18 best coffee machines 2024 | Top-rated coffee makers
This much-loved brand has resurrected a fan favourite and with it launched a surprising feature.
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Having a coffee machine at home might have once been seen as a luxury but is now as much a part of our kitchens as a toaster and kettle.
Even KitchenAid has recognised the power of a cup of Joe, with the household name finally re-launching their espresso machine range with a mix of new fully automatic and semi-automatic models to whet everyone's appetite. And we've got a first look at one of the most affordable options from the premium collection – the KitchenAid Semi Automatic Espresso Machine with Burr Grinder.
The swappable and easy-to-store bean hopper is one surprise we didn't expect, but certainly a welcome feature for coffee lovers who want to change up their flavours without sacrificing their daily dose of freshly grounded beans.
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BEST TRIED AND TESTED BEST COFFEE MACHINES
KitchenAid Semi Automatic Espresso Machine with Burr Grinder*, $999 at Myer
KitchenAid Semi Automatic Espresso Machine with Burr Grinder
Tried and Tested by Tahnee-Jae Lopez-Vito, Shopping Writer
This outrageously beautifully designed espresso coffee machine reliably features KitchenAid's usual charms, including a metal-clad construction to complement the stylish and high-quality build, plus convenient functions like a multi-angle steam wand and Smart Dosing Technology. It also comes with a removable bean hopper, which you can swap out whenever you’re craving a different flavour profile.
Manual machines (and even semi automatic) can take a while to get used to, especially if you’ve only used pod machines in the past. But this KitchenAid unit was pretty intuitive. The pressure gauge has clear markings to show whether you’ve tamped too much or not enough, or perfectly. For me, tamping is one of the trickiest things when making a coffee – but one of the most important steps to get right for consistent results. However, seeing the range helped me get my head around how hard I should press.
The compact size is also a definite win. It's not at all cumbersome to store on your benchtop, and reaching over to remove or put back the water tank doesn't feel awkward if it's in a tight spot. It also moves easily and is more lightweight than you think, making it easy to clean.
The tamper and portafilter have some weight and feel just as good quality as the machine. The only major downside was that the portafilter basket wasn’t super secure and kept falling out when emptying the used grounds, so I had to scrape it out instead.
Overall, there's a lot to love about this KitchenAid coffee machine and not much to dislike. It's easy to use and clean, gets consistent results, and is a nice sized appliance with an excellent quality build.
Nespresso Vertuo Creatista*, $1099 at Myer
Nespresso Vertuo Creatista
Tried and Tested by Tahnee-Jae Lopez Vito, Shopping Writer
The Nespresso Vertuo Creatista is the kind of machine that makes you go, "where have you been all my life?" It's incredibly easy to use, simple and compact, and particularly ideal for anyone who prefers milk-based drinks due to the adjustable built-in milk frother. As someone who became a slight coffee snob since using a manual model, I found pods rarely made the best tasting cuppas. But this Nespresso machine gets delicious results every single time. Plus, it's faster, more convenient and generally easier to clean.
When it comes to maintenance, I love how you can clean the machine in between each descaling session. It takes five minutes and only requires a pitcher or container to collect the dirty water. I did the first clean after a few days of use and there was already a decent amount of coffee residue buildup. If you're like me and prefer digital instructions, you can use the sync the machine to the Nespresso app or watch some videos on Youtube. The app is also great for finding recipes as well as the correct milk temperature and texture settings.
The app is also great for finding recipes as well as the correct milk temperature and texture settings for your flat white, cappuccino, latte macchiato and caffe latte.
(P.S. If you can't decide which pods to get, I'm addicted to the new Maple Pecan flavour for iced lattes. It's like having a coffee-flavoured ice cream for breakfast. The Voltesso is my ride or die for hot drinks.)
Sunbeams Origins Espresso Coffee Machine, $899 at Myer
Sunbeam Origins Espresso Coffee Machine
Tried and Tested by Tahnee-Jae Lopez-Vito, news.com.au checkout Shopping Writer
The Sunbeam Origins machine might be the perfect beginner-friendly manual model that even serious coffee connoisseurs can appreciate. Manual espresso machines are often fairly expensive, particularly those with a steam wand, which isn’t ideal when you’re a newbie venturing into the world of manual coffee machines. But this beautiful unit proves you can still enjoy a premium quality experience without the heavy price tag.
What made me instantly fall in love with this model was the super easy-to-understand video instructions that made everything from setting up to cleaning up a total breeze. The build quality of the machine is also impressive, and the accessories don’t feel flimsy in the hand either. And while I’m honestly not sure if what I make is actually a flat white or some kind of generic milk-based coffee drink, the Sunbeam Origins machine certainly lets me whip up a tasty cuppa that’s (quietly) consistently just as good as a $6 coffee from some cafes.
The downside is that it can be a little messy when the grinds are being directed into the group head, especially if it’s a double espresso shot. (Although I’ll be happy to wipe a cloth over a bench any day if it means getting freshly ground coffee each morning.)
BEST MID-PRICE TO PREMIUM COFFEE MACHINES
Breville The Barista Touch Impress*, $1899 (down from $2149) at The Good Guys
Tried and Tested by Tahnee-Jae Lopez-Vito, news.com.au checkout Shopping Writer
As someone who’s used to coffee pods, seeing a portafilter and various grind and temperature settings was definitely intimidating. But this semi-automatic Breville coffee machine is just as quick and simple to use as a capsule machine. In fact, I now use this convenient beast as my coffee maker at home.
It’s simple to clean and comes with everything you need to get started, with the machine itself also offering plenty of useful step-by-step instructions to help you make your brew and maintain the appliance. Plus, it barely takes any time to heat up.
You can calibrate the unit to suit your specific beans as well as type of milk. The best part is that you don’t need to know much about coffee or espresso machines to get things right. The brand’s latest touch screen espresso machine helps you tailor your settings, depending on whether you’re using oat milk, soy milk, almond milk or dairy.
This espresso machine is the perfect option for beginners who want to delve into manual controls without straying too far away from the safety of automatic features, as well as pros who want something that provides a good balance between convenience and customisation.
And for those who have some skills up their sleeve, you can still add milk texture manually (and even create latte art) as well as experiment with precise grind and temperature settings.
This Breville coffee machine is definitely worth investing in and I can’t recommend it enough.
BEST POD COFFEE MACHINES
Nespresso Vertuo Lattissima*, $533.12 (down from $749) at Amazon Australia
Nespresso Vertuo Lattissima
Tried and Tested by Hannah Paine, news.com.au checkout Editor
I’m an unashamed coffee snob but I’m really trying to cut back on my takeaway coffees to save money. One of the ways I’ve been doing this is by bringing my morning coffee in a Frank Green coffee cup on my commute to work, so I’m not tempted to buy a coffee before I get to the office.
But for my money-saving plan to work, my home coffee needs to be: (a) quick and easy to make and (b) just as good as barista coffee. I’ve been trialling Nespresso’s Vertuo Lattissima machine for the past month and can say it ticks both these boxes. First of all, this Nespresso machine couldn’t be more different than their earlier machines (I had one eight years ago that had a distinct ‘capsule taste’). Honestly, this tastes just as good as a barista’s coffee but without the effort or money involved. It takes just seconds to heat up and delivers rich, delicious tasting coffee with a golden crema on top.
There’s no need to get out a milk jug either, simply fill the milk tank to your desired amount and hit the cappuccino button and it does the rest for cafe quality milk froth. It’s also infinitely customisable as Nespresso’s Vertuo machines read the barcode of each coffee machine capsule. Each capsule is designed to deliver your favourite drop by regulating everything from the temperature, infusion time to flow and volume of water used. My partner is a staunch long black drinker and absolutely loves the Fortado capsules. I’m an almond flat white girly and prefer the Bianco Doppio capsules for that perfect morning coffee with a double espresso shot.
To keep your machine in top shape it has a pre-programmed cleaning cycle and a light to alert you when it’s time to descale your machine, a process that takes just 20 minutes. The milk tank is also easy to rinse and clean and is even dishwasher-safe.
BEST NESPRESSO POD COFFEE MACHINE
De’Longhi Nespresso Essenza Mini Capsule Coffee Machine, $149 at Amazon Australia
De'Longhi Nespresso Essenza Mini Capsule Coffee Machine
What You Need To Know
Is size important to you? This De’Longhi Nespresso Essenza Mini is a compact coffee machine that won’t take up much bench space, and offers two programmable buttons to brew an espresso or lungo. Similar to the brand’s other models, it also uses 19 bars of pressure to pour a strong cuppa fast. The short 25-second heat up time is another reason why the Nespresso pod machine is great for a quick caffeine fix.
BEST MANUAL ESPRESSO MACHINE
De’Longhi La Specialista Arte Manual Coffee Machine, $649 (down from $799) at The Good Guys
De'Longhi La Specialista Arte Manual Coffee Machine
What You Need To Know
Okay, it has to be said – this is perhaps one of the most attractive coffee machines on the market. Looks aside, this De’Longhi unit also has brains. It features Sensor Grinding Technology, which releases the perfect amount of ground coffee for every cup; a Smart Tamping Station, which automatically stops once the ideal level of pressure has been applied; and lastly, Active Temperature Control, which maintains a stable temperature during the brewing process for best extraction.
BEST STAINLESS STEEL ESPRESSO MACHINE
Breville The Barista Touch Coffee Machine, $1399 (down from $1649) at The Good Guys
Breville The Barista Touch Coffee Machine
What You Need To Know
When it comes to brewing espresso, you can't not consider Breville's The Barista Touch Coffee Machine. While Breville’s The Barista Touch Coffee Machine doesn’t come cheap, its 4.6 out of five star customer rating on Google Reviews suggests it's worth the spend.
“We purchased this machine as it looks fabulous in our kitchen and never expected it would make good coffee. How wrong was I. Now the best coffee in town is at our place,” an impressed shopper posted.
The intuitive touch screen on the Barista Touch makes it easy for even the most amateur coffee maker to use as you quickly select your beverage, strength, milk texture and temperature.
BEST COFFEE MACHINES FOR TASTE
Nespresso CitiZ&milk, $329 (down from $469) at Myer
What You Need To Know
Nespresso’s CitiZ capsule coffee machine is another popular pick among fans of capsule models. It shares Nespresso’s usual 19-bar pressure pump and 25-second heat up time.
“Very simple to use and doesn’t take up much bench space,” posted one person.
“Water tank is a great size and love the fact I can top up the water without taking the tank out. It is a tad loud when making a cup, but my old one was too so it doesn’t detract. Easy to clean and the adjustable cup tray is a bonus.”
BEST EASY TO CLEAN COFFEE MACHINES
Breville The Barista Express, $799.20 (down from $999) at Myer
Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine
What You Need To Know
Want cafe-quality black coffee at home? Breville’s Barista Express is a hard one to pass up since it uses a 15-bar Italian pump, which some argue is ideal. While it does lose a bit of pressure between the brew head and group head, it still ends up producing nine bars of pressure by the time the shot is pulled (which is the industry standard). Certain similarly priced espresso machines come with a 19-bar pressure pump that can over extract the beans and make your espresso bitter.
Sporting 16 adjustable grind settings, the espresso machine can also turn fresh beans into espresso within a minute.
“The machine isn’t hard to clean and within the first week the coffee I was making was better than Starbucks. There’s no going back,” a shopper posted.
BEST EASY TO USE COFFEE MACHINES
De’Longhi Dinamica Coffee Machine, $854.32 (down from $1199) at Amazon Australia
De'Longhi Dinamica Automatic Coffee Machine
What You Need To Know
Is there a better way to start the morning with freshly ground coffee? The De’Longhi Dinamica features a built-in grinder with 13 grind settings, along with different drink recipes that you can customise by adjusting the coffee aroma, espresso temperature and milk quantity straight from the LCD display. You can also expect self-cleaning functions for both the milk frother and milk carafe.
BEST AFFORDABLE COFFEE MACHINES
Sunbeam Mini Barista Espresso Machine, $329 at Myer
Sunbeam Mini Barista Espresso Machine
What You Need To Know
Manual coffee machines are notoriously expensive and complex, but this affordable and easy to use appliance from Sunbeam proves you don’t need to compromise price or time for a good cuppa. There’s plenty to love, including auto shot volumetric control, which adds the right amount of water for a single or double shot, plus thermoblock heating technology to heat water up fast and a full-size cool-to-touch milk frother to make the best microfoam for your brew.
“Value for money when compared to how much we would have spent even in the last few weeks buying coffees,” an impressed Amazon customer posted.
“It’s compact, ready fast, steams milk pretty fast (and) froths to a nice medium density … I really love this little mini coffee machine and recommend it. This was my second one, I bought it for my mum a week or so after I bought one elsewhere.”
Nespresso Vertuo Pop & Aeroccino3 Milk Frother*, $199 at The Good Guys
Vertuo Pop & Aeroccino3 Milk Frother
Tried and Tested by Philippa Tonkin, news.com.au checkout Shopping Writer
I was seriously impressed with the Vertuo Pop. Not only was it super easy to set up and use but the coffee actually tastes good too.
I’ve always been sceptical about pod coffee but I must say I was happily surprised. I also loved how small it was. It didn’t take up much room on my kitchen bench but I could also pack it away when I needed that extra space.
But what makes this model stand out are the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth functions, which lets you maintain your machine straight from your smartphone.
The machine is available as either a solo or bundle, and in several bright colours such as Mango Yellow and Spicy Red. There’s also Classic White and Black for the minimalists. It also comes with 12 free Nespresso pods to help get you started.
Lavazza Deséa Capsule Coffee Machine*, $344 at The Good Guys
Lavazza Deséa Capsule Coffee Machine
Tried and Tested by Tahnee-Jae Lopez-Vito, news.com.au checkout Shopping Writer
Variety is the spice of life, so they say, which is why we’re all about this versatile coffee machine from Lavazza. With five milk options and four pre-dosed coffee options, there’s not a member of the household whose favourite coffee order won’t be fulfilled; and with a 28-second heat time, everyone can expect a cup before running out the door in the morning.
If you want a beginner-friendly capsule machine and not too fussed about having a super wide flavour selection, the Lavazza Deséa is a decent option. It’s easy to use, especially since it can create coffee and froth milk all in one go. The model also comes with its own glass mug to make your drink, and contains clear indicator levels to show where to fill up to. Clean-up is also really simple. The main downsides is that the froth doesn’t get too foamy and you might need to pop your cuppa in the microwave if you prefer your drink extra hot.
But it’s the stylish cream design that might be my favourite part of the machine. It’s just so chic.
Breville Bambino Plus, $497 (down from $729) at Amazon Australia
Breville Bambino Plus
What You Need To Know
Breville’s Bambino Plus is another easy pick, with reviewers head over heels with its simple controls and self-purging foaming wand. But the best part? Many shoppers agree the machine offers great tasting and consistent results. Its compact size yet hefty 1.9L water tank also proved to be a highlight.
WHAT YOU NEED TO CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING A COFFEE MACHINE
Ready to find the best coffee machine for your kitchen and wallet? Here are some of the factors we considered when deciding which coffee maker to include in our list.
Type of coffee machine
Automatic coffee machine
Automatic coffee machines are all about convenience – a great choice for the early commuters among us. Everything that requires some level of skill when using a manual machine – coffee grinding, milk frothing, espresso extraction and all – are done with a simple press of a button. These are “fantastic for convenience” because they’re designed to create drinks at the “touch of a button”, regardless of whether you’re craving an espresso or frothy cappuccino.
Manual coffee machine
For some coffee drinkers, you simply can’t go past a manual coffee machine. Unparalleled control over the coffee brewing process, built-in steam wands to heat and froth the milk to your exact liking – and the ability to indulge in some coffee art to boot. These machines may take more time to prepare your morning cup than alternatives – but for some coffee drinkers, that’s just how they like it. These are great if you want greater control over how you want your coffee. “You grind the coffee, control the extraction time, and froth the milk to your particular taste,” Sam said.
Capsule/pod coffee machine
Considered by some to be the perfect marriage between the benefits of both manual and automatic coffee machines, capsule coffee machines have risen in popularity due to the versatility of flavour produced, ease of use and general affordability. Simply pop in a capsule with your desired blend, then pour the brewed coffee – and depending on your machine, milk – into your cup with a press of a button. These let you “choose a particular blend and strength of coffee, [which] you can replicate this every time precisely”, he added.
Drip coffee makers
Also known as filter coffee, drip coffee makers brew coffee by passing hot water through ground coffee beans. Know for their convenience, drip coffee makers can brew large volumes of coffee at once.
Automatic coffee machines versus manual espresso machines
The main difference is convenience. Automatic machines come with preset settings which make it possible to brew a cup of coffee within a couple button presses. There are also semi-auto models loaded with many of the same customisable features you can expect from a manual espresso machine, along with sensors and customisable preset menu items.
Manual machines give you the most control. This is great for coffee enthusiasts who want to get more hands-on with the entire brewing process and find steaming milk or grinding beans with automatic espresso machines too inconsistent or just not up to scratch.
Size and appearance
Unlike some other kitchen appliances, coffee machines will rarely be put away when not in use, so it’s important to take countertop space into account when choosing a machine for your household. If you live alone, opting for a slim design is ideal; whereas those with several morning coffee drinkers in the one home ought to consider relinquishing more counter real estate so that two coffees can be prepared at the same time.
Versatility
If everyone in your household is a straight up, no nonsense, ‘give me undiluted caffeine in an espresso shot’ type of coffee drinker, an espresso machine would be your best bet. But if you like a cappuccino in the morning and espresso with your lunch, you’d be well served by opting for an automatic model like the Lavazza Desea, which has multiple pre-dosed coffee and milk options.
Budget
Your budget will depend on several factors, including how often you intend to use your machine. Though tempting to splash out on a top-of-the-range model from the outset, casual coffee drinkers on a budget might meet their needs with a lower-priced, but highly-rated, coffee machine (like the Nespresso De'Longhi Citiz & Capsule Coffee Machine).
Brewing capacity
When purchasing a coffee maker, it's important to consider how many cups of coffee you'll be brewing at a time. If you're a single serve coffee drinker, a smaller machine may suffice; however, other espresso machines with a larger capacity may be more suitable if you're brewing coffee for the entire family.
Bean storage
Prefer to use coffee beans and manual machines? Pricier home coffee machines will come with a bean hopper to store your coffee beans, otherwise you can simply use an airtight container or any type of coffee canister. Many coffee bags also now have a one-way valve to help preserve the freshness of the coffee beans.
Adjustable settings
Even if you're a die-hard soy flat white fan, there are going to be days when you might crave a cappuccino or only want to drink espresso after a trip to Italy. Finding a machine with customisable grind and settings, and multiple milk temperature and texture options can help make better tasting coffee to suit your (and everyone else's) palette.
Pre-ground coffee and fresh coffee beans
A built-in grinder is a convenient way to enjoy freshly roasted beans without having to fork out extra bench space and money. Many espresso machines with an integrated coffee grinder now come with a bean hopper for easy storage, while automatic machines like the Breville Touch Impress can tailor the settings depending on whether you're using store-bought coffee grounds or fresh coffee beans.
Brew time
Ever bought coffee beans from your local coffee shop and wondered why your home coffee doesn't taste the same? The amount of time it takes to brew coffee can actually make a difference to how strong and balanced it tastes.
Playing with the grind settings on manual machines and automatic espresso machines is one way to prevent the coffee from being under extracted, which can end up bland and watery. On the other hand, over extracting can result in the drink being overly bitter and burnt.
Ease of use, cleaning and maintenance
Coffee machines that are intuitive and easy to use make that early morning rise and (coffee) grind much more tolerable. Look for features like saveable coffee preferences, simple interfaces and one-touch operations.
You'll also want a machine that's easy to clean up and maintain. Coffee makers with removable canisters and drip trays make cleaning a breeze. Self-cleaning functions can also save you time and effort when it comes to keeping your machine in pristine condition.
Bing Lee’s Merchandise & Marketing Director, Sam Zalin, also gave us some insights into what type of machine different drinkers should buy.
“A manual machine is likely to be more suitable for someone who wants to control their own experience and be more of a barista,” Sam told news.com.au.
But if you’ve got a busy household and prefer a model that specifically caters for “ease of use, consistency and cleanliness”, then an automatic coffee machine is the way to go.
HOW WE CHOSE PRODUCTS TO FEATURE ON OUR BEST COFFEE MACHINE LIST
Our team of experienced writers spend hours researching the best home coffee machines to include. We find out what factors make a good coffee maker by talking to experts, reviewing test results and analysing thousands of customer reviews.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF USING A COFFEE MACHINE?
While a coffee machine will set you back at least a few hundred dollars, it can end up saving you more in the long run. A coffee machine is also beneficial from a convenience point of view since you can make your own cup at home and get an extra hour of sleep, instead of leaving early to head to your local cafe before work.
HOW TO CLEAN A COFFEE MACHINE
It’s a good habit to clean your machine (automatic or manual) every day by washing any removable parts with soap and water, and wiping down the outside of the machine with a soft damp cloth.
But before you try anything, make sure to read your instruction manual to find out the best way to clean your specific coffee machine as many come fitted with cleaning cycles and programs.
If you have an espresso machine, make sure to brush the group head with a cleaning brush to remove any used grounds after each use. Flushing the group head also helps gets rid of any residue, which can be done by running the water supply as you would when making an espresso.
For milk-based drink lovers, flush the steam wand (and give it a good wipe) immediately after every use.
*Products have been provided by KitchenAid, Sunbeam, Breville, Nespresso and Lavazza for a 100 per cent independent, honest review.
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