The best coffee machines that promise barista-level coffee without leaving your kitchen

Best for: the early riser

Coffee with the touch of a button? Yes please. Choose from one of 20 delicious recipes, from lattes to iced coffees with the Philips Series 5500 fully automatic espresso machine. Plus, its SilentBrew technology means it is perfect for those early morning before the rest of the world has risen.

Key features:

• 20 pre-programmed drinks
• Built-in grinder
• Milk frothing available
• Create profiles for four + guest
• Intuitive display
• Two-year warranty

Also available at:

• $1399 at Myer
• $1299 (usually $1399) at David Jones

Best for: the multi-person home

Breville’s most advanced espresso machine to date, the Oracle Dual Boiler it allows users to seamlessly switch between manual and automatic modes, offering full control when they want it, and automation when they don’t. So whether you live with an espresso purist or a rookie dad who simply needs their caffeine fix, this machine ensures that it will be ready to brew when you are. The new Breville+ coffee app also means that you can remotely power on and preheat the machine from the comfort of your bed. The urgency of snoozing feels far less urgent.

With a built-in grinder offering 45 precision settings courtesy of Baratza, a steam wand for silky milk frothing, and intuitive touchscreen controls, this machine brings barista-level performance into the kitchen.

Size: 387 x 374 x 455 mm

Key features:

• 5.7-inch high-definition touchscreen
• 15 preset beverages
• Dedicated settings for iced lattes, shakeratos, and espresso martini’s
• Auto Dial-In system will monitor each extraction and make grind size adjustments automatically
• 45 grind settings with Baratza European precision
• Auto MilQ steam wand
• 2.3L water tank
• New Breville+ coffee app can be used to power on and preheat the machine

Also available at:

• $4299 at The Good Guys

Best for: the maximum strength minimal guesswork espresso enthuasiast

The Ninja Luxe™ Café Espresso Machine is an intelligent espresso & coffee system with unmatched 3-in-1 versatility (no guesswork espresso, rapid cold brew and well balanced drip coffee), that helps you elevate your coffee routine and create café-quality drinks at home.

Size: 32.9 W x 34 D x 37 H cm

Key features:

• 3-in-1 functionality
• Technology with grind size recommendations and automated brew adjustments
• Dual froth system
• 24-month warranty

Best for: the espresso purist

Containing higher levels of caffeine than, say, filter coffee, the espresso is the quintessential drink of Italy. With an included precision grinder, as well as a dual boiler heating system – for the espresso shot and instant steam for your milk – Breville’s The Dual Boiler means bean business and experimentation. Add in digital temperature control, a portafilter, and customisable pre-infusion, and you’re equipped to explore the finer details of coffee-making.

Size: 45 x45 x 52.2 cm

Key features:

• Digital temperature control technology for consistent espresso quality
• Steam wand creates micro-foam texture
• Integrated and removable 58mm tamper
• 360 Swivel action steam wand
• 24-month warranty

Also available at:

• $1499 (usually $2499) at David Jones

Best for: refined spaces

Ideal for kitchens with limited bench space, the Bambino Plus may be small in size but not in pizazz. Ready to rumble in three seconds, this machine features low pressure pre-infusion followed by 9-bar extraction delivered by its 15 bar Italian pump. Plus, if you’re a fan of a latte, the automatic steam wand handles all the milk frothing, giving you creamy froth at the right texture every time.

Size: 19.5 x 32 x 31 cm

Key features:

• Uses the four key formulas
• Hands-free automatic steam wand
• ThermoJet heating system
• Low pressure pre-infusion followed by nine-bar extraction
• Compact design for countertops

Also available:

• $525 at The Good Guys
• $549 at Breville

Best for: the hands-off coffee fiend

Featuring an intuitive design with 13 one-touch coffee recipes to save you from the disappointment of burnt coffee, four levels on intensity and LatteCema Hot technology for milk-based drinks, De’Longhi’s Magnifica Evo Next is the ultimate addition to smart kitchens of coffee fiends. With a built-in grinder, adjustable settings, and easy cleaning, it’s ideal for everyday brewing.

“I’ve been using the Magnifica Evo Next automatic coffee machine for a few months now, and my mornings have transformed from a rushed, dishevelled chaos into something far calmer. I simply switch it on, press the cappuccino button, and like magic, my coffee is ready while I tackle the rest of my morning. It’s a small change that’s made a big impact on how I start my day.” — says Rachel Weisz, Shopping Content Producer

Size: 24 x 44 x 36 cm

Key features:

• 13 adjustable grind settings
• Up to 13 one-touch coffee recipes
• Automated milk frother
• Four levels of intensity and five drink sizes

Best for: retro style, automatic indulgence

Bring the café to the home with an automatic coffee machine that does everything for you at the touch of a humble button. With a signature 50s style design, this Smeg model boasts an effortless bean-to-cup process that is fully customisable from espresso to ristretto, latte to cappuccino. Its automatic frother, thermoblock system, and sleek design make it a functional statement piece.

Size: 33.6 x 18 x 43.3 cm

Key features:

• 19-bar pump pressure concentrates beans for a rich taste
• Automatically milk steaming at the push of a button
• Eight drink options
• 30-second cleaning cycle
• Available in three colours

Also available at:

• $1199 at Myer

The best drip coffee makers

Best for: the communal coffee drinker

The craft of coffee is taken to another level by Moccamaster who have handmade and assembled its individually tested machines since 1968 in the Netherlands. This commercial-grade machine brews 10 cups in just five to six minutes and features an antibacterial copper boiling element to ensure the ideal brewing temperature. NB: You’ll need to source a UK-to-AUS plug adapter as this model features a UK plug.

Size: 17 x 32 x 36 cm

Key features:

• Handmade in The Netherlands
• Made of antibacterial copper for perfect brewing temperature
• Selector switch to choose between a full or half jug.
• Available in five colours

The best capsule coffee machines

Best for: the caffeinated go-getter

Seizing the day takes a good chunk of time, so a fuss-free coffee is an ideal fixture in the go-getter’s morning. The Vertuo Pop by Nespresso utilises Centrifusion technology which reads the barcode on each capsule for precise brewing. Heating up in 30 seconds, it also features Expert Mode – which at two pushes of the button, goes beyond the machine’s standard coffee preparation. Available in six sleek shades, this model combines engineered design with style.

Size: 13.6 x 42.6 x 25 cm

Key features:

• Automatic power off after two minutes
• 30-second heat up time
• Expert mode delivers coffee optimised for milk beverages
• Includes Aeroccino 3 milk frother

Best for: intuitive and personalised touch

If you’re an espresso head but you’re more about convenience than process, this coffee machine uses Nespresso capsule pods to deliver perfectly portioned java. With a fully automatic steam wand set to your preferred temperature, frothy milk for your cap or latte is all but a button push away. It’s ideal for those who want barista-style drinks without the work.

Size: 40.9 x 17 x 30.9 cm

Key features:

• Fully automatic steam wand
• Advanced microfoam milk technology
• Intuitive digital display
• Autoclean function
• Two-year warranty

Also available:

• $716 (usually $949) at Amazon