The best at-home coffee machines for your café experience
If you make and drink it at home, you'll be keen to have it turn out top-notch, so selecting the best coffee machine for your needs is a huge game-changer.
Fair dinkum, today's coffee machines have got more functionality and options than ever before and can be a ripper value – that is, if you're after a domestic coffee machine that's café-quality.
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Which method produces the tastiest coffee?
The type of coffee machine that suits you best is really a matter of how you like your coffee. For instance, a French Press will give you a strong, rich brew, whereas methods like the Aeropress or pour-over will give you a lighter flavour.
Mates who make at home have got heaps of better features and more brewing options than ever, so there's a coffee machine for every taste, lifestyle, and budget out there. They used to see capsule and pod machines as a bit dodgy, but fair dinkum, they've come a long way, and heaps can knock out a ripper of a coffee in no time. But for proper coffee aficionados, manual machines are the way to go – they're the most high-tech, and they give you the power to control the whole shebang, from the flavour to the technique, so you can make a cup that's up to Café standards.
Here's a guide to the various gubbins and ways of doing things.
Capsule and pod machines
Coffee pod machines are just the ticket for coffee lovers who grab a cup on the run, needing a quick caffeine boost and all the convenience one can get. The affordable price point and ease of use of these machines have been the perfect reasons for people to swap from instant coffee to a real espresso.
We've seen a surge in capsule coffee machine sales – mainly because Aussies want to become baristas in their own home," says John Kozsik, National Training Manager (Australia) at Lavazza. "Good quality capsule coffee machines are really convenient, easy to understand, and simple to clean – perfect for someone after top-notch coffee straight from their own kitchen!
There's been some worry about the environmental impact of disposable pods, but now there's a huge range of biodegradable pods available, plus recycling programs in place. The best way to chuck your empty pods in the bin is through drop-off and post-back collection schemes like the ones run by Terracycle. Nespresso has a recycling program that lets you return your used aluminium capsules to a Nespresso storefront or send your used capsules back to Nespresso via a special Australia Post express mail bag.
Manual coffee machines
You'll have a top cuppa in no time if you know what you're doing. Manual machines give you complete control over the flavour, the pour, the taste, and so on.
While they might seem a bit tricky to grab, getting the knack of it usually only takes a few goes at it. Most retailers of manual machines also give you a crack at having a yarn with the equipment before you get started.
When you're buying a manual machine, keep in mind it might've come with or without a built-in steaming function. If you're after the ability to froth milk and whip up lattes, cappuccinos, or hot chocolates, ensure it's got that feature.
Automatic coffee machines
These machines are a step up from manual ones, and they often let you customise your coffee, right from grinding the beans to the final drink. If you've got a particular grind or style in mind, some machines even let you set it up so that all you gotta do is press a button with your name on it, like 'Clare's Coffee', and it'll brew your favourite half-strength long black.
The automatic machines are perfect for people who are fussy about their coffee, but wouldn't know how to work a manual one, says. They're good for making – nearly barista-quality – coffee with not much practice or experience required.
They offer an extremely sharp price for the quality of their gear. “I've got one of their grinders at home and I'm pretty pleased with its usability. Often, it's not just brewing the coffee that's hard to work out; steaming milk is a bit of a delicate art as well. So if you've got a machine that does it automatically, that's a major advantage.”
Automatic machines are a ripper for the casual coffee fan. You chuck your beans in, set how fine you like your grind, and it'll take care of everything else for you. So, all you have to do is press the grind button, toss the beans in, and hit the brew button.
Built-in coffee machines
Companies also make built-in coffee machines which can help keep the kitchen free of coffee-related clutter.
Built-in coffee machines are a convenient option for those who want to free up space on their benchtop and create a sleek, integrated look. Some models use beans, while others use capsules, including the popular Nespresso system. However, built-in machines often come at a higher price point and require more upkeep compared to standard benchtop coffee machines.
Brands like Miele, Smeg, NEFF, Fisher & Paykel, Electrolux, and AEG all offer the option of built-in appliances that match their cooking products. And let's be honest, if you're having a kitchen fitted with a Miele range, why wouldn't you get a matching Miele coffee machine?
Some built-in machines, like the Bosch Series 8 machine, can make two cups at once, which is ideal for entertaining. At the high-end of the market, the Gaggenau machine can store up to eight custom coffee settings.
Make sure you do a regular clean of your machine to keep it ticking over smoothly.
When you buy your coffee machine, ask about training to get the most out of it. Some brands also have YouTube clips that show you how to use all its features.
Most large department stores have trained baristas you can have a yarn to about coffee and finding the right machine for you. If you're after a new coffee machine, it's a good idea to have a look at how the taste stacks up between pod coffee and beans, and work out whether you want to get creative with your coffee by using a manual machine, or if you prefer the ease of an automatic machine or a pod one.
Sample Coffee’s John Kaye says barista courses can be a good idea, too. “Steaming milk and brewing coffee can take a bit of fiddling about, so a little guidance is always appreciated. Putting in that effort usually pays off in the end.”
There's a rundown on Australia's top pod coffee machines
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$1119.20 Myer
Breville's Nespresso Creatista Pro bumps up the bar on capsule coffee to record levels, adding their know-how in making heavy-duty coffee makers with the ease of pod coffee. Standing out with its shiny brushed steel design, the Creatista Pro can chuck out two cappuccinos in just 65 seconds, and has a straightforward touch screen UI to help you take coffee personalisation to new heights.
Key features:
- Dual ThermoJet Heating System to simultaneously generate espresso and auto-texturise milk.
- Intuitive touch screen operation
- Fully-automatic steam wand
02
Voicy Black A Modo Mio capsule coffee machine
Big W
Lavazza's teamed up with Amazon to create the world's first cuppa machine that you can control with your voice: just say, "Alexa make me a cuppa" and a beautiful coffee appears. It's like having a barista at your beck and call (though, maybe not as charming as your local barista). Alexa/Voicy can also handle all the things Alexa can do, such as keep you up with the news or play music. Don't fancy chatting (maybe before your cuppa in the mornin')? You can also operate the Voicy from afar using an app. Not into gadgets? You can still use the Voicy the old-fashioned way – with your hands. The Lavazza app can also store your customised cuppa orders and remind you when you're running low on cups (flavours include 'Chocolate and Dried Fruit' and 'Cocoa and Spices', sounds delicious).
Key features:
- Syncs up with your smart devices so you can use voice commands to manage them.
- Built-in Alexa
- One-touch barista
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The Vertuo Next with Aeroccino3 milk frother offers a seamless and high-class coffee experience with every use. Adjust the settings to your liking with the intuitive touchscreen display, and brew up to 14 distinct coffee drinks, from a short (2-5g) or long (25-17g) coffee to a descaling procedure. The Aeroccino3 allows you to prepare perfect frothed milk (including cappuccino and latte) with a simple touch of a button.
The Good Guys
In a variety of stylish colourways, Nespresso's VertuoPlus coffee machine makes a great addition to your kitchen benchtop. With its clever design that spins each coffee capsule up to 7,000 times a minute, the VertuoPlus ensures you get the perfect brew from your coffee pods every time. Plus, the Aeroccino3 milk frother makes it easy to whip up a cappuccino or latte.
Key features:
- Five adaptable brewing parameters
- Easy-to-use 1-touch operation, automatic capsule discharge
- Paired with the Aeroccino3 Milk Frother, which creates hot or cold froth for your milk coffees.
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Nespresso Lattissima one touch coffee machine
The Good Guys
DeLonghi’s Latissima One Nespresso System is aimed at taking your capsule coffee to the next level, thanks to a clever in-built fresh milk system that’s designed to froth and pour milk automatically. The smart system even shows you exactly how much milk you'll need for each cup, so you can make the most of every drop and leave the mess behind. If you're a fan of lattes or cappuccinos, the Latissima is a top-notch option to consider investing in.
Key features:
- 25 second heat-up time
- This compact size will fit snugly on your kitchen bench top
- This jug has a built-in automatic milk frother that lets you make lattes and cappuccinos with just one touch of a button
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Smeg Lavazza A Modo Mio capsule coffee machine in Crema.
Appliances Online
G'day, don't you know? Smeg's got its own take on a capsule machine in partnership with Lavazza, and it's a ripper in a retro style. This little beauty's got simple yet flexible brew options, so you can knock up the perfect espresso or long black with just a button press. Available in Chalk, Matte Black, and Reds for All Home Brew Appreciation.
Key features:
- Hot and cold beverages capability
- Over 40 beverage varieties
- Easy to clean
Is it worth buying coffee from capsule systems?
Pod machines are a good fit for those looking for a quick and easy shot of caffeine. They're generally cheaper and simpler to operate than automated and manual machines, producing a similar cup of coffee at the end of the day.
Are pod coffee machines up to scratch?
Good cup and capsule coffee makers are chock-a-block easy to use, straightforward, and a breeze to clean. If you're after ease and simplicity with your morning coffee, the pod machine might tick all the boxes for you.
Our roundup of the top-rated manual coffee machines in Australia
01
Breville The Barista Espresso Automatic Coffee Machine
The Good Guys
The top-selling machine, as the name implies, the Breville Barista Express is designed to churn out café-quality cups in under a minute. The incorporated conical burr grinder churns out the perfect amount of freshly ground coffee for each serve, precise temperature control ensures ideal espresso extraction and the steam wand lets you hand-texture microfoam milk however you like.
Key features:
- A flat white every time with the four keys formula (precision puck, extraction pressure, extraction temperature and microfoam bubbles).
- Auto grind and dose with an integrated conical burr grinder featuring 16 different grind settings.
- 54 mm stainless steel portafilter dishes up full flavour with dual and single wall filters
- Low-pressure preliminary pre-infusion followed by a pressure of 9 bars of extraction
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Smeg 50's Retro Style coffee machine
Appliances Online
When it comes to making a major style statement in the kitchen, you can't look anywhere else than Smeg's iconic retro kitchen appliances. Smeg's 50s retro-style coffee machine comes in seven different colour options and features a Good Design Award-winning compact design. As a manual espresso machine, the Smeg coffee machine allows you full control over your perfect brew from start to finish.
Key features:
- Five lively and varied colour finishes
- Three-button control
- Compact profile
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Barista Sunbeam Mini manual coffee machine
Myer
With a slim and compact design, Sunbeam's Mini Barista espresso machine is a manual coffee machine that lets you have your cup of coffee just the way you like it. With a 15mm Italian pump and a 58mm commercial-size group head, the Mini Barista is set up to get the best out of your coffee beans and bring out their full flavours. It also features an Auto Shot Control setting that makes sure the machine pours just the right amount for each cup of coffee.
Key features:
- Auto Shot Volumetric Control, lets you pre-set single and double shot measurements
- The Mini Barista uses a 58mm commercial-sized group head, inspired by coffee machines found in cafes.
- Powerful, full-size steam wand
04
Delonghi LaSpecialista Arte coffee machine
Amazon
Enjoy the aroma of freshly ground coffee every morning with Delonghi's top-rated La Specialista Arte manual coffee machine. It's got an eight-setting conical burr grinder for a single or double espresso, plus an Active Temperature Control that keeps the water at the right temperature during coffee brewing, and a MyLatte Art Steam Wand that makes silky smooth lattes a breeze.
Key features:
- 8 grind settings, specifically developed to fit all varieties of Aussie coffee beans
- 3 Infusion temperature levels
- MyLatte Art steam wand
05
An 'Aussie Devotee' Sunbeam Barista Max Espressa coffee machine
Amazon
The Sunbeam Barista Max Coffee Machine will have you making coffee like a pro. With some clever features like an aftermarket "tap & go" one-touch grinder, plus a temperature IQ shot control to regulate the water and temperature, the perfect cup of coffee starts at home.
Key features:
- Integrated tap and go one-touch grinder
- Temp IQ shot control
- Auto shot volumetric control
Are manual or automatic coffee machines more convenient?
While manual machines give you full control over the result, automatic machines are the way to go for people who aren't skilled or experienced with using a manual machine but still want a flat white-winning flavour. All you've got to do is press the grind button, chuck in the beans, and hit the brew button. It will still come down to personal taste and putting in the hard yakka to get the perfect brew.
Our rundown of the top-notch automatic and built-in coffee machines in Australia
01
Breville The Oracle Jet
David Jones
Speciality coffee in the comfort of your own home – what more could you ask for? The newest addition to Breville's coffee machine range is The Oracle Jet. You can select from specialty recipes – including the newly added Cold Brew and Cold Espresso recipes – to ensure your morning brew is perfect every time. Also, if you're a fan of your oat lattes or soy cappuccinos, the Auto MilQ provides silky smooth microfoam with settings optimised for not only dairy milk, but also soy, almond, and oat (at last).
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Key features:
- Auto MilQ optimised for dairy, soy, almond, and oat milk
- 7. Pour the shot into a cup and top with a dollop of whipped cream, if desired.
- ThermoJet heating system
- That's it, mate! With these tips and a bit of practice, you'll be pouring like a pro and brewing a balanced cup of coffee in no time. Cheers!
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DeLonghi Primadonna Soul self-service automatic coffee machine
The Good Guys
For those keen on a barista-standard coffee without the hassle of tricky settings, DeLonghi's PrimaDonna Soul automatic coffee machine takes care of everything for you. The bulk of the work comes from DeLonghi's Bean Adapt Technology, which has the PrimaDonna Soul automatically adjust its settings to produce a perfect cuppa, depending on the type and roast of your beans. The good news is that the machine is Wi-Fi compatible, so you can brew your coffee from the comfort of your bed.
Key features:
- Adapt your machine settings to suit your coffee beans
- Automatic LatteCrema System
- Self-cleaning function
- 4.3" full touch TFT colour display and Wi-Fi connectivity
02
Gaggenau 200 Series built-in espresso machine
Winnings
Gaggenau's fully automatic built-in espresso machine looks good from every angle no matter where you decide to put it in the kitchen. Made to fit in easily alongside other major kitchen appliances and cabinetry, this sharp machine delivers on both style and function. Fully automatic, you can choose from a range of 12 coffee styles and then customise each brew to your own tastes for a hassle-free experience.
Key features:
- Maintenance-free grinding unit with ceramic grinding plates
- Have a dedicated drawer for your second ground coffee type.
- Save up to 8 customised drinks
- Two cup brewing simultaneously
03
Miele VitroLine built-in coffee machine
Bing Lee
Miele's sleek VitroLine Obsidian built-in coffee machine beautifully combines style with functionality. With a modern design that matches any kitchen decor, the VitroLine's Aromatic SystemFresh feature guarantees freshly ground coffee for each and every cup.
Key features:
- Full touch DirectSensor controls
- 24+ beverage varieties
- OneTouch for Two
- WiFiConnect
04
Bosch "Series 8" fully automatic in-cup coffee machine
Winnings
Bosch's top-notch built-in coffee machine is designed to take your kitchen to the next level straight away. With a streamlined look, the automatic machine helps you create a truly personalised brew in an instant. Bosch's OneTouch DoubleCup feature lets you pour two cups of coffee on the spot, and the clever sensoFlow system makes sure the water's heated to just the right temperature.
Key features:
- Intelligent strength adjustment
- 8.3 cm colour display with touch and slide functionality
- AutoMilk Clean advanced automated descaling and cleaning program for reduced effort.
- A top-notch grinder constructed from hard-wearing ceramic
• May not be environmentally friendly due to single-use coffee packets or pods"
You're after a top-notch cup of coffee, like a Barista made one, where all you gotta do is chuck your beans in, set the grind right, and give it the thumbs up for brewing. However, if you wanna take your coffee to the next level with a more complex flavour, an automatic machine can't touch a manual machine. Small differences in the age of the beans, the humidity, and the amount of froth just can't be sorted with a machine, and it's where human input comes into play.
Do cafe-style coffee machines need plumbing hooked up?
Built-in coffee machines come in a variety of styles, and whether you need them connected to the water supply at a couple of points comes down to what model you've got. Some will need plumbing to work, while others have a built-in water tank. If you reckon convenience is pretty high on your list and you want a machine that's as easy as possible to use, you might want to consider having both the water and drain set up with plumbing. Have a yarn with your salesperson to work out what will be the best fit for you.
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