Coffee machines

Espresso coffee machine reviews 

Best coffee machines to buy in Australia

We lab test and review the latest manual, semi-automatic and coffee pod machines. 

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CHOICE test expert Adrian Lini shows you how we test and compare coffee machines 

63 models rated and ranked

Put to the taste test by the experts 

Coffee experts take part in a blind taste test in our labs to rate espresso shots from each machine.

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Our experts test and rate

Coffee taste

Our expert panel rates espresso shots on crema, aroma, flavour, mouth-feel and aftertaste

Ease of use

We try the controls, fill the water tank and bean hopper, adjust the grinder and more

Consistency

We measure the temperature of four coffees in a row so you can be sure of a consistent cup

Coffee machines to avoid

Don’t waste your money on a dud. Find out which models rated lowest in our lab tests.

Coffee machines to avoid buying
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We give each coffee machine a score made up of:

Taste (60%)

We do a blind taste test to check the colour and thickness of the coffee’s crema (the tan-coloured foam on the top of an espresso shot), plus the aroma, flavour, mouthfeel and aftertaste.

Ease of use (20%)

To see how easy each machine will be to use, we try the controls, fill the water tank and bean hopper, adjust the grinder, make a coffee, and clean it inside and out.

Frothing milk (15%)

We experiment with each machine to find how well it heats milk, looking for fine, pourable froth.

Coffee temperature consistency (5%)

We measure the consistency of 4 consecutive coffees after warming up each machine for 5 minutes. We add another 5 minutes for thermoblock and small boiler machines, and 30 minutes for heat exchangers.

See key features side by side

Save time with our easy comparison tool – all the features rated so you don’t have to.

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CHOICE member Aaron

CHOICE keeps the marketplace honest. Without them, manufacturers will be able to do whatever they want.

James – CHOICE member
Which brands does CHOICE review?

Our experts currently test pod, manual and semi-automatic coffee machines from brands including Aldi, Bezzera, Breville, Crem One, DeLonghi, Expobar, Gaggia, Kitchen Aid, Kmart, La Pavoni, Lavazza, Nescafe, Nespresso, Profitec, Rocket, San Remo, Smeg and Sunbeam.

How does CHOICE pick which coffee machines to test?

Our priority is testing the models you’ll see in stores and major online retailers. To do this, we check current market data to see what’s most popular. We’ll also test models that a lot of members have requested.

How are coffee machines tested in the lab?

Our expert panel members taste a 30mL shot of espresso from each machine in a blind taste test and assess each shot by looking at the colour and thickness of the crema, the aroma, flavour, mouthfeel and aftertaste. We use a reference machine to check the consistency of our taste testers.

Our lab testers use single-wall baskets where supplied (double-wall if no single is supplied) and an ECM grinder to get the right grind.

How does CHOICE get the coffee machines it reviews?

Unlike other product review sites, we don’t accept free test models from manufacturers. This allows us to be independent and review without interference. Instead, we buy products anonymously from a variety of retailers, then bring them into our labs. This means we get what you’d get, and can be sure the model hasn’t been potentially ‘tweaked’ for better performance.

Who does the testing?

For our taste tests we rely on the expert palates of brothers David and Matthew Gee from Barista Basics as well as Anee Sampath, managing director of Samson Coffee House. We also have in-house experts, including CHOICE’s own home economist, Fiona Mair.

Are capsule coffee machines any good?

Pod or capsule coffee machines are usually cheaper than manual espresso machines and they’re convenient if you’re short on time or have limited bench space. But our expert taste testers agree: if you’re fussy about flavour, a manual espresso machine will almost always give you the best, barista-like results.

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We’re a nonprofit that’s been supporting Australian consumers since 1959.

Our mission

We work for fair, just and safe markets to meet the needs of all Australians. Just like you.

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