What to look for in a student coffee machine

Here's a handy checklist of features to look out for:

• Compact size: Kitchens and desks in student accommodation don't have much room to spare, so a slimline machine is a must.

• Easy to use: Look for simple controls and a quick heat-up time for those bleary-eyed mornings. Minimal effort for maximum enjoyment!

• Easy to clean: Reduce cleaning time with removable water tanks, drip trays and dishwasher-safe parts.

• Pod, ground or both: Pod machines are quick and mess-free, while filter and espresso machines use ground coffee, which is often cheaper per cup. Some machines do both.

• Pod compatibility: Nespresso Vertuo and Nespresso Original pods aren't interchangeable, so check which your machine takes before you stock up.

• Milk frother: Handy if your order is more latte than black coffee.

• Student-friendly price: Think about the cost of the machine and what you'll spend on coffee each week.

Best pod coffee machine: Nespresso by Krups Smart Pod Coffee Machine

Want café-style drinks at the touch of a button? The Nespresso by Krups Smart Pod Coffee Machine is the one.

• It brews 7 cup sizes, from ristretto to carafe, and heats up in around 30 seconds.

• A welcome set of 12 pods and an Aeroccino milk frother are included.

• The 1.1-litre water tank and app connectivity give you descaling alerts and software updates.

Best filter coffee machine: BOSCH MyMoment Filter Coffee Machine

If you'd rather have a big mug of proper filter coffee, the Bosch MyMoment is a simple, affordable choice. It’s also a great coffee machine for a shared apartment as it holds up to 10 cups of coffee.

• DripStop prevents mess when you pour, and the removable water tank makes refilling easy.

• The jug is dishwasher safe, and the power cord stores away neatly.

• The 40-minute keep-warm function keeps your second cup as good as the first, then the machine switches itself off.

Best compact espresso machine: De’Longhi Stilosa

Fancy learning your way around a real espresso machine? The De’Longhi Stilosa is stylish and doesn’t take up much space.

• Its 15-bar pump produces rich espresso with a proper crema, and it works with ground coffee or ESE pods.

• The stainless steel manual steam wand lets you froth milk for cappuccinos and lattes.

• It has a 1-litre removable water tank and a removable drip tray that fits taller cups.

Best cold brew coffee machine: Nespresso by De'Longhi Vertuo Next

Iced coffee season lasts all year in our opinion, especially when deadlines are looming. The Nespresso by De'Longhi Vertuo Next does delicious cold brew drinks as well as espresso, flat whites and lattes.

• It has 7 cup sizes, from a 25ml ristretto to a 535ml carafe.

• It heats up in about 30 seconds and switches itself off after two minutes.

• The slim design suits a small counter, and the removable water tank and drip tray make cleaning simple.

Best coffee machine for small college accommodation: Nespresso by Krups Vertuo Pop Barista Bundle

Short on space? The Nespresso by Krups Vertuo Pop is brilliant for tiny kitchens or boxy on-campus rooms.

• Its compact design keeps your counter clutter-free, and the 0.6-litre water tank suits one or two coffees a day.

• The removable water tank and drip tray are dishwasher-safe, so cleaning up is quick.

• The included Aeroccino milk frother makes lattes and cappuccinos without needing a separate gadget.

Best coffee machine for coffee enthusiasts on a budget: Ninja Prestige DualBrew System

If you're the one in your group with strong coffee opinions, you'll want options without a serious outlay. The Ninja Prestige DualBrew System is two machines in one.

• It brews Nespresso Original pods for ristretto, espresso and lungo, or ground coffee in filter mode, with 10 drink sizes to choose from.

• A foldaway milk frother is built in, and the brew basket, carafe and whisk are all dishwasher safe.

• Both the pod and filter sides have an "over ice" setting for iced coffee.

Need more help?

You can browse our full range of coffee machines or check out our guide on how to choose a coffee machine for more advice on finding the perfect brew.