Whether it’s cappuccino or latte – we all love starting our day with a cup of hot coffee. Sadly, not everyone has the time to run to the local cafe and grab their fuel for the day.
Sometimes, it’s an early morning meeting or an urgent deadline. Work-from-home employees know how hard it can be to deal with this lifestyle!
But this doesn’t mean you should skip your daily caffeine dose. If you can’t get it from a local cafe, why not make it at home? All you need is a good coffee machine and information on how to operate it. Ta Dah, your favorite type of coffee is ready in a few minutes!
Now, I know what you’re thinking – there are hundreds of coffee machines in the market and almost all of them claim to be the best. So, which one should you choose? I had the very same thoughts when I first started to look for a quick coffee solution.
So in this article, I will simplify your research process as I will reveal the best home coffee machines in Australia in 2023. I’ll also discuss what factors to consider for a worthy purchase. Let’s dive in!
My Top Picks
Below, my in-depth reviews discuss each product in great detail. I have uncovered every pro and con to help you make an informed decision. But if you’re short on time, here are my top picks:
- Breville Bambino Plus: Best Value Home Coffee Machine
- Breville Dynamic Duo: Best Coffee Machine Setup for Home Baristas
- De’Longhi PrimaDonna Soul: Premium Machine for a Soulful Coffee Experience
- Gaggia Magenta Plus Coffee Machine: Barista Quality With Full Range of Customisation
- Breville Oracle Touch: Best Coffee Machine for Easy Coffee Lovers
- Mcilpoog WS-203 Coffee Machine: Best Superautomatic Coffee Machine
- Sunbeam Barista Max: Best Cheap Home Coffee Machine
Got your best pick? Now, let’s dive into the details!
The Breville Bambino Plus: Best Value Home Coffee Machine
The Breville Bambino Plus is a small espresso machine that works really well. It’s an improved version of Breville’s traditional Bambino coffee machine, looks modern, and doesn’t take up much space on your counter. It also lets you control how much coffee you want and try different techniques like pre-infusion.
The Bambino Plus is also simple to use and comes with a detailed manual and a quick-start guide that makes getting started easy. It’s also quieter than other home coffee machines.
Note:
The Bambino Plus differs from its predecessor, the Bambino, in several ways. While the latter is more compact with manual milk frothing, the Bambino Plus has a larger capacity and an automatic milk texturing system.
Best Bits of the Breville Bambino Plus
Here are the reasons why I recommend the Breville Bambino Plus as the ideal home coffee machine in Australia.
- The Bambino’s Steam Wand
The best part of the Breville Bambino Plus is its steam wand.
You can pour your milk into the pitcher, put it under the steam wand, choose the foam level and temperature you like, and the machine does the rest. The steamed milk it makes is better than what other automatic frothers can do.
When I tested it, I found that setting the temperature to moderate and the foam level to low created a latte that’s just as good as the ones made by machines with automatic milk frothing. It’s an easy way to make your favorite cafe-style coffee at home without needing to learn how to steam milk manually.
Of course, manually steaming milk can give you even better results, but it takes more skill and time. The Bambino Plus also has a metal steam wand, which is much better than the plastic ones you find in many home espresso machines.
- A Separate Grinder
Baristas will often say, “It’s all in the grind”. This means that the quality of your coffee depends on how well the beans are ground (after the bean quality itself). So if you want to improve your espresso-making skills, getting a separate coffee grinder is essential.
Unlike the Breville Dynamic Duo, which features a built-in grinder, the Breville Bambino Plus requires you to buy a separate one. This will add to the total cost (from $700 to $1,100), depending on the grinder you choose.
For a good deal, I recommend pairing the Bambino Plus with Breville’s Smart Grinder Pro. It’s better than the built-in grinder that comes with the Barista Pro. The Smart Grinder Pro has precise settings that are fun to experiment with – helping you achieve the perfect taste for most brewing methods.
- Rapid Heat-up
The Breville Bambino Plus stands out because it heats up incredibly fast, taking only 3 seconds. This is quite rare among home coffee machines. With such a quick heat-up, you can make your morning espresso without waiting for it to preheat.
This means you can prepare a hot latte in about two minutes from start to finish, enjoy an espresso shot in less than 30 seconds, and steam 266 ml of milk using the auto sensor in around one minute.
Heating Time
On a side note, most espresso machines take ten to twenty-five minutes to heat up properly for making quality espresso. Even though the water itself heats up in about a minute, it’s best to wait for the entire machine to be fully heated. This patience prevents the brewing water from cooling too quickly after leaving the boiler.
- Superior Build Quality and User-friendly Controls
The Breville Bambino Plus has a sleek and modern design made from stainless steel. It’s available in brushed stainless steel or matte black.
My Bambino Plus came with a portafilter that includes four coffee filter baskets (single and double cup options, pressurized and non-pressurized), a coffee tamper, and the Breville coffee distribution trimming tool called ‘The Blade.’
In addition, the design of the Bambino Plus focuses on being user-friendly. It has three main buttons on the front for controlling the shot size: single shot, double shot, and the steam wand button.
Two smaller buttons allow you to set the milk temperature and foam amount for automatic milk frothing, which can be customized for cappuccinos, lattes, or flat whites.
Even with its automated frother, the Bambino Plus is great for learning manual milk frothing. The steam wand, with four holes, gives you enough space to create silky textured milk. You can choose between:
- Warm, ideal, and hot milk temperatures AND
- Low, medium, or high milk foam (measured in degrees Celsius)
It’s faster than the Dynamic Duo and Barista Express, taking around 38 seconds to reach 60 degrees Celsius. I think this espresso machine is designed for those who don’t just want a good coffee but a complete “coffee experience” from their home coffee machine.
- 2-Year Limited Product Warranty
The Breville Bambino Plus comes with a 2-year limited product warranty. So, if the machine has any defect or faulty parts, the company will repair it for free. But don’t forget that this warranty is valid from the date of purchase and covers only defects in material or workmanship.
If the defect is caused by your lack of maintenance or misuse, the warranty won’t work. You will have to pay for the repair, which can be pricey.
However, from my experience, it’s unlikely that you’ll need to use the warranty. The Breville Bambino Plus has excellent build quality. So, with proper care, there’s no reason why your coffee machine can’t continue to offer delicious espresso for years to come.
Areas for Improvement
The Breville Bambino Plus home coffee machine has a noticeable downside – it doesn’t have a separate tap for hot water. So, if you like drinking long black coffee, you’ll need to boil water separately or use the steam wand to fill your cup.
It also doesn’t come with its own coffee grinder. Without a good grinder, you won’t get the best results from the espresso machine. So I recommend buying the Breville Smart Pro Grinder for the best experience.
Finally, the Bambino Plus is lighter than most coffee machines. So, it might take some time to get used to locking the handle in place without moving the machine from its spot.
Bambino vs. Bambino Plus
The Breville Bambino Plus is an upgraded version of the earlier Bambino model. Both models are similar in many ways, but the Bambino Plus has some extra features. It includes automated milk steaming, more filter baskets, and a razor dosing tool.
Moreover, the tamper end on the traditional Bambino is made of plastic, while the Bambino Plus has a metal one.
With these added features, the Bambino Plus is considered the best choice for home coffee machines. It’s easy to use, has great functionality, and is well-built, giving you an unmatched coffee brewing experience right at home.
Bambino Plus vs. Dynamic Duo
Comparing the Breville Bambino Plus to the Breville Dynamic Duo home coffee machine might not be completely fair. The Dynamic Duo, which includes the Smart Grinder Pro when you buy it, costs more than three times the price of the Bambino Plus.
Apart from the price difference, another important thing to note is the display. Both machines have buttons to control the shot size and steam wand, but the Dynamic Duo also has an LCD. It’s also a dual-boiler home coffee machine, unlike the Bambino Plus, which means you can control the temperature of the brew boiler and make multiple drinks in a row.
In terms of size, the Dynamic Duo is bigger since it has two boilers. Both models are made of stainless steel, are compact home coffee machines, and come with a two-year warranty.
However, the Bambino Plus has a limited warranty, while the Dynamic Duo has a repair warranty. You can find more details about the Dynamic Duo in its full review below.
Final Verdict
If you want the best value-for-money home coffee machine with a separate coffee grinder, then the Breville Bambino Plus is for you.
It offers a simple push-button operation, a built-in steam wand, rapid heat-up time, and a compact build. So, at this price point, there is no wonder that the Bambino Plus is one of the best-selling home coffee machines in Australia.
Breville Dynamic Duo: Best Coffee Machine Setup for Home Baristas
The Breville Dynamic Duo is made for experienced users who want to customize their espresso drinks. It comes in silver or black sesame colors and has a strong stainless steel build. This home coffee machine includes two main parts:
- The Dual Boiler Coffee Machine
- The Smart Grinder Pro
Both of these devices are top-notch and provide excellent performance, especially when it comes to dual-boiler home coffee machines.
Best Bits of the Breville Dynamic Duo
The Breville Dynamic Duo is my second-best choice for home coffee brewing in Australia. Here’s why:
- Prosumer Grade at Fair Price Point
The Dynamic Duo offers almost all the essential features you need in a home coffee maker. It’s more efficient and practical than the Barista Express, making lattes in half the time and delivering better shots with more programmability.
This is because the Breville Dual Boiler in the Dynamic Duo uses the same Triple Heat System as their expensive all-in-one machines (the Oracle and Oracle Touch).
It also has separate boilers for making espresso and steaming milk. There’s also a heating element for the group head, which ensures the temperature remains constant throughout the process.
- High Standard Coffee Grinder
Unlike home coffee makers with built-in grinders, the Smart Grinder Pro that comes with the Dynamic Duo performs much better. It provides a smooth, even grind with very little leftover coffee beans.
It is an excellent choice for home baristas who want a top-notch coffee brewing experience. Also, I highly recommend it for people who choose the more affordable Breville Bambino Plus model, which doesn’t come with a grinder.
- Adjustable Controls
This coffee machine has temperature control and an Over Pressure Valve (OPV) to ensure optimal temperature and pressure. The flexible shot controls allow you to pull two perfect shots and steam milk simultaneously, making latte-making easier.
Plus, the adjustable dose grinder lets you grind directly into the portafilter or a container of your choice, either manually or automatically. Notably, the knobs on the Breville Dynamic Duo are well-designed, offering a smooth and satisfactory feel during use.
- Smooth Learning Curve
It’s beginner-friendly and you can quickly learn how to use its features. The instruction booklet provided by Breville is comprehensive and helps you easily understand the machine’s functionalities.
- 2-Year Repair Warranty
The Dynamic Duo comes with a two-year repair warranty, covering any defects that may arise within 24 months. When compared to Breville Bambino Plus and Breville Oracle Touch, there is not much difference here. All three models offer a similar warranty.
- Additional Features
It has pump pressure with OPV adjustment, an auto-on/off feature, and an auto-start capability. The auto-start feature allows you to set your coffee maker to wake up at a specific time in the morning, bypassing the 10-minute warm-up time the machine requires upon start-up
Room for Improvement
The Breville Dual Boiler is a great coffee machine, but it has two main downsides. The first is that it takes up to ten minutes to heat up. However, it has an auto-on/off preheat feature to help with that.
The second is that it’s a bit bulky, so finding the right spot for it can be a hassle.
Final Verdict
Overall, the Breville Dynamic Duo is an excellent home coffee setup with unique features. It has a user-friendly interface, a fair price, and easy controls – which is why I have included it among the best home coffee machines in Australia.
It also comes with cleaning materials, a tamper, a milk jug, filters, and a dose-trimming tool. With the Dynamic Duo, you can easily enjoy a highly refined coffee brewing experience right in your home.
De’Longhi PrimaDonna Soul: Premium Machine for a Soulful Coffee Experience
The De’Longhi PrimaDonna Soul is a fully automatic coffee machine that falls into the high-end category. It’s a blend of advanced technology, useful features, and a stylish design. But does it live up to its claims? Let’s see!
What I Liked About the De’Longhi PrimaDonna Soul
When looking at the details of the De’Longhi PrimaDonna Soul, I found some really impressive things about this home coffee maker:
- Design and Aesthetics
The PrimaDonna Soul, model ECAM61075MB, has a sleek metal black color that looks stylish in any kitchen. It fits well with other modern appliances, and its compact size (10.3D x 19.1W x 15.4H centimeters) means you won’t have trouble finding space for it.
- Bean Adapt Technology
The most amazing feature of this coffee machine is the Bean Adapt Technology. It’s the heart of this machine and a big reason why people love it. This technology adjusts the grind size, dose, and temperature based on the type of coffee bean you use.
Whether you prefer strong Arabica or smooth Ethiopian beans, the machine smartly adapts to your choice and makes sure you get the best flavor every time. It’s perfect for coffee lovers who enjoy the unique tastes of different beans.
- Wi-Fi Connectivity and Coffee Link App
The PrimaDonna Soul is smart like other modern gadgets. It has Wi-Fi, so you can control it using the Coffee Link App on your smartphone. You can adjust machine settings, create your coffee recipes, and even turn it on or off from your phone.
This means you can start brewing coffee while still in bed or even from your office before you head home. It also allows you to experiment and create your custom coffee blends.
Advice:
Using the PrimaDonna Soul’s Coffee Link App is very convenient and gives you many ways to customize your coffee. But remember to keep the machine’s firmware up-to-date. Updating the software regularly makes sure you have the newest features and the best performance.
- A 4.3″ TFT Touch Display
The PrimaDonna Soul has a big 4.3″ TFT touch display that’s a pleasure to use. It lets you choose from 21 different coffee recipes with just a touch. You can also control the amount, temperature, and flavor of your coffee and save personalized settings.
And with the option to save profiles, everyone in your family can have their favorite coffee with just one touch.
- LatteCrema System
The PrimaDonna Soul comes with the LatteCrema System, which is an automatic milk frothing jug with a 500 ml capacity. It ensures the milk is frothed perfectly every time and is great for people who enjoy milk-based coffees like cappuccinos or lattes.
It also gives your coffee a consistent, creamy texture that enhances your experience. The large capacity also means you can make multiple milk-based coffees without refilling the jug, which is handy when you have guests or want more than one cup.
What’s more, the jug has a convenient refill top and a thermal double-wall design that keeps the milk cool for longer, even when it’s not in the fridge.
- Pre-set Coffee Recipes
The machine offers 21 pre-set coffee recipes, including Italian espresso, creamy flat white, and cappuccino. It even has a special “Mug-to-Go” recipe for making your takeaway coffee.
Having such a range of pre-set recipes is very convenient, especially when you’re in a hurry or entertaining guests. It also allows you to try out different coffee styles, expanding your coffee horizons.
- A Complete Package
The PrimaDonna Soul comes with everything you need to start making coffee right away. Inside the box, you’ll find the coffee machine itself, a milk carafe, a coffee pot, a descaler, a water filter, a scoop, a cleaning brush, and a water spout.
These items are essential for keeping your coffee machine working well and clean. For example, the descaler helps remove mineral buildup, keeping the machine running smoothly. The cleaning brush and water spout are useful for maintaining the machine’s hygiene.
So, having all this makes sure you have a seamless coffee-making experience from the moment you open the box!
Room for Improvement
The De’Longhi PrimaDonna Soul has great features, but there are areas where it could be better. First, setting it up might be a bit difficult because of its advanced technology. However, the manual that comes with it should make it easier.
Another thing to consider is the high price of the machine. Even though it’s well-built and has many features, the cost might be too much for beginner coffee enthusiasts.
My Verdict
The De’Longhi PrimaDonna Soul is a remarkable coffee machine with advanced features that stand out. The Bean Adapt Technology and Wi-Fi connectivity make it a top choice for advanced coffee lovers. It also has many preset recipes and the large LatteCrema System, which makes it great for families.
Now, even though it’s a bit pricey, the PrimaDonna Soul offers excellent value. It’s well-designed, easy to use, and made with high-quality parts, giving you a complete coffee experience. So, if you’re a coffee expert looking to upgrade your arsenal, the De’Longhi PrimaDonna Soul is an excellent choice.
Gaggia Magenta Plus Coffee Machine: Barista Quality With Full Range of Customisation
The Gaggia Magenta Plus is made by Gaggia, an Italian brand known for making high-quality espresso machines. This coffee machine is more than just basic – it aims to give you a true barista experience right in your own kitchen. It combines Italian craftsmanship with modern technology, perfect for coffee lovers who enjoy trying new coffee-making techniques.
Its design is sleek and easy to use, making it a top pick for any kitchen. But what really makes it special is its performance. Here’s what I liked about this coffee machine:
Best Bits of the Gaggia Magenta Plus
Let’s look at six great features of the Gaggia Magenta Plus:
- Superior Grinding for Optimal Taste
The Gaggia Magenta Plus has 100% ceramic grinders that are very durable and resistant to heat. They make sure the coffee beans are not overheated or burnt, which gives you the best flavor.
You can also choose from five grind options for a custom coffee experience. From fine to coarse, each grind option produces a different taste.
- Customisable Coffee Intensity
You can adjust the strength of your coffee with the Gaggia Magenta Plus. There are five options for how much ground coffee is used in each cup. This means everyone in your family can have their coffee just the way they like it.
GAGGIA MAGENTA PLUS – HOW TO PREPARE BEVERAGES
- Professional Steam Wand for Perfect Milk Froth
The Magenta Plus has a stainless steel steam wand, just like professional baristas use. It lets you make the perfect milk froth for your coffee. You can use different milk jugs and still get great froth. It can also give you hot water for making tea and infusions.
- Aesthetically Pleasing and Functional Design
The Gaggia Magenta Plus looks nice with its stainless steel and ceramic build. It’s also compact, measuring 44 x 23 x 36 cm and weighing 7.6 kg, meaning it fits well in most kitchens.
- User-Friendly Interface
The Gaggia Magenta Plus has a wide, colorful display with touch-sensitive buttons. This makes it easy to control and understand what you’re doing when making drinks. It even guides you through the cleaning process step by step.
- Energy Efficient
The machine has a special feature that automatically turns it off after a period of inactivity. This helps you save energy and reduce your electricity bill. It’s also good for the environment because it lowers your carbon footprint.
Plus, it adds a safety layer by making sure the machine doesn’t run when it’s not needed. This is especially helpful if you have a busy morning or young kids at home.
Tip:
The automatic shut-off feature on the Gaggia Magenta Plus is great for saving energy. But if you want to make multiple cups of coffee in a row, keep using the machine to prevent it from turning off unexpectedly.
Room for Improvement
Although the Gaggia Magenta Plus is impressive in many ways, there are some areas where it could be even better for users.
One aspect that could be improved is the noise level. Like other automatic coffee machines, the Magenta Plus can be a bit loud, especially when grinding coffee. It’s not too loud, but it might be a little bothersome early in the morning when everyone else is sleeping.
Another thing to consider is the water tank’s accessibility. While it can hold a good amount of water, filling it up can be a bit tricky because of its position in the machine. It might be a bit inconvenient to refill, especially if the machine is under low kitchen cabinets.
Gaggia Magenta Plus vs. De’Longhi PrimaDonna
The Gaggia Magenta Plus and De’Longhi PrimaDonna Soul are automatic Italian coffee machines that work similarly.
The PrimaDonna Soul has a special feature called Bean Adapt Technology that adjusts settings depending on the type of coffee bean you use. This ensures you get the best taste and aroma. It can also connect to an app on your phone, making it simple to make milk-based drinks with just a touch.
On the other hand, the Gaggia Magenta Plus has easy-to-use buttons and a steam wand like the ones baristas use. It lets you create café-style drinks at home, has adjustable ceramic grinders, a removable part for brewing, and a fast-heating boiler for quick brewing. The Magenta Plus also has a big bean container and water tank, so you can make lots of drinks easily.
Both machines have their strengths. The PrimaDonna Soul is good at adapting and connecting, while the Magenta Plus is great for user experience and making drinks like a barista.
Who Should Consider the Gaggia Magenta Plus?
This coffee machine is especially good for coffee lovers who enjoy different types of coffee and want to adjust how it’s made.
In addition, if you like both espresso and milk-based drinks like cappuccinos and lattes, the Magenta Plus is a good option because it has a special steam wand for making these drinks.
And if you care about how things look in your kitchen, the modern and stylish design of the Gaggia Magenta Plus will make you happy.
Breville Oracle Touch: Best Coffee Machine for Easy Coffee Lovers
My next favorite choice is the Breville Oracle Touch, a fantastic coffee machine for your home. With its smart touchscreen interface, it looks and works similarly to the Barista Touch. But the Oracle Touch has some extra features, like a dual boiler system that allows you to steam milk and make espresso at the same time.
This machine also makes brewing easy by controlling important things like how fine the coffee is ground, how it’s pressed, the pressure used, how long it’s brewed, and the water temperature — all automatically!
Best Bits of the Breville Oracle Touch
The Oracle Touch is the most expensive option among the best home coffee machines in Australia, but it has some fantastic features that make it worth the price. Here are the key things I like about this coffee machine:
- Touch Screen Interface
The Oracle Touch has a large touchscreen display, so you can easily control the machine with your fingertips. It comes with pre-set options with optimal settings for coffee and milk froth. But you can also customize your own drinks and save them for later.
- High-Quality Inbuilt Grinder
The Oracle Touch is unique among my top picks because it has a built-in grinder. This grinder has 45 grind settings that you can adjust to get the perfect grind for your coffee beans. Most coffee machines have fewer grind settings, so the Oracle Touch offers more options to customize your coffee.
Having a built-in grinder is also useful because if a separate grinder breaks, you won’t be able to use it anymore. With the Oracle Touch’s integrated grinder, you don’t have to worry about that. Plus, it saves space on your countertop, giving you a cleaner kitchen experience.
- Automatic Tamping System
The Oracle Touch coffee machine has a built-in grinder with an automatic tamping system. This system prevents coffee grounds from making a mess on your countertop. Instead, the ground coffee goes neatly into the portafilter. This helps keep your kitchen clean and reduces waste, making the coffee brewing process more efficient.
- Great Build With a Clean Interface
The Breville Oracle Touch has a stylish brushed stainless steel design that makes it compact and durable, just like the other top home coffee machines in Australia. But since it’s a dual-boiler coffee machine with a built-in grinder, it takes up more counter space than some other options. It measures 14.7 by 14.5 by 17.6 inches and weighs 16.9 kg.
The LCD touch screen on the Oracle Touch is also impressive and easy to use, even if you’re not good with technology. It’s intuitive and the user manual helps make it even easier to operate.
- A 2-Year Repair Warranty
Similar to the other machines in its category, the Breville Oracle Touch comes with a 2-year repair warranty. If there are any defects with the coffee machine during this time, the company will take care of them.
For more detailed information about the specific defects covered by the warranty, you can check out the product page.
What Could Be Better?
The main downside of the Breville Oracle Touch is its high cost, which may put some users off.
But although it’s more expensive, the machine comes with advanced and automated features that make the price worth it.
Another downside is that the Oracle Touch takes up more space on the kitchen counter compared to some of the other machines on this list.
Breville Oracle Touch vs. Dynamic Duo
The Oracle Touch and Dynamic Duo are both dual-boiler home coffee machines with similar sizes. They have two-cup warmers, a 2.5 L water reservoir, and built-in castors for easy moving. However, there are crucial differences that affect their prices.
The Oracle Touch has a built-in grinder, which the Dynamic Duo lacks. This means the Oracle Touch is faster in making double shot lattes, taking 1 minute and 30 seconds compared to the Dynamic Duo’s 2 minutes. For single-shot lattes, the Oracle Touch only takes 50 seconds, half the time of the Dynamic Duo.
Overall, the Oracle Touch is more efficient and suitable for serving a larger group. It’s also easier to learn and use due to its automation, making it less likely to make mistakes while making coffee.
Overall Impression
The Oracle Touch home coffee machine is perfect for coffee enthusiasts who want reliable and great-tasting coffee. It’s also great for those who are willing to invest more in a high-quality coffee experience. It’s like having a professional-grade coffee machine right in your own kitchen.
Breville Barista Touch: Best Under $1300
The Breville Barista Touch is a single-unit machine with a built-in grinder and a touchscreen. If that sounds great to you and you’re willing to let go of the high-end features of the Oracle Touch, this may be the perfect option for you.
This home coffee machine is a simple, versatile, and easy-to-use device. It’s for people who want a good cup of coffee without much hassle.
But if you’re eager to hone your barista skills, I recommend either the prosumer-grade Breville Dual Boiler packaged with the Smart Grinder or getting the Bambino Plus with the Smart Grinder Pro.
The Breville Dual Boiler (and, to a lesser extent, the Bambino Plus) produce results more directly related to your level of effort and experience. The more you put into it, the better your coffee gets.
Comparatively, the Barista Touch gives you amazing coffee with little effort or expertise. If you want to improve the standard taste, you can tweak it a little but there is a ceiling to how good it can get.
Mcilpoog WS-203 Coffee Machine: Best Superautomatic Coffee Machine
With its sleek Black 203 design and stainless steel build, the Mcilpoog WS-203 Superautomatic Espresso Coffee Machine is a powerhouse. It is sturdy, compact, and fits comfortably on your kitchen countertop.
It features a user-friendly touchscreen that simplifies the coffee-making process into 3 simple steps — grind, brew, and milk. There’s also a precision conical burr grinder, automatic microfoam milk texturing, and a range of 16 specialty coffee drinks. So, you can easily customize the brew to your liking.
Apart from this, the WS-203 is intelligently designed for optimal user convenience. It provides timely reminders for machine cleaning, bean refilling, and water shortage. This ensures your machine remains in top condition.
It is also equipped with a 1.7 L water tank and a 250G coffee bean box. So, it can cater to moderate to heavy use and is ideal for a bustling household or a small office setting. But, its weight of 13.5 kg may pose a challenge for some users when it comes to mobility.
Despite its few limitations, the Mcilpoog WS-203 is a high-performing, feature-rich, and user-friendly machine. It’s an excellent choice if you are willing to make a reasonable investment for a superior coffee experience at home.
With 24-hour online customer support and a 12-month guarantee, this machine promises quality coffee brewing with dependable company backup. If something goes wrong, you can always rely on the manufacturer to help you out.
All in all, it is a worthy choice among the best superautomatic coffee machines available in Australia.
Breville Barista Pro: Best Semi-Automatic Under $900
The Breville Barista Pro is an affordable version of the Breville Barista Touch. This means that although the price tag is much cheaper, the key functionalities of both coffee machines are the same.
For example, both have a PID controller, which monitors the coffee temperature during extraction and makes adjustments to maintain consistent water temperature throughout the brewing process.
However, this coffee machine also has a few unique features. The integrated high-end conical burr grinder comes with an impressive array of grind settings. This allows you to grind directly into a portafilter for precise dosing, minimizing waste and ensuring you get the correct dosage.
The Breville Barista Pro also has an LCD that provides real-time data on grinding, extraction, and cleaning. This simplifies the machine setup and dials in the perfect espresso shot.
It is also equipped with the Innovative ThermoJet heating system. This ensures that your coffee is brewed at the perfect temperature and that there is minimal variation in the water temperature while the shot is being pulled.
Finally, it comes with a milk frothing pitcher and a powerful steam wand. You can use it to make all your favorite espresso drinks with rich, creamy milk froth for cappuccinos and lattes.
De’Longhi Dinamica: Best Superautomatic Under $900
The De’Longhi Dinamica Fully Automatic Coffee Machine is another superautomatic coffee machine that offers everything you could ever want in your home coffee maker. It features an intuitive touchscreen display that makes choosing your settings easy.
There are also customizable options to brew the perfect cup of coffee every day. For example, its four-recipe touch control panel allows you to save your favorite coffee recipes.
As for the coffee-brewing process, the coffee maker has a high-quality variable integrated burr grinder that allows you to grind fresh beans for each cup. You will also find a milk frother to create creamy drinks and a cup warmer to ensure your coffee stays hot from start to finish.
Despite its wealth of features, the Dinamica is a slim, double-cup machine that fits well into most home offices or kitchens. Its removable water tank and filter are also positioned on the side of the machine instead of the rear. This means you can easily remove and refill them.
Finally, this sleek machine is easy to clean, thanks to a steam wand cleaning cycle and an indicator light that signals any surplus water in the drip tray.
De’Longhi Magnifica S: Best Under $800
If you’re looking for a fully automatic home coffee machine that makes delicious espresso drinks without straining your wallet, the De’Longhi Magnifica S is definitely worth considering.
This competitively-priced machine has all the features to make excellent coffee. It has a superautomatic, inbuilt burr grinder that grinds with a high level of consistency. This makes a noticeable difference in the quality of the coffee.
The grinder is also designed to be as silent as possible, so you won’t wake up the whole house while making your late-night coffee (a great pro for freelancers).
What’s more, the Magnifica S is very compact. It can fit in the smallest kitchen spaces easily. It also has a neat design with one-touch controls to make a range of coffees, meaning you won’t have any trouble figuring out how to use this superautomatic machine.
Finally, it has a milk frother so you can make cream-based drinks too. The De’Longhi Magnifica S also features a back-mounted removable water tank for easy refilling and an automatic shut-off feature that can help you save on your electricity bill.
Breville Barista Express: Best Under $700
The Breville Barista Express is a great home coffee machine for people on a budget. It has a built-in grinder and all the key features to make yourself a cup of quality espresso. These include a digital temperature controller, a built-in steam wand, and a brewing range.
This means you can operate the home coffee machine automatically or manually, depending on your skill level and time availability. If you’re in a hurry, set it on automatically and get a fresh cup of coffee instantly. But, if you have got the time, use the manual options to create a custom cup of goodness.
With a fast heat-up time and quiet operation, the Breville Barista Express produces a smooth filter coffee as silently as possible. It also comes with a hands-free tamping system to simplify the process.
All in all, the Barista Express is a decent and reasonably priced choice. But if you want a model that churns out large amounts of espresso for your guests and has milk-frothing controls, this might not be the right option for you.
Sunbeam Barista Max: Best Coffee Machine With Grinder Under $500
If you’re looking for a very affordable home espresso machine that is easy to use, the Sunbeam Barista Max is an excellent option. It has a simple push-button control system and a variable pressure dial for the steam wand.
This makes it extremely beginner-friendly. Even if you haven’t used coffee machines before, this model will allow you to create decent espressos in no time!
It also features an exclusive Temp IQ Shot Control 3-way system that ensures that your coffee is consistently brewed at the perfect temperature. In addition, you get a built-in grinder and a generous 48-ounce water tank, so there’s no need to worry about procuring a separate grinder or frequently refilling the tank.
What’s more, the Sunbeam Barista Max home espresso machine has an automatic shut-off feature to save energy and a removable drip tray you can easily clean after each use
Keep in mind that this home coffee machine is slightly smaller than the Breville Barista Pro. But it still might not be the best option if space is limited because it houses an Italian-designed 15-bar pump pressure system. This produces strong vibrations and will need considerable space.
All in all, this stainless-steel home coffee machine offers quality espresso while promising years of reliable service.
What Are Super-Automatic Coffee Machines?
Also called fully automated, super-automatic coffee machines are designed to make coffee with minimal user intervention. They take care of all the coffee brewing steps, from grinding the beans to frothing the milk.
However, when it comes to taste and tweaking the settings, a super-automatic coffee machine is going to disappoint you. The machine will produce coffee of a certain taste that you may or may not like.
It will also allow you to program some of the features, like coffee strength and temperature. But you won’t have complete control over the coffee brewing process. So, if you don’t like the grind consistency or the froth, you can’t do much about it.
Nonetheless, it’s still great for people who aren’t picky about the details and just want a cup of good coffee as soon as possible. If you’re one of those people, then I highly recommend:
- Mcilpoog WS-203, De’Longhi Dinamica
- De’Longhi Magnifica S
They are one of the best super-automatic coffee machines available in Australia.
How Much Should You Spend on a Home Coffee Machine?
Many home coffee machines are priced at around $550.
While you can find cheaper models, I don’t recommend them because the quality will be compromised. Either the machine will break down early or your coffee would taste so bad you would have to go to the cafe after all!
So, the sweet spot is between $800 to $4000. Home coffee machines in this range offer excellent functionality and durability.
However, if you’re looking for more exquisite designs or luxury brands, you can definitely find higher-priced models in the market.
Buying Guide: What to Look For in Your Home Coffee Machine?
So those were my recommendations for the top coffee machines in Australia. And it’s completely understandable if you don’t like any of those options. After all, we’re all very different with unique coffee needs.
So if you’re hitting the market on your own, here are some considerations to keep in mind.
Type of Coffee Machine
Super-automatic coffee machines are just one type. There are multiple other options to consider, including:
- Drip Coffee Maker: Ideal for brewing larger quantities of coffee at once, making it suitable for households with multiple coffee drinkers.
- Espresso Machine: For those who prefer concentrated and flavorful espresso-based drinks like lattes, cappuccinos, and americanos.
- Pod/Capsule Coffee Maker: Offers convenience and ease of use with pre-packaged coffee pods, but can be more expensive in the long run.
- French Press: A manual brewing method for full-bodied and rich coffee, suitable for those who appreciate a more hands-on approach.
Grinder Type & Settings
Most coffee machines come with a built-in grinder, but their range of grind settings is very limited. Alternatively, you will find a separate grinder that lets you have complete control over the consistency and strength.
However, here’s the thing – only coffee aficionados enjoy using a machine with a separate grinder. If you’re someone who wants a specific grind but doesn’t have too much time to spend on coffee brewing, you might want to go with a built-in grinder.
Of course, this is going to be slightly more expensive. But if you want a good balance between ease and coffee customization, the money you spend will be worth it.
Pressure
The process of brewing coffee involves forcing hot water through finely-ground coffee under pressure. So, pressure plays an important role in how well flavors are extracted from coffee grounds and how concentrated your drink tastes.
If the pressure is too low, the extraction will be weak and result in an underwhelming or bland coffee. On the other hand, if the pressure is too high, it can lead to over-extraction and make the coffee bitter.
Most coffee machines offer the standard pressure of 9 bars (equivalent to 130 psi). This helps produce the regular coffee taste that is loved by the masses. But if you prefer a specific taste or like to experiment, you should consider a home coffee machine with adjustable pressure.
Water Heater
The consistency of the coffee taste depends on the water heater. If it’s a high-quality heater with advanced PID (proportional integral derivative) controllers, the water will be boiled at a set temperature every time.
Special Features
Each home coffee machine will have different special features. Apart from the basic coffee brewing, they may offer:
- Temperature Control – most coffee machines are programmed to function at a specific temperature. But, since temperature also plays a role in the coffee’s taste, you can find models with adjustable temperature control.
- Brewing Time – coffee brewed for a longer time has a more potent taste than one brewed for a short period (regardless of the temperature and pressure). If you wish to customize your experience further, go for a machine with different brewing times.
- Milk Frothing – if you like espresso-based drinks, consider machines with built-in steam wands or milk frothers.
Size
Although home coffee machines are never as large as commercial ones, they are available in considerably large sizes. This can be a problem if your kitchen has a small or narrow counter space.
So, before choosing a product, compare space availability with the machine’s size. There’s no point in purchasing a highly advanced model if it doesn’t fit in your kitchen!
Design
There are two things to consider when it comes to a coffee machine’s design — style and ease of use. If you’re style conscious and like to maintain uniform decor, look for a machine that goes well with your overall kitchen vibe.
But if looks aren’t of much importance to you, examine the ease of use. Does the machine have an intuitive interface and easy-to-use controls? If not, then brewing coffee at home will be a hassle every time your caffeine craving kicks in.
Budget
Home coffee machines are available in a range of $100 to $4000+. You should set a budget that you’re comfortable with. Then, browse the options in that range and compare them to select the best one.
Keep in mind that the best home coffee machines will always cost more. If you make coffee regularly, it’s better to invest in a high-quality machine once. This will save you the trouble of buying a new coffee machine after every few years (which happens a lot with cheaper products).
What to Avoid in a Home Coffee Machine?
When looking to buy a home coffee machine, there are a few pitfalls to avoid.
Firstly, if you’re not a professional barista, stay away from complex coffee machines. Instead, get a simpler and straightforward model that helps prepare the morning coffee without much hassle.
Secondly, you should avoid coffee machines with small water tanks. These don’t hold enough water for multiple cups of coffee – leaving you with the tedious task of refilling them every now and then.
Things get even worse when the coffee machine has a back-mounted tank. Not only will you have to refill it often but you will also have to face difficulty every time you do so. Avoid these at all costs and go for a machine with a large water tank on the front or side.
Thirdly, based on my personal experience, I don’t recommend coffee machines that use pods or capsules. While they may be convenient, they can be expensive in the long run. They also don’t produce great coffee and pose significant environmental concerns.
Why Should You Trust Me?
Over a decade ago, I relocated from the UK to Melbourne – a beautiful city known for its rich coffee culture. I spent much of my time working in local cafes, where I learned all about the Aussie coffee traditions and mastered the art of brewing the perfect cuppa.
I remember learning how to run complex coffee machines and understanding the unique flavors of different beans. For me, this was an intriguing new landscape. I immersed myself fully in Melbourne’s coffee scene.
This means over the last ten years, my coffee knowledge grew significantly. It allowed me to distinguish various notes in each bean, understand the right grind size for different brews, and master milk frothing techniques.
I also experimented with every machine I could get my hands on to broaden my understanding of their functionality and differences. Be it a basic stovetop espresso maker or a high-end superautomatic machine – there was nothing that escaped my testing.
So, tapping into my expertise, I am able to offer a sound understanding of coffee machines from practical experience. My reviews aren’t based on fleeting interactions but on extensive testing and analysis, backed by my expertise and love for coffee.
I always make it a point to assess more than the basic specs. I consider user experience, coffee quality, and value for money, knowing a good coffee machine isn’t just a gadget but a contributor to your daily happiness.
So, when you read my reviews, know they come from a bloke who’s not just knowledgeable about coffee but also absolutely loves it!
Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Home Coffee Machines in Australia
What is the disadvantage of a coffee machine?
Coffee machines are generally very beneficial for those who want to get a good cup of coffee without running to the cafe every day. But there can be some drawbacks as well. These include:
- Cost
You should have a good budget to buy a quality coffee machine. It will have a value between $500 to $4000+. For many, this is an expensive buy that takes away a chunk of their monthly salaries.
- Maintenance
Home coffee makers are complex machines that require regular maintenance. If you don’t do that, the coffee taste and machine durability will deteriorate rapidly. And you will have to replace the pricey machine after some time.
- Dependence on Electricity
Coffee machines use electrical power to operate. While the majority of us have electricity 24/7, there are occasional power outages and technical faults. This can deprive you of your daily morning coffee unexpectedly!
Do coffee machines use a lot of power?
The power consumption of a coffee machine depends on the type and model. On average, a coffee machine consumes around 550 to 1200 watts of power. So, if you use one for up to 2 hours daily, the total consumption is 1 kWh to 2.4 kWh
Why are expensive coffee machines better?
Not every expensive coffee machine is better. It really comes down to what your needs are and how well the machine fulfills them. If you don’t care about the looks, size, and customization, a cheap coffee maker will also be a worthy purchase.
But, in most cases, quality coffee machines with a durable build and special features will be priced at a higher end. You should expect to spend $500+.
How many bars should a good coffee machine have?
Most coffee machines have around 7 to 11 bars. The average is 9 bars because it produces a relatively strong and rich espresso. But if you want a more potent coffee, you can also find professional-level coffee makers with more bars.
What should you buy with a coffee machine?
There’s no mandatory item that needs to be bought with a coffee machine. As long as you have water and coffee beans, the machine will be sufficient to produce the beverage. However, if your machine lacks certain accessories, you may have to purchase them.
For example, if you enjoy milk-based drinks but the machine doesn’t have an attached milk frother, you can buy it separately. Similarly, if you have a pod coffee maker, you may want a capsule stand to keep things organized.
Can vinegar damage your coffee machine?
A coffee machine requires frequent cleaning to produce the same quality coffee every time. If you don’t clean it, the residue can collect and ruin the taste. It can also invite germs and bacterial growth.
Most people recommend vinegar for cleaning because it is cheap and quick. But, remember that vinegar is acidic and damages the internal components of a coffee machine. A better approach is to use a diluted solution of soap and water.
Experience the Joy of Home-Brewing!
All in all, a home coffee machine allows you to have excellent coffee right in the comfort of your own home. You do not always need to visit the local shop for your cup of coffee.
This comprehensive guide discussed some of the best coffee machine options in Australia (2023). It doesn’t matter what type of coffee lover you are or what’s your budget. I’ve made sure there’s something for everyone in this post.
Good luck!