Espresso machines can be a great addition to your morning routine or even for an afternoon pick-me-up. But with so many on the market, how do you know which one is right for you? We've done some of the research for you and highlighted some of the best espresso machines Australia has to offer. So whether you're looking for something simple and budget-friendly or something high-tech and luxurious, we've got you covered. So read on to find out more about the best espresso machines around!
Best Espresso Machines
Best Home Espresso Machines 2022
Many people enjoy going to their local café for a quick coffee, but sometimes you just want to stay in and make your own. If this sounds like you, then investing in a home espresso machine might be a good idea! There are many different types and brands of espresso machines on the market, so it's essential to do your research before making a purchase. To help you out, we've compiled a list of some of the best home espresso machines Australia offers.
1. Nespresso Inissia by De'Longhi
The Nespresso Inissia by De'Longhi is one of the best espresso machines on the market, perfect for those who want barista-quality coffee at home. This machine is super easy to use, with a one-touch button that brews your coffee in just 25 seconds. It also comes with a 9-cup capacity, making plenty of coffee for yourself or guests. Plus, it's fully automatic coffee, so you don't have to worry about a thing - just sit back and enjoy your delicious cup of joe.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Fast brewing time
- Large capacity
- Fully automatic
Cons
- The electrical plug is not compatible with all outlets but can be easily remedied with an adapter
2. Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine
If you're looking for a top-quality espresso machine that comes with an integrated grinder, then the Breville Barista Express is a great option to consider. With dose-control grinding and burr calibration, you can be sure that you're getting the most consistent grind possible – perfect for making rich, flavorful espresso. Additionally, the optimal water pressure and microfoam milk frothing create the perfect conditions for a truly delicious cup of coffee. The Barista Express also has a built-in coffee grinder, so you can enjoy freshly ground coffee with every brew. Furthermore, the dual filter baskets make switching between different types of coffee, and the adjustable grind size dial allows you to tailor your grind to your preferences.
Pros
- Integrated grinder
- Dose-control grinding and burr calibration
- Optimal water pressure and the microfoam milk frothing
- Built-in coffee grinder
- Dual filter baskets
- Adjustable grind size dial
Cons
- This manual machine can be a little bit tricky to use for those who are not familiar with espresso machines
3) Sunbeam Café Barista Espresso Machine
The Sunbeam Café Barista is one of the best espresso machines on the market, perfect for making frothy cappuccinos and lattes. This machine has a handy milk reservoir, so you can easily froth milk for your coffee drinks. Plus, the Thermoblock technology heats up quickly, so you can enjoy your coffee in no time. The Café Barista also comes with a single or double espresso shot option, so you can make your coffee just the way you like it. Plus, the plastic housing makes this machine lightweight and easy to move around, which is great for small kitchens.
Pros
- It comes with a handy milk reservoir
- The thermo block technology heats up quickly
- It has a single or double espresso shot option
- The plastic housing makes it lightweight and easy to move around
Cons
- Some users have found that the machine leaks a little water, but you just need to ensure that you tighten the espresso filter properly.
4) DeLonghi Magnifica S Fully Automatic Espresso and Coffee Machine
The DeLonghi Magnifica S is one of the best espresso machines for making quality coffee at home. This machine has a powerful heating system that ensures your coffee is always hot and fresh. Additionally, the advanced Cappuccino system makes it easy to create barista-quality drinks with just the push of a button. The conical burr steel grinders also make it easy to get a consistent coffee grind, ensuring that your coffee is always of the highest quality. If you're looking for an espresso machine that can make great coffee with ease, the DeLonghi Magnifica S is a great option.
Pros
- Powerful heating system
- Advanced Cappuccino system
- Consistency grind with conical burr steel grinders
- Easy to use
Cons
- A Fully automatic machine might not suit everyone's needs
5. Nespresso VertuoPlus Coffee and Espresso Machine
The Nespresso VertuoPlus is a great little machine perfect for anyone who loves coffee and espresso. This machine uses capsules to make coffee and espresso, and it only takes 15 seconds to make a cup of either. The VertuoPlus also has an energy-saving automatic shutoff feature, which is great for those who are trying to be more eco-friendly. Moreover, this machine is straightforward to use and comes with a warranty, so you can be sure that it will last for a long time.
Pros
- Fast brewing time
- Automatic shutoff feature
- Easy to use
- Comes with a warranty
Cons
- The machine is expensive, but it is worth the investment.
Things to Consider When Buying an Espresso Machine
When choosing an espresso machine, you should keep a few things in mind. Here are a few things to consider when making your purchase:
1. What is your budget? Espresso machines can range in price from around $100 to several thousand dollars. Before starting your search, you'll want to decide how much you're willing to spend on an espresso machine.
2. What features are you looking for? Espresso machines come with a variety of features. Some machines are automatic, while others are manual coffee maker. Some come with built-in grinders, while others do not. Consider what features are most important to you before making your purchase.
3. What kind of espresso do you like? There are two main types of espresso: Italian and American. American espresso is typically darker and has a stronger flavour, while Italian espresso is lighter and has a more delicate flavour. Consider which type of espresso you prefer before making your purchase.
4. What machine size do you need? Espresso machines come in a variety of sizes. Some are small enough to fit on your countertop, while others are large enough to require their own dedicated space. Consider how much counter space you have available before making your purchase.
5. How easy is the machine to use? Espresso machines can range from very simple to use to quite complex. If you're new to making espresso, you may want to choose a machine that is simpler to use. If you're more experienced, you may be able to handle a more complex machine.
6. What is the warranty? Most espresso machines come with some kind of warranty. Be sure to read the fine print before purchasing to understand what is covered and for how long.
7. What other accessories do you need? In addition to the espresso machine itself, you'll also need a few other things to make espresso. These include a coffee grinder, espresso beans, and milk frother. If you don't already have these items, be sure to factor them into your budget.
8. What kind of maintenance does the machine require? Espresso machines require regular cleaning and maintenance. Read the owner's manual before making your purchase to understand what is needed.
By keeping these things in mind, you can be sure to choose the best espresso machine for your needs. But before you buy, experiment with different machines to find the one that you like best. There is no single "best" espresso machine, but there is the best one for you.
How To Use an Espresso Machine
So, before we learn how to use an espresso machine, we must go over a few things. First, you'll need to gather your supplies. These include:
- Espresso beans
- Coffee grinder
- Milk frother
- Espresso machine
Once you have your supplies, it's time to get started. Here's how to use an espresso machine:
1. Fill the Water Reservoir
The first step is to fill the water reservoir. Most espresso machines have a built-in water pump, so you'll need to ensure that the reservoir is full before you start. If your machine doesn't have a built-in pump, you'll need to fill it with enough water to reach the level of the brew head.
2. Insert the Portafilter
Next, you'll need to insert the portafilter into the espresso machine. The portafilter is a small basket that holds the ground coffee. Make sure that the portafilter is firmly seated in the machine before continuing.
3. Add Ground Coffee
Once the portafilter is in place, you can add your ground coffee. Espresso is typically made with a very fine grind, so you'll want to make sure that your coffee is ground accordingly. Most espresso machines have a built-in grinder, so you can simply add your coffee beans and let the coffee machine do its work. Otherwise, you'll need to grind your beans using a quality coffee grinder.
4. Tamp the Coffee
After adding your ground coffee, it's time to tamp it down. Tamping is a process of compacting the coffee to extract maximum flavour during brewing. To tamp appropriately, hold the portafilter in one hand and use the other hand to apply even pressure on top of the ground. Once the coffee grounds are tamped down, wipe any excess coffee from the rim of the portafilter.
5. Place the Portafilter in the Machine
Once you've tamped your coffee, you can place the portafilter into the espresso machine. Make sure that it's firmly seated in place before continuing.
6. Brew Your Espresso
Now it's time to brew your espresso! Start by turning on your machine and allowing it to heat up for a few minutes. Once it's heated up, press the brew button and let it do its work! Depending on your home coffee machine, it should take about 30 seconds to 1 minute to brew a shot of espresso.
7. Foam Your Milk (Optional)
You'll need to foam your milk if you want to make a latte or cappuccino. It can be done using a steam wand on your espresso machine. To foam milk, simply place the steam wand's tip just below the milk's surface and turn it on. The milk will begin to foam and expand. Once it's foamy enough, turn off the steam wand and remove the milk-frothing pitcher from the machine.
8. Pour Your Espresso
Once your espresso is brewed, you can pour it into your cup. If you're making a latte or cappuccino, simply add the foamed milk to your espresso and stir. Enjoy!
Espresso Machine FAQ
How do you clean an espresso machine?
Cleaning an espresso machine is relatively simple. Most machines have a built-in cleaning cycle that you can run periodically to clean the machine's internals. You'll also need to clean the portafilter, coffee pot, and other external parts of the machine regularly. For more detailed instructions, consult to user manual.
Are espresso machines worth it?
Espresso machines can be a great addition to your kitchen, but they're not for everyone. If you're a coffee lover and enjoy making espresso-based drinks at home, then an espresso machine is worth considering. However, if you don't drink morning coffee often or you're not interested in making espresso drinks, then an espresso machine might not be the best investment for you.
Can you use ground coffee in an espresso machine?
Yes, you can use ground coffee in an espresso machine. However, it's important to use an excellent grind, as espresso is typically made with a very fine grind. If you're using pre-ground coffee, make sure that it's labelled as "espresso grind" or "fine grind." Alternatively, you can grind your own beans using a quality coffee grinder.
Is an automatic coffee machine worth it?
No, you should not use vinegar to descale an espresso machine. Vinegar is acidic and can damage the internals of your machine. Instead, use a descaling solution that's specifically designed for espresso machines. These solutions are safe to use and will effectively remove any built-up scale from your machine.