The real taste of Italian espresso in the comfort of your own home! Your morning routine has just become all the more enjoyable.
Whether you are a coffee connoisseur or simply need an instant caffeine boost in the AM, a good quality espresso machine can take an average brew to an incredibly smooth and rich cuppa – liquid gold if you will. So, if you are looking to sharpen your barista skills, or cut short the trips to the café down the road, then an espresso machine should be your next endeavour.
From grinding, tamping, brewing and steaming, the coffee-making game is a process in itself. Depending on your level of commitment to a good brew, there is a machine that is willing to do the hard yards for you, offering an expertly crafted fusion for you to enjoy.
We have rounded up the best espresso machines suited to every budget and preference for a good brew.
Best espresso machines in Australia 2024
01
The Oracle Jet
from $3699, Breville
Best for: Cafe-quality coffee at home
Want to make coffee at home but don’t have the skills of a barista? This is the machine for you. It can grind beans, froth milk and make the perfect espresso all at the touch of a button. Unlike previous versions of The Oracle, the Jet has the ability to make cold brew coffee and cold espresso – so you can enjoy it all year round. It will also look amazing on your kitchen benchtop!
Colours: Brushed stainless steel, sea salt and black truffle.
Key features:
- Automatic espresso machine
- Comes with a matching knock box
- Alternative milk settings: soy, almond and oat
- Intuitive, touch-screen display
- Automatic grind, dose and tamp and hands-free milk frother.
Available at:
- $3699 Breville
- $3299 from The Good Guys
- $3899 from Myer
02
Sunbeam Compact barista espresso machine
from $269, Big W
Best for: Small kitchens
Though compact enough for apartment living, the slimline coffee machine from Sunbeam is expertly engineered to deliver a creamy blend or two as you like. Plus, with a built-in cup warming tray and café style steam wand, you will be left wondering why you didn’t switch to home brewing sooner.
Colours: Stainless steel.
Key features:
- Dimensions: 31 x 13.8 x 30.5cm
- One-litre water tank capacity
- 15-bar pump pressure
- Auto shot volumetric control – single and double shot options
- Café-style steam wand for velvety micro-foam milk
Available at:
- $223 (usually $279) at Myer
- $229 from The Good Guys
- $246 from Appliances Online
03
De’Longhi Magnifica fully automatic coffee machine
from $545, Appliances Online
Best for: Hands-free convenience
De’Longhi’s Magnifica espresso machine is fully automatic, meaning you can make incredible coffee even if you’re half-asleep and in desperate need of a caffeine hit. Cleaning and maintenance is a breeze with this machine too, with rinse and descaling auto-programs.
Colours: Black.
Key features:
- Fully automatic
- Customisable brewing settings
- Manual steam wand
- Compact design
- Rinse and descaling auto-programs
Available at:
- $499, The Good Guys
- $849, Myer
- $499 from Amazon
04
Breville The Barista coffee machine
from $999, Myer
Best for: Being your own barista
Prefer a more manual experience of making coffee? Breville’s cult favourite The Barista puts you in the driver’s seat. Grinf your own beans right before extraction and froth your milk exactly the way you like it. It also has a large 250g bean hopper capacity and a 2L water tank capacity. Some of the preset functions include: single shot, double shot, pre-infusion, purge, adjustable grind and manual override.
Colours: Black sesame and stainless steel.
Key features:
- Dose-control grinding
- Precise espresso extraction
- Manual steam wand
- Grind size dial
- One-year warranty
Available at:
- $999, David Jones
- $798, Appliances Online
- $699. The Good Guys
05
Breville The Bambino
from $399, The Good Guys
Best for: A compact machine that produces professional results
Experience third wave speciality coffee in the comfort of your own home. Designed with four key formulas – coffee bean dosage, temperature control, optimal water pressure and true microfoam milk, the Breville Bambino is only a touch away from its professional counterparts.
Colours: Stainless steel and white.
Key features:
- 1.4L water tank capacity
- Nine-bar pump pressure
- Digital temperature control for espresso extraction precision
- Two programmable cup sizes
- One-year warranty
Available at:
- $499, Myer
Capsule espresso machines
06
Nespresso DeLonghi Essenza mini capsule coffee machine
from $219.95, Harris Scarfe
Best for: Sleek design and easy to use
In the market for a machine that delivers a quality brew without the distraction of added features? Then the DeLonghi Essenza is a no-brainer. Winner of the Red Dot Award for product design, this machine is unmatched in simplistic contemporary form.
Colours: Black, white and pure red.
Key features:
- Dimensions: 20.5 x 11 x 32.5cm
- 600ml water tank capacity
- 19-bar pump pressure
- 25 second heating period
- Two programmable cup sizes (40 and 110ml)
- 24-month warranty
Available at:
07
De’Longhi Vertuo next solo capsule coffee machine
from $299, Nespresso
Best for: Quick and easy coffee
With a simple punch of a button you will be on your merry way to the land of espresso. Fitted with Bluetooth connectivity and new-to-market instant brewing technology, this slim fit appliance will make for the perfect addition to any kitchen or countertop.
Colours: Black and white.
Key features:
- Model number: ENV120JAE
- Dimensions: 42.3 x 14 x 31.4cm
- 1.1L water tank capacity
- 30-second heat up time
- Smart connectivity (Bluetooth and WIFI connection) providing automatic software updates
- Two-year warranty
Why does espresso taste so much better than coffee?
The difference between espresso and coffee may seem insignificant to the average caffeine consumer, though a true connoisseur or fanatic can tell all the difference. Most obviously observed is the rich flavour that espresso delivers. Considering that espresso machines use high pressure pumps and limited water, the blend that is created is much more flavourful and notably less diluted.
Is it worth getting an espresso machine?
The answer to this question depends on how frequently you drink coffee. For those of us who have made a ritual out of a morning coffee (or two), then yes, it would be worth investing in an espresso machine. For money saving purposes alone, spending a little bit extra on an at-home machine that delivers quality blends will ensure you keep away from barista made coffees.
Looking to save money on espresso machines? Check out our coupon codes for Myer, The Good Guys and more.
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