If you're reading this, there's a good chance that you rely on a cup or two of coffee to make it through the morning. British people consume vast amounts of coffee every day. According to some estimates, we down 95 million cups every day, and not all of them hit the spot in the way they should.
This hotukdeals buyer's guide will help you get more from your morning espresso or boutique cappuccino. We'll find out how to find great offers for fair-trade blends, sophisticated coffee makers, and rich syrups that can turn the blandest cup of instant coffee into an intoxicating delight.
We at hotukdeals know how important coffee is! But there is no reason why you can't save on your coffee purchases. In this buyer's guide, we will help you find all the best coffee deals and coffee offers, as well as the best place to buy cheap coffee machines and coffee machine sales. But first, let's learn a bit more about how we came to depend on coffee in our daily lives.
Despite our passionate consumption, coffee drinking is a relatively modern introduction to British society. The first coffee houses opened in London in the early seventeenth century, acting as meeting points for businessmen and free thinkers, while also offering something a little exotic and stimulating at the same time.
Coffee consumption rapidly expanded, becoming a nationwide pastime by the 1670s, when over 3,000 coffee houses dotted the cities of the UK. The rise of coffee wasn't smooth though. Some people criticised coffee houses as dens of subversion, while others blamed coffee for the impotence of husbands (incorrectly, of course). But despite this, the habit of coffee drinking expanded and became a mainstay of British life.
In the 18th and 19th centuries, new forms of coffee were discovered and traded, and production grew worldwide, as coffee cultivation spread away from its Arabian roots. Prices dropped as a result, putting coffee consumption within reach of the working classes.
Again, coffee's rise wasn't silky smooth. Tea competed fiercely for public attention in the 1800s, and kept coffee from becoming a national obsession. However, by the 1950s and 60s, this had all changed. Modern household appliances and the spread of high street cafes meant that finding a decent cup of coffee became easier than ever. And now, thanks to coffee retailers and equipment manufacturers, the options available to UK fans range incredibly widely. So let's dive into the world of coffee and explore what's on offer at hotukdeals.
Coffee itself remains a mystery to some people. All most of care about is the energy boost that a strong-brewed cup of coffee provides, or the smooth taste of a barista-made flat white. But there's plenty of complex chemistry at work in every bean.
As you probably know, a molecule called caffeine lies at the heart of coffee's sorcery. Caffeine is actually a bit of an imposter. It works by emulating the action of a naturally occurring hormone called adenosine, which usually tells the brain to slow down as people prepare for sleep.
However, when you consume caffeine, the message provided is very different. While caffeine binds with adenosine receptors, it doesn't produce the same results. Instead, it actually tells the brain to speed up its activity, producing a rush of clarity and energy.
At the same time, the body detects caffeine as a potential danger, which multiplies its effects. As the body responds to the threat, it produces adrenaline, which increases your heart rate, and primes the body for action. In modern life, that translates into a feeling of alertness and energy, which (hopefully) banishes our morning drowsiness for good.
But is coffee good for you? Well, the jury's out on that question. Some say that caffeine protects against cancer, Parkinson's disease, dementia, liver disease, Type 2 diabetes, and even depression. That's a complete reversal from older theories, which saw coffee as a risk factor, in conditions like heart disease. Nowadays, scientists seem to be leaning towards viewing coffee as a health-promoting drink, and certainly not a health threat.
All coffee is grown from beans from the coffea family of plants, but within that family two major forms produce the effects we desire: Arabica and Robusta. If you read packs of coffee beans in the supermarket, you'll see products labelled with these terms (or as a blend of the two), and there are some important differences.
Arabica – These days, Arabica constitutes around 60-70% of global production, and is generally thought to provide a richer, more pleasant taste. Arabica plants are cultivated on hillsides, usually in tropical environments, and cost more to harvest than alternatives as a result. Major producers include Indonesia, Ethiopia, Colombia, Costa Rica, and Guatemala, all of which provide beans for UK coffee chains like Starbucks, Caffe Nero, and Costa Coffee. If you're served a cappuccino at any of these chains, it's almost certainly going to be from Arabica beans, due to the taste differences involved.
Robusta – Much cheaper than Arabica beans, Robusta plants actually contain more caffeine but don't have the same taste. Widely grown in Vietnam and Brazil, robusta varieties are commonly fed into mass-produced instant coffee (so watch out when choosing a brand). It may lack the attention-grabbing taste of fine Arabica beans, Robusta generally results in cheap coffee, is easier to produce and, arguably, more sustainable as a result. But you'll notice the taste difference when using it in home coffee makers.
Blends – Sometimes, retailers offer Robusta and Arabica blends. This isn't usually to improve the taste. Historically, vendors have adulterated Arabica products with Robusta to lower their costs and boost profits. So these products aren't usually premium options. However, tastes differ and some people may prefer the bitterness and rawness of Robusta blends over the almost sweet properties of Arabica beans.
When you shop for coffee, you'll almost certainly see products on offer from Indonesia, Guatemala, Ethiopia, Rwanda, Colombia, Costa Rica, Brazil – the list goes on. So what does this actually mean? Do coffees differ markedly in taste between growing locations?
Naturally, the “terroir” (influence of soil and environment) will have an effect on the finished product. However, this is an area where inexperienced drinkers can easily fall for marketing pitches instead of following their senses. To the untrained consumer, coffees vary very little in their basic tastes, no matter where they are produced.
Even so, if you take the time to savour their aromas and strength, you'll eventually notice variations – just like with wine. For instance, Brazilian varieties are often described as “nutty”, Kenyan beans have a “sweetness” about them that others lack, while those from Guatemala or Costa Rica are frequently labelled as “fruity”. In many cases, this is simply to make different products seem more appealing, but they do have a basis in reality. So by all means, test a few varieties to find a source that meets your needs. But be realistic, and don't fall for marketing gimmicks.
When you've found a supplier that you love, the next coffee-related question is how to actually make a cup of coffee that really gets the job done. There are a few things to consider here. For example, how time-consuming do you want coffee making to be? Do you have 15-20 minutes to spare every morning as you wait for coffee to drip through, or do you need a caffeine shot right now? Do you want to grind beans or rely on pre-ground coffee? Let's try to clear up these issues by running through the most popular ways to make a delicious cup of coffee.
Espresso and Barista Coffee Makers – Resembling the machinery present in most coffee shops, these (usually) large devices employ super-heated water and pressure to liberate the oils and taste of prime coffee. They can often be precisely calibrated to deliver certain temperatures or coffee doses, and may come with milk frothers as an extra attachment, making it easy to whip up a barista-style cappuccino without leaving the house. However, they do come with a hefty price tag, making them one for genuine coffee obsessives. Key brands include De Longhi, Melitta and Jura.
Drip Coffee Makers – The most common type of home coffee maker, these machines generally feature drums to hold ground coffee, which is usually held in separate paper filters. Heated water is fed through this coffee, extracting oils from the ground beans as it drips through into a receptacle below. This tends to sit atop a heating element, keeping coffee warm for hours on end. Check out Russell Hobbs for some affordable models, while Technivorm offers more upscale alternatives.
Moka Pots – Much less complex, these stove top accessories are usually made from metal. They consist of a coffee holder, a water tank below, and a container for coffee resting on top. As heat is applied, the water evaporates through the coffee, then condenses in the upper chamber, in the form of concentrated espresso. Key brands include Pezzetti, Alessi, and Serafino Zani.
French Presses – Again, a pretty low tech solution, French Presses or cafetière feature single chambers of varying sizes. Coffee is places at the bottom, hot water is added, and a (usually spring loaded) filter is pressed downwards to extract oils from the coffee. The liquid above the filter should be free of grounds, and ready to drink. John Lewis and Sainsbury's make some fine French presses, usually at very affordable prices.
AeroPresses – Somewhat resembling a French Press, AeroPresses use a lot more pressure to extract more caffeine and taste from coffee beans. If you want a manual solution that creates the strongest possible coffees, they will be the ideal solution, but can be a little tricky to keep clean.
Capsule Coffee Makers – Also known as “single serve coffee makers” or capsule machines, pod-based solutions like Nespresso are becoming incredibly popular, we'll deal with purchasing pods in a moment. These machines typically use specially made coffee pods which contain strictly regulated amounts of coffee. When clicked into place, these pods act like mini-espresso machines, allowing super-heated water to pass through from the bottom, and through apertures in the tin-foil lid. The end result is a single cup of precisely made coffee – a handy solution for singles or those in a hurry. Popular brands include Tassimo and Nespresso.
Instant Coffee – Even more convenient for people who can't wait for brewing to finish, instant coffee won't go away. While most coffee drinkers agree that the taste of instant isn't anywhere near as beguiling as a freshly brewed cup, premium varieties can be surprisingly convincing, and they take a minute or two to make. So most caffeine fans will want a jar or two in their cupboard, just in case.
Cold Brew – A slightly more offbeat coffee making solution, cold brew or iced coffee has an avid following among hipsters and real caffeine heads. Generally stronger than a usual cup, cold brew can be extremely refreshing on summer days (not something piping hot macchiatos can claim). The downside is that making cold brew requires “steeping” grounds for 20 hours or more, so some preparation is needed. But the good news is that specialist cold brew makers are available from brands like Cusinart and Primula, making the process much easier (and less messy).
This is one question that all coffee fans have to grapple with, and it's not as simple as it might seem. Naturally, if you want to minimise the labour involved in making a cup of coffee, pre-ground coffee is a no-brainer. You can pick up superb ground varieties from brands like Cafe Direct, Union Hand-Roasted, Whittard, or Percol, and they will do just fine in most standard coffee makers.
However, some argue that this isn't the best way to savour the real taste of the coffee itself. According to these experts, the taste of coffee is bound up inside the whole bean, and when you grind that bean, some of the taste is lost. Give it a try for yourself. Those with sensitive palates may well notice the difference, and choose to grind coffee for themselves as a result.
If you take the un-ground coffee route, you'll need to find the perfect coffee grinder and a source of premium coffee beans, or the experience won't measure up.
As far as coffee grinders are concerned, it's important to find models with efficient cutting mechanisms and power ratings, low noise levels, and large containers to hold as many coffee beans as possible. You can purchase super-sized models from brands like Baratza, which are really best-suited to coffee houses. Home users can often get away with mini-grinders. In that case, the De Longhi KG49 is a good way to go.
When purchasing beans, experimentation is the best strategy. Everyone is different, so try a few styles, countries of origin, and brands. When you've found a type that works, buy larger bags if possible. As with so many products, buying in bulk is the best way to pick up cheap coffee beans, particularly with premium brands.
If you've chosen to go for a shiny new Tassimo or Nespresso maker, you'll quickly notice another issue: purchasing replacement pods. These machines (and many other contemporary brands) require users to use officially licensed pods. That's a convenient money-making strategy, but less welcome for everyday coffee drinkers. So saving money, and buying pods for coffee on sale always makes sense.
When shopping for cheap coffee pods, look for bundle deals on the blends and varieties you love. If you find a product that meets your needs, don't buy is in small batches. You'll find that the bills mount up rapidly that way. Instead, most manufacturers offer bulk-buy deals that slash the cost of individual pods.
Also, you'll find the cheapest coffee pods around at hotukdeals. Pods tend to be the kind of product that supermarkets and online sellers discount on a regular basis, especially for major brands like Nespresso. Don't just head to high street retailers. Shop around before you make any coffee pod purchases.
This is another key question for ethically minded coffee buyers. As you may know, working standards in the coffee industry haven't always been as strong as they could be. Moreover, growers have often not received fair rewards for their effort, with multinational companies pocketing the profit before it reaches them.
Fair-Trade arose as a result of these abuses, and it's now a mainstream part of the market. But check carefully, as many products haven't been Fair Trade certified. Nespresso pods should be certified (after years of pressure from campaigners), and Tassimo have a history of working sustainably with their growers. But double check for the FairTrade logo before purchasing. It will help out the people who grow the beans you love.
These days, many people aren't content to enjoy the taste of pure coffee. Instead, they have started to emulate the American practice of supplementing coffees with rich syrup concoctions, resulting in seductive aromas and tastes.
If you'd like to experiment with syrups, look to premium brands like Monin or Simply Coffee. Both offer flavours like hazelnut, caramel, maple, grenadine, and many other styles. Not all work brilliantly with coffee, but it's great fun to mix and match to find tastes that you adore.
As usual, there are ways to pick up affordable coffee syrup, even involving these upscale brands. Retailers like Amazon offer online discounts for major brands, and supermarkets come up with bulk deals all the time. So again, shopping around is a great idea.
Coffee is definitely an underrated area for gift buyers. But when you think about it, few product areas are as diverse and rewarding for the recipient. There's almost always some type of product that will delight coffee fans, most of which can be found at hotukdeals. Here are some suggestions.
Reusable Coffee Cups – With public concern over single use plastic waste rising, why not purchase a well-insulated, secure, and good-looking reusable cup? The best reusable coffee cup models can keep coffee warm for hours on end, and are designed to fit into the wells of car interiors. Even better, many coffee shops will give a discount to customers who bring their own cups. So everyone should have one. Pokito is a great brand to look at, with their fold-away models.
Syrup Gift Boxes – If your partner or loved one adores a dash of syrup in their daily latte, purchasing a gift box from a brand like Manon or Tate & Lyle will be the perfect gift. Who knows, they could find a totally new flavour that revolutionises their coffee drinking habits?
Personalised Mugs – If you've got something to say, why not put it on a personalised coffee cup? hotukdeals like Moonpig or Funky Pigeon allow customers to style mugs any way they desire, and regularly run discount code promotions.
Coffee Plant Growing Kits – OK, so you're not likely to recreate the terraced hillsides of Colombia in your greenhouse or bedroom window sill, but it's still fun to see how coffee plants grow. Companies like Not on the High Street offer coffee growing kits, with terracotta pots and seeds.
Nobody should pay more than they have to for coffee products. Whether you need a new supply of Arabica beans, a glitzy Tassimo coffee maker, or a gift box crammed with rich coffee syrups, saving money is always an option. But how can you find the best coffee offers around?
The answer is pretty simple. Don't just head to online or high street retailers to check out their product selection. By all means, work out what brand of espresso maker you'd like. But when you know what you are looking for, head over to the hotukdeals coffee listings, and search for deals in your chosen product area.
You'll be amazed by the price differences between different merchants for high-end coffee machines and replacement pods, and we offer the most effective way to compare those prices. You'll find offers from Amazon, Argos, John Lewis, B&M Retail, Tesco, Asda, and eBay. There are gift deals from Moonpig and Funky Pigeon, discounted pods from Tassimo and Nespresso, and all manner of caffeinated goodies waiting to be discovered.
If you intend to make a really substantial coffee-related purchase, timing might be a consideration, too. Deluxe coffee makers from De Longhi, Lelit Mara, or Sage tend to be discounted around Black Friday, so holding off until November often makes sense. But if you need to stock up on pods and beans, or your French press is broken, the hotukdeals coffee listings are there to help, any time of year.
If you are a coffee fan, don't pay more than you have to for the beans, pods, and equipment your passion requires. Instead, customers can enjoy the very best cups possible, without spending hundreds of pounds. And they can keep up their supplies without racking up bills, as well. Just head to the hotukdeals coffee listings for the lowest prices around.
