10 Best Espresso Machines in Australia in 2024: Reviews & Top Picks

Australians love their coffee, and for many, there is nothing like the perfect espresso to start their day. With so many different espresso machines on the market, it can be hard to know which one is right for you.

That is why we’ve done the research, read the reviews, and put together a list of the 10 best espresso machines in Australia so that you can make the perfect choice for your home or office.

A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites in 2024

	Image	Product	Details
Best Overall		Breville Barista Express	Dose control grinding Compact size and design Barista quality capabilities	CHECK PRICE
Best Value		Sunbeam Mini Barista Coffee Machine	Affordable Fast pre-heating Simple operation	CHECK PRICE
Premium Choice		Sage Barista Pro Espresso Machine	3-second heat-up time Digital temperature control Adjustable grind size and dose	CHECK PRICE
		Breville The Bambino	Easy to use Small footprint Fast pre-heating	CHECK PRICE
		Calphalon Espresso Machine	Cup warming tray Large 2.8-liter water tank Choice of preprogrammed or manual extraction	CHECK PRICE

The 10 Best Espresso Machines in Australia

1. Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine – Best Overall

The Breville Barista Express is one of the best overall espresso machines in Australia, according to home coffee fans. Pro baristas love it for its consistent doses of grind, digital temperature control for precise extraction, and steam wand that allows you to create milk-based drinks to perfection.

Its compact size is also praised by many who have limited counter space. However, some customers have complained about Breville’s customer service, stating that they are unresponsive to questions and issues.

Overall, the Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine is a great machine for those looking to make café-quality drinks at home but be aware that you may not receive the best customer service if you encounter any problems.

2. Sunbeam Mini Barista Coffee Machine – Best Value

The Sunbeam Mini Barista is a simple, fast, and affordable way to make espresso at home. There are no bells and whistles; you just plug the machine in, add grounds, push a button and wait for your coffee.

The biggest drawback is that you have no control over the extraction temperature, which can result in subpar espresso. However, if you’re willing to experiment with different grinds and doses, you can get a good cup of coffee out of this machine.

The included jug is on the small side, so if you’re making coffee for more than one person, you’ll need to invest in a larger one. Overall, the Sunbeam Mini Barista is the best espresso machine in Australia for the money.

3. Sage Barista Pro Espresso Machine – Premium Choice

Looking for the best of the best? The Sage Barista Pro Espresso Machine is a great choice for espresso lovers with some skill—and budget!

The LCD display gives you precise extraction information, while the digital temperature control means consistent water temperature for perfect results every time. It also has a 3-second heat-up time so you can make your coffee in a flash and seamlessly transition to steaming milk without waiting for the machine to adjust.

If you want to get creative, the adjustable grind size and dose let you experiment with different recipes. Now for the downside: it’s expensive. And cleaning can be fiddly, with all those small parts. But if you’re willing to pay for quality and don’t mind taking a bit of extra time for cleaning, the Sage Barista Pro Espresso Machine is a great choice.

4. Breville The Bambino

The Breville The Bambino is a great espresso machine for beginners. It’s easy to use and heats up quickly, so you won’t have to wait long for your morning cup of coffee. It also has a small footprint, making it a good choice if you’re short on counter space.

However, the Bambino is more costly than similar espresso machines. For the cost, we would usually expect more accessories or an inbuilt grinder.

Additionally, it’s been known to vibrate during use, which is not just annoying but also risks the cup moving during extraction. If you are not careful, you could waste your espresso shot!

The Bambino is a good choice for beginners or those looking for a simple espresso, but more experienced coffee drinkers may want to look elsewhere.

5. Calphalon Espresso Machine with Coffee Grinder

The Calphalon Espresso Machine with Coffee Grinder has some pros and cons. On the plus side, it has a large 2.8-liter water tank and offers both preprogrammed and manual extraction. This option means you can put in as much or as little work in crafting your cup of joe as you would like.

Additionally, there’s a cup warming tray to keep your coffee at the perfect temperature. However, there are some downsides as well. Securing the portafilter can be difficult, and customer service has been known to be poor. Overall, the machine is decent and produces some great results after you learn to use it.

6. Breville Nespresso Citiz and Milk Espresso Machine

The Breville Nespresso Citiz and Milk Espresso Machine is a sleek and stylish espresso machine that delivers quality coffee with minimal effort. The automatic standby mode is a great energy-saving feature, and the folding cup holder allows for a range of cup sizes. The machine is also compatible with a wide range of pod coffee flavors and types.

However, the frother is limited to one setting, which produces a high level of froth. Those looking for silky and light coffee may be disappointed, but those who love fluffy cappuccinos will be delighted.

The cost is high for the limited features, but Nespresso is a well-known brand, so you can expect great customer service. Overall, the Breville Nespresso Citiz and Milk Espresso Machine is an extremely quick and convenient way to make great-tasting coffee, but it comes at a price.

7. De’Longhi La Specialista

The De’Longhi La Specialista is a great espresso machine that comes packed with features. The preset extraction settings are great for getting a consistently good shot of espresso, and the 8 grind settings allow you to fine-tune your grind to get the perfect extraction.

What makes this product stand out is the level of quality and added accessories for the price. Of course, it is still expensive, but it is good value considering its quality.

The only downside is that the portafilter connection is quite tight, making it a bit difficult to insert and remove the portafilter. Overall, though, the De’Longhi La Specialista is a great value for an entry-level espresso machine.

8. PHILIPS 2200 LatteGo

The PHILIPS 2200 LatteGo is a great low-cost option for anyone looking for an easy-to-use espresso machine. The machine comes with multiple preprogrammed drink options, so you can make your favorite drink with the push of a button.

In addition, the strength and quantity of each drink can be easily adjusted to suit your taste. The PHILIPS 2200 LatteGo is also very easy to clean, making it a great choice for busy people.

However, one downside of the machine is that it only comes with preset drink options. So, if you’re looking for a more customized experience, you might want to look elsewhere.

Another downside is that the machine takes up a lot of counter space. But if you’re willing to sacrifice some kitchen real estate for convenience, the PHILIPS 2200 LatteGo is a great choice.

9. Hamilton Beach Espresso Maker

The Hamilton Beach Espresso Maker is a low-cost coffee machine that comes with a lot of features. For starters, it has a simple operation. You just need to add water to the tank, insert a coffee pod or ground coffee, and push the button.

It also comes with a Milk Frother that allows you to make iced and hot lattes. The Hamilton Beach Espresso Maker is also compatible with both soft pods and ground coffee. However, there are some downsides to this coffee machine. One is that the water reservoir is small. So, if you want to make more than a couple of cups of coffee, you’ll need to refill it.

Another downside is that it doesn’t come with some basic accessories such as a milk jug or tamper, so you’ll have to purchase these separately.

10. Sunbeam Café Barista

The Sunbeam Café Barista is a popular choice for those looking for an affordable and easy-to-use espresso machine. The inbuilt cleaning function is definitely a plus, as it takes the hassle out of keeping the machine clean.

The automatic milk frothing is also a nice touch, although some users may prefer to have more control over the frothiness of their coffee. The removable milk reservoir is handy for those who like to make larger quantities of coffee, as it allows for easy storage.

However, some users may find the lack of control over coffee strength and frothiness to be a downside. Overall, the Sunbeam Café Barista is a good choice for those looking for an entry-level espresso machine.

Buyer’s Guide to the Best Espresso Machines in Australia

When choosing an espresso machine, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, consider what kind of coffee drinker you are. If you like to customize your coffee drinks, then you’ll want to look for a machine that gives you more control over the strength and frothiness of your coffee.

On the other hand, if you’re the type of person who just wants a quick and easy cup of coffee, then you’ll want to look for a machine that has preprogrammed settings.

Espresso Machine Types

Manual

Manual espresso machines are designed for those who want more control over their coffee. With a manual machine, you’ll need to grind the beans yourself and tamp them into the filter basket.

You’ll also need to control the water temperature and pressure yourself, which can be a bit of a learning curve. However, once you get the hang of it, you’ll be able to make a great cup of coffee.

Semi-Automatic

Semi-automatic espresso machines are a good choice for those who want more control than what an automatic machine offers but don’t want to deal with the hassle of grinding beans and tamping them into the filter basket.

With a semi-automatic machine, you’ll need to grind the beans and tamp them into the filter basket yourself. However, the machine will take care of the water temperature and pressure for you.

Fully Automatic

Automatic espresso machines are a good choice for those who want a quick and easy cup of coffee. With an automatic machine, you won’t need to grind the beans or tamp them into the filter basket.

The machine will take care of all of that for you. All you’ll need to do is add the coffee beans and water, and the machine will do the rest.

Special Features/Accessories

Beyond the basics, the range of extra features and accessories varies wildly from model to model. Here are some of the most popular:

• Cup Warming Tray: If you like your coffee to be piping hot, then you’ll want to look for a machine that has a cup warming tray. This feature will keep your cups warm until you’re ready to use them.
• Steam Wand: A steam wand is a handy accessory that allows you to froth milk for your coffee drinks. If you like cappuccinos or lattes, then this is a feature you’ll definitely want to look for.
• Steel Pitchers: Some machines come with steel pitchers that allow you to Froth milk directly in the pitcher. This can be a convenient feature if you like to make large quantities of coffee at one time.
• Programmable Settings: Many espresso machines come with programmable settings that allow you to customize your coffee drinks. For example, some machines allow you to program the perfect espresso shot, so all you need to do is push a button, and the machine will do the rest.
• Grinder: Some espresso machines come with a built-in grinder, which can be a convenient feature if you like to grind your own beans. However, keep in mind that not all grinders are created equal. Some grinders are better than others, so it’s important to do your research and make sure you’re getting a quality grinder.
• Tamper: A tamper is a tool that allows you to compact the coffee grounds in the filter basket. This helps to extract more flavor from the beans and results in a better cup of coffee.
• Trimmers: Some espresso machines come with trimmers that allow you to cut the coffee grounds to the perfect size. This can be a handy feature if you like to experiment with different grind sizes.

That’s a lot, right? If the above list seems overwhelming to you, you may want to start with an automatic or semi-automatic model. When everything is done manually, there is more room for error.

Individual Needs

If you’re more confused than ever after seeing all the different types of espresso machines, don’t worry. The best way to figure out which machine is right for you is to think about your individual needs.

Experience Level

Are you a beginner or an experienced barista? If you’re a beginner, you may want to start with an automatic machine. These machines are easier to use and require less experience to operate.

If you’re more experienced, you may want to consider a manual machine. These machines give you more control over the coffee-making process and allow you to experiment with different techniques.

Budget

How much are you willing to spend on an espresso machine? Espresso machines range in price from around $100 to over $1,000, so it’s important to figure out how much you’re willing to spend before you start shopping.

Keep in mind that the more features a machine has, the more expensive it will be. So, if you’re on a budget, you may want to start with a basic model and then upgrade to a more feature-rich machine later.

Size and Space

How much space do you have for an espresso machine? If you have limited counter space, you may want to consider a compact machine. These machines are smaller in size and take up less space.

If you have more room to work with, you may want to consider a full-size machine. These machines are larger and usually have more features than compact machines.

Conclusion

Now that you know all about espresso machines, it’s time to start shopping for one. Keep in mind the different types of machines, as well as your individual needs, when making your decision. With so many options on the market, you’re sure to find the perfect machine for you.

Our favorite at-home espresso machine is the Breville Barista Express. This machine is perfect for beginners and experienced baristas alike. It’s easy to use and comes with all the features you need to make a great cup of coffee.

To get the most bang for your buck, we recommend the Sunbeam Mini Barista. This compact machine is packed with features, yet it’s still affordable. It’s a great choice for those who have limited counter space.

You may also be interested in:

• 10 Best Coffee Beans in Australia: Reviews & Top Picks
• 10 Best Coffee Makers in Australia: Reviews & Top Picks

Featured Image Credit: Kevin Schmid, Unsplash