Coffee Machine buying guide
Last updated: 16 October 2026
The right coffee machine for you depends on how you like your coffee, how hands-on you want to be and your budget. Use this Coffee Machine buying guide to match your morning routine to a Capsule Machine, Manual Espresso Machine, Automatic Coffee Machine or Drip Coffee Machine. Then narrow down by milk frothing options, built-in grinder, pump pressure and water tank capacity based on how many cups you make each day. Finally, check easy-clean features, custom drink settings and smart features like app control.
This guide is perfect for first-time Coffee Machine buyers, home baristas, busy households, small kitchens and anyone upgrading from Capsules to bean-to-cup coffee.
In this guide
Learn which Coffee Machine suits your routine, from hands-on Manual Coffee Machines to bean-to-cup Automatic Coffee Machines, quick and easy Capsule Coffee Machines and batch-brewing Drip Filter Coffee Machines. Jump to >
Discover key Coffee Machine features, from built-in grinders and milk frothers to bar pressure and heating systems like Thermoblock and Dual Boiler, plus Cold Brew and Wi-Fi control. Jump to >
Check out the glossary and top frequently asked questions. Jump to >
Which Coffee Machine is right for you?
Picking the right type of Coffee Machine is the first step, because it shapes how much time, effort and money goes into every cup. Each Coffee Machine type handles beans, milk and your morning routine differently, so the best choice comes down to how you like your coffee, how hands-on you want to be, and how much bench space you have. Tracey Ellis, The Good Guys Buyer for Portable Appliances, recommends starting with your coffee basics and daily habits before you compare models.
Choose a Manual Coffee Machine if you enjoy the ritual of grinding, tamping and frothing, and want full control over every shot. Choose an Automatic Coffee Machine if you want café-style coffee from fresh beans at the touch of a button. Choose a Capsule Coffee Machine if speed and simplicity matter most and you're happy to buy compatible capsules. Choose a Drip Filter Coffee Machine if you drink black coffee and want to brew several cups at once.
card media link to /small-kitchen-appliances/coffee-machines-and-beverages/manual-coffee-machines
Grind, tamp and froth yourself for full barista-style control.
card media link to /small-kitchen-appliances/coffee-machines-and-beverages/automatic-coffee-machines
Grinds fresh beans and brews at the touch of a button.
card media link to /small-kitchen-appliances/coffee-machines-and-beverages/capsule-coffee-machines
Pop in a capsule for fast, mess-free coffee in seconds.
card media link to /small-kitchen-appliances/coffee-machines-and-beverages/drip-filter-coffee-machines
Brews a full jug at once, perfect for a household of coffee drinkers.
Quick decision guide
Love the barista ritual and want full control → Manual Coffee Machine
Want fresh bean coffee with minimal effort → Automatic Coffee Machine
Want the fastest, simplest cup → Capsule Coffee Machine
Brewing black coffee for a crowd → Drip Filter Coffee Machine
Coffee Machine types compared
Coffee Machine type | Pros | Cons | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
Manual Coffee Machine | Full control over grind, extraction and milk texture. Works with any coffee beans, so you can experiment with flavours. Usually costs less upfront than an Automatic with similar features. | Takes more time and practice to master. More cleaning between cups. | Home baristas and coffee lovers who enjoy the process as much as the cup. |
Automatic Coffee Machine | Grinds, doses and brews for you. Fresh bean flavour with one-touch convenience. Many models also froth milk automatically. | Higher upfront cost. Slightly noisier than manual models. Less control over each individual shot. | Busy households wanting café-style coffee with little hassle. |
Capsule Coffee Machine | The quickest and easiest way to make coffee, with minimal mess. Compact and affordable upfront. Generally the fastest to heat up. | Capsules cost more per cup than beans. Capsule systems are brand specific, so check compatibility. Can create more waste depending on whether capsules are recyclable. | Occasional coffee drinkers, small kitchens and quick weekday coffees. |
Drip Filter Coffee Machine | Brews several cups in one go. Simple to use, with many models keeping coffee warm after brewing. Works with pre-ground coffee. | Brews without pump pressure, so it doesn’t make espresso or textured milk drinks. | Larger households and entertaining guests. |
Which Coffee Machine type suits your home?
Matching your Coffee Machine to your routine matters more than people expect. Choose one that’s too involved, and it ends up gathering dust while you buy takeaway. Choose one that’s too basic, and you miss out on the coffee you actually want at home. The simplest way to land on the right machine is to start with how many coffees you make each day and how you like them.
Quick coffee on busy mornings
A Capsule Coffee Machine makes a consistent espresso in seconds with almost no clean-up, making it the right fit for singles, couples and smaller kitchens where bench space is tight.
Milk coffees for the whole household
An Automatic Coffee Machine suits families who drink lattes, cappuccinos and flat whites every day, with a built-in grinder and milk frothing that lets everyone make their favourite at the touch of a button.
The weekend home barista
A Manual Coffee Machine rewards coffee lovers who want to experiment with different beans, grind sizes and milk textures, and even try their hand at latte art.
Black coffee by the jug
A Drip Filter Coffee Machine brews multiple cups at once, so it’s ideal for big households, working from home or hosting friends.
“Knowing your coffee basics and how you like your brew is the first step to finding the perfect coffee machine to suit your home and habits
”
- Tracey Ellis, The Good Guys Buyer – Portable Appliances.
Whichever espresso-based machine you choose, look for a pump rated between 15 and 19 bar. This range is considered optimal for home machines because it gives the pump enough power to hold the ideal extraction pressure of around 9 bar, for a richer shot with golden crema every time. It’s also worth checking the machine’s size and weight against your space. If you plan to store it away after each use, a lighter, compact model is easier to manage, and if it stays on the bench, measure the clearance under your overhead cabinets so you can still refill the water tank and bean hopper.
Quick links: Shop Automatic Coffee Machines | Shop Manual Coffee Machines | Shop Pod Coffee Machines | Shop Drip Coffee Machines | Shop Coffee Grinders | Shop Milk Frothers | Shop Coffee Pods and Capsules | Shop Coffee Machine Accessories | Shop Coffee Machine Deals
Key features to look for
Once you’ve settled on type, these are the features that make the biggest difference to your everyday coffee.
Feature | Why you should look for it |
|---|---|
Bar pressure | Bar pressure is the force used to push hot water through the ground coffee. Espresso is best extracted at around 9 bar, which draws out rich flavour and a golden crema without bitterness. Look for a pump rated between 15 and 19 bar, as this range is considered optimal for home machines because it gives the pump enough power to deliver a steady 9 bar shot after shot. |
Heating system | Controls how quickly your machine is ready and whether you can brew and froth at the same time. A Thermoblock heats water on demand for a fast start, while a Dual Boiler has separate boilers for coffee and steam, so you can pull a shot and froth milk at the same time. |
Built-in grinder | Grinds fresh beans right before brewing for the best flavour, and saves buying a separate Coffee Grinder. Look for a burr grinder with multiple grind settings so you can fine-tune for different beans. |
Milk frothing | A steam wand gives you full control over milk texture for lattes, cappuccinos and latte art, while an automatic milk system froths and pours at the touch of a button. Capsule drinkers can add a separate Milk Frother for café-style milk drinks. |
Filter holder | Holds the ground coffee in place during extraction. Brass filter holders retain heat better than aluminium ones, helping keep your shot at a steady temperature, which is why they’re common on premium Manual Coffee Machines. |
Wattage and heat-up time | Higher wattage machines generally heat water faster, so there’s less waiting each morning. Capsule Coffee Machines are usually the quickest to heat up, which suits busy weekday routines. |
Water tank and bean hopper | A larger water tank and bean hopper mean fewer refills, which matters if several people in your home drink coffee every day. Check they’re easy to remove or refill if your machine will sit under overhead cabinets. |
Easy-clean features | Automatic rinse cycles, descale alerts and removable brew units keep maintenance simple and help your machine last longer. Dishwasher-safe drip trays and milk parts are worth looking for too. |
Smart features and Cold Brew | Wi-Fi enabled Coffee Machines connect to an app so you can save favourite drinks, customise strength and get maintenance alerts. Some newer models also offer a Cold Brew function for smooth, low-acidity iced coffee without brewing it overnight. |
Maintenance tips & tricks
Depending on the type of Coffee Machine, there are some key maintenance habits worth building in to keep your coffee tasting fresh and your machine running well. A well-maintained Coffee Machine can last five to ten years, depending on the model and how well it’s cared for.
For Manual Coffee Machines, rinse the filter holder and basket after every use, and purge and wipe the steam wand straight after frothing so milk doesn’t dry on. If your manual recommends it, backflush the group head with a blind basket and cleaning tablets to clear built-up coffee oils. Automatic Coffee Machines do much of the work for you with automatic rinse cycles, but you should still empty the grounds container and drip tray daily, run the milk system’s cleaning cycle regularly and, if your model has a removable brew unit, rinse it under running water once a week. Capsule Coffee Machines are the easiest to look after. Simply eject used capsules, empty the drip tray and run a water-only cycle regularly to flush out leftover coffee residue. For Drip Filter Coffee Machines, wash the carafe and filter basket after each use and wipe down the hotplate once it’s cool.
Whichever type you choose, descale your machine every one to three months to remove mineral buildup, or sooner if you live in a hard water area or your machine’s descale alert comes on. Using fresh, filtered water and replacing the water filter as your manufacturer recommends will also slow down scale and improve flavour. Shop Coffee Machine Cleaning products to keep your machine in top shape.
You might also be interested in ...
card media link to /whats-new/gifts-for-coffee-lovers-australia
The ultimate guide to gifts for coffee lovers
Updated 29 June 2026 · 3 mins readWhether you’re looking for a coffee machine for yourself, or for a gift, this Ultimate Coffee Guide will help you find the right coffee maker to suit any espresso lover - plus wow your guests with delicious recipes and coffee flavoured drinks – including the all-time favourite Espresso Martini!
card media link to https://www.thegoodguys.com.au/whats-new/coffee-machine-language-explained
Coffee Machine decoder: the A To Z of barista lingo
Updated 5 August 2026 · 4 mins readDo you know your affogato from your macchiato? How about the difference between an automatic, manual and capsule coffee machine? Relax! We’ve got your back and your beans with this simple explainer. It’s brimming with all the coffee-related terms you need to know before buying a coffee machine and bantering like a barista.
“Knowing your coffee basics and how you like your brew is the first step to finding the perfect coffee machine to suit your home and habits,” says Tracey Ellis, The Good Guys Buyer – Portable Appliances.
“Once you’re ready to make your caffeine dreams a reality, head in-store and let the coffee experts at The Good Guys help you with the best advice and price.”
Ready to get started? Pour yourself a cuppa and get ready to take notes…
card media link to /whats-new/top-selling-coffee-machines-in-australia
Best Coffee Machines as rated by our customers
Updated 9 July 2026 · 5 mins readLove a latte or frothy cappuccino and pondering which coffee machine to buy? Well, wonder no more – to help you out, we’ve consulted The Good Guys’ coffee-craving customers to reveal Australia’s top-rated machines!
When our customers really rate a product, we bump it to top-seller status so you know it’s been tried, tested and loved by Australian families. Think automatic coffee machines to dispense your work-from-home fuel at the touch of a button, capsule coffee machines for busy mornings, and manual coffee machines that let you craft your signature brew your way.
We’ve rounded up customer reviews for five of our top-selling coffee machines, so you can buy with confidence. Looking for freshly brewed bliss? Look no further than the best-rated coffee machines in Australia!
card media link to /whats-new/best-coffee-machines-for-iced-coffee
How to make the ultimate iced coffee
Updated 14 July 2026 · 3 mins readWarmer days are here, and sipping an iced coffee is one of the most refreshing ways to cool down and get your caffeine hit. Whether you prefer to brew with the seasons or see yourself as a regular iced coffee drinker, there’s an art to creating a barista-quality cold beverage. So fire up your trusty coffee machine (or upgrade to the latest model!), get your milk frother and coffee grinder at the ready, and let the good times pour!
We’ve got the best recipe to step you through how to make an iced coffee, plus all the latest coffee machines and accessories to help you perfect your brew.
card media link to /whats-new/8-ways-a-coffee-pod-machine-can-change-your-life
8 ways a Coffee Pod Machine can change your life
Updated 4 May 2026 · 2 mins readContemplating getting a coffee pod machine? Whether you’re weighing up one of the best coffee pod machines Australia has to offer or one of the cheapest coffee pod machines, a coffee pod machine can change your life in eight great ways.
card media link to /whats-new/coffee-machine-perks
10 Perks of Owning a Coffee Machine
Updated 24 August 2026 · 3 mins readInvesting in a coffee machine allows you to get your caffeine fix without having to leave the comfort of your own home. Plus, you can enjoy your coffee the way you like it, as often as you want! With so many options available, view our suggestions to help find the best coffee machine for your home. Let’s take a look at the many perks that come with owning your own machine.
card media link to https://www.thegoodguys.com.au/whats-new/how-to-master-a-cafe-quality-coffee-with-lelit
5 steps to Master A Café-Quality Coffee With Lelit
Updated 7 July 2026 · 3 mins readWant a rich, full-bodied coffee, minus the trip to the café? Leave it to Lelit. The source of true Italian espresso, Lelit manual coffee machines make it easy to be your own barista, delivering a smooth, velvety sip every time.“For coffee connoisseurs who view coffee-making as an art form, manual coffee machines offer a hands-on and customised brewing experience,” says Tracey Ellis, The Good Guys Buyer – Small Kitchen Appliances.
“Lelit manual coffee machines are the real deal. From grind size to water temperature, they let you fine-tune settings to produce the smoothest-tasting coffee, just the way you like it.”
New to manual coffee machines but keen to upskill? Start by learning the lingo, then put a Lelit machine on your small appliance shopping list.
With a coffee machine from Lelit and our expert tips, you’ll soon be brewing the best coffee on the block. Here’s how.
card media link to https://www.thegoodguys.com.au/whats-new/delonghi-manual-vs-automatic-coffee-machines
Manual vs Automatic – which is the best Coffee Machine?
Updated 5 August 2026 · 4 mins readAh yes, it’s the question that causes much debate among coffee drinkers. The simple answer? The best coffee machine is the one that’s right for you. Everybody is different when it comes to coffee preferences and with a plethora of these small appliances on the market, there are plenty of options to choose from.
When it comes to coffee, DeLonghi are experts. They offer both manual and automatic coffee machines that are designed to make a range of barista-quality coffee beverages with perfect consistency. Each of their machines have the potential to create delicious coffee, however it’s important to note the journey from machine to mug is quite different when comparing manual and automatic coffee makers. So, what is the difference?
card media link to /whats-new/perfect-coffee-solutions-for-you
Perfect Coffee solutions for you with De'Longhi
Updated 17 September 2026 · 4 mins readThe quality of your morning brew can make or break your day, and many of us need that caffeine hit to kickstart our mornings. No need to wait in long queues to get a premium-quality beverage, making coffee at home is not only more affordable but allows you to create a nice personal ritual.
Bring the café to you and enjoy your favourite coffee at home with the Delonghi Magnifica EVO Titan Coffee Machine. The perfect appliance for your kitchen and renowned for their quality structure, stylish contemporary good looks and exceptional milk texturing, your mornings will get a whole lot better.
card media link to https://www.thegoodguys.com.au/whats-new/top-coffee-trends-at-home
Brew buzz: how to enjoy top Coffee trends at home
Updated 21 August 2026 · 5 mins readWhether hot or iced, Aussies acquire a year-round thirst for coffee drinks. Cue the new De’Longhi coffee machine from the Italian maestros of in-home coffee making. The DeLonghi Eletta Explore Wifi Connect Titan Coffee Machine lets you create piping hot or iced coffee treats for less in your own kitchen – Espresso, Cold Americano to Iced Lattes, the options are endless!
“The De’Longhi Eletta Explore is like having a coffee lounge at home 24/7,” says Tracey Ellis, The Good Guys Buyer – Portable Appliances. “It offers coffee lovers a revolutionary new LatteCrema Cool milk-texturing technology, along with customisable iced coffee recipes at the touch of the button, so you can spoil your friends and family with café-style hot or cold coffee-based creations from breakfast through to happy hour.”
card media link to /whats-new/breville-oracle-jet-premium-coffee-machine-10-years-in-the-making
Breville Oracle® Jet: discover the automated Espresso Machine
Updated 24 August 2026 · 4 mins readA decade ago, Breville unveiled its signature The Oracle® Espresso Machine, setting a new benchmark for delicious home-brewed coffee. Since then, the Australian coffee machine and small appliance experts have been fine-tuning their beloved brew-maker – adding a 5-inch high-definition touchscreen, improving the auto grinder, including more cold coffee recipes and supercharging its automation with grind dose and tamp. And now, the new and improved Breville Oracle coffee machine, dubbed the Oracle® Jet, is ready to take pride of place on your kitchen bench.
“Breville changed the game for home espresso with the launch of the Oracle® back in 2014, and it’s a privilege to now bring to market the next generation in Oracle innovation,” says Breville’s Con Psarologos, Portfolio General Manager – Coffee.
So what exactly does 10 years of customer insight and tech advancement get you? Here, we unpack the leading-edge new features of the Oracle® Jet to uncover why homemade coffee is better than ever with Breville.
card media link to /whats-new/5-reasons-why-the-breville-oracle-dual-boiler-is-the-ultimate-coffee-upgrade
Why home baristas swear by the Breville Oracle® Dual Boiler
Updated 4 August 2026 · 4 mins readWhen it comes to levelling up your home coffee game, not all machines are created equal. Whether you’re a passionate purist chasing the perfect extraction, a fan of quality coffee at the touch of a button, or someone who enjoys both ease and precision, there’s one coffee machine that stands out from the rest.
You know how some gadgets get everyone talking even before they hit the shelves? Meet the Breville Oracle® Dual Boiler – a next-level Breville espresso machine, designed to bring barista-style brewing to your benchtop. Seamlessly blending simple automation with the kind of control that both coffee aficionados and everyday sippers crave, it’s the ultimate upgrade for anyone who’s serious about their coffee.
“More and more Aussies are keen to make cafe-quality coffee at home, but they don’t want to settle – they want a machine to fit their style and taste perfectly,” says Tracey Ellis, The Good Guys Buyer – Small Appliances.
“The Breville Oracle® Dual Boiler nails that sweet spot between ease and precision, giving every coffee lover the power to brew their perfect cup without leaving the comfort of their kitchen.”
Ready to give your homemade brews a boost? Here are five reasons why the Breville Oracle® Dual Boiler deserves a prime spot on your benchtop.
card media link to /whats-new/cold-brew-made-easy-the-breville-coffee-machine-that-does-it-all
Iced lattes and cold brew made easy with Breville
Updated 24 August 2026 · 4 mins readNot long ago, we all thought homemade Dalgona coffees were it. But with viral iced coffee recipes taking over our feeds, there’s a new cup of joe in the spotlight: cold brew. The problem is, a good cold brew takes 24 hours to make and includes a series of steps, from on-point bean measuring and grinding to steeping and straining. Can’t wait that long? Or are you simply looking to upgrade your coffee machine? Breville The Barista Touch Impress is the benchtop hero your mornings have been missing!“
This intelligent espresso machine takes all the guesswork out of making high-quality brews at home and will appeal to anyone looking to replicate authentic specialty coffee, without having to spend ages honing their barista skills,” says Tracey Ellis, The Good Guys Buyer – Portable Appliances. “Plus, it can create a smooth cold brew in minutes; that’s bound to be a big selling point for all those iced-coffee fans out there!”
Here are five reasons why Breville The Barista Touch Impress is levelling up barista-quality coffee at home, plus we’ve got the perfect Pumpkin Spice Cold Brew recipe to get you into the autumn spirit.
card media link to /whats-new/best-Nespresso-coffee-machines-for-christmas-gifting
The magic Nespresso Machines making Christmas gifting simple
Updated 8 October 2026 · 3 mins readKnow someone special who deserves the gift of cafe-worthy coffee this Christmas? Nespresso has your perfect order! “As the go-to brand for easy-to-use coffee machines that work like magic, Nespresso’s latest automated benchtop marvels come with big perks, including variable cup sizes and preset specialty hot and cold brews, ready to pour at the press of a button, for barista-style beverages with zero effort,” says Tracey Ellis, The Good Guys Buyer – Small Kitchen Appliances.
Ready to play Santa? With the smart tech to ensure bang-on brews every time, there’s a premium Nespresso coffee machine for everyone on your nice list this Christmas, no matter your budget.
card media link to /whats-new/how-this-delonghi-coffee-machine-can-make-anyone-a-home-barista
How De’Longhi can make anyone a home barista
Updated 24 August 2026 · 4 mins readWe’ve all been there – stirring a teaspoon of instant coffee into a mug and feeling utterly unexcited about it. Yet, a trip to your local cafe could end up costing you $33 a week, according to data analysts Worldmetrics (that’s $1,716 a year!*) But what if one coffee machine could give you that barista-quality coffee at your place, even as a beginner?
Step forward De’Longhi’s La Specialista Touch. Designed to guide you through grinding, tamping, brewing and frothing using an intuitive touchscreen, De’Longhi’s latest manual espresso machine is the go-to benchtop appliance for easy-to-make, cafe-style coffee at home. Wondering just how well it stacks up against your favourite barista-made pick-me-up though?
Let’s look at how De’Longhi’s newest espresso machine turns out perfect coffees at home by letting you skip the guesswork and by solving all your biggest brewing challenges. Plus, we’ve rounded up some espresso wisdom from an expert barista – one half of the It’s Just Coffee podcast hosting team, Rohan Cooke.
card media link to /whats-new/5-reasons-to-buy-nespresso-vertuo-pop
5 big reasons to buy Nespresso's smallest Vertuo Coffee Machine
Updated 4 May 2026 · 4 mins readConsider yourself a caffeine nut but don’t have the bench space for a regular-sized coffee machine? Or maybe you live with someone who doesn’t drink coffee and you’re tired of wasting half a pot with every brew? Prepare to meet your dream coffee mate by Nespresso! Manufactured by De'Longhi and Breville, Nespresso’s smallest Vertuo automatic coffee machine – the vibrant, Vertuo Pop – stands just 25cm high and will fit any kitchen.
“Available in six pick-me-up colours, the Nespresso Vertuo Pop is big on personality and benefits, and will allow anyone to enjoy exceptional cafe-style coffee at home in seconds,” says Nespresso ambassador Mitch Monaghan.
Heart racing already? Here are five compelling reasons why the Nespresso Vertuo Pop is destined to become the coffee lover’s new best buddy.
card media link to /whats-new/master-your-coffee-ritual-with-a-ninja-coffee-machine
Master your coffee ritual with a Ninja Coffee Machine
Updated 12 October 2026 · 4 mins readThere's something special about that first coffee of the day: the aroma, the anticipation, the moment of calm before everything else begins. But what if café-quality coffee at home took one touch rather than years of practice?
Enter the Ninja Auto Barista Pro Automatic Espresso Machine, that handles the tricky parts for you, so you can simply choose your drink and enjoy.
Whether you’re a seasoned barista or a coffee explorer, this benchtop beauty invites you to slow down and craft your perfect cup. Here, we explore how the Ninja makes your daily brew simple, precise and rewarding every time.
card media link to /buying-guide/delonghi-coffee-machine-range-buying-guide
Bring the café to you and enjoy your favourite coffee at home whenever you need it. DeLonghi manual and automatic coffee machines are renowned for their quality construction, stylish contemporary good looks and exceptional quality coffee extraction and mil
card media link to /buying-guide/breville-coffee-machine-range-buying-guide
Find the best home coffee machine for you. Discover Breville's range of coffee machines including manual, automatic and capsule coffee machines. Pay Less Every day at The Good Guys.
card media link to /buying-guide/breville-oracle-coffee-machine-range
Learn everything you need to know about the Breville Oracle Coffee Machine range, now available at The Good Guys.
card media link to /buying-guide/ninja-coffee-machine-range
The ultimate guided experience that makes espresso uncomplicated. The Ninja Luxe™ Café Manual Espresso Machine is here to transform your morning brew, now available at The Good Guys.
card media link to /buying-guide/nespresso-coffee-machine-range
Find the perfect Nespresso coffee machine for you, here's everything you need to know. Nespresso coffee machines now available at The Good Guys.
Coffee Machine glossary
We’ll break down all the tech talk and acronyms that you need to know.
Tech talk | Definition |
|---|---|
Backflushing | A cleaning process for Manual Coffee Machines that pushes water and cleaning solution back through the group head using a blind basket, removing built-up coffee oils. |
Bar pressure | The pressure used to push water through ground coffee. Home espresso machines typically have pumps rated at 15 to 19 bar to deliver the ideal extraction pressure of around 9 bar. |
Barista Assist Technology | A Ninja feature on its Luxe Café range that guides you through grind size, dose and brew temperature, giving real-time adjustments for a more consistent espresso. |
Bean-to-cup | A Coffee Machine that grinds whole beans and brews coffee automatically in one step. Most Automatic Coffee Machines are bean-to-cup. |
Burr grinder | A grinder that crushes beans between two burrs for an even, consistent grind, giving better flavour than a blade grinder. |
Crema | The golden layer of foam on top of a freshly extracted espresso, a sign of fresh beans and good extraction. |
Descaling | Removes mineral buildup from inside your Coffee Machine using a descaling solution to protect the heating system and keep coffee tasting fresh. |
Dual Boiler | A heating system with separate boilers for brewing coffee and steaming milk, so both can happen at the same time with stable temperatures. |
Filter holder (portafilter) | The handle and basket that holds ground coffee and locks into the group head of a Manual Coffee Machine. |
Impress Puck System | A Breville technology that automatically doses the right amount of ground coffee and tamps it with consistent pressure, taking the guesswork out of manual espresso. |
LatteCrema System | A DeLonghi automatic milk system that froths milk to a consistent texture and temperature for lattes, cappuccinos and flat whites at the touch of a button. |
Pre-infusion | A low-pressure soak of the ground coffee before full extraction, helping water flow evenly for a more balanced shot. |
Steam wand | The metal arm on a Coffee Machine that releases steam to heat and texture milk. |
Tamping | Pressing ground coffee firmly and evenly into the filter basket so water flows through it consistently. |
Thermoblock | A heating element that heats water on demand as it passes through, giving a fast heat-up time. Breville’s version is called ThermoJet. |
FAQs
The main types of Coffee Machines are Manual, Automatic, Capsule and Drip Filter Coffee Machines. Manual machines give you full barista-style control, Automatic machines grind and brew at the touch of a button, Capsule machines use pre-portioned pods for fast, easy coffee, and Drip Filter machines brew several cups of black coffee at once. You’ll also find Built-In Coffee Machines for kitchen renovations and models with a Cold Brew function.
The best Coffee Machine for home use depends on how you like your coffee and how hands-on you want to be. A Capsule Coffee Machine suits quick, simple coffees, an Automatic Coffee Machine suits households wanting fresh bean coffee with minimal effort, and a Manual Coffee Machine suits coffee lovers who enjoy the barista process.
Look for a Coffee Machine with a pump rated between 15 and 19 bar, the optimal range for home espresso. While espresso is ideally extracted at around 9 bar, a 15 to 19 bar pump has the power in reserve to hold that pressure consistently, giving you a richer shot with better crema.
Buy a Manual Coffee Machine if you enjoy grinding, tamping and frothing yourself and want full control over every shot. Buy an Automatic Coffee Machine if you want fresh bean coffee at the touch of a button with less time and effort. Automatic machines usually cost more upfront, but are the easiest way to make café-style coffee at home.
Capsule Coffee Machines are worth it if you value speed, convenience and minimal clean-up, especially if you drink coffee occasionally. If you drink several coffees a day, a Manual or Automatic Coffee Machine usually works out cheaper over time, since capsules cost more per cup than coffee beans.
A built-in grinder isn’t essential, but it makes fresh bean coffee much easier, since you can grind beans right before brewing without buying a separate grinder. If you’d prefer more control over grind size, a standalone burr grinder paired with a Manual Coffee Machine is a great alternative.
A Thermoblock heats water on demand for a fast start, but most Thermoblock machines can’t brew and steam milk at the same time. A Dual Boiler has separate boilers for coffee and steam, so you can pull a shot and froth milk together with more stable temperatures, which suits households making several milk coffees in a row.
Clean your Coffee Machine by emptying the drip tray and grounds after every use, wiping the steam wand straight after frothing and washing removable parts in warm soapy water each week. Descale every one to three months, and run your machine’s built-in cleaning or rinse cycles as your manual recommends.
Descale your Coffee Machine every one to three months, depending on how hard your water is and how often you use it. Many machines display a descale alert when it’s time, and using filtered water helps slow down mineral buildup between cleans.
A well-maintained Coffee Machine can last five to ten years, depending on the model and how well it’s cared for. Regular cleaning, descaling and replacing the water filter all help extend its lifespan.
Pods and capsules both describe pre-portioned, sealed serves of ground coffee, and the terms are often used interchangeably. Different brands use different capsule shapes that aren’t compatible with each other, so check which system your machine uses before buying coffee.