It’s no secret that Australians love coffee, and it’s certainly important to us that we drink good coffee – which is where home coffee machines come in.
There are several general types of espresso machines on the market, each with its own pros and cons depending on what you’re looking for in a coffee maker. Here we look at why you’d pick one coffee machine over another, useful features, what you can expect to pay and more.
Pod or capsule coffee machines make up the bulk of espresso machines we buy in Australia. To use them, you insert coffee capsules which are the size and shape of a single-serve UHT milk holder. They’re hermetically sealed in aluminium or plastic, giving them the added advantage of staying fresh for about nine months.
Nespresso is the biggest-selling capsule machine type. Nespresso capsules come in various styles depending on whether you’re using an ‘original’ type of machine, or its newer Vertuo ones.
The Vertuo models can accommodate a range of cup sizes and are only compatible with ‘official’ Nespresso capsules, as they have a barcode that tells the machine how to make the coffee. The prices for Vertuo capsules can vary from $9.20 up to $12.90 per sleeve of 10, depending on the size and variety.
Some come with a built-in milk frother, while others require you to buy one separately. Some don’t need you to use one at all, and instead use separate milk capsules. In our tests, the quality of these milk capsules is generally poor.
These pods aren’t to be confused with Easy Serving Espresso (ESE) pods, which are discs of coffee compressed between two layers of filter paper. These aren’t hermetically sealed like the capsules. Some coffee machines can cater for both pods and ground coffee by providing a separate filter basket and possibly a different shower head for each.
How to use a pod machine
A pod or capsule of coffee is inserted into the machine, which then pierces the capsule to allow hot water to flow through and pour the shot.
How much do pod machines cost?
Prices tend to range from around $80 to over $1300, and you need to also factor in the ongoing cost of pods. But our coffee machine tests over the years have found that you don’t have to pay top dollar to get a good coffee at home.
Pros
Very simple and convenient to use.
Many flavours of coffee available.
They require very little cleaning up.
They usually have a small benchtop footprint (one Aldi Expressi machine is 23 x 12 x 30cm for example, while a Nescafe Dolce Gusto Piccolini XS is only 28 x 14 x 25cm).
Cons
Enthusiasts may find coffees from these machines lack depth or intensity of flavour.
Aluminium-based capsules can be recycled via various schemes, but usually end up in landfill, which is very wasteful of the aluminium and other energy and material that goes into making them.
They do cost more to use in the long run than freshly-ground coffee, but are still cheaper than going to a cafe for your morning brew.
These are a growing part of the market, with major brands including DeLonghi, Gaggia, Jura, Melitta and Miele. While most people prefer to either work a manual model or enjoy the convenience (and cost savings) of a capsule coffee machine, the automated espresso machines definitely have their fans and can be very handy in a small office kitchen or a busy household.
How to use an automatic coffee machine
Your cup goes under the spout, you press the button to grind the coffee beans to make the espresso, then you make your desired beverage depending on the strength and volume you want. Some also automatically froth milk for a cappuccino or latte.
How much do automatic coffee machines cost?
Automatic coffee machines can often be quite an investment: we’ve tested machines that start at $569, while others are close to $5000.
Pros
Easier to use than semi-automatic and manual coffee machines.
They use freshly ground beans rather than a capsule and you can control the grind to your requirements.
You can usually save several ‘programs’ or user profiles with your favourite styles of coffee. Some are compatible with apps as well as smart home hubs.
Some have ‘self-cleaning’ modes, which minimise the hassle of washing and descaling the machine, but ongoing maintenance is still essential. Many will alert you when the machine needs to go into cleaning mode.
Cons
Often more expensive than other types of machines, and their higher price isn’t a guarantee they’ll make good coffee.
They can be quite heavy, weighing between 7kg and 15kg.
The depth of the machine can exceed 40cm, so you need to be able to spare the bench space.
Although they’re ‘automatic’, parts will still require regular cleaning and maintenance, particularly the milk container and associated pipes, the drip tray, coffee grounds container and water tank.
Depending on the water hardness in your area, descaling will also be important. Some manufacturers recommend water filters which may add to the expense.
While aspects like strength, temperature and grind are customisable to a degree, you generally get less control than a dedicated grinder combined with a manual espresso machine.
These machines let you experiment and get more hands-on with your coffee. They require a bit more knowledge, and practice, of coffee-making techniques such as grinding, dosing and tamping.
Major brands include Breville, DeLonghi, Gaggia, Lelit, Profitec, Rancilio, Sunbeam and Smeg.
Usually, you’ll need a separate bean grinder before using them, which is an added cost, but they generally come with milk frothing capability.
The bench space manual coffee machines take up will vary depending on the complexity and design of the machine but they tend to be 20–40cm wide. The weight can vary from around 3kg up to 19kg.
How to use a manual espresso machine
You manually put the required amount of ground coffee into the group head, then set the machine to pour. You’ll need to cut the flow of coffee yourself (unlike a semi-automatic machine).
How much do manual coffee machines cost?
A manual coffee machine can cost as little as $80 and go all the way up to over $4500.
Pros
Better depth of flavour from using fresh coffee.
The satisfaction of making your own cup of coffee just the way you like it.
They can look like works of art and spruce up a boring kitchen – even the budget ones offered by brands like Kmart have a retro appeal.
Cons
Difficult for beginners with no coffee-making experience.
A semi-automatic machine mostly operates like a manual machine would, but will automatically cut off the flow of coffee once a pre-set amount has been poured into your cup (a manual machine will require you to cut the flow of coffee yourself).
Pros
Versatile – gives you the best of both worlds in terms of having control of your cup while not worrying about when to stop the coffee flow.
Less costly than a fully-automatic coffee machine.
Cons
Like a manual coffee machine, there’s still a learning and experimentation process.
Digital displays are generally easier to understand than indicator lights, especially when programming the machine.
Adjustable grinder
This lets you adjust the grind to suit the bean and machine (automatic machines have built-in grinders).
Variable coffee strength
This means you can adjust the intensity of the coffee to your taste.
Space
A big espresso machine is fine if you have plenty of bench space in your kitchen, but you may want one that takes up less room.
Froth enhancer
Some machines come with a froth enhancer on the milk-frothing wand. This is supposed to make frothing easier, but it often produces large bubbles rather than the fine foam that’s suitable for lattes and cappuccinos. If the enhancer is removable you may find it easier to produce fine, velvety foam.
Cup-warming tray
This helps keep your cups at a warm, constant temperature, which stops the coffee from cooling down too quickly.
Double shot
Many models can make two espressos at once, but they often just grind one dose of beans for this (usually about the same amount they’d make for a single cup) which leads to weaker coffee.
If you often make two cups of coffee, look for models that make them in quick succession rather than at the same time – these models grind a fresh dose for each cup, which is the best way for a good, strong cup of coffee.
Warm-up time
The warm-up times can vary depending on the machine – a manual coffee machine might take 1–2 minutes while a capsule machine might take about 20–30 seconds.
Wi-Fi and privacy
Some automatic espresso machines are Wi-Fi compatible, allowing you to initiate a coffee from afar or monitor the cleaning and maintenance process using a dedicated app. You can also create custom profiles for beverages with your preferred grind, strength and temperature.
Be sure to read the app’s privacy policy to make sure you’re happy with the type of usage data that may be collected. For example, does the app only collect error logs and diagnostic information? Some apps may ask if you’d like to opt-in to sharing information about app interactions to the manufacturer.
Dual boiler vs heat exchanger? Thermoblock?
On a manual/semi-automatic coffee machine, a dual boiler means you can froth milk and make coffee at the same time (from each boiler), but these machines cost extra. Coffee machines that use heat exchanger systems only have one boiler which keeps the water at the right temperature for steaming milk (which is too high for brewing coffee), but there’s a metal tube inside the heat exchanger that fresh water flows through which warms up to the temperature required for brewing coffee.
They take up less room than a dual boiler system but you can’t brew and steam at the same time. The same goes for thermoblock systems (which are usually cheaper and more energy-efficient). These use a single block of metal (such as aluminium) and heat water when needed, as it passes through an embedded pipe. However, we’ve seen some espresso machines with dual thermoblocks that let you brew and steam simultaneously.
Other useful features include a ‘water tank empty’ reminder, a height-adjustable spout to accommodate larger cups, and adjustable coffee volume.
Regular cleaning and correct usage of your coffee machine – regardless of type – will help prolong its life. But you may still run into issues over time. Thankfully many issues can be repaired, saving the entire unit from being replaced.
CHOICE members have told us of problems they’ve experienced with their coffee machines, such as a leaking water tank, faulty steam valve, broken plastic tubing, failed pump or the motherboard needing to be replaced, all of which were repaired.
Our own testers have experienced faulty machines out of the box. In one recent instance a lower-priced machine that arrived broken was replaced completely, while another $2000+ model was repaired by a service technician.
How easy is it to recycle a coffee machine?
In some cases, it may not be worth the cost of replacing a fault if the unit is out of warranty, but you don’t need to dump your old coffee machine into landfill. Cheap capsule machines are largely made of composite plastic material (ABS), which can be recycled – look for the recycling number ‘7’ on the unit.
Other recyclable materials include polypropylene plastic and steel, but these aren’t accepted in kerbside rubbish. Planet Ark’s Recycling Near You website lists places that accept electrical appliances for recycling.
How do you recycle used coffee pods?
Although Nespresso pods (the most common type) are made of aluminium, they do have a thermal coating so need to be recycled through a Nespresso shop. Alternatively you can buy a Nespresso satchel to fill with used capsules and return it to a Nespresso shop or drop-off point, or you can buy a satchel to fill with used capsules and return it via Australia Post.
Some other brands that use plastic pods can be recycled through TerraCycle. These include L’OR, Moccona, illy, Lavazza and Nescafé Dolce Gusto, but collection points may be limited. Check the TerraCycle website for the latest information.
A number of home compostable coffee pods are on the market, as well as reusable pods which you can refill with your own ground coffee.
We identify the best espresso machine brands based on our test results of more than 100 espresso machines tested in our labs in the last seven years, as well as feedback from our members on satisfaction and reliability.
Our experts have tested manual, semi-automatic, capsule and automatic coffee machines from the major brands, including Breville, DeLonghi, Nescafe, Sunbeam and more.
Best espresso machine brand for 2025: DeLonghi
DeLonghi takes out Best Brand for espresso machines for 2025, with models from the brand scoring well in our tests. It just edges out Breville and Sunbeam to take the top spot as it received slightly higher scores in reliability when we surveyed coffee machine owners.
We also considered brands such as Aldi, Kmart Anko, Breville Nescafe, Breville Nespresso, DeLonghi Nescafe, Delonghi Nespresso, Nescafe, Smeg and Sunbeam for Best Brand, however, these brands didn’t meet our strict eligibility criteria.
It’s important to note that the performance of specific product models may vary quite significantly, so don’t assume that one brand’s products are the best across the many different features, functions and price points.
What are CHOICE Best Brand recommendations?
The Best Brand recommendation for espresso machines is based on our test results for home espresso coffee machines over the past seven years, as well as the most recent customer satisfaction and reliability information submitted by CHOICE members on their experience with the brand.
The recommendation is given to companies with a clear lead over their competitors during the test period, and no more than two recommendations are given during each period.
Best Brand eligibility is tough – to be considered, we must have tested a minimum of five models, and a brand must have received a minimum of 50 responses to the CHOICE member survey. Additionally, brands must score a minimum of 60% and be above the average for average test score. Brands must also score at least 80% for reliability and satisfaction to be considered.
How we calculate the best espresso machine brand
The following criteria determines the Best Brand recommendation.
Average test score – 40%
Brand reliability – 30%
Customer satisfaction – 20%
Recommended ratio – 10%
Average test score
This is an average of the CHOICE Expert Rating for all the brand’s models that we tested.
In 2025, our customer insights team surveyed several thousand CHOICE members who owned an espresso machine about whether they’ve run into any problems with their machine in the past 12 months.
Customer satisfaction
Our survey also asked how satisfied members are with their espresso machine. So even if an espresso machine has a fault after six months, it’s still possible for it to have a high satisfaction score – perhaps the company has customer service that goes beyond expectations, or the product is simply too good, despite some performance quirks.
Recommended ratio
We calculate the percentage of espresso machines that we recommend for each brand. The greater the number of models that earn a recommendation, the higher the recommended ratio score.
Previous Best Brand espresso machine winners
2024: Breville (semi-automatic and manual machines)
2023: No winner
2022: No winner
2021: Breville (semi-automatic and manual machines)
2020: Breville (semi-automatic and manual machines)
The annual CHOICE reliability survey asks thousands of members about the coffee machines they own, what they think of them and how they’ve held up over time.
More than 1100 coffee machine owners participated in our 2025 reliability survey. The information they provided gives us a good indication of how various capsule, manual, semi-automatic and automatic brands stack up over time – something we can’t test in our labs.
The top performers
Most reliable brand: Aldi Expessi
Highest owner satisfaction: Breville (auto/manual), DeLonghi (auto/manual), Sunbeam (auto/manual), and Aldi Expressi.
What we found
Of the people we surveyed, 38% had a manual/semi-automatic machine, 34% had a pod/capsule machine and 25% had an automatic coffee machine
For those who bought an espresso machine in the last 8 years, 65% have never experienced an issue.
Pod machines are more reliable than manual and automatic machines, potentially because they are less complicated and have fewer parts. However, satisfaction scores are higher for manual and automatic machines than pod machines, likely due to the better-quality coffee produced and the emotional reward from being very involved in crafting a cup of coffee to one’s taste.
Aldi Expressi owners love that the machine is inexpensive, yet still delivers decent coffee. Many also say that it’s simple and easy to use. Users are also reasonably satisfied with the range of pods.
Owners of Nespresso machines (made by DeLonghi and Breville) say they had a good service experience when things went wrong.
The main problems people have with their coffee machines include water leakage and broken seals.
Number in brackets shows the sample size. * Differences of 5% or more are significant. Average reliability score = 84%, average satisfaction score = 86%.
How we get the data
We calculate a brand’s reliability score and owner rating based on our survey of 1105 CHOICE members in 2025. For reliability and satisfaction we looked at a 8 year purchase period between 2015 and 2024.
About the scores
Reliability
Reliability figures are based on owner assessment, not test data. We use the data we collect from members to rate the most popular brands for reliability. We take into account the age of the products so we can compare fairly between brands.
Owner satisfaction
We asked owners to tell us what they thought of the products they own, rating them from excellent to terrible. We’ve used this information to give each brand an owner satisfaction rating so you can see what people who use the brand day in, day out think of them.
Kim Gilmour is a Senior project officer. She manages a range of product tests such as coffee machines, stick vacuums, bassinets, high chairs and ovens, which are all tested in our in-house labs.
Kim’s work gives people access to robust, independent advice and helps consumers make informed decisions about their purchases. Her work also helps to keep manufacturers in check, by regularly exposing product flaws which can result in better and safer products.
Prior to CHOICE, Kim spent 16 years working as a technology journalist in Sydney and London. With several years as a senior researcher/writer at our UK sister organisation, Which?
Kim has authored how-to technology books such as Spotify for Dummies and Digital Photography for the Older and Wiser.
Kim has a Bachelor of Arts in Communication (Journalism) from Charles Sturt University.
Find Kim on LinkedIn
Kim Gilmour is a Senior project officer. She manages a range of product tests such as coffee machines, stick vacuums, bassinets, high chairs and ovens, which are all tested in our in-house labs.
Kim’s work gives people access to robust, independent advice and helps consumers make informed decisions about their purchases. Her work also helps to keep manufacturers in check, by regularly exposing product flaws which can result in better and safer products.
Prior to CHOICE, Kim spent 16 years working as a technology journalist in Sydney and London. With several years as a senior researcher/writer at our UK sister organisation, Which?
Kim has authored how-to technology books such as Spotify for Dummies and Digital Photography for the Older and Wiser.
Kim has a Bachelor of Arts in Communication (Journalism) from Charles Sturt University.
Find Kim on LinkedIn
Rebecca Ciaramidaro is a Content producer in the Household team at CHOICE. Rebecca writes about a wide range of children's and household products, ranging from cots and strollers to ovens, BBQs, espresso machines and electric blankets. And also grocery items such as nappies, sanitary pads and laundry detergents.
Previously at CHOICE, Rebecca worked as a Test officer in the kitchen lab.
Rebecca has a Bachelor of Science (Nutrition and Food) from the University of Western Sydney.
Find Rebecca on LinkedIn.
Rebecca Ciaramidaro is a Content producer in the Household team at CHOICE. Rebecca writes about a wide range of children's and household products, ranging from cots and strollers to ovens, BBQs, espresso machines and electric blankets. And also grocery items such as nappies, sanitary pads and laundry detergents.
Previously at CHOICE, Rebecca worked as a Test officer in the kitchen lab.
Rebecca has a Bachelor of Science (Nutrition and Food) from the University of Western Sydney.
Find Rebecca on LinkedIn.
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