pods which make espresso-like drinks. Rather than use high pressures and temperatures, Nespresso compares their machines' brewing processes to drip coffee. Therefore, Nespresso machines are considered to be coffee machines.

Observant coffee drinkers might ask "why do Nespresso coffees have a crema and drip coffees don't?". Nespresso has some clever 'centrifusion' technology which spins the coffee around inside the machine, creating a thick crema-like foam. The difference between this and an authentic crema is that Nespresso's foam isn't indicative of the quality or quantity of coffee oils extracted.

Coffee purists will say that espresso machines make more authentic coffees. You can't make technical adjustments to your Nespresso, so if you want to switch-up the flavors, you'll need to select one of their different colored pods. On espresso machines, you can 'dial in' your machine to suit your flavor preferences. 

Given that there are quite a few differences, I've created a table to help you compare the two.

How do they compare?

Before we dive deep into the details of what makes a Nespresso a Nespresso and an espresso machine a speciality option, here's a quick comparison of the two. Most of the differences are more general than model specific, so don't worry if these aren't the specific coffee makers you were considering.

What do you need to know about Nespresso?

Nespresso coffee machines are some of the most expensive single-serve options on the market. They use pre-packaged capsules and high pressure to extract a coffee which is much stronger than regular drip coffee. 

You can choose between a range of pods. Some make intense shots of 'espresso' which you can treat as such. You can use this as a base for making lattes and cappuccinos (as long as you own a milk frother, especially the brand's own Aeroccino, available at Walmart). Other pods can produce a cold brew coffee, Americano, or any other non-milky you fancy.

You'll often see Vertuo in the name of Nespresso's machines. This is their main product line and really tells you which of their pods you can use in your machine. For example, you can only use 'Vertuo' pods in a Vertuo machine, because it has clever barcode scanning technology which can detect the exact type of coffee you've selected. 

Whilst detection technology means that every Nespresso perfectly extracts the pod's flavors, it can also be a little limiting. Nespresso machines are incompatible with re-usable pods, K-cups, and other options: you have to buy their proprietary pods. I use limiting in a loose sense though, because there's a range of 30 different flavors in the Vertuo line, excluding specialty, limited-edition releases. You can subscribe to Nespresso Plus, which means you regularly receive their pods. Alternatively, you can buy them as and when you need them. Either way, there's plenty of options, just within a relatively restrictive range, if that makes sense.

I've tested a range of the best Nespressos on the market, but these are my three favorites.

What do you need to know about espresso machines?

Espresso machines are the creme-de-la-crem(a) of coffee makers. They're the ones which you'll see in your local coffee shop of café. They work using 8-10 grams of finely ground coffee and will extract the coffee oils by forcing hot water at a high pressure, through the grounds.

Alex Spampinato, barista trainer, says 'there's nothing quite like making coffee in an espresso machine. There are plenty of really good, relatively compact models on the market. Ask any barista which coffee maker they have and it'll probably be the Breville Bambino Plus. It's incredible'. 

There are other brands which make good espresso machines. Breville are a reliable option, but so is De'Longhi and La Pavoni (a more specialist brand, aimed at baristas). We've tested some surprisingly good models made by household names, such as Smeg and KitchenAid too though. They'll surprise you. 

Of course, espresso machines are some of the most expensive coffee makers on the market. They're also some of the biggest too, so you'll want to be sure that you'll use yours regularly and stay on top of maintenance.

Some machines come with an integrated grinder, but, for other models, you'll need to buy one separately. This is an added expense, which you might want to account for.

FAQs

Is Nespresso the same as an espresso?

You can achieve almost identical flavor profiles to an espresso in a Nespresso. They won't be as rich and deep as a fresh espresso would be, but they'll come close. Plus, you can treat an 'espresso' made in a Nespresso like you would a shot. If you have a milk frother, you can pour in steamed milk and create some beautiful latte art. 

Whilst Nespresso coffees can tick a lot of the same boxes as an espresso, they're also different. You can select enhanced toffee and watermelon flavors and make cold brews, Americanos, and drip coffees from your Nespresso. Whilst the flavors might not be as specialist as an espresso machine's, there's a chance that it will be more versatile. 

Does Nespresso coffee or espresso have more caffeine?

According to Nespresso's measurements, their "regular espressos and lungos in the Original and Professional ranges vary from 40 to 130 mg of caffeine per cup, while Vertuo coffees range from 60 to 200 mg per cup. The intensity of a coffee does not refer to the amount of caffeine it contains".

A single shot of fresh espresso contains 63 mg of coffee. If you were to make an Americano or cappuccino with just one shot, it would be on the lower side of caffeine levels in comparison to the Nespresso's coffees. However, most coffee makers will produce a double shot, making it relatively similar to Nespresso caffeine content.

Americanos have a long and lustrous history. If you believe the rumors, this delicious coffee drink is named 'Americano' because they were invented by American soldiers stationed in Europe during The Second World War. These men diluted the traditional Italian espresso with hot water to make their drinks taste more like American filter coffee. 

Today, Americanos are one of the most popular coffee styles, especially because they're easy to make at home. There are plenty of different ways to perfect this specialty coffee drink. As a former barista and a coffee writer, I'm here to tell you all about how to make the perfect Americano at home. 

The base of a proper Americano is in espresso, so ideally, you'll have one of the best espresso machines on the market. If you don't have one and don't plan on budgeting for one of these expensive machines either, as long as you have one of the best grinders and either a good moka pot or French press, you'll be able to make a delicious cup of coffee. 

How to make an Americano with an espresso machine

A proper Americano coffee is made with a double shot of coffee. Jennifer Stone, Licensed Coffee Quality Grader, says 'simply put, an Americano is watered-down espresso. They vary in size, and as you can imagine, the dilution and flavor of the coffee changes depending on who makes your Americano'. Although, traditionally, a barista will add twice as much water as coffee. That's how I was taught anyway.

Given that you need an espresso to make an Americano, you'll also need an espresso machine. I have some recommendations for the best models, which I've included below, but they all follow a similar process.

To start off making an Americano in an espresso machine, you'll need to know how to make an espresso. Once you know how to do that, you'll need to pwarm a 6-8 ounce cup (I have plenty of recommendations for the best coffee mugs). I run mine under hot water and dry it. Then, if you're making your Americano with a double shot (which should be about 2 oz), you'll need to put 4 oz of hot (about 200 degrees) water into the cup before your espresso shot. Then, brew your double shot straight into the water. 

Brewing your coffee second might seem counter-intuitive, but there's method in the madness. If you put your hot water in on top of your espresso, you could scald it, making it taste bitter or sour. You'll also preserve the crema of your coffee by brewing the shot second. 

Different baristas will give you different advice. Technically, putting espresso on top makes this a 'long black'. However, almost everyone I spoke with prefers this way. The only difference between an Americano and a Long Black is in the flavors and Alex Spampinato, barista trainer, has some extra insight into how to keep your espresso quality whilst enjoying Americano flavors. He recommends scooping the crema off the top (this is known as cupping). 'I wouldn't do this if I were serving customers, but if you use two spoons to skim off as much as you can, it will give your coffee a whole new flavor profile. The crema can add depth and body to an Americano, but sometimes it can be overpowering and make the whole brew taste bitter. By removing the crema you'll be able to taste the more subtle flavor notes'.

How to make an Americano without a machine

Obviously an espresso, single-serve, or automatic machine is the easiest way to make an Americano. The latter two are incredibly straightforward to use. You just pop a pod or push a button to brew a delicious Americano. However, these three, expert machines are all expensive coffee makers. There are other, cheaper methods which you can follow to brew Americano-esque coffee. As long as you have one of the best grinders on the market, you'll be able to enjoy fresh coffee flavors, reminiscent of Americano, without splurging on a big, technical machine.

How to make an Americano with a moka pot

Moka pot coffee is popular amongst speciality coffee drinkers because it offers full, rich, intense flavors, which you can only find in espresso coffee, but for a smaller price tag. Kayla Stavridis, former barista, said that 'a stove-top Moka pot can be a great alternative for creating the espresso base. While not a true espresso, the Moka pot brews a concentrated coffee that can mimic the espresso's intensity'. 

To make an 'Americano' in a moka pot, you'll need medium ground coffee and then can follow the normal ratios of a moka pot coffee, which will depend on which size you use: I add 6 oz of filtered water per person.

Once the bottom chamber has enough water in it, I screw my brewing basket on top. Depending on how many servings you want to make, add 15 g (11/2 tablespoons of ground coffee) per person. Next, very gently tap the filter basket so that the coffee sits flat on it. I screw the top onto the filter, making sure it's securely sealed, but not too tight to unscrew. 

Sit the moka pot on a medium heat and wait for the bottom to boil. This pushes water up, through the coffee and into the upper section of the pot. You'll hear it boiling (it's a soft bubbling sound), but can also - carefully - lift the lid to check on your coffee inside.

Once the upper chamber has filled with as many cups as you are expecting, take it off the heat and pour. Moka pot coffee can be quite rich, so if you want the lighter flavors of an Americano, dilute your coffee with hot water accordingly.

How to make an Americano with a French press

French press coffee tastes a little more acidic than an Americano, but it comes close to the flavor profile in the bold, intense flavors. Again, French presses are much cheaper than espresso machines, although they tend to take about four to five minutes to make an 'Americano', as opposed to more expensive machines which can have your drink ready in just four minutes.

To make an Americano-style coffee in a French press, I wouldn't change any part of the brewing process. We have a whole page dedicated to how to make a French press coffee. Essentially, you need to grind your coffee coarsely (the Fellow Ode grinder, which you can buy on Amazon does a great job of this) and brew it in a 1:12 part coffee to water ratio. 

Let your coffee grounds steep for four minutes, with the lid off, and then plunge and pour. The beauty of French press is just how responsive to different changes it is. If you want a stronger cup of coffee, switch up the ratio and add more coffee. If you want it weaker, you know what to do.

FAQs

Can I make Americano with filter coffee?

Technically, no. However, Americanos were originally (according to folklore) brewed to emulate the taste of filter coffee. If you are making filter coffee from freshly ground coffee beans, using filter water, to a similar dilution, the flavors will be very similar. Your filter coffee might be lighter and smoother, but you'll be able to enjoy a cup of simple coffee, whichever way you choose to brew.

Is an Americano black coffee?

Ask ten baristas this and you'll get ten different answers. Black coffee covers instant, filter, French press, pour-over and Americanos. They're all made using different coffee makers. Americanos are traditionally made with espressos from espresso machines. If you asked a barista for black coffee, they'd probably serve you an Americano. However, they might ask you what you want if they also offer filter coffee, since there is a slight difference between the two.

What is the coffee ratio for an Americano?

You should drink your Americano in whatever ratio best suits your taste preferences. However, the traditional brewing ratio is two parts hot water to one part espresso. Baristas will normally make a double shot (2 oz) of coffee and add 4 oz of water to that.

Is an Americano just watered down coffee (espresso and water)?

Lots of people ask me this question. As a precious (and slightly pretentious) coffee drinker, I would say that an Americano isn't just watered down espresso: it's a subtle, balanced way of enjoying espresso flavors for longer in a more delicate drink. However, if you look at the facts, it is 'just a watered down coffee'.

However, the order in which you add your espresso and water can change whether people call it a 'long black' or an Americano. Technically, a long black is brewed by pouring an espresso over hot water and an Americano is brewed pouring hot water over an espresso. I'd recommend following the long black method, even if you want an Americano because it will give your coffee a stronger aroma and taste.

When it comes to making coffee, you might be surprised by just how much is on offer. There's seemingly endless ways of making such a simple drink, but there's two that dominate every café, diner, and coffee bar. But when it comes to espresso vs drip coffee, which is better? 

Both types of coffee are immensely popular for opposite reasons. Brewing with the best drip coffee makers will remind you of home. These carafes of low-maintenance coffee can be sipped at all day. The flavors and colors are light and delicate. It's one of life's simple pleasures.

Espressos, on the other hand, are the coffees which you need to wake you up in the morning. They're extracted under high pressure and temperature, so they're six to ten times more concentrated than filter coffee. If you need quick caffeination to put an instant spring in your step, you'll be looking for one of the best espresso machines on the market.

As a former barista, and now a dedicated coffee writer, I spend my life talking about the different types of coffee makers and coffee brewing methods. I've worked my way back through years of experience with both styles and asked some of my barista colleagues to weigh in and help you decide which way to brew is best for you. 

What's the difference between espresso machine and drip coffee?

Ask any expert the question 'which should I choose, espresso or drip coffee?' and you'll get the same answer. It's like choosing between oranges and apples. They're completely different. Tim Lee, a coffee machine specialist, says 'I recommend drip coffee to people who want their coffee with no fuss. It's straightforward and reliable, but if you love strong coffee and enjoy trying different flavors and textures, try espresso'.

The differences in flavors largely come down to the two different brewing styles. Espresso's intense extraction uses intense pressure and temperatures to create a rich, concentrated cup of coffee. Espresso machines are more expensive than drip coffee makers, because they put a lot of stress on your coffee grounds, generating a fair amount of noise and heat. This guarantees that will get you every last drop of delicious coffee oils from your beans.

Brewing drip coffee is much gentler. You run, or, as the namesake suggests, drip, hot water over coffee grounds. It slowly filters through, lifting coffee oils from your grounds. You're less likely to get every flavor from your grounds, but this means that your cup of coffee is delicate and often more palatable than a shot of espresso. If it takes 20-30 seconds to make an espresso, you're looking at a few minutes for a cup of drip coffee. The slower process pays off if you like your coffee smoother and lighter. Those who drink more than one cup a day will definitely need a filter coffee maker.

Tim Lee says that many coffee drinkers have a mantra, which is 'have espresso at coffee shops and filter coffee at home'. There are lots of reasons that coffee enthusiasts live by that, one of them is the price. You'll be looking at spending between $500 and $1,000 on a decent espresso machine, whereas drip coffee makers tend to be $120-$250. The more expensive versions of each models might have grinders integrated, but there's a chance that you'll need to account for buying a coffee grinder as well as one of these appliances in both instances.

What is drip coffee?

Drip coffee, also known as filter coffee, is prepared by running hot water over coffee grounds. There's a Gold Cup Standard way to brew it, which the Speciality Coffee Association says requires 11.5-13.5g of coffee per liter of water.

People generally opt for beans which have lighter roasts and a medium-coarse grind size. This is all about a) making sure your grounds don't sneak through the filter, into your cup and b) controlling how quickly your coffee drains through. If you use paper filter, you can opt for a medium-fine grind size because this will slow how quickly the coffee drains. 

Some people use paper filters to make drip coffee, but most people have re-usable, stainless steel or mesh filters integrated into automatic machines. The beauty of filter coffee is that it is made for sipping. Coffee expert Kayla Stavridis says 'drip coffee is best suited to those who prefer a more straightforward, less time-consuming brewing method. It appeals to homes and spaces where the demand for coffee is high, but also to those who enjoy exploring different flavors and nuances of coffee. The brewing process can highlight the unique characteristics of various
beans'. In other words, filter coffee is a comfortable classic.

Most drip coffee makers have a hot plate which will keep your coffee warm, so you can come back for top-ups when you feel like you need one. However, I wouldn't advise leaving your coffee on there for more than an hour because the flavors will dull, stale, and either burn or sour. Both filter and espresso coffee are best enjoyed fresh.

I've tested plenty of the best drip coffee makers on the market and these are some of my favorites. They're a fraction of the price of espresso machines, even though they brew a little slower. The big plus is that these drip coffee makers are all automated, so you often don't have to do a thing to enjoy fresh filter coffee at home. 

What is espresso coffee?

The name espresso is borrowed from Italian, where it means 'pressed out'. Whilst the translation doesn't sound quite as chic, it tells you all you need to know about the distinction between filter coffee and espresso shots: the latter are made using high pressures and temperatures, 'pressed out' rather than brewed in a pot.

Espresso is only officially made in espresso makers (although you can achieve a similar flavor profile if you own one of the best moka pots). The SCA's criteria for what makes an espresso which are:

• 0.85–1.2 ounce beverage per shot
• Prepared using 7-9 grams of coffee (14-18g for double shots)
• Uses clean water which is 195°–205°F
• Under pressure 9-10 atmospheres of pressures
• Made in 20-30 seconds

The SCA also says that 'while brewing, the flow of espresso will appear to have the viscosity of warm honey and the resulting beverage will exhibit a thick, dark golden crema'. It's all a very formal way of saying that espressos are thick, rich, and intense shots of coffee which are brewed to be consumed quickly.

If these quick, intense drinks of coffee sound like the ones for you, the best way you can brew them is in the best espresso machines, although most automatic machines will have an espresso function too. I've given you my three favorite espresso machines below, just in case you needed some inspiration to get started. If you want to drink them in the official way, you'll need one of the best espresso cups, too.

The best for both

There's a lot to love about both espresso machines and drip coffee makers. If you can't choose between the two, the De'Longhi All In One can brew both for you. Our experts tested and reviewed this over two years ago and we still love it now. It delivers quick and delicious espresso shots, but can also brew a ten cup carafe of filter coffee, which is more than enough for the whole family. If you're partial to a coffee capsule too, this is compatible to a range of pods.

Here's a little bit about what we found from testing it. If you want the full details, you can read our De'Longhi All In One review.

Some mornings you need an espresso shot to put a spring in your step, other times you'd rather slowly sip on some filter coffee. This machine lets you mix up the way you drink your coffee, without spending a fortune or investing in multiple appliances.

When our experts tested this, they were seriously impressed. The All In One is fitted with all the features you'd find in one of the best drip coffee makers on the market: pre-sets and programmable timers; a gentle warming plate; pause and pour setting; and auto shut-off. The only way things can go wrong is if you don't have a good coffee grinder (I would recommend the KitchenAid grinder, which you can buy at Walmart) or bad beans.

When we turned to testing the espresso functions of this machine, our experts were equally impressed. The controls are cruder than Breville's the Barista Pro, for example, but they were nonetheless good. You can make a single shot, a double shot, and expertly texture milk under De'Longhi's careful guidance. There's very little else that you could ask for.

If that wasn't enough, the portafilter can double-up as your single-serve coffee maker. If there's a capsule flavor which you're obsessed with, you can still enjoy it. 

Of course, this isn't infallible. Aside from the slightly simple espresso machine controls, this is a noisy brewer too. You can get rid of your alarm clock, because this has the potential to wake the whole house. It also doesn't come with a grinder, as I mentioned earlier. If you want the very best coffee, you'll need to invest in one. Fresh bean flavors are like no other.

There's more information in our De’Longhi All-in-One Combination Coffee Maker and Espresso Machine review.

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Final thoughts

Choosing between espresso and drip coffee is like choosing between red and white wine. They're completely different drinks, suited to different palettes and occasions. I like to enjoy an espresso in the morning and then sip on filter coffee throughout the day. 

You might want to consider that drip coffee makers are more simple and significantly cheaper than espresso machines. However, they're also slower to brew. Only you know what you need from your coffee machine. 

If you're dreaming of cozy coffee mornings at home, you'll want to shop for the best coffee maker deals. If you're smart about it, it's possible to snag that dream machine for less.

As Homes & Gardens’ kitchen appliance editor, I know my way around the best coffee maker deals. I've tested the best products on the market, worked in a coffee roastery, attended tasting masterclasses, and shadowed a barista to make sure I know the best when I see it. I'm constantly tracking the prices of our favorite machines, so you can get the best coffee maker deals without spending hours researching.

Whether you want the best espresso machine, best drip coffee maker, French press, or Nespresso pod coffee machine, we've got you covered with these editor-approved deals. Here's everything you need to know, including: when to shop the best coffee maker deals, where to look and, specifically, which machines to invest in.

Where to shop the best coffee maker deals

• Amazon Prime: frequent discounts on big name brands with next day delivery
• Walmart: discounts on Keurig, Ninja, or Cuisinart will be here
• Best Buy: coffee maker deals on Breville, De'Longhi, and Nespresso
• QVC: discounts on French presses, pour-overs, bean-to-cup machines
• Target: afforable coffee brands for even less in the sales
• Williams Sonoma: occassional discounts on premium products, like Aeropress
• Wayfair: a secret stack of discounts on brands like De'Longhi and Ninja

How to choose the best coffee maker deal

If you're unsure which coffee maker to choose in the sales, my comprehensive guide to the best coffee makers is a good place to start. This covers all the bases and I will help you find the right brewing method for your taste and budget. I keep the page up-to-date with the latest deals, too. If you already know what type of machine you're looking for, I've covered more specific categories below.

• Best coffee makers
• Best espresso machines
• Best drip coffee makers
• Best pod coffee machines
• Best Nespresso machines
• Best cold brew coffee makers
• Best French press
• Best pour-over coffee makers
• Best moka pots
• Best iced coffee makers
• Best non-toxic coffee makers

Our favorite coffee makers 2025

These are the first machines I would look for in the sales. They are the highest-rated coffee makers at the top of our buying guides. It's a good idea to put these 5-star machines on your wishlist before the sales kick-off, so you can rest assured you'll invest in a high-quality coffee maker deal, rather than a panicked bargain.

When to shop the best coffee maker deals

Amazon Prime Day coffee maker deals

Amazon Prime Day might be my favorite time of year to find coffee maker deals. The event is held annually in mid-July (with an additional fall event in October). Prime Day brings deep discounts across Amazon’s extensive selection of coffee makers, espresso machines, and coffee accessories.

Last Prime Day, I found savings of up to 55% off on brands like Keurig, Nespresso, Breville, and De’Longhi. For Prime members, early access to lightning deals and extra savings on select items sweeten the deal even further. I also discovered that those new to Prime can qualify for a free 30-day trial – so everybody can enjoy the discounts and speedy delivery.

Labor Day coffee maker deals

Labor Day isn't just a holiday, it's an excellent time to shop for coffee makers, with sales often extending through the entire holiday weekend and into early September. As one of the last big sales events before the holiday shopping season, Labor Day sees some generous discounts on coffee makers. It’s a great opportunity to pick up drip coffee makers, espresso machines, and single-serve brewers for 20-40% off.

Black Friday coffee maker deals

Black Friday to Cyber Monday is a famously great weekend for coffee lovers and bargain hunters alike. Most major retailers slash prices, and many top coffee brands get in on the action (Nespresso, De'Longhi and Philips all run Black Friday coffee maker deals) – so these are the perfect days to score a machine you’ll love without breaking the bank.

Whether you’re after a classic drip machine, a sleek espresso maker, or a state-of-the-art bean-to-cup model, the Black Friday coffee maker deals offer options at every price point. I always recommend looking at the iced coffee and cold brew coffee makers at this time of the year, as summer appliances are often drastically reduced in the Winter.

If you miss a Black Friday coffee maker deal or want to compare prices, Cyber Monday is a second chance to score major savings across brands and models. In my experience, the Cyber Monday prices aren't as low as they are on Black Friday itself.

Holiday season coffee maker deals

Retailers like Amazon, Wayfair and Walmart run holiday season discounts on everything from entry-level brewers to premium espresso machines, which makes gifting a little easier. In the past, I've seen coffee maker deals on brands like Nespresso, Breville, De’Longhi, and Jura, especially on their older or smaller models.

How we find the best coffee maker deals

It's actually my full-time job. All year round, I research the best coffee makers, exploring the newest models, rigorously testing popular machines, and tracking price trends to identify those with standout features, value, good design, and reliability. I continually update our best coffee maker buying guide throughout the year, documenting price drops and comparing prices so we’re always ready when the biggest discounts hit.

With years of experience, I know which retailers consistently offer the most competitive coffee maker deals. Amazon is unbeatable for its vast selection, while Walmart and Best Buy excel in appliance sales, and Target and Wayfair are my go-tos for bundle offers and good-looking espresso machine discounts. I’m always on the lookout for value-packed bundles that include extras like milk frothers, coffee pods, or extended warranties, so you get the most out of every purchase.

To catch the best coffee maker deals, I also use price-comparison tools. Timing is everything, especially for seasonal sales. Deals go live at different times, so I check early and late in the day to catch midnight drops, restocks, and the day’s best savings.

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How we test coffee makers

At Homes & Gardens, we take our coffee maker tests seriously. Before we feature them or recommend you buy them, each machine will have been tested by our experts and compared to models from top brands like Breville, Nespresso, and Technivorm.

Where possible, we test how a coffee machine fares on making espresso, Americano, and cappuccino. This allows us see the range that a coffee maker has, across milky coffee as well as more intense and flavorful shots. However, if a coffee maker claims to be able to make a vast menu of different coffees, we'll test them all and let you know about them in our 'special features' section. We make sure to use the same coffee beans in each test, so that we can compare how well the flavors and aromas of the coffee has been extracted. If a machine can froth milk, we will test non-dairy milks too, as these can be temperamental.

We'll make notes on everything from aesthetics to cleaning and maintenance, so that you can get a holistic idea of what these machines are like to live with before you invest in them. If you'd like to find out more, you can visit our dedicated page to learn how we test coffee makers.

FAQS

When is the best time to get coffee maker deals?

In my opinion, it's the holiday shopping season. Kicking off with Black Friday coffee maker deals and closely followed by Cyber Monday coffee maker deals, this is the best time of year for kitchen appliance deals. But you can usually find a great deal on a coffee machine all year round.

You’ll find some of the biggest discounts on automatic espresso machines, Keurig and Nespresso machines, especially on the high-end models and bundled deals. You'll probably be able to pair your new machine with a discount on the best coffee grinder, as well as the best milk frother to whip up delicious lattes and cappuccinos at home.

I’m beginning to put KitchenAid in the same category as Moccamaster, De’Longhi, and Breville for their coffee products. Whilst they might be best known for their iconic stand mixers, it’s about time we all got to know them for their incredible coffee grinders and coffee makers. I haven’t tested any KitchenAid coffee product that’s been anything short of perfect. 

However, I wanted to make sure that their products were quality across their coffee range. I'd already heard great things about the burr grinder before testing it. I've spoken to plenty of other expert testers who already rank the KitchenAid grinder among the best coffee grinders and even use it in their own homes. When the experts start adding appliances to their home collections, that’s when you know that they’re really, genuinely good, so I wanted to make sure it lived up to such a high bar.

After testing it across a range of functions, I can officially tell you that the KitchenAid burr grinder is outstanding. It’s easy to achieve perfect results whether you’re a coffee novice or more of an expert. Every feature sets you up for success. I love it.

Specifications

Unboxing

I have mixed feelings about the whole unboxing process for the KitchenAid. Most of my experience was good, if not exceptional. The box is sturdy, the grinder looked great on the countertop, and it was easy to set up. The hopper clicked satisfyingly into place and the airtight grounds container also slotted tightly underneath the grounds dispenser. Every part was distinctly different, but simplified so that even a beginner could set this up without any instructions at all. 

However, all is that this came surrounded by plastic and polystyrene, neither of which is recyclable. There’s very little else that the KitchenAid falls short on.

Who would it suit?

This grinder is available in a range of colors, designed to suit various kitchens, and the LED controls can do enough to protect a beginner from messing up their grinding, whilst offering precision for the more advanced coffee drinker. I think it satisfies a large portion of the coffee grinder market.

The only people who this might not suit are those who are short on space. The Kitchenaid has a large footprint, so if your countertops are really compact, you might need to look for an alternative option. It’s also quite expensive, probably because it can do so much. If you’re shopping for a very basic model and you’re on a tight budget, you’ll also want to check out some more simple alternatives. 

What is it like to use?

As you might expect from everything that I’ve said so far, this is a breeze to use. The LED display clearly breaks down settings, dose, and grind times. You can adjust these using the dial and buttons.

Test 1: Fine grinds

Our first test for every grinder is on the finest setting. I twisted the tactile dial onto its finest number (1) and set the dose to two cups. I watched the timer count down and my beans quickly and relatively quietly whizz away into a powder of coffee grounds. 

There was no retention or popcorning and my grinds all looked really consistent. They were the perfect texture for an espresso machine, so I boxed them up and took them back to mine to use, a few hours later, in my home espresso machine. The flavor results were as good as they looked. My espresso was rich and full of deep, complex flavors. Each note of chocolate and hazelnut was sharp and easy to pick out. In summary, it was a great success. 

Test 2: Medium grinds

The next test sits in the middle of the KitxhenAid’s grinding range. I twisted the dial to setting 35, keeping the dose to two people, and the KitchenAid automatically adjusted how long it would need to grind through the beans. I let it run and it whizzed through my beans again, dispensing the grounds neatly into the pot without any static. 

Again, there was no popcorning or retention and my grounds looked consistent. I sat them against my fine grinds and could see a distinct difference, demonstrating that this really can do it all. The noise level reached 76 dBA of noise, which is pretty noisy but not out of the ordinary for a coffee grinder. Whilst this setting was perhaps on the finer side for French press, I wanted to do a quick taste test, so I brewed a carafe. My cup of coffee was delicious: smooth, even, and delicious. It genuinely very hard to fault this.

Test 3: Coarse grinds

The final test I wanted to put this through was the coarsest setting, so I twisted the grinding dial and it auto-adjusted its timings ready to go. This look the shortest time of all the grinds (just under six seconds), but didn’t create any more noise than the other settings and was still equally consistent.  

I put both servings in my French press and brewed up a beautiful carafe of coffee. It was confidently acidic, with clear notes of chocolate and hazelnut extracted from my roast. I’d trust this grinder to do a great job of grinding any beans off any size.

After testing the KitchenAid grinder, I had a couple of filter coffee makers to test, so I thought I would just set the KitchenAid to grind through the rest of the hopper. As expected, it worked through my beans with the efficiency and dexterity that I have come to associate with all of KitchenAid’s coffee products. When it sensed that the bean hopper was empty, this came to an abrupt halt. I then sealed the rubber lid on the grounds container and set it aside for my tests later on. The process couldn’t have been any cleaner and I didn’t even need to watch the KitchenAid grind because all the presets handled everything automatically. 

Cleaning, storage, and maintenance

At this point I could look inside the empty burrs to see whether there was any unrecorded grounds retention. Whilst there was a dusting of grounds around the burrs, I couldn’t find enough to weigh out, let alone mention. 

All the parts clicked neatly out of place and both the hopper and grounds container can be put in the dishwasher or washed by hand. 

As I mentioned, this is bigger than the average coffee grinder, but I also think it’s more beautiful. For both practical and aesthetic reasons, I would recommend finding a spot on your countertop and sitting the KitchenAid there. It would need a tall, stable cupboard to sit inside.

KitchenAid has mitigated the size by offering some storage issues. Inside the base is a neat portafilter holder, which you can lift out and use to grind directly into the filter baskets. You can store it inside the KitchenAid or fixed into the machine.

How does it rate online?

As I said, this is a popular coffee grinder. It’s featured in all the best coffee grinder guides. I’ve seen rave reviews for it from everyone on Reddit, as well as in specialist coffee communities. It’s often recommended to beginners for its easy controls and auto-dosing, but that didn’t stop professionals from praising it too. I spoke with other expert coffee testers who all said they were surprised that KitchenAid, which is  are better known for baking, makes such incredible coffee makers.

People only advised that this has all the bells and whistles, so might not be the best investment for entry-level coffee enthusiasts. If you think you might fall out of love with grinding your own beans, this will be a big appliance on your countertop and a big dent in your bank account.

How does it compare?

It might seem unfair, but the only comparison I would make to the KitchenAid is the Fellow Ode, available at Amazon, our top pick for the best coffee grinder.

The Fellow Ode also strikes a stunning silhouette on the countertop. The sharp, clean lines are best suited to more modern interiors, but that means that the KitchenAid’s curves suit a cosy, farmhouse style much better. They’re both heavy grinders, so I wouldn’t recommend moving either around much, but the Fellow is much more compact, so will demand a lot less space on your countertop.

Using both machines is easy. The Fellow doesn’t have an LED display or as many increments between settings, so it jumps straight into the deep end. If you’re a beginner, this could be more intimidating, but it’s not difficult to understand. Both grinders share a tactile dial, which makes it easy to switch between settings anyway. 

It’s a very close call, but I think the Fellow is slightly more consistent and can grind beans better at the extremes: the fine grinds are exceptional and the coarse grounds are really quite huge. Price wise, there’s not much in it, so really, it’s difficult to choose between the two grinders. I like the fact that you can watch the KitchenAid grind and the controls are really easy to navigate, so I would recommend it for most people, just check the measurements of your countertops and wall cupboards. I think it ultimately comes down to style. 

The only person I wouldn’t recommend this for is someone who is on a budget, but who can handle their own grinding. You can use your skills to save some money here and opt for a grinder such as the Bodum Bistro.

Should you buy it?

I don’t need any convincing: the KitchenAid is one of the best investments you can make in a grinder. It’s one of the more expensive models on the market, but the build quality is excellent and the controls make it almost impossible to go wrong.

How we test

Before we review or recommend any product to you, we’ve tested it in-person as if it’s an everyday product. We have a specialized process for how we test every appliance. I’m trained as a barista. This means that I’ve been through a number of processes to become an expert on all things coffee.

Before testing, we carefully research the claims that a brand makes about their product, so we know what we are looking for. We will also look at and test competitors, so we can place every product that we test on the market.

I took this KitchenAid grinder and tested it alongside other market-leading grinders. I used it in an everyday kitchen and made sure to test every function. At every stage of the process, from unboxing to cleaning up, I made thorough notes and observations, and taste tested all of the grounds.

If you're anything like me, spring starts with a smooth, sweet iced latte. When the weather heats up, iced coffee is the perfect way to keep cool and caffeinated. I'll only go back to my hot flat whites and espressos in October, when things feel more cozy.

However, the costs of a daily iced coffee during spring and summer can quickly add up. Making your own can save you time and money, whilst impressing any guests at the weekends – and it is so easy with the right machine.

Before we deep dive into the details of the best iced coffee makers, there's one thing we need to clear up. These machines are completely different to the best cold brew coffee makers. We've written an article on the differences between cold brew and iced coffee, but if you want the headlines: iced coffee is quick to make, but more acidic. Cold brew takes at least 18 hours, but will taste smoother and sweeter.

If you're looking for that quick iced coffee, you're in the right place. Our panel of coffee experts has tested a range of the best coffee makers on the market. Some specialize in making iced coffee, others simply happen to include it in their repertoire. Whatever you're looking for – from budget to blowout machines – you'll find the very best here.

The quick list

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The best iced coffee makers 2025

The best overall

We have tested nearly fifty different coffee makers, in all shapes and sizes and have yet to find one as versatile as the Eletta Explore. It looks professional, it feels luxurious, and the coffee tastes exceptionally good.

There are over 52 different types of coffees programmed into this bean-to-cup machine. Our coffee product tester, Laura, trialed every single one and the Eletta Explore didn’t miss the mark on any, including cold brew and iced coffee.

She says: 'The iced Americanos and iced lattes were some of the best I've had, even at a café. The specialty of these coffees really lies in their flavors. Each one had the gentle, distinctively acidic notes of iced coffee, balanced delicately with my coffee’s earthy, nutty tones. The cold milk texturing is better than plenty of baristas' hand-steamed efforts, even on plant-based milks.'

Whilst the essential flavors come from well-ground beans – which the Eletta Explore will grind for you – there's also a range of customizable settings. You can control the time, temperature, strength, and size of your coffee. You can even select how dense you'd like the foam to be when frothing milk. Online, everyone from beginners to baristas enjoyed using this. People with large homes particularly benefitted from the customizable settings; you can save personal preferences and swerve any battles between different people's coffee settings.

If that sounds too good to be true, there are some snags. Whilst the design is sleek and not too tall, the Eletta Explore is very deep. It will come out far onto the countertops. If that’s still okay with you, here's one more thing you need to know: this is incredibly expensive. It’s close to being overpriced, but we loved this too much to say that it’s not good value. It makes cold brew in minutes (rather than 24 hours), the iced coffee is the perfect balance of acidic and earthy, and, let me repeat it, you can choose between 52 different types of coffee. This is a luxurious iced coffee maker, but it comes with a luxurious price tag, too.

There's more information in our De'Longhi Eletta Explore review.

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The best drip coffee maker for iced coffee

Breville's drip coffee maker is one of the greatest of all time. It comes with a versatile range of brewing settings, from single-serve to cold brew, but the one we're really here for is the 'over ice' setting. This brews your coffee like a concentrate, so that when it is poured over ice, the ice melts, cooling it and diluting it to the perfect ratio. However, the maximum amount you can make is four cups. It sounds a little limiting, but it means you'll savor every sip even more.

The Thermal Brewer is signature Breville. It's sleek and would look good in a modern kitchen, alongside other stainless steel appliances. Let's face it though, this isn't winning any beauty pageants. The team has ever so slightly prioritized function over form. Luckily, it's slender, so even though this has a 12-cup capacity, it doesn't demand much space. You can put it in a corner or cupboard and it won't become the focal point of your coffee station.

Anyway, what The Thermal Brewer lacks in looks it more than makes up for in functionality and durability. This feels like it would last you for a lifetime; the pre-sets are easy to navigate; and this boasts two different filter baskets, which can deliver on a range of flavors. If you're new to making iced coffee, all you have to do is select the setting and the Thermal Brewer can do the rest. If you're a borderline barista, you can control the temperature, bloom speed, and flow rate. Once you've tinkered and tailored this to suit your tastes, you can save your settings, so that you get your favorite flavors every single time.

Our experts' biggest gripes were that this is tricky to clean and pricy. A combination of the showerhead and fixed reservoir means that you have to get in some awkward positions with your brush if you want your coffee maker to sparkle. This is also expensive, so it's not one for those who are on a budget.

You can find more details in our Breville Precision Brewer Thermal Coffee Maker review.

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The best value iced coffee maker

Since Nespresso makes the best single-serve coffee makers on the market, they make the best single-serve iced coffee makers too. All you need to do is change the standard pods for iced coffee pods, like the Ice Forte, available at Nespresso. Thankfully, Nespresso's iced pods make really nice, iced coffee. We've tested both their cold brew, iced, and hot pods and can vouch for them all: they hit on every flavor note that they promise: a rarity for single-serve machines.

The Vertuo Next is a single-serve classic. It has a sleek and slender design, is easy to use, and brewed my iced coffee in under a minute. There's very little to complain about. The only hitch you might find is that Nespresso's Vertuo machines are exclusively compatible with Nespresso's Vertuo pods. To be fair, they make over thirty varieties (not all of them are designed to be iced), but you have to use Nespresso's Vertuo pods. That means you can't grind your own coffee into a reusable pod, or opt for a special cold brew K-cup, for example.

You also won't be able to make cold foam for your iced coffees unless you buy this in a bundle or you invest in Nespresso's Aeroccino, available at Walmart, separately. The Aeroccino froths cold milk really well, even on plant-based options, but it won't be included by default.

You can find out more in our Nespresso Vertuo Next review.

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The most versatile iced coffee maker

The Ninja DualBrew Pro boasts an extensive range of coffee options. It can brew coffee in classic styles, as well as a rich, specialty, and over ice function. If you like an iced latte, you're in for a treat. The over ice function brews concentrated coffee, designed to be watered down over ice, culminating in an iced coffee which consistently delicious. Our expert testers enjoyed working through these flavors and suggested that this 'might be the only specialty coffee maker you need'.

It's relatively compact, especially considering the range of coffee types that this can brew. It doesn't have an integrated grinder, so we'd recommend checking out our guide to the best grinders on the market if you want to make really good iced coffee. Alternatively, you can make use of the capsule compatibility and invest in some iced coffee K-Cups, available at Walmart, but make sure not to confuse the machine by brewing you're already concentrated over ice K-cups on the concentrated setting. It will all be overwhelming.

Our biggest criticism is that the DualBrew, is a jack of all trades, but a master of none. Whilst we liked all the coffee options, and the iced coffee was good, it wasn't as flavorful as the Breville's, for example. If you like milky coffees, we found that the milk texturing tool is a little less than perfect, especially on plant-based milks.

There's more information in our full Ninja DualBrew Pro review.

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The most technical iced coffee coffee maker

Even some of the best espresso machines don't have iced coffee functions. Instead, they rely on you being able to judge, by eye, how much to dilute your espresso by to make the perfect iced drink. For most people, this is tricky and you'll waste a lot of coffee trying to work out how to brew the perfect iced latte. Enter, La Specialista Maestro. This looks every part the specialist espresso machine, but it's beginner-friendly and easy to use too.

On the left, there's a dial that talks you through a range of coffee settings. A quick scroll through these will reveal that La Specialista can make a whole lot more than simple espressos. In fact, it will tackle a whole coffee shop menu if you let it. We're yet to test another espresso machine that can make cold brew (and in a matter of minutes too) as well as hot coffees. When you're brewing over ice you can opt for a heatless, low-pressure extraction or a normal, hot brew.

If you need your iced coffee to be stronger and more intense, the dials make it easy to adjust dosing quantities and temperatures. It might sound complicated, but that's only available to you if you want it to be. You can use La Specialista at a surface level and enjoy it just as much as a barista would. Plus, there are plenty of fool-proof features that guarantee that your coffees will be consistently tasty.

The one thing La Specialista can't do is make cold foam. You'll need a separate milk frother or steaming technology. Plenty of people are happy to simply drink their milk over ice, but De'Longhi also make the Eletta Explore, which is our overall winner as it has the capacity to create cold foam.

There's more information in our De'Longhi La Specialista Maestro review.

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The best blowout iced coffee maker

The Jura Z10 is the most luxurious, hands-off coffee experience that money can buy. You won't need barista qualifications to be able to brew a delicious cup of coffee first thing. The menu covers ten different options (which becomes 32 with the different adjustments), so whether you want a black coffee, shot of coffee, milky coffee, iced coffee, or something in-between, the Jura has you covered.

When it comes to the cold brew, the Jura Z1O uses cold extraction technology to pulse cold water at high pressure with more coarsely ground coffee. The result is a smooth, rich iced coffee that is ready to drink in just a couple of minutes. We were able to make a delicious iced latte with cold foam, too. There's even a syrup attachment if you're partial to vanilla iced lattes, or you want to get creative with homemade sweeteners.

However, $3,800 for a coffee maker is a big investment. The Jura makes delicious coffee, looks sleek, and is easy to use, so if you've got the money to spend, you'll love it. But if you want to be savvy, there are cheaper options with similar offerings. The De'Longhi Eletta Explore at the top of our list is equally capable, although it lacks the sweet foam accessories and sleek Swiss design. Whether small details like that are worth another $1,600 is another question.

You can read more in our full Jura Z10 review.

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How to choose the right iced coffee maker for you

Personal taste: When you're choosing the perfect iced coffee maker, the best place to start is with the kind of coffee that you enjoy. If you prefer punchy espressos, an espresso machine will give you full-bodied flavor, even over ice. For iced lattes and cappuccinos, bean-to-cup machines with cold foam steam wands are ideal. If you require larger servings of rich black coffee, a drip iced coffee maker will suit you. If you like capsule coffee, a Nespresso machine will suit just fine. An automatic espresso machine is likely to satisfy all coffee preferences, suiting family households.

Space: If you have lots of space, you can choose almost any coffee maker. However, if your kitchen is compact, you'll probably want to steer clear of espresso machines and automatic coffee makers. These tend to be big appliances. You could still fit them on your countertop, but you'd have to work to do it. Specialist pod coffee machines are better for saving space, while still getting your iced coffee fix.

Time: If you don't mind taking your time with coffee, then you'll have the pick of the bunch. However, if you're normally five minutes late for being ten minutes late, you'll want a quick machine: pod machines, pre-set drip coffee makers, and automatic machines will be your best friends.

Capacity If you're the only coffee drinker in the house, you might not need a big machine. Pod machines are a nice option for single-cup coffee drinkers. However, if you want to serve iced coffee to a crowd or table of guests, a drip coffee maker will cater to the masses.

Ease: If you normally buy your coffee from a barista, you might not enjoy being very hands-on when making coffee. For that reason, a bean-to-cup machine would suit you really well. It'll be just like your barista, but without the small talk. If you like the idea of becoming a barista yourself, espresso machines are at the other end of the scale. They are technical, and be a lot of fun too.

Price: It goes without saying that price has to be factored into things. We've covered how much money you should spend on a coffee maker, to help you weigh up the value for money. A pod machine or drip coffee maker can cost a tenth of the price of a bean-to-cup machine or espresso machine. It's better to start small and work up to a bigger machine. That being said, we've included these machines in our roundup because we think they're good value for the exceptional quality they offer.

How we test

At Homes & Gardens, we have a rigorous testing process for all of our coffee makers. This enables us to score coffee makers both individually and against other models on the market.

Research: As Homes & Gardens' kitchen appliance expert, this is my starting point. I'm always on the lookout for the best coffee makers on the market. Once I’ve found one that I think you, our readers, will like, I order it to my kitchen or send it out to one of our experienced product testers. We usually like to test at home, as it means we can use the appliance in our regular routines for around a month. This helps uncover advantages (or most likely, pain points) we would never discover with a one hour session in the test kitchen.

Design: Once the machine is in our hands, we first consider the design and build quality. We give extra points to coffee makers that look good on the counter, but we never prioritize style over substance.

Brewing performance: The first thing we make with any espresso machine is an espresso. This is a way of testing how good a coffee maker is at the basics. A good espresso should be between 1.25-2 oz. It should be 190-205 degrees and full of flavor. A big giveaway is the crema on top: that should be thick with a hazelnut hue.

Then, we test other brews: including americano, latte, cappuccino and anything else the coffee maker has to offer.

Cleaning & ease of use: After brewing and tasting, we make notes on the clean-up process as well as how we would recommend storing and maintaining the coffee maker. We also think about how easy it is to use and what type of coffee drinker it would suit.

Value for money: After a month of testing and evaluating, I round up all of our notes. Then, I take a look at all of our other coffee makers to see how they compare on each testing criteria. I also look at online reviews to see what other experts and real-life customers thought, so that I could bring you more insight. After this, I give each coffee maker a score out of five. Only the five-star appliances make it into my best coffee maker buying guide.

If you’re interested and want to find out more, you can read all about the process in our how we test coffee makers page.

Meet our testing team

Toasters are very rarely considered to be attractive, so when I spotted Smeg’s retro range, you can only imagine my delight. We've reviewed their other two and four-slice models, both available in a range of colors and finishes, so there’s a lot to choose between.

Whilst style is important, especially with an appliance you’ll keep on show, it’s equally imperative that a toaster can do a good job of, well, toasting. To make sure that the Smeg delivers on form and function, I took the four-slice model and put it to the test.

I used the Smeg to toast everything from long slices of artisanal sourdough to bagels, fruit bread, gluten-free bread, and the obligatory pop tarts. It's definitely among the best toasters, but there are a few things you should know before diving into a purchase. 

Specifications

Unboxing

I couldn’t wait to see what this would look like on my countertop. As soon as it arrived at my door, I untucked the Smeg toaster from its (mostly recyclable) packaging and set it up. The four-slot toaster demands quite some space on the countertop, but it looks absolutely beautiful. I chose the cream colorway because it's such a classic hue and I'm glad I did. It's gorgeous.

There’s very little to do in the way of ‘prep work’. Once all the plastic wrap is off, I would recommend putting the toaster down so that it has one run-through without food in and then it will be ready to use.

Who would it suit?

The four slice toaster is designed with larger homes and families in mind. Not only does it have a big footprint, it also has a big capacity. If you need to make everyone some toast at once, the Smeg can handle it. However, if you want to just do one piece, this will support it anyway. It’s pretty perfect.

Aesthetically, Smeg’s design suits a warmer-style kitchen. It’s colorful and curved, rather than made up of sharp, clean lines. I think it’s generally very versatile and easy on the eye. I tested this over a longer period and received lots of compliments. Toasters don’t often get much love in the appliance department, so this was a nice change. 

What was it like to use?

The Smeg toaster is simple. It might be too simple for some, but I like it. The levers and dials are tactile, making every move I made on the Smeg feel definite and confident. There’s a timer dial and then two buttons: defrost and reheat. The lack of a bagel setting might be disappointing for some, but I can assure you that this still does a great job of everything from bagels to fruit bread.

Test 1: White bread

I wanted to do a basic test, to get a good measure of how this would do on some simple toast. I bought some sliced white bread and popped a couple of pieces in the toaster. I lowered them using the neat, chrome handles. The standard amount of time for a slice of bread like this would be two to three minutes, so I tested it out on two, thinking I could increase the time later if I needed to.

Some toasters come with viewing windows and ‘quick look’ functions and, whilst Smeg doesn’t have this, the wide slots make it quite easy to peek inside. When exactly two minutes were up, my toast popped up and it looked good; nicely brown on one side and a little lighter on the other. If you want consistency across both sides, you might find these results frustrating. However, once you’re eating the toast, you can’t tell. I think the difference is purely aesthetic. I also wonder whether Smeg has deliberately done this so that when toasting bagels, crumpets, and pop tarts, you can have one side well done and the other side light, rather than leathery. 

Test 2: Sourdough

Sourdough is notoriously difficult to toast: it doesn't brown easily and artisanal slices are often too long for most toasting slots. Smeg combines their capacity for four slices of toast into two long and wide slots, meaning I could put a really long piece of sourdough into toast with no problem. I've not tested a toaster with that kind of capacity before. 

I gave the sourdough three minutes, but the toast still needed a little more. Adding one minute (which actually only took 56 seconds) to the dial, however, meant that my sourdough was overdone. It was nice and brown at the bottom, but a bit too crisp at the top for me. The toast itself was also really hot. It melted the butter off my knife and had it running across the toast and pooling into the air bubbles on my slice. This resulted in a beautiful piece of toast though. It wasn't too dry or crispy, the inside still had some nice spring to it too.

Test 3: Bagel

Even though there's not a specific bagel setting for the Smeg, it did a really good job of toasting a whole bagel. I placed the slices in with the steamed outsides facing the edges of the toaster. In a minute and 52 seconds, they popped up, evenly browned, nice and warm. Even though they were hot and golden, the exteriors weren't overcooked or made too leathery. The inside was still doughy and delicious. 

I wanted to make sure that I wasn't blinded by Smeg's beauty, so got one of the experts to toast half a bagel in the Smeg and half in Breville's Die Cast toaster (which has a specific bagel setting). I couldn't tell the difference between the two and neither could our other tester. Even though there isn't a bagel button, Smeg is doing an excellent job of toasting bagels.

Test 4: Gluten-free bread

I'm always apprehensive about toasting gluten-free bread because it behaves so differently from standard bread. I bought a pre-sliced, white loaf and popped four slices into the Smeg. At one minute and 49 seconds, all the slices popped up. These are about half the size of a normal slice of bread, but the Smeg has enough lift to make them easy to take out. If you have any awkwardly shaped pieces of bread, you can always place them in the (provided) toastie tongs, which keep all small pieces together. 

All four pieces of gluten-free toast were evenly toasted after under two minutes. The Smeg was a little bit too powerful here and I think they were close to being overdone. However, they were still enjoyable to eat, warm and crunchy on the outside, but still soft and spongy on the inside.

Test 5: Fruit bread

There's no delicate setting for fruit bread, so I was a little apprehensive before toasting this in the Smeg. I placed my slices in for just one minute and when they popped up at 54 seconds, they were perfectly golden. No parts of the toast had caught or burnt and the whole slice had been warmed through. I couldn't fault it.

I even tried frozen fruit bread to see whether the heat could get right through. There's a defrost button on the Smeg, so I pushed that, lowered my fruit bread in, and within a minute and a twenty-two, it popped up, perfectly cooked, again. As long as you err on the side of caution, the Smeg will deliver delicious results, even on more temperamental toasting types.

Test 6: Pop tart

A serious test for any toaster is pop tarts. I was testing a heavily iced 'Cookies 'n' Cream' flavor and was concerned I might lose some icing to the crumb tray and heating elements. I kept the heat light and popped the tarts up after two minutes. They looked good and felt warm, so I cut them in half. Inside, the filling was steaming, oozing out, looking delicious. The outside was crumbly and warm too. It was a real success.

Cleaning, storage, and maintenance

The Smeg is really easy to clean and maintain. The crumb tray pops out and empties all your crumbs neatly into the trash. The shiny exterior didn't get greasy or marked throughout all of our tests. Not even the chrome finishes needed polishing.

As for storage, I think it's a crime to pack this away. It looks beautiful on the countertop. There's even storage management underneath so you don't end up with a long cable on the countertop. However, if you do choose to pack this away, it's quite light. The only thing to consider is that it's long too, so it will demand a considerable amount of cupboard space.

How does it rate online?

As you might expect, this is popular online. People praise the appearance of this toaster more than anything. 'Fancy', 'awesome', 'amazing', and 'stunning' consistently appeared in Amazon reviews. However, people felt that it was more than just a pretty face. Plenty of people said that they were impressed at how well-built it was. I found lots of people praising this as the family toaster which they've had for years. It was also a common wedding registry gift, which is a lovely idea.

People didn't have many complaints about the Smeg, aside from the price. Even though it's well-built, people said that this is expensive for the very basic functions. Lots of people said that they wished it had at least a specialist bagel setting, although I didn't struggle with my bagel results.

How does it compare?

As a four slice toaster, Smeg is by far the most stylish option on the market. The next rival for capacity and quality is the Breville Die Cast Smart Toaster, available at Breville, which is a similar price, but not nearly as attractive. The Breville offers separate settings for each two slots, so you could toast two pieces of fruit bread at the same time as two pieces of sourdough and tailor your settings to suit them. The Breville offers four different toasting settings, which is another two on top of Smeg's fairly basic offering, showing the simplicity of Smeg's design. However, the Breville couldn't fit in the long sourdough pieces and didn't produce toast which was as consistently cooked as the Smeg's. Whilst I liked both, if I had the money in my hand, I would still pick the Smeg.

If you don't mind down-sizing, but keeping your budget high, there's the KitchenAid Two-Slice Pro Line Toaster, available at Walmart. This comes with a similar selection of colorways to the Smeg but will auto-lower and lift your toast. It also has pretty basic functions, but the KitchenAid does specialize in bagels, so if you want a more technical, but still beautiful option, the KitchenAid is worth checking out.

Should you buy it?

I love this toaster. I think Smeg's is the most stunning option on the market. I loved testing it out and having it sit on my countertop. It received by far the most compliments from friends and family, plus, I eat a lot of homemade bread and the slots are much more versatile for people like me. I can see why it isn't budget-friendly, but if you care about your kitchen aesthetics and you're willing to toast cautiously, you won't go wrong with the Smeg.

How we test

At Homes & Gardens, we are dedicated to testing our toasters. That's why we take every product we recommend into a dedicated testing space where our experts can put these appliances through their paces. Our experts use these for at least a week, sometimes more, so that we get a good sense of the long-term features of a toaster. For example, we thought auto-lifting was a bit of a gimmick on our first test day, but actually came to love it by the end of the week. Or, with the Smeg toaster, Laura baked a loaf of walnut bread which was cut into thick chunks. We wouldn't have tested this if we on;y had two hours, but, over the week, we needed to (spoiler alert: the Smeg aced it).

We'll put fruit bread, gluten-free bread, bagels, pop tarts, sourdough, frozen bread, and white bread through the toaster, testing how well it performs on even the trickiest of tasks. We use white bread. It's a staple; gluten-free bread because it can be notoriously temperamental, as can enriched, fruit bread. We'll also look at tougher tasks, such as sourdough, which takes a while to brown and can easily become too tough to bite. Bagels need to be toasted on different levels on different sides, so we make sure to test them too, even if there's no bagel function. Conversely, pop tarts can crumble and burn into sticky messes, so it's crucial to test (and taste) them.

Our experts look at how evenly toast is cooked, both on the outside and through the cross-section. We'll see how well spreads melt on them, as well as how they taste in our mouths. With toast, it's all about texture. 

Whilst all that is happening we time how long each piece of toast takes to achieve the perfect level of golden-brown goodness. That way, you know whether it can fit into your busy morning routine, or whether it's a toaster to bring out on a slow Sunday.

Whilst we are toast-obsessed, our team also makes notes on aspects such as aesthetics, cleaning, storage, and maintenance, so you can envisage how these appliances would fit into your kitchen. A heavy and ugly toaster, even if it makes a delicious bagel, just won't cut it for some.

If you're interested to learn more, you can visit our dedicated page for how we test.

KitchenAid has been praised for decades on account of their capable and beautiful stand mixers. Now, they’ve expanded their offering to coffee makers and kettles, but if you want the best of the best, I suggest you take a look at their Pro Line Toaster. 

Unlike other high-end toasters, this doesn't just look the part. While it looks incredible, it's a simple, straightforward toaster that makes consistently perfect toast. That's before you get into all the more luxurious features, like the auto-lifting and lowering slots. It's a true contender among the best toasters. 

I've tested it for months and actually ended up buying one because I loved it so much. It might not offer exactly what every single home needs, but it sure will please ninety nine percent of us.

Specifications

Who would it suit?

This is a luxury toaster, so best suited to those with big budgets. At around $300, it’s one of the most expensive toasters on the market. While that's overkill for most of us, if you have the money, you what you pay for. It makes great toast, looks beautiful, and the build quality is second-to-none, so it’s good if you want a toaster to last for a lifetime. The features are all useful (especially the bagel and auto-lift). Plus, the different finishes are perfect for those cultivating color-conscious kitchens.

With only two toasting slots and a relatively slow toasting time, this isn’t particularly well suited to large homes and big families. You can opt for the larger Pro KitchenAid Pro Line Four Slice Toaster, available at Amazon, , which reviews just as well, but this takes up more space on the countertop. Whilst the auto lift and lower function feels super premium, I’m also very aware that this is an unnecessary luxury for most people.

Unboxing

The KitchenAid comes in a big box. It’s deceptively big because this is actually a really compact toaster, but KitchenAid has built lots of protective, recyclable packaging around it. There’s also a sandwich press attachment which you can insert into the toaster when you have a hankering for a grilled cheese, and a neat cable manager underneath to keep everything tidy on the countertop.

In true KitchenAid style, this comes in all their Artisan colors: almond cream, empire red, onyx black, frosted pearl, and more. I tested almond cream and it looked awesome. I’ve already tested the KitchenAid Pro Line Electric Kettle, available at Walmart, in almond cream, so pairing the two together on my countertop looked incredible. My only caution would be that this is pretty heavy for a small appliance – I wouldn’t like to be lifting it above my head to put in a cupboard, so I would recommend that you either store this low down or keep it on constant display.

What is it like to use?

The KitchenAid balances versatility and simplicity really well. There’s a timer with an LED countdown, so you can see how long your toast has left. There’s also a bagel button, defrost button, and 'a little longer' button. This way, you and your toaster are always on the same page about what the end goal is.

Test 1: White bread

Sliced white bread is the most elementary test for any toaster. If it can’t do this, it can't do anything. I placed two slices of white bread into the slots and the KitchenAid detected the weight, made a light bell sound, and began to auto-lower my toast down. I almost laughed at how unnecessarily luxurious this feature is.

This was the first run through the KitchenAid had ever had, but I gave it a standard two minute setting. One minute forty seconds later, my toaster made a light bell sound and lifted up two, pale slices of toast-bread (they hadn’t been turned to proper toast yet). I lowered them for another minute, hoping to give the toaster a chance to warm up. 52 seconds later, I heard the chime and saw my toast lift up. It was perfect: the golden color evenly covered both sides of both slices of toast. I was pretty pleased with myself (and the toaster).

Test 2: Sourdough

Sourdough is another great test for any toaster. It needs more heat, doesn’t brown as easily, and can come in a range of shapes and sizes. I bought a big, wide, artisanal loaf for testing and only one of our toasters didn’t require me to cut my slice in half (if you're interested, it was the Smeg Four Slice, available at QVC). It was no surprise that the KitchenAid couldn’t fit it: it’s a compact toaster.

After cutting my slice in half, I put the two chunks in the toaster for three minutes, which isn’t really long enough, but I didn’t want to overdo it. It didn’t come as any surprise that this needed another two minutes (actually one minute forty) before it popped up, looking golden). The toaster hadn’t dried it out and had got the most even toast coverage that I’ve experienced in my toasting tests. It was hot enough to melt the butter into all the air bubbles of my slice, but not too hot for me to take a big bite straight away. It was the perfect texture: crunchy on the outside, but warm and springy on the inside.

Test 3: Bagel

I think that a bagel function is a toaster essential, so I was glad to see this toaster had a bagel mode for me to test out. The top of the toaster has a useful icon to show you which way your bagel needs to sit in the toaster. All you need to do is press the bagel button and the KitchenAid will do the rest.

I put my bagel in for one and a half minutes (although this was only one minute twelve seconds in practice) and when it lifted up, it looked like it had hardly seen the heating elements. I repeated the one and a half minute setting three times (so my bagel probably had just over three minutes in total) before I was happy with the toasting level. As you get used to your toasting settings, you’ll be much happier setting the bagel to four and leaving it for one run through, but for my first toast I was constantly checking on the toasting levels.

On flavors and textures, this was flawless. The outside of my bagel was soft, the cut side had a good crunch and the very centre was soft and doughy. It's perhaps a little pale for some people, but I was able to achieve a slice of toast exactly as I like it. 

Test 4: Gluten-free bread

Gluten-free diets should never mean compromising, even if the bread is a little trickier to toast. I was apprehensive about how well this would turn out, because the KitchenAid had done such a good job of normal white bread, so I wondered whether the generic settings would suit a different bread. 

I placed two small slices into the KitchenAid and was struck by how high they sat. Even small pieces of toast are easy to lift out and in because they’re almost completely out of the toaster when it’s not on. This came in useful when I made my own loaf and the end pieces were imperfectly shaped and quite small to say the least.

After one minute forty in the toaster both slices of gluten-free toast popped up, evenly warmed, golden across both sides, with a good crunch. They hadn’t lost their fluffy middle section either. It was an impressive performance overall.

Test 5: Fruit bread

Enriched doughs are delicious, but temperamental. Fruits are also pretty tricky to toast without burning, so I thought I’d really test the KitchenAid’s skill set by toasting a slice of fruit bread. 

Given that it is such a delicate loaf, I started on the single minute setting. The fruit bread was warm, but needed another minute. In total, the fruit bread only had one and a half minutes in the toaster, because the settings don’t fully equate to timings. That’s on the speedy side for toasters, but it was warmed right through. Both sides were golden and crunchy, but the middle section was light and fluffy still. None of my fruit had burned either. It was still delivering pure perfection.

Test 6: Pop tarts

My final toaster test is the all-important pop tarts. These need to be warmed right through, but still treated with care. I don’t want icing in my toaster slots or jam sticking anywhere.

I put my 'Cookies n Cream' flavor tarts into the toaster. Without any specific pop tart setting, I thought I would give two and a half minutes a test. This was the optimal time (even though it only amounted to two minutes and three seconds). They popped up and I could sense they were done. All my icing was perfect, my filling was gooey, and the biscuits were crumbly. There’s little else to say (and even less pop tart left untouched on my plate).

Cleaning, storage, and maintenance

This is an incredibly low maintenance. I had every sort of butter, jam, conserve and preserve you can think of on hand and I didn’t need to give give this toaster a wipe down once. It didn’t show fingerprints and there were very few crumbs in the crumb tray. I couldn’t help but wonder if the gentle auto lift and lower helps to stop springing crumbs everywhere.

As for storage, this is a relatively heavy toaster, so I wouldn't recommend lifting it into high cupboards or awkward spaces. There's already useful cable storage underneath the toaster and an attractive design that's perfect for keeping out on display. I live in an urban apartment and kept my previous toaster stored away because it was a) unattractive and b) pretty hue. I was happy to keep the KitchenAid on countertops 24/7. It looks good without dominating the space.

How does it rate online?

I was pleased to read that everyone else loved the KitchenAid as much as I did. It was described as a 'status symbol' and 'small grill', which everyone felt warranted the big price tag. As you might expect, everyone commented on the aesthetics of the Artisan as well as the easy controls and consistent toasting capabilities. I particularly enjoyed the pictures of KitchenAid trios on people's countertops: the stand mixer, toaster, and kettle, proudly lined up in social-media worthy set-ups. It's clearly a product to be proud of.

In fact, almost nobody could criticise it. Some people said that they would have liked the controls to be a little fiercer, but I think it's better to be gentle and this still does a good job of toasting. Another feature which was divisive was the alert noise that the toaster makes when it begins and finishes toasting. This is the same noise across all KitchenAid appliances, so I liked the consistency. It's also quite a gentle sound, but isn't to everyone's tastes.

How does it compare?

KitchenAid makes another two-slice toaster, which is much more basic (and a quarter of the price). The functional, stainless steel finish sets the tone for everything you need to know about it. The KitchenAid Manual Lift 2-Slice is hard-working, durable, and reliable. For all of its functionality, the Manual Lift lacks the niceties offered by the Pro Line: I had to wave goodbye to my auto lift and lower function, as well as the beautiful design, and grilled cheese sandwich plates. Performance wise, the Pro Line felt a little more measured and refined, because it didn't really get any fiercer throughout my tests. Most toasters heated up and got quicker and less consistent, including the KitchenAid Manual, but overall both are excellent toasters.

If you don't like the idea of sacrificing aesthetics, but you want a little more versatility, check out Breville's The Toast Select Luxe, available at Amazon. This compact, two slice toaster is available in a range of classic colors. It looks really chic and it's not just a pretty face. This has the most versatile setting range I've seen, with options for rye bread, sourdough, waffles, and pop tarts. You have almost all the same luxuries as the KitchenAid Artisan (but not the auto lower and lift), for a similar price. This is the KitchenAid's toughest competition.

Should you buy it?

I'd recommend this toaster to everyone. I've really committed to the phrase 'put your money where your mouth is', because I ended up buying this after our tests were concluded. I love it and have gotten used to the comforts of the auto-lift and lower. However, I recognise that it's not for everyone: the luxuries are a little unnecessary and it is expensive for its size.

How we test

At Homes & Gardens, we test all of our toasters thoroughly before writing a review. If you're interested in finding out more about how we test and review a toaster, you're in the right place.

Before anything, we research our toasters. Our team of experts is always looking for the latest and greatest models on the market. Once one has caught our eye, we'll read about it before calling one in.

When we have the toaster in our hands, we'll get to work. I tested all of these toasters for at least a week. In the case of the KitchenAid, once I had finished testing it, I bought one and have been using it for months. I love it. Every toaster gets at least one week of usage though, because, that way, we can grasp what they're like to use in the middle of the morning rush as well as on a slow Sunday.

You'll spot that we use a range of different bread types, because we want to see how it can handle a range of textures and flours. We always start with basic white bread, because that's a household staple, as are pop tarts, which we also test. These require a toaster to be gentle with the iced outside, but thorough enough to cut through to the gooey center. We'll also try sourdough, because that can take longer to toast and often comes in odd, artisanal shapes. For the gluten-free eaters, we also look at gluten-free bread, again, because we know it can be a little more sensitive to heat and it's good to know if your toaster can handle it. 

As I said above, we make sure to check how well a toaster can toast bagels. Most have special bagel settings, because these need to be light on one side and stronger on another. If they can't do that, you might end up with a leathery bagel. Our team also wanted to test enriched breads, such as fruit bread, which can burn easily or not toast fully through. It's important to see how well a toaster can handle more complex breads.

For each bread type, we test how long a toaster takes to complete them. When they pop up, we look at how evenly they're toasted and we taste how thoroughly they're toasted throughout the cross section. A bagel is a great example of why this is important: it should be doughy in the middle, crisp on the cut side, and still soft on the outside.

Our experts also think about factors such as cleaning, storage, and maintenance, because they can have a huge impact on how motivated you are to use an appliance. If it's more work than you think its worth, no matter how well a toaster works, you won't use it.

In busy homes, only three things really matter for your toaster: capacity, reliability, and versatility. Breville’s Die Cast Toaster scores a home run on all three and still comes with other nice extras too. It ticks a lot of boxes for a lot of people, so our experts were keen to find out more.

I've been testing the best toasters for months and I had high hopes for the Four Slice Die Cast. I tested it across a range of breads, from basic white bread to artisan sourdough, fruit bread, gluten-free bread, as well as pop tarts.

Generally, I was pretty impressed with most of the Die Cast's features. Whilst I think the 'Smart' tag in the name is a bit of a stretch and it wasn't the most consistent, it comes with luxurious (or unnecessary) quirks too. There’s a lot to love, but a little to learn.

Specifications

Unboxing

Breville does a great job of recyclable packaging. This came in cardboard, packed with some more cardboard, and then a little bit more cardboard too. There was some plastic protecting the aluminum outside, but not a huge amount. 

On the countertop, this looks bigger than lots of other toasters, but the design won't dominate your space. Plus, this is a four-slice model, so the dimensions are going to be bigger anyways. The slots looked nice and wide, perfect for big chunks of bread and the overall aesthetic looked sleek. If you have aluminium or stainless steel in your home already, this would fit right in.

Who would it suit?

The sheer capacity and versatility of the Breville makes it perfect for large homes. You can warm two pop tarts for kids on a more delicate setting at the same time you toast two slices of sourdough at a fiercer setting. Plus, you’ll hardly have to do a thing: there’s an auto lift and auto lower function integrated to help those who always have their hands full when it’s time to toast.

The buttons along the top of the toaster look like a lot to learn, but they're just duplicated, because they control apply to two of the slots each. It looks like quite an overwhelming selection at first, but once you're used to it, you can easily toast a wide selection of breads. 

What is it like to use?

As I just mentioned, the long row of buttons actually makes this look more complex than it is. The slots work two at a time, so they're effectively like two separate toasters which have been welded together. There's no way to set all four running at the same time, but you can get pretty close: you just press one button and then the next.

Once I had figured out the controls, I ran the toaster through empty, as you always should. Sometimes, this will create a plastic smell, but this didn't happen for the Breville.

Test 1: White bread

White bread is a good test of any basic toaster. It felt close to criminal placing super-cheap, sliced bread in a toaster this premium. Nevertheless, I slotted my slice in, and set the timer for two minutes. The Breville auto-lowered and clamped my toast into place for exactly two minutes. 

At one minute and thirty seconds, I tested out the 'Lift & Look' function, which almost lifted the whole slice out of the toaster. The toast (or bread at this point) was really pale, so I wasn't sure how it would turn out at the two minute mark. You can see from the picture that ended up looking pretty pale. 

I put the slice back into the toaster and pressed the 'A Bit More' button, which adds thirty seconds to the timer. I ended up pressing that twice, so the image above is the results of three minutes' toasting. That's quite long for such a simple piece of toast and that was reflected in the flavors. The white slice tasted dry and crumbly.

I think the Breville was just warming up, because I tried the same again at the end of the tests and my toast was golden in one and a half minutes. The color was still not distributed evenly, but it looked a lot better than my first attempt. 

I also had similar results trying the same white bread from frozen, using the frozen setting. It was warmed through, not too dry, and a deep golden color. The Breville really warms up as you use it, so you'll need to be prepared to experiment a little.

Test 2: Sourdough

The white bread set a precedent for under-toasting. I tried a long slice of sourdough, but the short slots couldn't fit it in unless I halved the slice. This is pretty standard, but there are a few toasters (such as the Smeg Four Slice toaster, available at QVC) on offer with longer slots if that's a deal-breaker for you.

I gave the sourdough three minutes, thinking it would probably be underdone. It came as no surprise that this was very pale when the toaster lifted my sourdough at exactly three minutes into toasting. 

I gave it another two minutes, so it had now had five minutes in total. At this point, the top crust of the sourdough was well done, whilst the base of my slice was a little pale. I didn't want to burn the top, so took it out and put butter on it. Taste wise, this was warm, crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside, so the Breville had done a relatively good job. I would have just liked more consistency and a shorter toasting time.

Test 3: Bagel

The bagel setting is one of Breville's dedicated buttons, so I was hopeful that this would be a success. I gave this a standard two minutes to toast, which is how long most models take. However, when the Breville lifted my bagel out (at exactly two minutes) it was way overdone. You can see in my picture above that it was too burnt to eat. I cut it in half and, interestingly, it was still doughy in the middle. If there's a silver lining, it was the doughy center. It's an indicator that this can be good toaster for bagels, but be careful with your timings.

I tried giving a different bagel just one minute on the bagel setting and I thought it was almost overdone again, although I like my toast quite light. There was a good, golden crunch to the cut side of the bagel, without the outside becoming too leathery on the outside. The doughy middle was still soft too, so once you know to expect an uncharacteristically fierce performance on the bagel setting, this can do a good job.

Test 4: gluten-free bread

There are few baked goods as tricky to test as gluten-free bread. I put my slice in for two minutes, on the standard setting. When it auto-lifted on the two minute mark, it needed a bit more more — and then a bit more, and then a bit more. 

The end results were pretty gross: the bread was dried out and tough to eat. The gluten-free bread was my second slice in the toaster after turning it on, so I think it hadn't heated up to its full, fierce power yet. If you are putting gluten-free bread into a cold Breville toaster, opt for three or four minutes, rather than repeating 'a bit more', because that's where you sacrifice on texture.

Test 5: Fruit bread

I won't sugar-coat it: this was a disaster. The bagel button is also the fruit bread setting, but you need to double-press this to access the alternative setting. I didn't realise this and gave my fruit bread one minute on the bagel setting. It came out as bread on one side and completely cremated on the other. You can see in my picture, that it's a stark contrast.

Once I had established how to switch between settings (you can tell because the lights turn blue), I put my fruit bread in on the specific setting. After one minute, I was keen to take it out, given my previous experience with the Breville, but it was too light. I gave it the full 130 seconds as recommended and, no surprises, it turned out overdone. 

On my third piece of fruit bread, I used the proper setting, gave it a minute and a half, and it was good. If I gave it more time, it was likely to be overdone, so I settled for lightly golden toast. It was well-warmed, lightly crunchy, and fluffy on the inside. It's the story of this toaster in miniature. It can make excellent toast, but there's a learning curve that you shouldn't need for such a basic appliance.

test 6: Pop tart

I used the gentle fruit bread setting on my pop tart, because I didn't quite know where I stood with the Breville at this stage. It was warm after one minute, but I gave the pop tart 'a bit more' from the settings menu and took it out after that final thirty second blast. The icing was still neatly intact, whilst all the insides were gooey and crumbly. This was the greatest success I had with the Breville, so I was really pleased.

Cleaning, storage, and maintenance

Breville has thought about everything when it comes to cleaning and storage. The crumb tray is easy to remove from the base; the auto-lift comes up high enough to stop small crusts from festering at the bottom of the slots; and the finish on the Breville is finger-print resistant. I had buttery fingers and didn't leave a mark. If you don't like cleaning toasters, it's a low-maintenance option.

Storage-wise, although this is big, it cuts a pretty sleek silhouette. There's also a neat cord storage part at the bottom, which will stop your countertops from getting all cluttered with wires. I'd recommend buying this only if you have the countertop capacity to keep it on show. It's probably a bit too big and too much hassle to take in and out of a cupboard, especially because this took a long time to cool down.

How does it rate online?

There aren't a lot of reviews dedicated to the Breville Four Slice Smart Toaster; most people talk about the alternative Breville Die Cast Two Slice, available at Amazon . However, from the few reviews I found, this turned out to be a popular option. People were impressed that, across four slots, all the pieces of toast would lift up evenly toasted (compared to each other). Lots of reviewers enjoyed having a cycle countdown indicator and a reasonable range of buttons for their toasting functions. Another popular feature was the auto-lift and lowering, which sounds excessive, but even I (a gimmick cynic) found it useful. When you're busy in the kitchen, it's one less thing to think about.

Criticisms were generally around the buttons. People felt that they looked more complicated than they needed to be. Whilst being able to toast on two independent settings was incredibly useful for some, others just wanted a way to set all four slots running together, in synchronisation.

People noticed that this heats up quickly and takes a while to cool. That explains why I wouldn't recommend storing it in a cupboard and why my toasting times got shorter and shorter as I worked through our breads.

How does it compare?

I've tested my fair share of toasters and have a lot of thoughts about where Breville Die Cast 4-Slice Toaster sits in the rankings. As far as four slice toasters go, this has the best range of settings. Not many bigger toasters have a bagel function and they certainly don't have the auto lowering and lifting (which so many people love). However, Breville doesn't make their four slot toaster from two long slots. This meant that, models such as the Smeg Four Slot Toaster, available at QVC could effortlessly fit a long sourdough slice in (see image above), the Breville could not. I had to halve my lovely, long artisanal slice in order to fit it in. 

Whilst the Smeg doesn't have the luxury of the auto-lift, it was much more consistent at toasting different breads, so was easier to use. If you eat a lot of artisanal breads and you need capacity, I think I'd be tempted to go for the Smeg, even though it means sacrificing on Breville's special bagel function. 

If you don't need capacity, but like the sound of a smarter toaster, you need to check out Breville's The Toast Select Luxe, available at QVC. This shares a similar aesthetic to the Breville Four Slice Die Cast, with a sleek, aluminium finish, but has more settings (including whole grain, rye, and waffle), whilst delivering much more consistent results. The only drawback with The Toast Select is that you're unlikely to save any money. Even though it's half the size, it's still the same price. However, if you prize aesthetics and performance, this is a competitive option.

Should you buy it?

The Breville Die Cast 4-Slice Toaster is great if you need capacity in the mornings. Having the ability to isolate two slots and run different settings at the same time can be priceless for some families. Plus, after using the handy auto-lift function for a while, I came to resent manual lift toasters (first world problems, I know). However, if you'll be using this to make lots (more than eight slices) of toast, you'll need to keep an eye on timings, because it's inconsistent when you haven't used it for a few hours.

How we test

At Homes & Gardens, we take our toaster testing very seriously. That's why we have a team of experts who make sure that any toaster we review has been through the ringer. Before it arrives in our kitchen, we'll research it, so we know all about the special features. Then, when we can carry out our real-life evaluation, we'll put it through our standardized series of tests, as well as any that can see what the special features are like. 

Once we're happy with our opinion of a toaster, we'll write up a review for you, letting you know about everything from unboxing to cleaning (as well as taste tests, of course). If you're interested in finding out more, you can visit our dedicated page for how we test.