Best Fully Automatic Coffee Machines

After owning the Jura S8 for quite some time, I can confidently say it has completely changed my coffee routine. It is one of those appliances that… Read more

quickly becomes part of your daily life, and now I cannot imagine my mornings without it.

The first thing that impressed me was the design. The machine looks elegant and premium, almost like a piece of modern kitchen décor rather than just another coffee maker. The large touchscreen is intuitive and surprisingly easy to navigate. Within a few days, selecting my favorite drinks became second nature.

The coffee quality has been consistently excellent. Whether I want a strong espresso in the morning or a creamy latte in the afternoon, the S8 delivers with very little effort. The built-in grinder does an excellent job of preserving the aroma of freshly ground beans, and the milk system creates smooth, rich foam that feels café quality. Family members and guests often ask where I bought my coffee because they are surprised it comes from a home machine. The S8 can prepare a wide variety of drinks with just a touch of the screen and includes advanced brewing technologies designed to optimize flavor extraction and convenience.

Another thing I appreciate is the convenience. I no longer need to visit coffee shops regularly, which has saved both time and money. The machine handles nearly everything automatically, from grinding and brewing to prompting me when it needs cleaning.

Of course, no machine is perfect. The biggest downside is the price. It is definitely a luxury purchase and may feel excessive for someone who only drinks an occasional cup of coffee. The cleaning process for the milk system also requires regular attention, and the machine's glossy surfaces can show fingerprints and minor scratches over time. Reviewers also commonly mention the premium price and maintenance requirements as drawbacks.

Overall, owning the Jura S8 has been a fantastic experience. It delivers excellent coffee, looks beautiful on the kitchen counter, and offers the convenience of having a personal café at home. Despite the high initial cost and maintenance requirements, it has proven to be one of my favorite kitchen investments.

Just OK – As others have stated its a pricey machine for above average (but not great) coffee. Pro's- easy to use, easy to clean, looks great Cons-… Read more

expensive, weak coffee, milk on the 'tepido' side

Annoyingly my milk throther also stopped working a year ago (still steam pumping but just comes out cold liquid)- all seems to look good but cant get it working. I phoned the support line who were not helpful and just spoke of a full service which I am not prepeared to do for a machine that may not have too much life on it.

I will not purchase a Jura bean to cup next time.

Quality coffee at the expense of your time! We have a Rancilio Silvia V6 Coffee Machine (semi-auto) and Nespresso Vertuo. On 16 May 26, we bought… Read more

the Jura E8 (a fully automated quality machine) for convenience and time savings.

Although the quality of the coffee is good and robust, we find it inconvenience instead. See below: 1. Small water tank - i perceived only good for 2 persons. Every couple of days you will need to fill up the water tank. 2. Every couple of days, the machine will prompt you to empty the used coffee tray and drip tray. 3. Even though I do not use the milk frother, the system prompts me to clean it. 4. After about 2-3 months, the system prompt to descale and change water filter.

Note: the machine has auto wash before you shut and on the machine. That means, it used up your water tank even more quickly.

Conclusion: For 2 users, every 2-3 months you will have to de-scale the machine and change water filler. Every couple of days you will have to fill up the water tank and empty both the drip tray and used coffee ground tray.

After using the Jura Z10 for several months, I can confidently say it has completely changed my morning coffee routine. I had owned a few coffee… Read more

machines before, but none offered the same combination of convenience, consistency, and premium quality. From the first cup, it was obvious that this machine was designed for people who genuinely enjoy great coffee without the hassle of manual preparation.

The first thing that impressed me was the build quality. The machine feels incredibly solid, with a sleek, modern design that instantly became the centerpiece of my kitchen. The large touchscreen is bright, responsive, and easy to navigate. Even though the Z10 offers a huge selection of drinks, I never found the interface confusing.

Coffee quality has been outstanding. Whether I'm making a rich espresso before work, a creamy cappuccino in the afternoon, or a smooth flat white on the weekend, every drink tastes consistently excellent. The grinder automatically adjusts for different beverages, and the machine extracts coffee with impressive balance and aroma, producing a thick layer of crema every time. Its automatic grinder adjustment and dedicated cold extraction process are among the features that distinguish the Z10 from many other premium bean to cup machines.

One of my favorite features is the cold brew option. I wasn't sure how often I would use it, but during warmer days it has become my preferred choice. Unlike simply pouring hot coffee over ice, the cold extraction process produces a refreshing drink with a smoother flavor and less bitterness. It genuinely feels like something I would order from a specialty coffee shop.

The milk frothing system has also exceeded my expectations. It creates silky, creamy foam that's perfect for cappuccinos and lattes. Cleaning the milk system is straightforward thanks to the guided maintenance programs, so I never feel like cleaning is a chore. Regular automatic maintenance programs help keep the machine performing well with minimal effort.

Another thing I appreciate is how customizable everything is. I can adjust coffee strength, temperature, volume, and milk quantity to match my personal preferences. After saving my favorite recipes, making my morning coffee takes less than a minute with just a single touch.

Of course, the Jura Z10 is a premium machine, and its price reflects that. It's certainly an investment, but considering the quality of the drinks and how often I used to buy coffee from cafés, it has been worth every penny. The only ongoing expense is using quality coffee beans and keeping up with maintenance products, which helps ensure the machine continues performing at its best.

Overall, my experience with the Jura Z10 has been outstanding. It consistently produces café quality coffee, offers an impressive variety of beverages, and is remarkably easy to use despite its advanced features. If you're looking for a high end automatic coffee machine that delivers exceptional results day after day, the Jura Z10 is one of the best purchases I've made for my home.

Purchased direct from Delonghi. Unit was faulty upon receiving. Delonghi sent me parts directly asking I replace. Did not fix unit. Return process… Read more

was laughable. Courier did not collect. Delonghi took weeks to get replacement machine to me. Was far from impressed with the after sales service.

great machine, so easy to use and makes the perfect cappuccino even with plant based milk Show details

Dont buy, Extremely disappointing experience with De’Longhi warranty service. I paid £2,300 for Maestosa coffee machine, in August 2025, expecting… Read more

premium quality and support. While still under warranty, the touchscreen stopped working, so I sent it in for repair. After being without a coffee machine for two weeks, I received it back with the exact same issue unresolved, plus new scratches on the machine and the original box returned ripped apart. To make matters worse, I’m now being asked to send the machine in again, meaning even more time without a product I paid a premium price for. At this price point, this level of service is unacceptable. Poor repair quality, careless handling, and no consideration for the customer experience. I expected far better from a brand like De’Longhi

To be transparent, our 17 year old Gaggia is now on its last legs. We had literally no problems for the first 15 years, an absolute workhorse. There… Read more

was just one service required about 16 years into its life, cost was about $180. Other people seem to have had different experiences, which is why I am posting this review. We are bothered only by what will replace it now, as nothing is built with solid stainless steel front panels and casing anymore.

Pro: consistent coffee and nice taste. Cons: Brew unit gets jammed easily. The grinder / funnel not getting coffee beans through after 3 months. A lot of hassle for a machine that is relatively expensive. Show details

Was going well for 11 months then water pouring out all over the bench, took it back to HN for repair, Phillips approved to repair it after 3 weeks.… Read more

Got it back then 1.5months BOOM same problem. Back to HN and sent back off again. They have had it for 1.5weeks so far, called Phillips, waiting for report before they approve the fix. So they wont approve a new, replacement or refund. I can assure you that the service and machine is terrible. DON'T BUY PHILLIPS, Im going to go back to Delonghi.

Good machine – Love this machine and have bought three now - but as soon as the warranty period is up the machine packs in (diferent issues with each one) and I… Read more

have been unsuccesful in finding someone who might fix them, so landfill it is - shame good machine though easy to use.

It was a decent coffee machine for 4 years until excessive water began dumping into the dregs container. It was regularly cleaned and descaled. The… Read more

support site was useless. FAQs weren’t helpful or specific with all issues attributed to regular user maintenance and never the machine. I had hoped it would be a simple part I could replace myself. Despite entering the product model and going to the automated coffee machine page, any question returned results for dishwashers! There are also no authorised service centres in South Australia. If I need to buy another machine, it won’t be a De Longhi.

Worked well for 4 months, then stopped working. So I give it 2 stars because 500$ for making coffee for 4 months is a bit expensive. Show details

Brewing Bliss A Light-Hearted Love Letter to the Gaggia Cadorna Prestige – Your At-Home Barista Buddy Ah, coffee. That magical elixir that turns "I… Read more

can't even" into "I've got this!" on a Monday morning.

If you're anything like me, you've probably daydreamed about having a personal barista in your kitchen – someone who knows your order by heart, never judges your third latte of the day, and doesn't expect a tip. Well, folks, allow me to introduce you to the Gaggia Cadorna Prestige, a super-automatic espresso machine that's basically the Italian stallion of home coffee makers. It's not just a machine; it's a portal to café-quality bliss without leaving your pajamas.

In this review, I'll dive deep into why this beauty feels like the ultimate barista experience at home, all while keeping things light, fun, and fully informed. We'll chat about its Italian roots, the smorgasbord of 14 drinks, those handy user profiles, the integrated drawers for water and brewing, the removable brew group, the ceramic grinder, and a bunch of other features that make it shine. And yes, we'll tackle that price tag – it's on the higher side, but oh boy, is it justified when stacked against cheaper alternatives. Buckle up; this is going to be a caffeinated adventure.

Let's start with the heart of the matter: the Italian heritage that makes the Gaggia Cadorna Prestige feel like it's whispering sweet nothings in espresso. Gaggia isn't some fly-by-night brand; it's a legend born in the bustling streets of 1930s Milan. Picture this: Achille Gaggia, a passionate bar owner, is tinkering away in his café, frustrated with the watery, steam-driven coffees of the era. In 1938, he patents a revolutionary lever system that uses pressure instead of steam to extract espresso, birthing the crema naturale – that velvety foam layer we all adore today. It's like he invented the wheel, but for coffee. Fast-forward through decades of innovation, and Gaggia remains proudly Italian, with the Cadorna Prestige manufactured in Italy. This isn't just a stamp on the box; it's infused in every sip. The machine embodies "la dolce vita" – the sweet life – where coffee isn't rushed but savored. Owning one feels like having a piece of Italy in your kitchen, minus the Vespa traffic. It's that heritage that elevates it from a gadget to a cultural experience, making your home brews taste like they've been pulled by a Roman barista with a mustache and a twinkle in his eye.

Now, onto the design – because let's face it, if it's going to live on your countertop, it better look good doing it. The Gaggia Cadorna Prestige sports a sleek, anthracite finish (that's fancy for dark gray) with stainless steel accents that scream sophistication without being ostentatious. Measuring about 10.2 inches wide, 15 inches tall, and 17.3 inches deep, and weighing in at around 20.5 pounds, it's compact enough for most kitchens but sturdy like it means business. The front panel has a vibrant full-color TFT display flanked by backlit buttons – think of it as the machine's friendly face, always ready with a smile (or at least a clear menu). No fumbling with tiny screens here; everything is intuitive and eye-catching. The adjustable spout slides from 2.7 to 6.1 inches high, accommodating everything from dainty espresso cups to your favorite travel mug. And that sliding espresso tray? Genius – it pulls forward to catch crema perfectly without splatters. It's like the machine is saying, "I've got you, amico." The build uses high-quality ABS plastic with stainless steel parts, ensuring durability while keeping things lightweight. Sure, it's not all-metal like some ultra-premium models, but it feels premium and reliable, backed by Gaggia's decades of engineering prowess.

But enough about looks; let's talk performance, where the Cadorna Prestige truly flexes its barista muscles. At the core is the ceramic burr grinder – oh, what a gem! Ceramic grinders are quieter and more durable than steel ones, resisting heat buildup that can scorch beans and alter flavors. With 10 adjustable settings, you can fine-tune from coarse to fine, ensuring your grind matches your beans perfectly. Whether you're using dark roasts for a bold espresso or lighter ones for a nuanced lungo, it grinds fresh for each brew, locking in aromas like a vault. The 300-gram bean hopper (about 10.6 ounces) is generous for home use, and there's a bypass doser for pre-ground coffee if you're feeling experimental with decaf or a special blend. Paired with Gaggia's Optiaroma system, which lets you select from five aroma strengths (adjusting dose from about 6.5 to 11.5 grams), it's like having a dial for "how intense do you want your morning kick?" The pre-infusion feature gently wets the grounds before full pressure, extracting maximum flavor without bitterness – a nod to that original Gaggia patent.

The removable brew group is another star player, making maintenance a breeze rather than a chore. Unlike sealed units in some machines, this one pops out easily for rinsing under the tap. It's the heart of the brewing process, where water meets grounds at up to 15 bars of pressure to pull shots that rival any café. Clean it weekly, and it'll reward you with consistent, crema-topped perfection. Speaking of integration, the water tank and brew drawers are thoughtfully designed.

The 1.5-liter water reservoir slides out from the front – no awkward side access here – and includes space for an optional Intenza+ filter to soften water and enhance taste. The dreg drawer holds up to 10 spent pucks, and the drip tray is a spacious 18 ounces, meaning fewer trips to the sink. Everything feels seamless, like the machine anticipates your needs.

Add in the integrated milk carafe? Divine. This 0.6-liter detachable wonder auto-froths milk for creamy cappuccinos or lattes, then self-rinses to stay hygienic. Pop it in the fridge between uses – no waste, no mess. It's automatic magic that turns you into a latte artist without the steam wand wrestling.

Now, the pièce de résistance: those 14 different drinks at the touch of a button. This is where the Cadorna Prestige transforms your kitchen into a full-fledged coffee bar. From classics like ristretto (short and intense), espresso (the gold standard), lungo (longer pour), and americano (hot water added), to milk-based delights such as cappuccino, latte macchiato, flat white, café au lait, cortado, and even XL versions for when you need extra comfort. There's frothed milk for hot chocolates or teas, and hot water for americanos or infusions. No over-complicated menus; just select, customize if you fancy (adjust volume, strength, temperature in three levels, or milk froth), and voila – barista-level drinks in under a minute. The machine's Gaggia Adapting System learns from your brews, optimizing extraction for consistent results. It's like having a smart barista who remembers your preferences and nails them every time. For households with multiple coffee lovers, the four user profiles are a game-changer. Each profile saves customizations for every drink – so your spouse's strong cappuccino doesn't mess with your mild flat white. It's peace in a pod, preventing morning squabbles over settings.

Diving deeper into the user experience, the Cadorna Prestige is as easy to operate as it is fun. The full-color display guides you through setup, brewing, and maintenance with clear icons and text in multiple languages. Backlit buttons provide tactile feedback – no touchscreen smudges here. First-time setup involves filling the tank, loading beans, and a quick rinse cycle, and you're off. Daily use? Select your profile, pick a drink, and press go. The machine heats up quickly thanks to its thermoblock boiler, and energy-saving mode kicks in after inactivity. Temperature control is spot-on, with three levels to suit purists who want piping hot or those who prefer not scorching their tongues. Noise-wise, it's polite – the ceramic grinder hums rather than roars, and brewing is a gentle purr. For eco-conscious folks, it's efficient at 1400 watts and uses recyclable materials where possible.

Cleaning and maintenance? Gaggia makes it almost enjoyable. The auto-rinse on startup and shutdown keeps things fresh, and the milk carafe's quick-clean cycle blasts steam through after use. Descale alerts pop up based on water hardness (test strip included), and the automatic descale program handles it with minimal effort. The removable brew group, as mentioned, is key – rinse it weekly, lubricate monthly with the included grease, and it'll last years. Compared to machines with fixed groups, this saves time and prevents buildup. The dreg and drip trays empty easily, with indicators to remind you. It's low-maintenance luxury, letting you focus on enjoying coffee rather than babysitting the machine.

Of course, no review is complete without addressing the elephant in the room: the price. At around $1,500 (depending on retailers and sales – I've seen it dip to $1400 or climb to $1700), the Cadorna Prestige isn't cheap. It's a premium investment, but let's unpack why it's worth every penny, especially when compared to similar yet cheaper options. First, consider the build and features: That Italian-made quality, ceramic grinder, removable brew group, and integrated carafe aren't standard in budget models. Take the De'Longhi Magnifica Evo, often around $600-$700 – it's solid for basics but offers fewer drinks (maybe 7-10), no user profiles, a steel grinder (noisier, heats up more), and a manual steam wand instead of an auto-carafe. Sure, it's cheaper, but you'll spend more time frothing milk manually, and customization is limited to one user. Or the Gaggia Anima, a sibling at about $600, with similar heritage but only 5-6 drinks, no profiles, and a simpler display. It lacks the XL options and over-ice capability (available in some Prestige variants).

Then there's the Philips 3200 LatteGo, around $700, with an auto-milk system but plastic-heavy build, fewer grind settings (5 vs. 10), and no removable brew group – cleaning is a hassle with proprietary cycles. Jura's ENA 4, at $800-$900, is sleek but focuses on black coffees, skimping on milk drinks and profiles. These cheaper alternatives cut corners on durability, versatility, and ease – the Magnifica might save $300 upfront but lacks the Prestige's finesse, leading to frustration over time. The Cadorna's 14 drinks and four profiles mean it's future-proof for growing tastes or families.

Plus, its energy efficiency and longevity (backed by a 2-year warranty) reduce long-term costs – fewer repairs, better brews. Think of it as buying a reliable Fiat versus a budget scooter; both get you there, but one does it with style and comfort. If you're serious about home barista vibes, the Prestige's high-quality features justify the splurge, turning "expensive" into "excellent value."

In wrapping up this caffeinated odyssey, the Gaggia Cadorna Prestige is more than a coffee machine – it's your ticket to the ultimate barista experience at home. With its Italian heritage channeling Achille's innovation, the ceramic grinder whispering sweet grinds, the removable brew group keeping things clean, integrated drawers for hassle-free operation, 14 delectable drinks on demand, and four profiles for personalized perfection, it delivers joy in every cup. Sure, the price is high, but against cheaper options, its superior features make it a smart, justified choice. If you're ready to ditch drive-thrus and embrace la dolce vita, this is your machine. Just remember: with great coffee comes great responsibility – to share with friends. Cheers to brewing bliss!

Excellent coffee, effortless to use, super easy to clean and exceptionally compact! Full disclosure: I received this product as part of the… Read more

productreview.com.au Ambassador Program. That said, every single one of my reviews reflects my true, unswayed opinion and honest experience. I am just a dad of two who enjoys buying, using and reviewing cool products. Happy to answer any questions if you drop me a message here on the platform

I’ve owned the KitchenAid KF2 for 30 days and mainly use it to make espresso and long blacks. I’ve previously used a pod machine, filter/percolator machine, moka pot and plunger, and I can say definitively that the coffee from the KF2 is noticeably better.

For me, the biggest advantage is getting genuinely excellent coffee with almost no effort. The controls are simple and intuitive: choose your drink, adjust the strength and size if needed, and press start. As a busy professional who wants quality coffee without the hassle, it fits my routine perfectly. It is very quick from switching on to having a finished coffee ready to go. It takes exactly 60 seconds from hitting start to having a lip smackingly good long black with rich crema in your glass as you can see in the video I have attached.

Coffee quality has been 10/10. I use Bialetti Classico beans, which are a 50% Arabica and 50% Robusta blend, and consistently get a delicious, rich espresso with thick crema. The results are also remarkably consistent. Buying coffee at a cafe can be hit-and-miss, whereas the KF2 has given me a consistent drink every time. I was not expecting this at all but, I have entirely stopped buying coffee out because I know exactly what I am getting each time with this machine and I really like it!

Its compact size is another big positive. At only 19.5 cm wide, it has a very small footprint for a fully automatic bean-to-cup machine and can stay permanently in a dedicated spot on my kitchen bench. For perspective this is narrower than 3 bottles of wine placed side by side.

It is also exceptionally quiet. I haven’t measured the decibels, but I would comfortably make a coffee with a baby sleeping nearby. The steam wand has exceeded my expectations and produces impressive froth for cappuccinos and my children’s hot chocolates. I was not expecting this from a machine this small- but the Panarello wand really is impressive, practical to use an easy to clean. The Over Ice function is also genuinely useful, producing quality coffee at a lower temperature so it doesn’t immediately overwhelm the ice.

Cleaning is extremely easy. The machine rinses itself at start-up and shutdown, and the excess water collects in the drip tray. An indicator lets you know when the tray needs emptying, while I generally empty the coffee-puck container after around seven or eight coffees.

It is not a cheap machine, but I’ve completely stopped buying takeaway coffee. For me, the price is offset by having consistently excellent coffee at home. After 30 days, I honestly cannot identify a single significant negative. If this machine broke for any reason I would go buy another one without a second thought.

Well done KitchenAid for creating a compact, practical, simple to use machine that makes great coffee, quickly effortlessly and easily, and is so easy to clean.

Highly recommended! An easy 5 out of 5 stars from me.

This is a follow up to my review of the Breville Oracle Jet published in May 2025. In that review I raised a number of "initial impressions" after… Read more

adjusting to the change from using (several) previous Breville Oracle coffee machines. I pointed out issues I had with the new machine, and concluded that "there's much that can be praised about the Oracle Jet .....But it hasn't met my personal, fairy limited, needs for a two cups of cappuccino. I've lowered my aim and I'm becoming used to making one cappuccino at a time - and standing at the coffee machine while my wife drinks hers! But I wonder was it really worth the $3308 it cost me? Probably not."

More than 12 months have now passed, and I'm well "adjusted": the milk frothing function mentioned in my previous review has improved significantly (possibly a software update - the Jet is wifi connected), and I've accepted that only one coffee can be made at a time.

As before, the Jet still gets full marks for being able to make a cappuccino (or a variety of menu coffees) almost instantly - there's no waiting for "the boilers to warm up". (And obviously, there's no risk of the boilers failing either.)

But I've come across more issues that are worth keeping in mind if you are looking at the Jet as a coffee machine option.

Firstly, and most noticeably, it is an extremely "wet machine": it demands far more water than any of my Breville machines - and not all of it on making coffee! As a result, I have to empty the drip tray of a cup of clear water every time I make a single coffee.

And occasionally, and more worryingly, this water seems able to escape. I had a problem lasting some weeks with a pool of water at the rear left hand side of the machine, whenever I checked before using the machine. I attempted problem solving: I emptied the drip tray after every use, so that couldn't be the source. I removed the water tank and checked and cleaned all the valves; and I checked under the machine for possible leaks. I found none. But then, for no apparent reason, just as quickly as it started, the leak stopped a few days ago after about three weeks. Touch wood!

Secondly, there is a EXTREMELY annoying issue with "Notifications" which seem designed to harass the barista! I first noticed it with a Notification to "clean the coffee head" which appeared on the screen just as I was about to make my morning coffee. The Notification offers two options: dismiss or start. I selected "dismiss", and later in the day when it was convenient to me, I ran the cleaning cycle. Ah, but it was a trick! The Notifications continued to appear over coming days until I selected "start" and ran the cleaning program FROM the Notification on the screen.

That's annoying I thought. But then days later, I received a "change the filter" Notification. In this case, I was actually a week ahead of the machine in changing the filter, but the Notifications continued. Obviously, I was expected to change change the filter FROM the Notification screen.

I contacted Breville and found these Notifications can't be changed via the Settings, or by a software update (via wifi). They are hardwired, and MUST BE OBEYED!

As I was contemplating how to defeat this irritating problem, I received yet another Notification - the third in two weeks - this time to descale. This was a bridge too far!

Reluctantly, I did "factory reset" as it was the only way to stop the harassment. I say "reluctantly" because the Jet doesn't allow the machine to be reset then repopulated with your preferences. Instead, like a machine straight from the box, you have to go through the entire original, new product set up process: "this is how you grind coffee beans; try it now", "this is how you fill the puck; try it now". etc, etc, etc, I might say the language in my kitchen as I was being forced through this process was colourful! But at least the 20-30 minutes of (unnecessary) pain stopped the accumulating and demanding Notifications!

Finally, it's worth mentioning that if you have a problem with the Breville Oracle Jet, you can only contact the company via a "case" on the Breville support page. And yet again, you'll face another unnecessary set of over-engineered processes: sign into the Breville home page with your account details; select Support from the menu, and sign in AGAIN to the Support page; then create a "new case" - and despite the fact that your machine is registered with Breville - you have to find all the documentation to populate the "case" with information they should already hold, like serial number, where and when purchased, etc!

The bottom line is this, the primary benefit of the Breville Oracle Jet is that it's fast. Its ability to make coffee is comparable with other reasonably priced coffee machines. Its downside is that it's over engineered and the user is locked out of everything but grind size, pour length and milk temperature. And the longer you have this machine, the more irritations emerge - and they can't be resolved. As a result, I'm unlikely to buy another Breville Oracle Jet. And I wouldn't recommend one to a member of my family - not for close to $3000!

Best coffee machine and my first ever coffee maker. As a Barista this is the perfect coffee machine for home. After seeing a friend's machine i was like that's what's missing from my life. Easy to use and great instructions. Show details

I have used the Bosch machine daily for 2 years and 5 months after having a Miele CVA 615 for over 22 years (the Miele did need repairs on about 4… Read more

occasions mainly due to steam system failure). The Bosch makes better coffee with less effort due to the milk frothing tech and the ability to program a fully automated customized brew (in my case a large strong Mugachino :) ). I have not experienced water temperature issues with my Bosch machine that other reviewers have reported.The four star rating reflects my disappointment that the touch control panel failed recently and required a service call. However, to their credit the Bosch service dept. provided a goodwill repair free of charge even though the manufacturer warranty period of 2 years had expired. I did have to remind them of the implied Australian consumer protection provisions before the goodwill gesture was made. Its an expensive built-in machine compared to bench top types and uses quite a bit of rinse water but I am very happy with the quality of the brew and convenience of the product , particularly when we have guests who request a variety of different coffee cups. If the maintenance instructions are followed and the thermos style milk container and connecting hose are rinsed out after use this machine is one of the best built-in coffee machines on the market

Great coffee machine, had ours for nearly 2 years now makes an average of 4 cups per day, maybe 8 on the weekends. Makes great coffee with lots of… Read more

choices and very easy to change your preferences. Yes the water and drip pan is a bit small though definitely no big deal, how big a machine do you want sitting on kitchen bench at home anyway? My only real complaint is the noise, the pump is a little loud and the plastic sides vibrate. But love it especially the milk frothing, works a treat.

Closing the Gap: KitchenAid KF4 vs. Rocket Espresso Giotto Evoluzione (I was impressed) *** About this Review: - why I compared my high-end machine… Read more

to the KF4 ***

For decades, the line between manual prosumer espresso machines and fully automatic bean-to-cup units was absolute. If you wanted absolute control, commercial-grade components, and artisanal microfoam, you bought a heavy-duty machine like the Rocket Espresso Giotto Evoluzione. If you wanted convenience, you accepted compromises in extraction quality, milk texturing, and customizability.

The introduction of modern high-end fully automatic machines like the KitchenAid KF4 challenges that divide. By pairing intelligent tech with refined engineering, super-automatics are rapidly closing the gap on traditional prosumer setups—all while dropping the barrier to entry.

*** Key Areas Where Fully Automated Machines Are Closing the Gap ***

1. Grind Intelligence and Consistency Traditional prosumers require a separate high-end grinder (like my Quamar), precise weighing, manual distribution, and skilled tamping to avoid channelling. The KitchenAid KF4 counters this with IntelliGrind technology, which automatically adjusts dosing and adapts to bean types and roasts. While it removes the tactile ritual of manual tamping, it eliminates human error, delivering remarkable consistency shot after shot.

2. Milk Texturing Without the Learning Curve Mastering microfoam on a commercial-grade rotary-pump steam wand like the Giotto's takes months of practice. The KF4 bridges this capability gap via an automated milk system that pulls milk directly from a container, texturing it seamlessly for flat whites or cappuccinos at the touch of a button.

3. Menu Versatility and Customisation Prosumer machines excel at traditional espresso and milk drinks, but switching styles or making specialty beverages requires manual adjustments. The KF4 offers over 20 hot and iced recipe options accessible via a colour touchscreen, allowing users to easily tweak temperature, strength, and volume to match individual palates.

*** The Verdict: Which Philosophy Wins? ***

The Rocket Espresso Giotto Evoluzione remains an artisanal masterpiece—a heavy, beautiful piece of Italian engineering built for the enthusiast who treats coffee making as a sacred ritual in the morning.

However, the KitchenAid KF4 proves that convenience no longer demands a steep sacrifice in quality. For modern kitchens where speed, counter space, and effortless variety matter just as much as flavour, the modern fully automatic machine successfully bridges the once-unbridgeable gap.

****. What I like and why I would recommend it: ****

1. Speed and convenience: Instant coffee on demand, compared to waiting 20 minutes for a traditional prosumer machine like a Rocket to heat up. 2. Consistency: Takes all the guesswork out of brewing—no barista skills required. Maybe a little. 3. Compact footprint: Slimline design that looks great and saves precious benchtop space. 4. Hassle-free cleaning: The cleaning options are brilliant. A major deterrent for automatic machines is the tedious maintenance of milk containers and tubes, but this system handles it exceptionally well. 5. Dual bean and ground options: Fantastic versatility if you already own a separate grinder and like to switch between different single-origin or specialty bags. 6. Adjustable grind settings: Easily customisable to dial in everything from light to dark roasts. 7. Ability to pre-wet the coffee basket for a stronger coffee. 8. Practical water reservoir: A decent-sized tank equipped with a water filter that fully detaches for easy refilling and cleaning.

*** What I didn't like (coming from 13 years on a manual prosumer machine): ***

1. Temperature limitations: The biggest letdown for me. I prefer a hot coffee (around 65–70°C), but even with the machine set to its highest temperature option, I maxed out consistantly at ~58°C. (Admittedly, this will be fine for most casual coffee drinkers). 2. Extraction strength: As someone who loves a ristretto from a double basket, the KF4 struggles to pull that ultimate, heavy-bodied shot. You can get close by tweaking an external grinder and feeding it through the ground coffee compartment, utilising the "Strong Body" and "Highest Strength" settings. Ultimately, this highlights the performance gap between a vibrating pump and a rotary pump's ability to push through a fine grind for a slow flow. 3. Water consumption: It goes through a lot of water, meaning frequent refills. That said, it's hard to complain too much given how rigorously and cleanly the machine self-rinses. 4. Capacity limits: Both the water drip tray and the spent coffee puck bin are on the smaller side, so you’ll need to keep a close eye on them. 5. In-built grinder hopper: NEEDS either an inspection window OR automated LOW coffee bean indicator that halts the machine. If it runs out and doesnt fill a full basket, your current drink fails.

I’m rating the De Longhi Rivelia at 3 stars NOT because it makes bad coffee but because of hassle that you need to make this machine function to give… Read more

you a great cup of coffee, which it does. There is far too much cleaning of its components like its milk carafe, adding water to its tank, cleaning the ground coffee tray and emptying the overflow water from this tray, that seems to have allot of water in it, even though no water ever overflows into that tray, don’t know why that tray has so much clean water in it?

But and after all that lol the De Langhi Rivelia model automatic expresso machine makes terrific coffee great crema and frothing ability from its carafe, and its also a great looking coffee machine especially in white which I own. But this model does have a common ground coffee tray crack fault that gives errors and the machine stops working. This is covered under warranty and its replaced from De Langhi, but still, this should not be happening!

Also be warned, that this coffee machine is NOT for a big family and its for a max family of 4, as it makes a max 8 cups of the small 120mls coffee glasses, 6 of the 180ml cups or about 4 of the 240ml cups or glasses for iced coffee and iced coffee drinks. This is all due to its water container and coffee ground tray and milk carafe, that are small and need constant cleaning and filling.

Especially with the milk carafe, where you need to clean the carafe every 3rd day max, but its preferable to clean the carafe everyday. As you can’t store the milk in the carafe in the refrigerator, ad doing so longer than 1 day, on the 3rd day, the milk will be off and you can’t use it for a cappuccino or any frothed coffee drinks, as the frothed milk that comes out is off and you will have to throw your cappuccino coffee away.

De'Longhi = De’Best Coffee makers – where to begin? There comes a time when a capsule or pod-based coffee maker like a Nespresso is just not good… Read more

enough, or you’re ready to upgrade to something more professional. That’s the position I was in, and I was quickly overwhelmed and confused by the options available.

I’m not a coffee connoisseur but love a well-made latte and appreciate what it takes to make one but couldn’t justify spending over $1000 on a machine. Plus, I didn’t want to be manually grinding coffee beans or stuffing around with a stainless-steel jug trying to froth milk – what I needed was a machine that would do all that for me. So, I set about finding a machine with the following set of considerations:

Size – bench space; Convenience – time required; Complexity – ease of use/skill required; Cleaning – minimum effort; and Price – had to be under $1000.

When it comes to appliances, Breville has always been my brand of choice and is strongly represented in my home. So, my search began with Breville, then Ninja, Philips, Beko and finally De’Longhi.

The standout winner was the De'Longhi Magnifica Start. This fully automatic bean-to-cup espresso machine offers:

Fresh Grinding – an integrated stainless-steel adjustable grinder that grinds the beans to suit your individual taste and does it immediately before brewing for superior flavour.

One Touch Selection – choose from 3 one-touch preset recipes for the 3 most popular coffee drinks plus a hot water option for tea.

Milk Frothing – an integrated automatic milk frother (they call it LatteCrema Hot technology). It detaches so you can keep it in the fridge during the day and is easily disassembled for cleaning. Plus, the components are dishwasher safe.

Compact Modern Design – at just 240 mm wide, it takes up minimal benchtop space, plus it features a user-friendly interface and is available in black or white.

Easy Clean – with automatic cleaning cycles along with dishwasher-safe components, including a 1.8-litre water tank; it’s a breeze to clean.

You can adjust the temperature and drink size, select twin shots and program according to water hardness. The machine tells you when it needs descaling, and the process is quick and easy to follow. Plus, you’ll find a host of step-by-step videos on YouTube for expert instructions.

Most retailers sell it for $799, but I managed to buy mine directly from De'Longhi for $719.10, and it came with $170 worth of free bonus products.

KitchenAid KF3 – A promising coffee machine, but ultimately disappointing Setting up The KitchenAid KF3 is a sleek machine that doesn't take up much… Read more

space on the kitchen bench. It has a relatively slim footprint, and with a height of 36 cm it fits neatly under our upper cabinets, which have a standard clearance of 60 cm. This leaves enough room to remove and refill the water tank, which is located at the back.

Our model did not come with an additional milk container, which was fine as I used my own but just something to be aware of.

When first switched on, the display guides you through the initial setup, providing instructions and asking you to configure a few settings, such as the water hardness. A nice touch is that a water hardness testing strip is included in the box. I had no idea how hard our local tap water was, but now I do!

Another small detail I appreciate is the option to turn off the button sounds. Having kids in the house, I've often been annoyed by how noisy all sorts of electronic equipment have become, even down to the sound of button presses.

It's also nice to have several user profiles available. Experience tells me that, after a short period of getting used to the machine, each user will settle on their preferred drink and settings.

Daily use Initially, I was impressed by the quality of the coffee and the variety of options available. You can configure the coffee strength, coffee and milk quantities, desired temperature and automatic shut-off time.

However, one thing I found a bit excessive fairly quickly was the amount of rinsing the machine performs. Of course, rinsing is necessary, and it's certainly better to clean the milk system thoroughly than risk clogged components. But the number of rinse cycles sometimes seems a little over the top, particularly when several happen in quick succession.

For example, after making a macchiato, I might run a cleaning cycle, followed by another rinse when the machine shuts down, another when it starts up again, and sometimes it even insists on a further rinse cycle before allowing me to make another coffee. With 4–5 coffees a day, I end up using almost a full water tank just for daily operation.

After exploring the various options, I also encountered a few inconsistencies that made me question how useful some of the settings actually are.

I measured a few drink temperatures to get an idea of what the temperature settings really mean. An espresso on the lowest temperature setting came out at 52°C, while the highest setting produced 65°C. A latte macchiato on the medium setting measured 70°C, presumably because of the higher temperature of the milk froth. So the temperature settings should probably be taken with a grain of salt.

Personally, I find the milk too hot anyway. Even a latte macchiato on the lowest temperature setting is still too hot for my liking.

On that note, I also don't quite understand why the iced coffee option is advertised so prominently on the box. All it seems to do is dispense a diluted espresso, which still measured 62°C. Calling this an iced coffee option feels a bit gimmicky to me.

One feature I was particularly looking forward to was the ability to use both the bean grinder and the ground coffee chute. In our household, we want to be able to enjoy both caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee. My plan was therefore to keep decaf beans in the hopper and use the ground coffee chute for regular, caffeinated coffee.

Unfortunately, this is where things started to go seriously wrong.

The first few attempts at using ground coffee produced rather unpredictable results. Sometimes the coffee powder simply fell through into the waste container. On other occasions, the machine produced only a few drops of espresso, cancelled the brewing process altogether, or seemingly redirected the coffee straight into the drip tray.

Even worse, after switching back to whole beans, the machine no longer prepared coffee properly either.

It seemed that switching between beans and ground coffee had somehow caused a malfunction. I contacted support and was instructed to return the machine in exchange for a replacement.

Unfortunately, the replacement suffered a very similar fate. After just one or two weeks, the same problem occurred again. This time, the display showed a "Brew Unit Error" and instructed me to restart the machine and clean the brew unit. I followed the instructions, but to no avail.

The machine simply stopped making espresso altogether and had apparently decided to give up.

After wasting a considerable amount of coffee trying various troubleshooting steps, I eventually gave up as well.

Conclusion I really wanted to like the KitchenAid KF3. It looks good, has a relatively compact design, offers plenty of customisation options and initially produces very nice coffee.

However, the excessive rinsing, some questionable features and, above all, the reliability issues have left me rather disappointed. Having experienced essentially the same fatal malfunction with two separate machines, I find it difficult to recommend this model.

A coffee machine should make coffee reliably, day after day. Unfortunately, in my experience, the KitchenAid KF3 failed at precisely that.

If you love milky drinks you will love this – Great machine works great with medium/dark roast beans milk container is great idea and it does make your coffee hot. Show details

GREAT MACHINE BUT LUKEWARM BREW. If I could add another 1/2 star I would as this is a very easy machine to use and has great onscreen directions.… Read more

Overall I am happy with this coffee machine but it does have one serious shortcoming and that is....the coffee is simply not hot enough! Even when the temperature setting is turned to maximum and the coffee cup is preheated the resulting coffee is barely hot and becomes luke warm even before you get to the bottom of the cup. I have 2 friends with the same machine and they complain of the same problem, the coffee simply isn't hot enough. To be honest I have a cheap DeLonghi capsule machine which makes better and hotter coffee than this very expensive model. However, with the amount of coffee we drink the cost of capsules becomes prohibitive and this machine grinds its own beans, which is far more economical. Hopefully future versions of this machine will rectify this serious shortcoming. If a good hot coffee is what you like you might do better to look at other brands of machine. Mark

Spluttering milk froth – We have our second Melitta machine now and we learned ourselves how to troubleshoot over time. It may work for you to replace the milk hose - over… Read more

time it looses the tight seal on the grommets. Further, give it a number of milk system rinses - after having rinsed four times the milk froth came out perfect again.

I waited a while before posting this, as coffee machines can break pretty easily. Mine has done excellent for several years now. You need about 15… Read more

Bar pump to get the right pressure, this one has it, for around $600 you get cafe grade coffee, auto grinding and auto making at the push of a button. Cannot go wrong, you do need to descale and clean it, but they all do. I love mine.

This machine is less than a year old. Started making this noise and stopped frothing the milk. The solution to the noise, the first time (after… Read more

waiting for parts for 3-4 weeks) didn't work. Took it in again, second time around it was a bubble under the air filter. Solution to this? Either don't use a filter or buy more products from De'Longhi as an alternative to the filter. Then there's the milk issue. I was told to use the wash cycle on the milk carafe at least 3 times before every coffee I make, or don't leave the carafe in the fridge, only fill it for each cup. This is far from the nice, quick and easy one touch to make a coffee! Annoyingly, I've now been reading quite a number of reviews with similar problems. Have requested a refund or upgrade, but was offered coffee beans and cups for a machine that doesn't work properly. Agree with others regarding the temperature of the overall coffee - just can't get it hot enough. This was my first big purchase like this and it's very disappointing.

DeLonghi's delivers! – 5 long blacks and a couple espressos every day. Very happy with this machine