With Australia loving coffee as much as it does, it should be no surprise that the demand to have the best coffee machine at home has become increasingly popular over the last few years.
Australians are wanting the quality of a barista-made coffee, with the convenience of only having to walk to their kitchen (the less said about instant coffee the better). But with an oversaturated market, it can be hard to tell which coffee machines will actually brew barista-quality coffee (like they all claim to do) and which are going to be complete duds.
This is why we’ve rounded up the very best coffee machines to buy right now, all of which can be used at home and some of which cater to tight budgets – yes, it is possible to get a top-quality coffee machine for under $1000.
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Coffee machine vs espresso machine:
The main difference between a coffee machine and an espresso machine is that coffee machines mix ground coffee with hot water, which then drips through a filter into a coffee pot. An espresso machine is what you’ll find in cafes. They shoot pressurised, boiling hot water through the ground coffee to deliver greater flavour. They can also come with a steam wand so you can froth some milk too.
One isn’t necessarily better than the other, it all depends on your personal preference but coffee enthusiasts (or rather, coffee-snobs) will usually prefer coffee made with an espresso machine as they produce a richer, more authentic coffee flavour than drip machines.
What to consider when purchasing a coffee machine:
Size
Do you have a small or large kitchen? If you have a small kitchen you may want to consider a small coffee/espresso machine that won’t take up too much kitchen space, or a lightweight machine so you can easily pack it away in a cupboard after using it. If you have a larger kitchen, you may want to get a medium-large sized coffee machine that’ll permanently stay on your kitchen countertop.
You also need to think about how many people in your household will use the coffee machine. If you live alone, a small machine will definitely suffice, however, if there are a few of you who need the elixir of life every morning, a small machine will be frustrating to use as you’ll constantly have to refill and empty it.
Price
Do you have a coffee/espresso machine budget? Some machines can go upwards of AU$1000. While price doesn’t always necessitate quality, the more expensive a machine is, the more features and benefits it will have.
Some of the best coffee machines in Australia are actually relatively cheap, but you may find that they won’t last as long or have as many features as something more expensive.
Think about what you want from a coffee machine and how often you’ll use it; try and figure out how much the cost per use will be for you. For example, if you drink only one cup of coffee at home per day and then spend 365 dollars on a machine, that works out to be only one dollar a day.
Ease Of Use
Manual espresso machines can be really fiddly and tricky to use if you don’t know what you’re doing. Plus, even for a professional barista, a manual machine will take a little bit of your time to make a cup of coffee; although you’ll have more control over the end result.
Automatic espresso machines, however, will make your drink with the touch of a button; meaning you can pop a coffee pod in, push a button, and then walk away knowing that when you return, your coffee will be ready. For those who want convenience, automation is the way to go.
A drip coffee machine will take a bit of time to brew initially (although many now come with the ability to pre-program the machine to start brewing at a particular time) but will then keep a whole pot of ready-to-drink coffee at the perfect temperature all day; or until you drink it all, so it all depends on how you’re feeling of a particular morning.
Think about your lifestyle and whether you want a machine that’s extremely easy to use, or whether you’re happy to play around with one a little to get a perfectly customised cup of coffee.
Milk Frothers
Do you like cappuccinos or lattes? If so, you’re going to need a milk frother. That way you can create perfectly frothy coffees at home. Some espresso machines come with milk frothers built-in, while others you’ll have to purchase separately. However, if you like espressos or black coffee, there’s really no need to get a milk frother.
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So, now you should know which type of coffee machine you want for your home, it’s time to find out the best brands to buy from. We’ve rounded up five brands making some of the best coffee machines right now, and the ones you should be checking out.
Nespresso Coffee Machines
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Price: From $129
Chances are, you’ve probably heard of Nespresso or at least seen George Clooney’s handsome face endorsing their coffee. Founded in 1986, Nespresso’s only goal was to enable anyone and everyone to create the perfect cup of espresso coffee – just like a skilled barista – at home.
Nespresso has a huge range of espresso machines that all use a capsule or pod system, so for those who want a good coffee quickly, a Nespresso will be the best coffee machine to buy. Most Nespresso machines are pretty compact, so finding space on your kitchen countertop should be easy. They’re incredibly wallet-friendly too, with prices ranging from AU$179 to AU$1199.
It has to be said before we delve into Nespresso’s machines that ‘Nespresso’ is a proprietary coffee system and therefore some Nespresso machines have been made by other brands, like Breville and DeLonghi, who have licensed Nespresso’s system and therefore feature Nespresso’s technology and will only take Nespresso’s coffee capsules/pods. This means that all of Nespresso’s machines (no matter whether you go for one made by Breville or DeLonghi) will make the same tasting coffee and the choice comes down to which machine you like better aesthetically.
Our top picks from Nespresso would be the Vertuo Next, the Essenzia Mini, and the Lattissima Touch. If you’re looking for a one-stop shop for all kinds of coffee, Nespresso’s Vertuo Next coffee machine has over 30 coffee blends to choose from in five different sizes and has the capability to create freshly brewed coffee with crema as well as authentic, delicious espresso. The only downside to the Vertuo is if you prefer cappuccinos or lattes, you’ll have to purchase a separate milk frother and making milky coffees will take a bit of time (and good pouring skills).
The Essenzia Mini is extremely lightweight, compact, and easy to use. This small coffee machine brews delicious coffee with crema and is extremely well-priced. The only drawbacks are, again, if you prefer milkier coffees, you’ll have to purchase a separate milk frother and, because the machine is quite small, if you have a larger household, you’ll constantly have to refill the water tank or empty the capsule tray. The size of the Ezzenzia Mini is perfect for those who live alone or if you want to take a coffee machine with you whilst travelling.
Nespresso’s Lattissima Touch is the machine for those cappuccino and latte lovers out there. Extremely simple to use with its advanced technology and intuitive touchscreen, the Lattissima Touch can create ristrettos, espressos, lungos, cappuccinos, and latte macchiatos with one touch of a button. This Nespresso machine has a built-in milk frother and creates milky coffees quickly and easily.
LavAzza Coffee Machines
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Price: From $150
Arguably, no country does coffee better than Australia, although Italy could be a very close second. LavAzza, founded in 1895 in Turin, is an Italian coffee company that has been owned by the Lavazza family for four generations. The brand is extremely passionate about coffee and is constantly exploring the art of coffee making and blending.
LavAzza has a small but mighty range of espresso machines that favour a coffee capsule system. LavAzza’s machines are small to medium in size and are very reasonably priced with prices ranging from AU$79 to AU$349; making them some of the most affordable coffee machines in Australia.
Our top picks are most definitely LavAzza’s Deséa and Jolie. The Deséa is extremely easy to use and can create delicious espressos, frothy cappuccinos, and milky lattes all with the touch of a single button. The machine is extremely quiet while it heats and froths, and is super easy to clean as all of the detachable parts are dishwasher safe.
The only downside to the Deséa is that if you’re after a milk-based coffee, you need to use the glass mug that’s included with the machine as the milk frother attachment fits on this mug only, which is totally fine unless someone else in your house then wants a milky coffee too; however, the simple solution is to purchase more of LavAzza’s mugs off their website.
The Jolie espresso machine is unmistakably Italian in its aesthetic and will elevate your kitchen with its sleek and elegant design that comes in three colours. The Jolie is small, meaning it won’t take up too much counter space, is extremely quiet, and can make a classic espresso or caffé lungo in just 25 seconds. The only drawback is that if you prefer milky coffees, you’ll need to purchase a separate milk frother.
Breville Coffee Machines
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Price: From $300
Breville, founded in Sydney in 1932, has become a globally known kitchen appliance brand. Offering everything from blenders to toasters to bread makers, it’s no surprise this innovative, iconic brand has a HUGE range of some of the best coffee machines around.
Breville has espresso machines and drip coffee makers, so depending on what type or how strong you like your coffee Breville has an array of options. Breville’s machines are medium to large size-wise, so expect to give up a decent chunk of your kitchen counter, and prices range from AU$99.95 to AU$3999.
Breville’s espresso machines (aside from the ones they’ve made in partnership with Nespresso) are definitely on the professional side. Some of them are exactly what you’ll see at your favourite cafe, and will require you to manually make your coffee, which is perfect if you’re a barista or an aspiring one. However, if you’re a novice, Breville does have espresso machines that are automatic.
Breville’s espresso machines don’t have a capsule/pod system but require coffee beans which the machine then grinds (manually or automatically depending on which model you go for). The downside of this means that they’re probably better suited for an office or a house with a very large kitchen (or simply for those who have a lot of time on their hands).
However, Breville’s range of coffee machines ensure precise temperature control, optimal water pressure, and can create true microfoam milk. So while you may have to get a little more involved to obtain your cuppa Joe, it will be of a far more authentic cafe quality.
If you’re after a drip coffee machine, we highly recommend Breville’s Aroma Style. For only AU$99.95, the Aroma Style coffee maker can be pre-programmed so you can wake up to a fresh brew in the morning. Easy to use and with the ability to make different strengths of coffees, the Aroma Style is perfect for busy households, everyone can simply pour themselves a cup, and coffee fiends; you can refill your cup multiple times before you leave the house.
DeLonghi Coffee Machines
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Price: From $120
Another appliance brand with a handsome celebrity endorsing it – in this case, Brad Pitt – DeLonghi was founded in 1974 and has grown to become a master of making some of the best coffee machines around. DeLonghi’s machines meet the diverse needs of coffee lovers around the world thanks to their technology, design, and the option to customise the drinks they serve.
DeLonghi offers fully automatic espresso machines, manual espresso machines, machines made in partnership with Nespresso, and drip coffee machines. Their machines range in size from small to large and are on the more expensive side with prices ranging from AU$169 to AU$2549.
Our top pick of DeLonghi’s best coffee machines has got to be the Magnifica; an automatic espresso machine. The Magnifica can make a variety of coffee-based beverages at the touch of a button from freshly ground beans and comes with a manual milk frother. You’ll be able to customise your desired level of coffee aroma and quantity each time you use the Magnifica and you can brew two cups of espresso at the same time thanks to the machine’s Two-Shot system.
The only drawback to Delonghi’s Magnifica range is that if you prefer your coffee extremely strong and bitter, some find this machine’s coffee a tad weak. Plus, the price is expensive when compared to other brands; the basic model of the Magnifica is AU$599. But when you consider how many different coffee-based drinks it can produce and how easy the machine is to use, it suddenly becomes better justified.
Smeg Coffee Machines
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Price: From $230
Italian appliance manufacturer, Smeg, was founded in 1948 and has become globally renowned for their stylish, colourful, 50s inspired appliances. Smeg seamlessly combines advanced technology with their chic products, meaning you get top-quality appliances that also look good.
Smeg offers coffee machines in virtually all styles; manual espresso machines, fully automatic coffee machines, drip coffee machines, coffee grinders, and milk frothers. Their machines range from small to medium in size, and, in price, range from AU$299 to AU$1799; although, that top price is for an espresso machine that was made in partnership with luxury fashion house, Dolce & Gabbana.
Our favourite machines, and to be honest, some of the best coffee machines to come from Smeg are the 50s Retro Style Coffee Machine and the 50s Retro Style Filter Coffee Machine. The Coffee Machine looks oh so good and comes in a range of colours. A semi-automatic espresso machine, it’s easy to use, can make single & double shots of espresso, and can froth milk, if you prefer cappuccinos and lattes. The machine uses ground coffee beans, although it can take soft coffee pods if you prefer.
The only downside is that it requires regular cleaning and isn’t completely automatic; although, this means you have a little more control over your coffee’s end result.
If you’re looking for a drip coffee machine, Smeg’s Filter Coffee Machine is exceptionally stylish and is available in multiple colour options. Extremely easy to use, it’ll brew 10 cups of aromatic, delicious coffee and will keep the coffee at the perfect temperature, with the ‘keep warm’ function, until you manage to drink it all.
Sunbeam Coffee Machines
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Price: From $329
Sunbeam coffee machines are some of the best for those on a budget, with prices ranging from $80 up to $949. Yes, ok, $949 is still a lot of money, but that will get you Sunbeam’s top-of-the-range coffee machine with all the bells and whistles such as 15 bar pump pressure, a dual heating system and a dual thermoblock that allows you to pour your espresso and froth your milk at the same time.
Sunbeam’s mid-range coffee machines still come with plenty of useful features, such as a built-in coffee bean grinder, which you can adjust to change the grind size and required volume (whether you want enough to pour coffee in one cup or two) and a milk frother to get cafe-quality coffee at home (dependent on your skill set, of course).
If it’s a simple filter coffee machine you’re after then Sunbeam has the perfect option for just $80, which will get you 12 cups worth of coffee. You can even set a timer so that it will start making coffee before you wake up in the morning, so there’s no waiting around.
What we also like about Sunbeam coffee machines is how good looking they are. They’re available in a range of colour options to match your kitchen decor, and only take up a small amount of space on your counter top.