Myer has dramatically reduced the price of its popular Nespresso coffee machine for Boxing Day, with shoppers able to save almost $220 on the Vertuo Creatista coffee machine.
The normally $1,099 Breville machine is currently reduced to $879.20 and comes with a steam wand, pods, a milk jug and manuals.
The coffee machine has hundreds of five-star reviews with plenty of customers calling it the ultimate “cafe from home”.
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“I love this machine! I am finally able to make restaurant style cappuccinos at home with great ease. The app gives you the recipes so it’s virtually impossible to mess up your drink when you follow their recipes,” one woman said.
“Awesome machine. Very simple to use and gives a fantastic coffee every time,” said another shopper.
Over the last few years, monthly sales of home coffee machines have increased by 300 per cent and many customers who buy one for the occasional brew quickly become coffee machine converts once they realise how good the coffee quality can be.
It’s true that home coffee machines have come a long way.
The technology has developed alongside customer’s demand for taste and convenience and there’s a huge range of home machines available, from the more traditional capsule machines, which were once the go-to for customers, through to the fresh bean-to-cup machines which are now just as popular.
1. Best automatic/semi-automatic coffee machine
Breville Barista Express, $679, The Good Guys
The Breville Barista Express allows you to create specialty coffee at home from bean to espresso in less than a minute.
The integrated conical burr grinder with 16 settings enables you to grind the beans right before extraction for rich full flavour and the precise temperature control ensures optimal espresso extraction.
You can also be hands on like a barista with manual microfoam milk texturing so making a latte or a cap is a cinch.
The Breville is a Choice favourite with no cons to mention in its reviews and customers seem to feel the same.
“Amazing. You won’t regret it,” wrote one of the hundreds of reviewers online.
“Between myself and husband we’d spend hundreds [on coffee] every couple months. Super picky about having amazing coffee. Once you have it down this coffee flavour and smoothness surpasses the best coffees I’ve had. The machine is amazing and beautiful and easy to operate once you read the instructions and look on YouTube as to how to steam cream or milk exactly. You won’t regret this coffee [machine].”
2. Best manual coffee machine
De’Longhi La Specialista Arte, $529, Bing Lee
This De’Longhi coffee machine promises to make you a barista in your own home, with a simple process from grinding and dosing to tamping and texturing.
It includes eight grind settings, specifically developed to fit all varieties of coffee beans and three infusion temperature levels, able to adapt to the variety of beans and their level of roasting.
There’s a steam wand to texture silky smooth microfoam and practise latte art creations and it comes with three pre-set recipes for espresso, long black and hot water.
Pros include its ease of use but one con mentioned by reviewers is that the unit is light and you need to have one hand on the machine to stop it from moving on the bench when locking and unlocking the group handle.
“If you are longing for a barista quality machine in your life this one is the go. You won’t look back,” said one happy customer while another added:
“Makes great coffee every time. Milk frother is exceptional”.
3. Best capsule coffee machine
Nespresso by De’Longhi Vertuo Plus Coffee and Espresso Maker, $349, The Good Guys
You can enjoy a smooth espresso in less than a minute with this Nespresso De’Longhi capsule coffee machine.
It boasts an ultra-fast 25 second heat-up time and it couldn’t be easier to use – simply pop in your choice of Nespresso capsule and close the lever.
You can also easily create milky coffees with the Aeroccino milk frother which reviewers love.
If there’s any downside, it’s that this Nespresso machine is only compatible with Nespresso Vertuo pods.
“Stylish simplicity,” raves one customer.
“I love the overall look of it – It looks fantastic on my kitchen bench I love the design and simplicity of it – I can prepare 2 cups of coffee in just 30 seconds. With some pods I can get two cups of coffee. It’s absolutely foolproof.”
4. Best quality small coffee machine
Sunbeam Mini Barista Coffee Machine, $279.65, Myer
Designed with simplicity and performance in mind, the Sunbeam Mini Barista delivers great results without compromising on space or functionality.
The coffee machine allows you to pour the perfect amount of espresso at the touch of a button and its Auto Shot Volumetric Control, lets you pre-set single and double-shot measures.
Despite its small unit size, the 58mm group head is the same size as commercial coffee machines and there’s no compromise with quality on the steam wand which allows drinkers to create a velvety, micro-foam milk.
“Bought this machine two years ago for my tiny unit kitchen. Best buy I have made. Still going strong without any issues,” said one customer.
“Best ever. This is my second can’t live without it,” said another.
5. Best budget coffee machine
Kogan Espresso Manual Coffee Machine, $84.99, Kogan
This super affordable coffee machine from Kogan makes espressos, drip coffee or lattes and cappuccinos.
It has an adjustable steam knob and high pressure frothing function as well as a milk steamer with steam wand attachment to create creamy froth.
Cons are its slightly flimsy feel which requires one hand to hold the machine while inserting the coffee handle and also the fact it takes a while to heat up.
Reviewers are amazed at the quality coffee it creates for the budget price though saying:
“This coffee machine punches above its weight (literally) in the espresso it makes. Great crema, great brew….what it does is excellent for the price paid.”
6. Best value coffee machine
This elegantly-shaped Lavazza coffee machine is a great little coffee maker that hits the sweet spot between the ease of a pod system and an excellent espresso.
It’s small but packs an intense punch with flavour and for the price, reviewers say it’s a winner.
As the Lavazza Jolie has no pre-sets for dispensing, one disadvantage is that you can’t walk away while the coffee is dispensing because it won’t stop by itself. It’s not a deal-breaker for those who have bought the machine though and many have given it a solid five stars for value and affordability.
“I have owned this Lavazza coffee machine now for a month or so and it has performed flawlessly. It is easy to use and does a great job. Very impressed,” said one.
7. Best coffee machine with built in grinder
De’Longhi Magnifica, $469, Amazon
You’ll enjoy high-quality coffee in every cup as the De’Longhi Magnifica machine grinds the beans fresh, right before brewing and even includes a 250g bean container for pre-ground coffee just like at a cafe!
The integrated grinding technology for freshly ground beans has adjustable grinding level with conical and calibrated steel grinders and it brews coffee at the ideal temperature, heating only the water required for each drink.
Reviewers comment that it takes a few tries to get the grind size correct but generally the cons are few and far between.
“Brilliant coffee machine!” said one.
“Compact in size and makes a really nice coffee. Strength can be adjusted to taste and it froths milk perfectly. I’m impressed with this machine. Easy to clean and maintain. For the price it’s a fabulous buy.”
8. Best compact coffee machine for small spaces
Breville Bambino Plus Espresso Stainless Steel Coffee Machine, $551, Appliances Online
It doesn’t get more compact than the Bambino Plus when it comes to espresso, and this machine delivers more professional-style features than models twice its size.
Its ThermoJet boiler heats up in just seconds, it features a module that controls precise brewing temperatures, and it has an automatic steam wand that aerates milk with silky microfoam.
Users only gripe is that the automatic espresso volume buttons aren’t always consistent but you can get round that by manually stopping your espresso shot.
“Easy to use and great coffee,” reports one customer.
“Put off buying a coffee machine for some time and finally, after a lot of deliberation, I purchased the Bambino Plus. It was a great decision, I get consistently good coffee from this compact machine. It took a few goes before I found the right balance of coffee and milk temperature but now I have and it all works well. A big thumbs up from me.”
9. Most stylish coffee machine
Smeg White Espresso Coffee Machine, $399, Myer
If you want a coffee machine that adds a touch of cool to your kitchen bench then go no further than the Smeg Espresso coffee machine.
It comes in a range of colours, including pink and green and, as well as looking the part, it makes awesome coffee too.
It has a speedy 40 second heat up time and an easy three button operation allowing you to select single espresso or a double and then add perfectly aerated, foamy milk via the adjustable steam wand.
“Funky and functional,” said one reviewer. “Easy to use, super stylish and not too large for your countertop.”
10. Easiest to use coffee machine
Nespresso Vertuo Pop Solo, $229, Nespresso
Compact and easy to use, this super cool-looking Nespresso machine also makes delicious coffee.
As well as all the features you’d expect from a Nespresso there’s the added benefit of some awesome tech. Its Wi-Fi and Bluetooth functions let you maintain your machine straight from your smartphone!
The machine is available in lots of colours including mango, mint, yellow, blue and red. There’s also classic white and black for the minimalists.
The only downside is the 0.5 litre water tank which some users have commented is a little small.
“The Nespresso Vertuo Pop hits all the high notes of its predecessor but does it with a more compact form factor, a cheaper price tag and a more striking look,” said one happy customer.
What types of machines are available?
Home coffee machines fall in to one of three categories and these are important to be aware of when deciding on the type of machine you might want to purchase.
1. Fully or Semi Automatic coffee machine: These home coffee machines are perfect for convenience because they make your espresso or cappuccino at the touch of a button. They are easy to use and still make cafe-quality coffee.
2. Manual coffee machine: These are great if you want greater control over your coffee. You can grind the beans, control the extraction time and froth your milk to your particular taste. Of course, more skill is involved but the technology behind the machines still means you won’t need a barista qualification.
3. Capsule coffee machine: Instead of buying beans or ground coffee, capsule machines let you choose a particular blend and strength of coffee in a pod. The advantage is that you know your coffee will taste the same every time so, once you’ve found a blend you like, you’re set for life!
How much do home coffee machines cost?
There are options for every budget, size requirement and whether you want a one-push and you’re done or more of an artful experience with bean-grinding and milk-frothing capabilities.
As a guide, manual coffee machines start from around $200, and average at about $900.
Pod or capsule coffee machines are usually cheaper than manual or semi-automatic espresso machines and you can pick up a basic pod unit for less than $100 or splurge over $1,000 on a premium one.
Beans or Pods?
Then there’s also the cost of pods or coffee beans.
Even though the capsule machines are cheaper, the pods they use can be expensive and aren’t great environmentally if you don’t recycle them. On average they’re about $100 a kilogram whereas you can pick up a bag of coffee beans from the supermarket from around $12 per kilogram.
Of course, the best results are likely to come from more expensive, specialist coffee beans from smaller roasters which will cost more like $40 plus per kilogram.
What are the benefits of a home coffee machine?
Cost and convenience are the two biggies cited as reasons for buying a home coffee machine.
The initial outlay can be off-putting but the investment is likely to pay for itself very quickly when you think about how many, ever-more expensive cafe coffees you buy each week.
There’s also the cost to the environment to take into account and with no single use coffee cups at home, you’re definitely winning on the sustainability front.
The ease and speed of making a coffee without leaving the house is also a big plus but what about the quality?
Home Made vs Barista Coffee?
This is an area that home coffee machine-makers have been very focussed on but you’ll need to do your research and, if you’re fussy about flavour, a manual or semi-automatic espresso machine will almost always give you the best, barista-like results.
This is because these machines give you more control over the brewing process, including grinding, dosing, tamping, extracting and steaming, to help you get as close as possible to that cafe-quality coffee.
And while they’re more expensive to buy, a good manual machine should last you eight years or more.
How to choose the best home coffee machine to suit your needs?
All the above should play into your decision but essentially you need to work out what it is you want from a home coffee machine and then do the research based on your answers.
Do you want a quick, cheap fix of caffeine with a minimalist-designed machine that’s not going to set you back much or is your coffee machine purchase more of a lifestyle choice? Or do you sit somewhere in the middle?
Whatever your answer, we are likely to have found the machine for you after researching some of the best home coffee makers in Australia.
