Find The Best Home Coffee Machine, Australia 2023

Home Coffee Machine Reviews, Australia

Having the best coffee machine at home can be a life changer to your morning routine. Take a look at my in depth reviews and start making the perfect cup of coffee!

Flair Espresso Maker – Manual Press

Once I got the bean/grind balance correct, this espresso maker is awesome and not too hard to use. It makes perfect espresso. Solid product! – Eric

Specifications

• Type: Manual Press
• Capacity: 0.04 Liters
• Dimensions (LxWxH): 30.5 x 15.2 x 25.4 cm

Although most people are probably looking for an easier and quicker way to make coffee, real coffee connoisseurs might like invest in a manual coffee press. This espresso maker from Flair has been a favourite for years among serious coffee lovers.

This coffee press is really lightweight, weighing in at just over 2kg, making it great for anyone who travels regularly. It even comes in it’s own lightweight foam moulded carry case for protection.

You can pull a really great cafe quality shot from the press and the build quality of the bottomless portafilter and mechanism is great. However, I have heard a lot of people mention that the stand and handle are not as great quality and the base can wobble some. There also isn’t a pressure gauge on the handle which isn’t ideal.

Certainly not the coffee machine for everyone but if you love controlling every aspect of your espresso making process, it could be worth a go.

What we like

• The coffee made from this really tastes great
• You can have control in the espresso-making process
• It is lightweight and portable

What we don’t like

• You will really need time to make some coffee
• The built is not so great according to some reviews

>>>Click here to check price on Amazon<<<

Delonghi Icona Pump

Specifications

• Type: Semi-automatic Espresso
• Capacity: 1.4 Liters
• Dimensions (LxWxH): 29 x 26 x 31.5 cm

This machine is just about as cheap as they come and honestly……it’s my guilty pleasure! We already have a great coffee machine up north but when we stay down on the Gold Coast I just wanted something cheap and easy so I don’t have to cart the big machine down with me.

It’s a 15 bar semi automatic machine and comes in either black, white or red (we have the red). It has two thermostats for the water and steam temperatures which is surprising for such a cheap machine! I was impressed by how quickly it heats up between shots (most cheap machines have a delay).

The milk steaming wand does work ok, although I struggled to get microfoam out of it and I’m not a fan of the plastic covered steam wands. It’s certainly good enough to make lattes and cappuccinos but really satisfying flat whites probably aren’t going to happen. Turning the steam wand on/off with the twist knob on top can be clumsy and next time I’d pay the extra $50 to $70 for one of the machines below.

All the parts are super easy to clean, the milk frother and portafilters are easily disassembled and I did it without any instructions (although there are some). All in all, it’s good if you just wanted the absolute cheapest machine for use once a day or more infrequently but paying a tiny bit more will get you something with a little easier usage.

What we like

• It is affordable and makes great cup of coffee
• Delicious coffee in 5 minutes
• Easy to use and clean

What we don’t like

• Does not fit a standard coffee mug
• Some reviewers experienced leakage

>>>Click here to check price on Amazon<<<

Sunbeam Cafe Espresso

Specifications

• Type: Espresso
• Capacity: 1.7 Litres
• Dimensions (LxWxH): 30.3 x 27.1 x 36.5 cm
• Pressure: 15 bar pump

This black and silver 15 bar machine from Sunbeam is really simple to use. The thermoblock technology means that it heats up super quick and overall the whole process is relatively fast. The tray is big enough to fit a coffee mug (alas my machine above isn’t tall enough and I have to use a shot glass) and easily detaches when you need to clean it.

The milk frother works well and is quick and simple to use. This machine offers a budget friendly way for beginners to enjoy a coffee at home but the build quality is pretty poor and it certainly doesn’t look as good on the benchtop as other options.

What we like

•  The built in milk frother is excellent
• Very easy to use and makes a solid cup of coffee
• The tray is big and fits a standard coffee mug

What we don’t like

• Love this machine. This machine has a lot of fantastic reviews!

>>>Click here to check price on Amazon<<<

Sunbeam Mini Barista

I’ve had this machine for a week now and have made a dozen coffees or so. The warm up time is fairly quick, at most 60 seconds, and the crema it produces is good. – Tony N.

Specifications

• Type: Espresso
• Capacity: 2 Litres
• Dimensions (LxWxH): 29.5 x 25 x 33 cm
• Pressure: 15 bar pump

This machine has a couple more options than the Cafe Espresso above and a better steam wand than the Icona Pump. It’s the machine I would recommend if you’re looking for a good balance between absolute minimal cost and functionality.

The Sunbeam Mini Barista is an easy to use machine, even for those with minimal experience. Simply turn the dial to one cup or two to pull espresso and over to steam to froth milk. This type of frothing wand is the one i prefer (without the plastic cover) and it’s easy to control for beginners.

As with most cheaper machines, the portafilters are pressurised. Fine for beginners but probably not what you’re looking for if you’re a serious coffee enthusiast and want to regulate the pressure with your coffee grind and tamp.

If you want the best home coffee machine that’s balanced with a super cheap price tag, this is probably as cheap as I would go and a great start to your coffee making journey.

What we like

• Easy to refill water and easy to clean 
• It’s affordable and makes such a nice coffee
• It allows a tall coffee cup to fit under the basket and handle 

What we don’t like

• Some reviewers said they experienced leaking and you need to use both hands to attach group handle as machine is light and will move

>>>Click here to check current price on Amazon<<<

Delonghi Dedica Pump

Specifications

• Type: Espresso
• Capacity: 1 Liters
• Dimensions (LxWxH): 33 x 14.9 x 30.3 cm
• Pressure: 15 bar pump

Delonghi has long been considered one of the best coffee maker brands and the Dedica Pump is a very well known machine in the lower price bracket. At just 15cm wide, it has a super compact design and will easily fit in the smallest of kitchens. Don’t let the size fool you though, it’s 15 bar pressure and thermoblock technology still brews a delicious coffee in just 40 seconds.

This machine features an adjustable and removable drip tray, allowing you to use taller cups for larger beverages. The best home coffee espresso machine should make life easier and, with all the removable parts being dishwasher safe, this machine certainly does just that.

The easy to use and adjustable foaming wand coupled with the sleek design and small size make the Dedica Pump a great looking and unobtrusive option for those who love a minimalist look.

What we like

• Its quick warm-up time and simple functionality is flawless
• Excellent pressure against the coffee grounds produces a rich crema
• Steam wand heats milk to the silkiest texture

What we don’t like

• None! Awesome machine!

>>>Click here to check price on Amazon<<<

Breville Barista Express

Specifications

• Type: Espresso
• Capacity: 2 Liters
• Dimensions (LxWxH): 41 x 44.4 x 41.8 cm
• Pressure: 18 bar pump

The Breville barista express is a great option in the mid-price range. It won’t break the bank but still has some great features. The inbuilt 250g stainless steel, conical burr grinder, which dispenses coffee directly into the portafilter can hold up to 25 cups. The water tank holds an impressive 2 litres and even has a built in filter.

This is one of the top coffee makers if you want something you can adjust easily to your taste. You can personalise the grind settings, dosage control (18 different settings in total) and even choose between manual and automatic operation.

The Breville barista express espresso maker weighs in at 12.5kg, so it isn’t the lightest choice on this list but, with all the added features you get for the relatively low price, it’s to be expected.

If you’re a bit more of a serious coffee drinker and like to drink espresso and dial in a machine just right but can’t afford a top of the line machine – this is the machine for you! It’s also a great option for anyone who doesn’t have extra bench space for a separate grinder but wants to use fresh ground beans.

What we like

• Easy to maintain and clean
• Perfect home coffee maker for both beginner and pro
• Heats up in 30 secs, and uses very little power so good for the environment

What we don’t like

• Some reviews said milk takes a while to heat up and texture isn’t that great

>>>Click here to check price on Amazon<<<

DeLonghi La Specialista

This machine produces amazing more consistent coffee than any of the coffee shops near my home, and I’m just an amateur with it. Don’t get sucked in by other brand hype. – Mark S.

Specifications

• Type: Espresso
• Capacity: 2 Liters
• Dimensions (LxWxH): 42.4 x 44.4 x 51.5 cm

Now that we’re spending a little more time away from the coffee truck and my commercial machine (I’ve been spoilt having the option of using it every day), this 19 bar machine is the one I’m thinking of upgrading to!

Having a built in grinder is a must for me to save bench space but La Specialista even grinds directly into the portafilter. There are other machines that do this too but this one seals all the way around the group head and then with the pull of a handle tamps the coffee perfectly. Some other machines don’t fully enclose the portafilter and I find that when you grind into it you end up with coffee grounds all over the bench.

There are 3 preset recipes – espresso, americano and coffee so it’s great for different tastes and there is also an easily programmable “my coffee” so you can have a personalised option too. There’s a rinse button to pre-heat your cup to save time and all the tray parts are dishwasher safe.

I prefer to froth my own milk but La Specialista has an easy to use “flat milk” or “frothed milk” system at just the slide of a button. This is a great feature for anyone who doesn’t like standing over the milk jug manually frothing but still wants to offer a range of drinks to guests.

Other features include two independent heating systems, dedicated hot water outlet, descaling alarm and a one touch descaling function.

What we like

• Produces amazing and consistent coffee
• Easy to use with built-in tamper
• The fold out shelf that helps you get a smaller espresso cup closer to the group head

What we don’t like

• There are a lot of reviews about leaking and faulty machine

>>>Click here to check price on Amazon<<<

Breville The Oracle

Specifications

• Type: Espresso
• Capacity: 2.5 litres
• Dimensions (LxWxH): 44.4 x 53.6 x 46.2 cm

I would love to hear from anyone who has purchased the Oracle listen to what they have to say about it. Don’t get me wrong, I see some great features and I’m sure it makes a great cup of coffee. The only thing I don’t understand? The price!

This is a seriously pricey machine and I’m not sure I would pay that much for this particular option. There do seem to be some great features though, such a low pressure pre infusion cycle which is ALWAYS a good thing when making espresso!

Apart from that and the large 2.5 litre water tank, I don’t see huge benefits over La Specialista above (please correct me if I’m wrong).

However, if you are a very serious espresso maker, you might be willing to pay the hefty process for the luxury of pre infusion at home.

What we like

• Auto milk texturing feature is amazing
• The dual boiler is very convenient
• The ability to have the machine turn on automatically at a set time

What we don’t like

• None. Such an awesome machine!

>>>Click here to check price on Amazon<<<

Delonghi Eletta Cappuccino

The Eletta is highly configurable and makes a great cup to taste. Short coffee on extra strong, grinder at 2 -single shot- with milk made using the steam wand. That allows you to control the temp to taste. – Michael A.

Specifications

• Type: Espresso
• Capacity: 2 litres
• Dimensions (LxWxH): 46 x 26 x 36 cm

If you just want to press one button and have everything done for you then this is the best household coffee machine for you!

Being able to create great coffee at the touch of a button doesn’t mean compromising on individual taste with the Eletta. Every feature is fully customisable including coffee strength and milk quantity. You can make cappuccinos, lattes, flat whites and it even has a long coffee button for drip coffee lovers.

The Delonghi Eletta automatic coffee machine will do everything, right from grinding the coffee beans to frothing and serving the milk. It can also be used with ground coffee if you run out of beans, comes with a cup warmer and the milk container has an auto-clean function (a huge bonus for me!).

If you’re looking for a totally hands off experience but don’t have an enormous budget – this is about as cheap as you’ll find a one touch, super automatic machine.

What we like

• Highly configurable and makes a great cup of coffee
• Easy to use and not too noisy
• Its fully automated functions plus self-cleaning function

What we don’t like

• A bit complicated to operate

>>>Click here to check price on Amazon<<<

Delonghi Magnifica

Specifications

• Type: Espresso
• Capacity: 1.8 litres
• Dimensions (LxWxH): 43 x 23 x 34 cm

If you’re looking for the best home automatic coffee machine with a one touch system but don’t mind frothing the milk yourself, the Magnifica could be it. It’s a little cheaper than the Eletta but doesn’t have the bonus of a fully automated milk frothing and delivery system. I decided to buy this machine as my upgrade from a basic model and I absolutely love it! I’ve been seriously testing it out over the last few months and I’m really happy with it.

Creating a cafe quality coffee is as easy as pressing a button, on the user-friendly control panel, which allows you to customise the strength and size of the coffee. I use this machine multiple times a day and regularly adjust the settings and it takes just seconds.

The built in grinding mechanism can be manually adjusted to create a finer or coarser ground, according to your taste.

The Magnifica weighs in at a hefty 10kg meaning you shouldn’t expect to be moving it around the kitchen too much. If size and weight are not your main concern though, this could be the best automatic coffee maker for you.

What we like

• Very easy to use. Just watch the tutorial videos available online.
• Makes a great espresso to long black
• Easy to clean and maintain

What we don’t like

• There are couple of reviews complaining about the brew and the finish of the machine after months of use

>>>Click here to check price on Amazon<<<

Delonghi PrimaDonna Elite

Loving my new machine, I upgraded from a pod machine and absolutely love it! Love the wifi and the programming and how I can make a coffee from an app on my phone. – Emelda

Specifications

• Type: Espresso
• Capacity: 2 litres
• Dimensions (LxWxH): 48 x 26 x 37.5 cm

Of the 10 best coffee machines I’ve reviewed, the PrimaDonna Elite is the gold standard. This machine is one of the most high-tech coffee machines on the market and it has an intuitive colour LCD display, making operation incredibly easy.

The PrimaDonna allows you to customise everything about your brew including aroma, beverage size and coffee to milk ratio. The exclusive Coffee Link App even lets users create six unique coffee profiles to save all of your favourite drinks and make them available at the touch of a button.

The milk frothing system is automatic and measures the exact amount of milk into your drink. This machine actually comes with a second removable milk carafe so you can store two different types of milk and use one attachment for hot steamed milk and another for cold frothed milk.

Just a few of this machines other top features includes a silent coffee grinder with 13 adjustable settings, double boiler system, automatic descaling function, dishwasher safe removable parts, removable water tank and cup warmer.

This is as good as it gets and I really think this is the best bean to cup coffee machine and those who can afford it will not be disappointed!

What we like

• It makes really great coffee
• Cleaning and descaling is pretty easy
•  The frothing with soy and oat milk is great

What we don’t like

• Nothing! Can’t fault this machine

>>>Click here to check price on Amazon<<<

Pod Coffee Machine Reviews

Coffee pod machine reviews to help you decide which is the perfect coffee pod machine to buy for your home.

Nescafe Dolce Gusto

Specifications

• Type: Pod
• Capacity: 1.2 litres
• Dimensions (LxWxH): 30.5 x 18 x 40 cm

A capsule coffee machine should be cheap, quick and simple to use and the Dolce Gusto is just that! This machine is one of the most well known pod machines and is considered, by many, to be the best small coffee machine Australia has.

With a huge variety of coffee choices, you simply place the pod in the machine, set the water level, as advised on the box, and press the button. It couldn’t be easier to use. Although the Dolce Gusto doesn’t have a milk frother, Nescafe coffee pods do have milk options so it’s still possible to make latte’s, cappuccinos and more.

Years ago, I owned one of these and found the water tank a little small and I got fed up of re-filling it all the time. However, that’s the trade off you make for the compact size and, I have to admit, it is very unobtrusive on the kitchen counter.

What we like

• It is compact and easy to use
• Filling up water is easier compared to other models
• Can produce quick coffee

What we don’t like

• There are some complaints about water spillage

>>>Click here to check price on Amazon<<<

Breville Nespresso Citiz

Specifications

• Type: Pod
• Capacity: 1 litre
• Dimensions (LxWxH): 37.2 x 23.3 x 27.7 cm

Ask anyone to name you a capsule coffee machine brand and chances are Nespresso will be right up there with the most popular! They’re considered by many to be one of the top coffee machine brands.

The Citiz made it onto my list of the top 10 coffee machines due to the machine’s ease of use but also for the relatively large water tank capacity, compared to other capsule machines reviewed in this article.

The 19 bar high-performance pump produces quality espresso and it comes with a programmable energy-saving mode, so the machine switches off when not in use. Don’t worry though, the other great feature of the Citiz is the fact that it only takes 25 seconds to heat up.

The drip tray is adjustable, to allow for different sized coffees, and used capsules are deposited into the internal bin, allowing for easy cleaning of the machine.

What we like

• Great selection of coffee capsules
• Easy to clean, use and very compact
• Makes great coffee in just two buttons

What we don’t like

• Nothing!

>>>Click here to check price on Amazon<<<

Delonghi Nespresso Lattissima

Specifications

• Type: Pod
• Capacity: 1 litre
• Dimensions (LxWxH): 32.4 x 15.4 x 25.6 cm

The Lattissima is a capsule machine but has so many features it could be considered a fully automatic for beginners.

At the touch of a single button, you can make a range of barista quality beverages such as lattes, cappuccinos and espressos. The removable milk frother makes for easy storage in the fridge and is fully automatic, making it easy for beginners to craft their perfect coffee.

To keep the machine in working order it has an intuitive descaling function with a programmable water hardness setting. This is super important as a build up of limescale can be deadly to home coffee machines.

It’s a little heavier than some pod coffee machines, weighing in at 4.5kg, but that’s understandable with all of the extra features you get!

What we like

• It is dishwasher safe
• It is quick to work and easy to clean
• Compact and great looking machine

What we don’t like

• Its small milk container

>>>Click here to check price on Amazon<<<

Automatic Pour Over Coffee Machine Reviews

Delonghi Clessidra

Specifications

• Type: Drip
• Capacity: 10-cup coffee (1.25 L)
• Dimensions (LxWxH): 18 x 28 x 33 cm

If you want a smoother cup of coffee than you usually get from a drip coffee brewer, you should look for the best pour-over coffee machine, like this option from Delonghi.

This 10 cup pour-over coffee machine comes with a 1.25 litre borosilicate glass carafe (a material which is known for having great thermal, temperature resistant properties).

The Delonghi Clessidra automatic pour-over coffee machine mimics the manual pour over coffee process with its 6 hole shower head, so the coffee is evenly extracted across the coffee grounds. This machine has even gained certification from the European Coffee Brewing Centre, thanks to its precise temperature and infusion control time meeting their highest standards.

It’s sleek and stylish and will look great on any kitchen top. Other features include an automatic descaling alarm, a built in coffee warmer for up to 40 minutes and an anti-drip system that allows you to remove the carafe mid brew if you just can’t wait for that first cup.

If you love the full bodied flavour of pour over coffee but don’t have the time to manually pour all the time, this automatic pour-over coffee maker from Delonghi could be the best filter coffee maker for you.

What we like

• Really easy to use and clean
• The keep warm plate that keeps refills in a perfect temperature
• Only takes around 2-4 minutes to brew almost 10 cups of coffee 

What we don’t like

• One review said it drips water over the hot plate when you pull the jar

>>>Click here to check price on Amazon<<<

Breville Precision Brewer

Specifications

• Type: Drip
• Capacity: up to 60 oz of drip coffee (1.8L)
• Item dimensions (L x W x H): 31 x 17 x 40 cm

If you’re looking for a really versatile coffee machine, the Breville Precision Brewer isn’t just the best drip coffee machine, it can actuallycreate a range of coffees with fully customisable settings to achieve your perfect brew.

This Breville drip coffee machine has a 12 cup stainless steel thermal carafe to keep your coffee warmer for longer, without any burning. It has an impressive 6 unique brewing modes including fast, strong, iced, cold brew, personalised settings and the gold cup standard which will automatically brew your coffee to recommended standards. The “my brew” setting lets you have full control over the bloom time, brew temperature and flow rate so you really can personalise your coffee drinking experience.

This Breville drip coffee maker comes with dual filter baskets to help you achieve the best cup of coffee, whether you just want to make a single cup of coffee or need a whole carafe for entertaining. You can purchase a showerhead fitting for this machine to turn it into a great automatic pour-over coffee machine.

If you are looking for a coffee machine with that all important bloom feature as well as some fully customisable settings to achieve the perfect brew, you will struggle to find better than the Breville Precision Brewer.

What we like

• Super adaptable to all kinds of brews
• Keeps the coffee warm nicely
• You can set to make coffee prior to getting up!

What we don’t like

• None! Love this machine!

>>>Click here to check price on Amazon<<<

Drip Coffee Machine Reviews

Breville Aroma Style

Specifications

• Type: Drip
• Capacity: 12-cup coffee
• Item dimensions (L x W x H): 26 x 41.4 x 28 cm

If you’re just looking for the best drip filter coffee machine at the lowest price that will still deliver a great cup of coffee, look no further than this cheap Breville coffee machine.

The Breville Aroma Style comes with a 12 cup glass carafe so it’s great if you need to make a large batch of coffee for guests. The metal filter basket can be used without the need for paper filters, to save a little extra money, and the stainless steel machine looks good and won’t take up too much space on your kitchen bench.

This drip coffee maker also has a 24 hour preset timer so you can have steaming hot coffee ready when you wake up in the morning and the safety shut off kicks in after 2 hours, meaning you don’t have to worry that you forgot to turn the machine off.

If you just want a good quality drip coffee machine that won’t blow the budget, this option from Breville would look great in any kitchen.

What we like

• Very simple to set up and use
• The filter basket meaning no more paper filters
• The hot plate keeps the coffee at the perfect temperature

What we don’t like

• Some reviewers experienced leaking

>>>Click here to check price on Amazon<<<

Types of Machines

Espresso Machines

The easiest way to get that real cafe-style experience is with an espresso coffee machine. These work by boiling water in the attached tank then pushing it through a densely packed cup of ground coffee at very high pressure.

This type of machine is a must for producing the golden “crema” you see on the top of a high-quality cup of espresso. This light foam on the top of your espresso will give it a fuller and longer-lasting flavour.

There are a few different types of espresso machine though and not all are created equal. Which is the perfect option for you will depend on how much knowledge you have and how much of the work you want to do.

Find the best espresso machine for your home here!

Manual Espresso Machines

These machines give great versatility and freedom to experiment with your coffee but they’re not the best coffee machine for complete beginners.

They feature a handle with a basket attached called a group. You fill the basket with ground coffee, tamp it and twist the group into the machine. You then manually force the water through the coffee grinds using some form of lever or handle.

Semi Automatic Espresso Machines

In my opinion, semi-automatic machines are the best home coffee machines for those with a little coffee knowledge but who aren’t ready to spend a lot of money on a machine.

You’ll usually still need to grind, measure and tamp the coffee yourself. Then you use a button or dial to set the water flowing and you also have to stop the flow yourself.

This allows you more control over the extraction time and ratio of coffee to water.

Fully Automatic Espresso Machines

These require much less effort as they do just about everything for you. If you’re looking for a no knowledge required coffee experience, a fully automatic option is probably the best coffee machine Australia offers for you.

Automatic coffee machines pull the exact amount of water through the coffee, leaving all the guess work out. These machines have a portafilter just like other espresso machines but you simply press one button and the perfect amount of water is used and the machine stops automatically.

Some of these machines will even grind the beans, measure and tamp the coffee for you.

Super Automatic Espresso Machine

A whole new level of convenience! If you really want the top coffee machine, a super automatic machine will do absolutely everything for you!

This type of machine does everything a fully automatic machine will do plus they always grind, measure and tamp the coffee, froth the milk and build your coffee milk drink – all at the push of a single button!

If you want great coffee with practically zero effort, this is the machine to go for. All those features usually come with a higher price tag but they are generally very high quality and will last you a long time. Someone I know got one as a wedding gift 10 years ago and it’s still going strong!

Pod/Capsule Machines

If you’re looking for the best budget coffee machine, “pod” or “capsule” machines are just about as cheap as they come.

This type of machine uses a pod or capsule filled with a set amount of ready ground coffee. Placing the pod into the machine and pressing the start button is about as technical as these machines get.

The machine will then pierce the pod, automatically pour the correct amount of water through the capsule and you’re done!

The low initial spend on these machines could blow out if you’re constantly having to buy disposable pods. Thankfully, there are now some great reusable and refillable capsules that can save you a ton of money.

Filter Machines

Sometimes referred to as “drip coffee machines”, these machines might be what you think of when you think of workplace machines a few years ago.

They work by placing a paper filter filled with ground coffee in the machine and then running water into the filter and letting the coffee drip through into a jug below.

Take a look at the best filter coffee machines here

Pour Over Machines

Pour over coffee has started to gain popularity recently and sometimes drip and pour over machines are thought of as the same. However, there there are some significant differences.

With drip coffee, the water is all dispensed into the filter at once and the coffee slowly drips through into the carafe. Whereas pour over machines tend to have a pre-infusion cycle where the coffee grounds are wetted and then there is a pause to allow the grounds to “bloom” and begin to release their flavour. Then, the water is poured in a circular motion to evenly distribute it throughout the grounds.

This means pour over coffee machines mimic the manual process of creating pour over coffee (one of my favourite methods).

Features of the Best Coffee Machines, Australia

So, what are the best coffee machines for home? Well, a lot of that depends on your opinion and what features you think are the most important.

Milk Frother

In my opinion, the best domestic coffee machine needs to have a milk frother. To me, the best thing about having one of the top home coffee machines is being able to make many different coffees, from espresso to lattes to flat whites.

Milk frothers incorporate air into the milk until it has increased in size to create that light froth you see cafes use.

A machine with pods usually has a separate or built-in, electric-powered, milk frother which uses a tiny mechanism inside the frother to spin the milk at high speed.

Espresso coffee makers, on the other hand, will usually have a steam wand for frothing the milk. It forces steam through the milk, creating the tiny air bubbles required for drinks like flat whites.

Read my article on the best milk frothers here!

Coffee Grinder

Having an integrated grinder to make the whole process of grinding to brewing quick and easy, is a great idea. Usually, you will pay a higher price for an integrated grinder but the quality of the resulting coffee will be sooooo much better if your coffee beans are freshly ground!

Having your coffee ground correctly is vital for a cafe-quality cup of coffee. You can make a decent cup of coffee with pre-ground beans but once you start freshly grinding your beans you’ll be gobsmacked by the difference it makes.

Check out our full best coffee grinder buying guide here!

Water Tank Size

You’ll need to fill the machines water tank yourself and this can become an annoying chore if you’re having to move the machine to access the tank etc.

Think about how many coffees you’ll make. If you have a big family or people around for coffee often, it would be an inconvenience to have to refill the tank constantly and wait for the machine to reheat.

If you only really expect to use the machine to make a couple of coffees a day, then having a smaller tank likely won’t bother you too much. Even the best cheap coffee machines come with a relatively small tank size.

Serving Capacity

Thinking along the same lines, it would be super annoying to have 10 coffees to make in one go if the machine can only make one at a time! Most pod/capsule machines are only single serve machines.

Cleaning Features

Even the best rated coffee machines on the market should be cleaned after each use to keep your cup of coffee tasting delicious.

Unfortunately, the budget models need to be manually cleaned, although it’s not usually too big a task. However, I’d expect a high priced automatic option to have a self cleaning feature to make the process even simpler.

Other Features of the Best Coffee Machine, Australia

A few other things to think about when buying the best coffee machines for home use…..

• Cup Warmer – Great feature to keep your coffee warm for longer.
• LED Display – Makes for much easier settings adjustments.
• Preset Timer – Set the time you want a coffee every day!
• Descaling Indicator – Lets you know when to descale your machine which is a great help in avoiding maintenance issues.