For many Australians, coffee is a way of life – around 75 per cent of us have at least one cup per day, and 28% have three or more cups a day, according to Pablo & Rusty’s Coffee Roasters. So, as the cost of a cup of coffee continues to rise, it makes perfect sense to invest in a coffee machine that will make your perfect flat white, latte, cappuccino, espresso – and so much more – from the comfort of your home.
But the sheer amount of coffee machines available can make it confusing. Do you want a fully automatic machine, or one that shows off your barista skills? Are there some that do both? And, not to be overlooked, are the best coffee machines also nice to look at?
Home Beautiful’s top pick for home coffee machines
- Best semi-automatic espresso coffee machine: KitchenAid Semi Automatic Espresso Machine with Burr Grinder
- Best manual espresso coffee machine: La Marzocco Linea Micra coffee machine
- Best automatic coffee machine: DeLonghi Magnifica Evo Next coffee machine
- Best pod coffee machine: Nespresso Vertuo Pop Solo
- Best cold brew coffee maker: OXO Brew compact cold brew coffee maker
Here, we’ve consulted the experts so that you have all the information you need, from beans to espresso machines and everything in between, to make the perfect brew.
The best coffee machines to buy in Australia 2026
Looking to up your coffee game? Read on for our top picks of the best coffee machines in Australia based on features including ease of use, customisations, milk frothing, extras and visuals.
The best espresso coffee machines for home
Semi automatic espresso machine with burr grinder
Best for: Stylish, simple hands-on operation
This award-winning espresso machine was designed to balance automatic coffee production and a hands-on experience at home. The on-board burr grinder is adjustable for grind and auto-dosage and the extra large 2.5l water tank means fewer refills between coffees.
If you’re a milk coffee drinker, this coffee machine is a strong contender in the market for perfecting your own microfoam with a domestic machine. Plus, you have a choice of colours to complement your kitchen’s design.
When Home Beautiful Editor-in-chief Elle Lovelock reviewed it, she rated it 9/10, saying it “makes coffee that tastes as good as what you can get in any cafe. And believe me, even I’m surprised to get this result from a home appliance.”
“I’ve used a variety of dairy and plant milks and the steam wand creates perfect foam every time. For the best results, I do recommend using quality beans. I get mine from my local cafe to make up for all the lattes I’m no longer buying.”
Elle Lovelock, Editor-in-chief, KitchenAid Semi automatic espresso machine with burr grinder review
Key features:
- Metal clad construction
- Removable bean hopper
- On board burr grinder
- Makes up to 17 espresso shots
- 2.5l water tank
- Red Dot product design award 2024
Also available at:
La Marzocco Linea Micra coffee machine
Best for: Coffee pros
There’s a reason La Marzocco is a favourite for so many baristas and cafes: the brand’s quality and longevity speaks for itself. For those wanting to bring the café experience home, the Linea Micra is designed as a compact version of the Linea Classic S, with features such as a dual boiler for temperature control, a convertible portafilter and a cool touch wand for safe steaming.
It also has beautiful LED barista lights to illuminate the process, taking coffee-making at home to a new level, and comes in five stylish colours. And if that’s not enough, I’ve seen it for sale through one of my favourite local coffee roasters (Artisti), as well as others including Single O, The Grounds and Mecca Coffee.
Key features:
- Insulated steam wand
- Drip tray
- Hot water spout
- Internet connectivity for greater control
De’Longhi La Specialista Arte Evo
Best for: coffee enthusiasts
This premium espresso machine is designed for coffee enthusiasts. Featuring a dual heating system and advanced steam technology, it ensures optimal extraction and perfectly textured milk for café-quality beverages at home.
The integrated grinder allows for fresh grounds on demand, while the precise temperature control guarantees consistent results. With user-friendly controls and a sleek design, this machine combines functionality and style, making it a stunning addition to any kitchen. Enjoy the art of coffee making and indulge in rich, aromatic espresso with every cup.
Colours: Metal.
Key features:
- 3-infusion tempuratures
- Cold brew in under 5 minutes
- Full accessory kit
Also available at:
Sunbeam Origins classic espresso machine
Best for: Simple and delicious espresso
This compact semi automatic coffee machine was described by Home Beautiful Brand Manager Michelle O’Hanlon as a “well-designed, quiet achiever that’s perfect for everyday coffee lovers.”
“If you’re after a coffee machine that looks great, performs well, and doesn’t break the bank, the Origins Classic Espresso Machine in Black delivers solid value. It’s a compact, stylish option that suits a modern kitchen and makes your morning coffee routine feel effortless.”
Michelle O’Hanlon, Brand Manager, The coffee machine that completed my kitchen reno
She also notes that it’s “not built for the hardcore espresso purist”, as it lacks some of the more premium features and includes some plastic components, but still rated it 8/10 overall. So for those who want a step-up from the basics at home, this machine is a beautiful place to start – as Michelle proved by choosing it for her updated kitchen.
Key features:
- Adjustable auto-dose grinding
- Stainless steel onboard conical burr grinder
- 1 and 2 shot baskets
- Cafe style milk steam wand
- Thermoblock heating system
Also available at:
Breville The Barista Express coffee machine
Best for: Easy customisation
This coffee machine from Breville has become a favourite for home coffee drinkers for its balance of simple and customisable features to suit both beginners and more experienced espresso makers. It has an adjustable grind dial – great if you’re investing in specialty coffee that comes with clear recommendations – and you can choose cup volume, froth milk and more.
Key features:
- Adjustable grind dial
- Integrated conical burr grinder with 250g bean hopper
- Thermocoil heating with preinfusion for even extraction
- Cafe style milk steam wand
- Thermoblock heating system
Also available at:
Sunbeam Compact barista espresso machine
Best for: Coffee for one
Coffee for one, coming right up! This compact espresso machine from Sunbeam is perfect for small kitchens. With a fast heat-up time and auto-shot volumetric control, you’ll be pouring your perfect cuppa, every morning.
Key features:
- Fast heat up time
- Auto-shot volumetric control
- Cafe style milk steam wand
- In-built temperature controller
The best automatic coffee machines for home
DeLonghi Magnifica Evo Next coffee machine
Best for: Barista-style brews
With customisable drink options and automatic milk frothing technology, this smart machine brews barista-style drinks from the comfort of your home. The drip tray goes into the dishwasher for easy cleaning too.
When Home Beautiful Shopping Writer Rachel Weisz tried and tested the Magnifica Evo Next, she found the user friendly display and customisable drink options were the perfect antidote to a busy routine.
“This coffee machine is great for busy parents, or those who have long morning commutes and desire a quick pick-me-up before the day starts. It is also fully customisable with 13 drink options and can store three user profiles. Plus, if you’re like me and find milk frothing an impossible task, the machine features a carafe for perfectly frothed milk at the touch of a button.”
Rachel Weisz, Shopping Writer, I was hopeless at making coffee, until I found the perfect machine
Key features:
- 13 customisable drink options
- User-friendly display
- Automatic milk foam
- Removable, dishwasher-safe components
Also available at:
Gaggia ‘Cardorna Prestige’ automatic coffee machine
Best for: Beans or ground coffee
While there’s no doubt freshly ground beans produce great coffee, sometimes already ground coffee is easier (and just as nice if you have the right blend). If that’s something you’ve found too, this Italian-made high-tech machine can work with both, and offers 14 different beverage options to choose from.
An espresso tray and built-in frother does away with a fiddly milk jug and promises a flawless espresso every time. Oh, and you can save four different user profiles to save your choices once you find your favourite brew.
Key features:
- Use beans or ground coffee
- Built-in espresso tray
- Integrated milk carafe
The best pod coffee machines for home
Nespresso Vertuo Pop Solo coffee machine
Best for: Convenience
Looking to add a pop of colour to your morning routine? The Vertuo Pop range from Nespresso will do just the trick. Available in a range of fun and bright colourways, but our pick is this one in a bold red hue. This pod machine is the most compact and affordable machine in the brand’s Vertuo range.
Colours: Spicy Red, Aqua Mint, Coconut White, Liquorice Black, Pacific Blue and Mango Yellow.
Key features:
- Removable water tank (0.56L)
- Adjustable cup holder
- Automatic power off after two minutes
Also available at:
The best coffee machines for cold brew
OXO Brew compact cold brew coffee maker
Best for: Cold brew
If cold brew coffee is your thing, this elegant setup will serve up stylish aesthetics with your morning brew. Plus, its compact size means to takes up less space in your kitchen as well as your fridge.
Key features:
- Rainmaker evenly distributes water over coffee grounds
- Glass carafe
- Stainless steel mesh filter
- Brewer and carafe nest for convenient storage
The best accessories for coffee machines
Sunbeam Barista Essential accessories kit
Best for: A clean bench
More than just looking the part, this knock box will save your benchtop and collect all of the mess of coffee grinds for easy disposal.
Key features:
- Dishwasher safe grinds bin
- Silicon mat
- Precision milk thermometer
What you need to know before buying a coffee machine
There’s a lot to consider before adding a coffee machine to your home beverage station, so to simplify the process, we’ve enlisted the help of Sam Demelis, the National Coffee Training Manager at Complete Hospitality Training, to explain everything you need to know to brew that perfect cup at home.
“A lot of passion goes into making coffee. It puts a smile on your face when you get it right”
Sam Demelis, Complete Hospitality Training
The average price of a coffee machine in Australia can range from under $100 for a stovetop coffee maker to thousands for high-end models. If you are looking for affordable options that still achieve great results, try a stovetop coffee maker (a Moka pot is one example), French press, Aeropress, pour-over, cold brew or cold-drip makers. However, if you want cafe-quality coffee at home, it’s worth investing in a mid-to-high-end model.
Yes, investing in a coffee machine for your home is absolutely worth it, especially if you buy cafe-made coffee often. Even purchasing three coffees per week can add up to a monthly spend of around $84; if you stick to homemade coffees instead, you’ll ultimately save more than you spend on a coffee machine.
The two most common and popular types of beans are arabica and robusta; robusta costs less, but can have a bitter flavour profile when served without milk, and arabica has a more balanced taste, but doesn’t have as much caffeine.
“Arabica is more flavoursome and doesn’t have as much caffeine,” explains Sam Demelis. “The robusta beans are slightly cheaper. They have a slightly higher caffeine content and can be quite bitter.” Sam recommends robusta for coffee with milk and arabica for black coffee. Ultimately, it comes down to trial and error, and you don’t have to pick one or the other. “Mixing beans and creating blends to suit your palate can be really fun. Keep it simple and make sure you’re happy before you give it to anyone else.”
To create a good cup of coffee, opt for fresh, high-quality beans, ensure the grind settings on your machine are correct, and try not to overheat the grounds when brewing, as that can lead to a bitter taste.
Whole beans kept in a cool, dry cupboard are the best option as they retain their oils longer. Sam suggests only grinding as many beans as you’ll need for 4-5 days at a time. “The finer the grind, the higher the chances are your coffee will be bitter,” warns Sam. The best consistency is slightly finer than cracked pepper. To get a good crema (the fine layer of froth on top of your espresso), make sure you’ve ground the beans to the right consistency for your machine, tamped evenly and used fresh coffee.
You should rinse and wipe down the portafilter (the part of the coffee machine that you tamp grounds into) every time you brew a cup of coffee. Your water tank should also be cleaned out regularly, and we recommend deep cleaning the compartments that catch drips and loose grounds every week. A quick wipe down of the machine with a microfibre cloth every day can also help extend the time between cleans. If you clean your machine regularly, then you won’t have to use heavy chemicals to descale build up.
“Keeping your coffee machine pristine is one of the easiest ways to ensure its longevity and may even improve the taste of your coffee,” says Sam. “After every use, flush out the group head (the part of the espresso machine that you attach the group handle to) so that you rinse out old coffee grinds. Wash the drip trays and keep the water tank empty when you’re not using it.”
When buying a coffee machine, many people don’t take the time to consider the capabilities of a coffee machine or learning how to use it properly, which often leads to disappointment. Make sure your chosen machine has the capabilities to make your favourite drink before committing to a model, and ensure you’ve read the instruction manual fully before brewing your first cup.
According to Sam Demelis, another common faux pas is judging a potential machine by the brand. “People almost feel as though they need to have a certain brand of coffee or a certain brand of machine,” says Sam. Instead, he suggests doing your research to find a machine that fits your price range and lifestyle.
How to select the right coffee machine model
The options can feel endless when it comes to coffee machines, but there are two main categories: automatic and manual. The one you choose should suit your lifestyle.
“An automatic coffee machine with an integrated milk frother would be the best option for someone who wants a good coffee with minimum fuss,” she says. These high-tech machines grind beans, extract espresso and froth the milk at the touch of a button. If you want to personalise your coffee a little more, semi-automatics will allow you to grind and tamper your coffee while the machine does the rest of the work. Capsules are also automatic but do away with beans altogether, simply requiring a capsule of ground coffee to extract your espresso shot. As close to the convenience of instant coffee as you can possibly get, these machines are easy to clean, low effort and pods come in a variety of flavours.
Manual coffee machines have increased in popularity as people realise anyone can make a great cup of coffee if they do their research and have the right tools. Manual machines allow you to control every step of the process, from grinding to dosing, tamping and determining the strength of the cup you want. The speed at which hot water is forced through the coffee is called bar pressure; aim for at least nine bars.
A glossary of coffee terms
Capsule coffee machine
Capsules or pods pre-filled with ground coffee are used to quickly and cleanly make a brew. An excellent low-maintenance option.
Manual coffee machine
Also called an espresso machine. Uses freshly ground coffee and often comes with an attached steam wand for milk. For true connoisseurs.
Automatic coffee machine
Grinds whole beans, extracts espresso and froths milk at the touch of a button.
Tamper
Packs fresh coffee grounds into the basket of an espresso machine.
Grinder
Grinds whole coffee beans, either automatically or manually. Some machines come with built-in grinders.
Cold brew coffee
Uses time rather than heat to extract oils, sugars and caffeine from the coffee. Coffee grounds are left to steep in cold or room temperature water for 8-24 hours then filtered to make a concentrate that can be used for a couple of days.
Cold drip coffee
Separates coffee grounds from cold water with the use of a tower. Iced water drips on to the grounds and, once absorbed, coffee filters to the bottom of the vessel (3-12 hours). Best for iced coffees, especially without milk.
Aeropress
A portable manual coffee maker that uses hand pressure on a plunger to force water through the coffee grounds.
Pour-over coffee
Hot water is poured over a filter filled with grounds placed in a funnel set over a carafe or cup for the ultimate low-tech espresso.
Stovetop coffee
Boiling water, pressurised by steam, passes through grounds in a central filter to create brewed coffee.
French press
A pot with plunger and built-in filter screen that presses the hot water through the coffee.
This article originally appeared on Home Beautiful and is republished here with permission.
