If you’re stuck at home drinking instant coffee wondering how to elevate your morning cup-a-joe, then it’s time to bring the café experience home. Whether you’re a coffee enthusiast or you’re really here just for the caffeine hit, either way, we can all appreciate a good cup of coffee.
How do we bring the café experience home?
“The best place to start is to understand your household’s needs,” explains category expert Colin Jones, Appliances Online.
What are the types of at-home coffee machines out there?
Capsule coffee machines
A classic entry-level coffee machine for those who are occasional coffee drinkers. They are extremely cost effective and simple to use. Requires compatible coffee capsules to be used.
“Make sure to check what type of capsules your machine takes, as it may be a specific one and consider buying enough to last you a couple of months,” advises Jones.
Key features:
- No barista skills required
- Compact in size, perfect for smaller kitchens
Automatic coffee machines
If you’re a regular coffee drinker, an automatic coffee machine is a great option. Simple to use and can deliver your favourite coffee in just a few seconds. Just chuck in your favourite coffee beans and the machine will grind and froth the milk automatically.
“Buying good quality coffee beans will make all the difference in your brew. Make sure to always store your coffee beans in an airtight container away from any heat, light and moisture,” says Jones.
Key features:
- Simple espresso solution, no barista skills required
- Coffee in each cup is freshly ground
- Takes little time to make a cup coffee
- Low maintenance for the machine itself
Manual coffee machines
Unleash your inner café barista with a manual coffee machine at home. Manual coffee machines enables you to craft delicious coffees to your preference.
“With a manual coffee machine, you are able to be more hands on and is perfect for those who like their coffee done a certain way, flavour and texture.”
These machines require the most amount of maintenance as they will need to be cleaned after each use.
When using a manual coffee machine, Jones recommends keeping your coffee fresh every time, by grinding enough coffee beans for the amount you plan to make.
“After you grind your coffee beans, you need to place it into the porta filter, this part is referred to as dosing. You will need to know what kind of taste and strength you prefer for your coffee, as this will determine how much coffee you put in,” he continues.
To use a manual coffee machine, you also need to know how to steam milk.
“Make sure not to overheat your milk and pour straight into your milk jug. Make sure not to overheat your milk as this can change the texture of the milk and will not provide a good taste.”
Key features
- Variety of models available that cater to coffee beginners and home experts alike
- Freedom to enjoy any pre-ground blend of coffee of your choice
Should you invest in a good quality at-home coffee machine?
“If you and your household are coffee lovers, this may indicate you are spending a large amount of money every day on takeaway coffees. Aside from the environmental impacts of single use takeaway coffee cups, this expense impacts your home directly. Purchasing a quality coffee machine for your home ensures you have quality, cafe-style coffee at your fingertips, saving you time as well as money, with quality machines lasting for years to come.”
Where can I buy the best at home coffee machines in Australia?
So, you’ve decided it’s about time to invest in your morning coffee routine? It’s time to choose a coffee machine that suits you, your lifestyle, as well as your budget.
Below we’ve rounded up the best coffee machines that will complete your at-home coffee set up – no matter what your budget is.
The best home coffee machines under $200
1. Morphy Richards filtered coffee maker, $100, Appliances Online
Shop now at Appliances Online
Recommended by category expert Colin Jones from Appliances online, the Morphy Richards filtered coffee maker is a great option for those who are want a simple cup of coffee. The machine uses an automatic pour-over technique to deliver a controlled flow and even distribution of water for a fuller flavour and smoother tasting cup of coffee.
Key features:
- Programmable timer so you can wake up to a jug of fresh coffee without delay
- Keep warm feature for up to 40 minutes
2. The Nanopresso by Wacaco (grey), $71.90 (usually $109.95), Alternative Brewing
Shop now at Alternative Brewing
Espresso on the go like you’ve never seen before. The Nanopresso is highly coveted pocket-sized coffee machine for those who just aren’t that fussed with a countertop coffee machine. The grinder is manual which means there’s no need to think of cables or a power source. It comes with its own built-in cup and a lightweight case for easy transport.
Key features
- Up to 18 bars of pressure for unparalleled coffee extraction
- Travel-friendly
3. Sunbeam specialty brew drip filter coffee machine, $101, Appliances Online
Shop now at Appliances Online
Looking for a full-bodied brew, on hand? This coffee machine by Sunbeam features a two-step water filtration system removing impurities before it touches your coffee ensuring a perfect cuppa – every time.
Key features
- 2-step water filtration system
- Freshness indicator
- Timed brewing function
The best home coffee machines under $300
4. Nespresso Vertuo Next Bundle, $279, The Good Guys
Shop now at The Good Guys
At the touch of a button, Nespresso’s patented centrifusion coffee brewing and barcode technology delivers a perfect cup every time. The perfect amount coffee, topped with a smooth crema, is adjusted automatically as the machine reads the barcode of each Nespresso pod. Plus, its adjustable cup support is super handy as it accommodates a variety of cup sizes – for whatever size coffee you may reach for in morning.
This bundle also comes with Nespresso’s iconic Aeroccino3 milk frother for those who are prefer milk coffees.
Key features
- Brews a wide range of coffees – espresso, double espresso, gran lungo, mug and pour-over
- Patented centrifusion technology – for an expertly brewed cup every time
- Aerocinno3 can froth hot or cold milk in just a few seconds
- Fast 30 seconds warm up
- Adjustable cup holder
5. Sunbeam Mini barista coffee machine, $245, Catch.com.au
Shop now at Catch.com.au
The Sunbeam Mini has a lot to offer and is ideal for those who are serious about getting into mastering their at-home coffee. It features thermoblock heating technology, which means the machine heats up – quick smart.
The 15-bar pump is coupled with the extra-wide 58mm group head, allowing you to extract the maximum vitality from each shot. Plus, its powerful steam wand means smooth latte-art designs are just moments away.
Key features
- Thermoblock technology
- Café-sized 58mm group head
- Steam wand
- Auto shot volumetric control
The best home coffee machines under $500
6. Nespresso Lattissima Touch coffee machine, $399 (usually $479), David Jones
Shop now at David Jones
Six delicious recipe options with one touch. The Nespresso Lattisima Touch coffee machine uses advanced technology to deliver cappuccino and latte macchiatos with thick milk froth at the spotlight.
7. Smeg 50s retro style espresso coffee machine, $506, Appliances Online
Shop now at Appliances Online
It’s not often you can find a manual coffee machine with such a small footprint. The Smeg 50s retro style espresso coffee machine comes in a diverse range of colours and is perfect for apartment-living individuals. Getting your daily coffee has never been easier.
Key features:
- Compact – perfect for small spaces
- Diverse colour finishes to suit any kitchen style
- Simple three-button control
- Manual milk frother to create beautiful latte art
The best home coffee machines under $1000
8. Moccamaster Select with free coffee subscription, $535 (usually $610), Thieves Coffee
Shop now at Thieves Coffee
Revitalise your mornings with the exclusive Thieves Coffee Moccamaster coffee machine bundle, showcasing the Moccamaster Select’s rapid five to six minute brew time and advanced features that set it apart from the rest.
Key features
- Copper boiling element with safety measures
- Automatic drip stop and mixing lid for a homogeneous brew
- 5-year manufacturer’s warranty
9. Delonghi La Specialista Arte, $699, Myer
Shop now at Myer
The art of making coffee has arrived – at the comfort of your own home. The Delonghi La Specialista Arte is a manual espresso machine that features a built-in grinder with eight different grind settings to suit however you like your morning brew. If you’re specific about how you like your coffee, then this is the machine for you. Plus, its sleek chrome finish is a nice touch for those looking for something lush.
Key features
- 8 grind settings
- 3 infusion temperature levels to adapt to a variety of beans
- MyLatte Art steam wand to create silky smooth latte art
10. Breville The Barista Express, $599.95 (usually $699.95), Breville
Shop now at Breville
Nothing beats freshly grounded coffee beans. This all-in-one espresso machine by Breville allows you to grind your coffee beans straight into the portafilter right before extraction resulting in a full-flavoured coffee. It also has precise temperature control which delivers water at the right temperature – every time.
Key features
- 15 bar Italian pump
- PID temperature control
- 16 precise grind settings
11. Breville Creatista Plus, $690, Appliances Online
Shop now at Appliances Online
If you’re looking for a killer capsule coffee machine, you should consider the Creatista Plus by Breville. As recommended by Colin Jones, this model offers the simplicity of a capsule coffee machine coupled with Breville’s microfoam technology. Boasting eight texture levels, 11 milk temperature settings and a fully automatic steam wand, it’s an obvious choice for those who want great tasting coffee, quick-smart.
Key features
- 8 texture levels
- 11 milk temperature settings
- Heats up in 3 seconds
- Compact
- Auto steam wand
12. Breville Creatista Pro Nespresso, $999, Bing Lee
Looking for coffee in a flash? Thanks to the innovative Thermojet® heating system and its 3 second heat up time, you’ll have 2 cappuccinos in 75 seconds. With the one-touch menu, simply swipe for your ideal cuppa.
Key features
- Save personalised coffees
- LCD touch screen
- Simultaneous coffee and milk preparation
- Automatic microfoam milk
- Dedicated hot water spout
Shop now at Bing Lee
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