This coffee machine buying guide is built around one honest question: how much effort do you want to put into your morning coffee? Pod machines are the easiest, manual espresso machines give you the most control, and automatic bean to cup machines sit in the middle by grinding, tamping and extracting at the press of a button. Filter machines suit people who drink black coffee by the mug.
The four main types
| Type | Effort | Best for | Ongoing costs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pod / capsule | Very low | Fast, consistent single cups | Capsules per cup |
| Manual espresso | High | Café-style coffee, hobbyists | Beans, plus a grinder if not built in |
| Automatic bean to cup | Low | Café-style drinks with minimal fuss | Beans, cleaning tablets |
| Drip / filter | Low | Black coffee for several people | Ground coffee, filters |
Pod and capsule machines
Pop in a capsule, press a button and you've got a consistent espresso in under a minute. Pod machines are compact, tidy and great for households where everyone wants something slightly different.
Good to know:
- Check which capsule system a machine uses, as capsules aren't interchangeable between systems.
- Some models come with a separate milk frother, while others have an automatic milk system built in.
- Reusable stainless capsules are available for some systems if you'd like to use your own coffee.
Compare our pod and capsule coffee machines, including Nespresso machines made by De'Longhi and Breville, and Lavazza A Modo Mio machines by Smeg.
Manual espresso machines
Manual (semi-automatic) machines let you grind, dose, tamp and steam milk yourself. There's a learning curve, but you control every variable and can make coffee that rivals your local café.
Look for:
- A built-in grinder if you don't already own one
- A steam wand with good power for silky milk
- Pressure gauge and temperature control for consistent shots
- Standard basket sizes so accessories like tampers and distribution tools fit
Automatic bean to cup machines
Fully automatic machines grind fresh beans, tamp and extract with one touch. Many include an automatic milk system for flat whites and cappuccinos, and some store user profiles so everyone gets their usual. They take up more bench space and require regular cleaning cycles, but the results are fresh and consistent.
Browse our espresso machines, which include automatic and manual models from De'Longhi, Breville, Smeg, Jura, Gaggia, Philips and Sunbeam.
Drip and filter coffee
Drip machines brew a full jug of filter coffee. They're simple and great for households or offices that drink black coffee through the morning. Manual pour-over and cold brew makers are a low-tech alternative. See our drip and filter coffee makers.
Milk: how do you take it?
Most Australians drink milk-based coffee, so think about milk before choosing:
- No milk or occasional milk: any machine works.
- Daily lattes and flat whites, minimal effort: an automatic milk system or a separate electric frother.
- Barista-style texture: a manual machine with a strong steam wand.
Grinders: why fresh matters
Coffee starts to lose aroma quickly once ground. Grinding just before brewing makes a noticeable difference. If your machine doesn't have a built-in grinder, a burr grinder gives a more even grind than a blade grinder. Grinders, tampers, milk jugs and cleaning products are in our coffee machine accessories.
Choosing beans and getting the taste right
Even the best machine can't rescue stale coffee. A few simple habits make a big difference:
- Buy whole beans in smaller bags and use them within a few weeks of the roast date.
- Store beans in an airtight container away from heat and sunlight. The fridge isn't ideal because of moisture and odours.
- Match the roast to how you drink it. Medium to darker roasts are popular for milk coffees, while lighter roasts suit black coffee and filter brewing.
- Adjust one thing at a time. If espresso tastes sour, try a finer grind. If it tastes bitter, try a coarser grind.
- Use filtered water if your tap water is hard, as it can improve taste and reduce scale build-up.
Size, water and cleaning
- Bench space: measure the depth and the height under your cupboards, especially for bean to cup machines with top-loading hoppers.
- Water tank: a larger tank means fewer refills. Front-access tanks are handy under low cupboards.
- Cleaning: every machine needs regular descaling. Automatic machines also need routine cleaning cycles, and steam wands should be wiped and purged after each use.
Matching a machine to your routine
- One quick coffee before work: a pod machine.
- Two or three milk coffees a day, little fuss: an automatic bean to cup machine.
- Weekend barista who loves the ritual: a manual espresso machine with a grinder.
- Several mugs of black coffee: a drip filter machine.
See the complete coffee makers and espresso machines range, or explore every brand on our brands page.
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Frequently asked questions
Is a pod machine or espresso machine better?
A pod machine is quicker, cleaner and more consistent with no learning curve. An espresso machine gives you fresher coffee and more control over taste, but takes more time and practice.
What is a bean to cup coffee machine?
It's a fully automatic machine that grinds whole beans, tamps and extracts the coffee at the press of a button. Many also froth milk automatically.
Do I need a separate grinder for an espresso machine?
Only if your machine doesn't have one built in. Freshly ground coffee generally tastes better, so a burr grinder is a worthwhile addition to a manual machine without a grinder.
How often should I descale a coffee machine?
It depends on your water hardness and how often you use it. Follow the manufacturer's guidance, and use the descale alert if your machine has one.
