Best Semi-Automatic and Manual Coffee Machines

AVOID. Pump ceased operating after 2 months. I've patiently descaled it and cleaned it several times as per manufacturer's instructions to no avail.… Read more

My machine was an unwanted gift, so I have no receipt for warranty repair. Hence, I've just gone back to my little Sunbeam compact cheapy espresso machine that's still working great, albeit a bit more hassle with no grinder built inside. The positive - Great espresso when it worked (for only 2 months) Does anyone want any parts for their POS Breville BES870BKS? I'm stripping mine down and throwing the rest away.

I would prefer to rate 0 star not 1. I bought it from JB HIFI today (20/06/2026). As per instruction. for first time , it takes 10 minutes for… Read more

water to reach 93 degree , which then ready to use. I waited for 1 hour, but water temperature didn't go above 73!!! . I did reset , but same problem. So it failed even before first use !!!! I would expect some defects after 1 or 2 years but never expeciting this level of poor quality. Seems Breville does not have any sort of QA in factory!!! Returning tomorrow and I am done with any product of Breville.

I’ve used a lot of home coffee gear over the years, but the The Little Guy home barista kit genuinely felt different from the first brew. Instead of… Read more

behaving like a typical stovetop espresso maker, it feels closer to a compact manual espresso system built for people who enjoy the process as much as the coffee itself.

What impressed me most was the espresso quality. The shots came out rich, syrupy, and surprisingly balanced, with a thick crema that looked closer to what you would expect from a professional café machine than a stovetop brewer. It rewards careful grinding and tamping, so dialing in beans became part of the fun rather than a chore.

The build quality also stands out immediately. Everything feels heavy-duty and engineered with precision. The stainless steel construction gives it a premium feel, and the included accessories make the entire setup feel complete right out of the box. Once I got comfortable with the workflow, the ritual of preparing espresso became relaxing and satisfying.

Another thing I appreciated was how compact the system is. Unlike large espresso machines that dominate kitchen counters, this kit fits neatly into smaller spaces while still delivering a serious home-barista experience. It also heats relatively quickly, which made morning coffee routines much easier.

There is definitely a learning curve, though. This is not a push-button machine for convenience-focused users. Grind consistency, water temperature, tamp pressure, and timing all matter. During the first few attempts, I had shots that were either too bitter or too weak before I figured out the sweet spot. But once the technique clicked, the results became consistently excellent.

Compared with simpler starter kits like Home Barista Starter Set or more portable espresso systems like OutIn Nano Self Heating Portable Electric Espresso 20 Bar Co, The Little Guy feels designed for enthusiasts who want a more authentic espresso-making experience at home.

Overall, using The Little Guy Home Barista Kit made coffee feel less like a daily habit and more like a craft. It’s expensive and definitely aimed at passionate coffee lovers, but for someone who enjoys experimenting with espresso and values quality extraction, it delivers an experience that feels unique, rewarding, and surprisingly close to café-level brewing.

This is a good coffee machine in many ways, but it appears to have one significant flaw. We previously owned the same model, which developed an… Read more

issue where the descale light kept flashing, even after we descaled the machine multiple times. We contacted DeLonghi for advice and tried their suggested fix, but it didn’t resolve the problem.

Because the machine was out of warranty and the repair cost would have been higher than replacing it, we decided to buy a new one — the same model, as it was on special. Unfortunately, the same issue occurred the first time the new machine needed descaling.

This time, it was still under warranty, so we took it in for repair. The technician told us this is not an uncommon fault and that the fix may involve replacing a specific circuit inside the machine.

Overall, while this coffee machine makes great coffee and works well in general, potential buyers should be aware of this recurring descaling light problem.

Update: I don’t recommend getting one even if you win it in a raffle or given one in any other way. The movable rubber feet are so annoying that it… Read more

makes making coffee a frustrating event & I regret buying it. Original review. The thing that really annoys me are the rubber feet which have been glued on, not screwed in. The glue unsticks & the machine becomes a three legged wobbly machine, you are continually looking for that fourth leg to stick back onto the machine. Whereas the Gaggia, a similar product, screws the feet in. How much more time or expense would it have cost to screw the feet in? This may may sound petty but as it is not a cheap machine you expect the basics to be reliable. On this alone I cannot recommend buying it.

I purchased this coffee machine in 2022 and I think that was my best purchase. The coffee machine still works perfectly. I don't think no coffee… Read more

machine can beat this within this price. It has very simple steps to make coffee. Easy for a beginner coffee maker. My wife loves coffee from this machine.

Awesome machine! It makes excellent coffee works great out the box noise level is OK but for half the price of a 700$ minus the grinder and etc. It's… Read more

a awesome machine for only 500$ which I got it for 350$ but it's probably the best machine for a 500$ and under price point and it makes the best. Coffee of my life barista level for only 350$

Excellent - don't waste thousands on expensive machines you only use 1-2 times per day. This machine is now 6 years old, I've just replaced the… Read more

group head seal for $25 and it works flawlessly every single day for the last 6 years, and before that our last one lasted 7 years. I've saved tens of thousands over the past 13 years on these two machines. If my wife and I each bought one a coffee a day from a Starbucks etc say average cost over past 13 years is $4 for a flat white, that would equate to $37,960 (yep thirty seven THOUSAND dollars over 13 years) or I could buy a $700 Breville and fresh beans every week - and woohoo savings all the way down....

This Machine has been going strong for over 5 years now with no issues. Doing the usual maintenance and cleaning and its still working like its brand… Read more

new.

It has decent enough features and it's always nice being able to instantly steam the milk during or right after pulling a shot. If you're a DIYer you can also implement quite a few mods to give it even more features and functions. For the price this is an excellent machine. Whether this is the best option now in 2025 - probably not but if you do get it know that this coffee machine can pull excellent shots when paired with a more capable grinder and will last quite a while.

The grinder is great for its price and features, but once you delve deeper into the coffee world you will quickly realise its limitations and will eventually be looking for something better.

Great coffee machine at the start, then........... Purchased 3.5 years ago. After first 1.5 years it had major overheating issues so reached out to… Read more

support and had an expensive service. Another year later the same issue but now the actual casing is melting due to the heat and we can't use. Reached out again to Breville Support providing the previous case numbers, photos etc. Their response was "Can you tell me what the issue is?" They obviously hadn't read the case (or previous case) notes or looked at the pics or information provided.

Customer "Support" eventually provided a 3rd party service company after requesting again (service provider different to the first time) and a $900 quote later aparantly it's my issue "your responsibility out of warranty" with no regard to fire safety or a faulty machine breaking down every year since purchase. Overheating is a common issue apparantly and Breville ignore the problem and don't stand by their product.

For a $3K machine you would expect it to last longer than 2 years and have ongoing over heating issues every year since to a point where the metal casing is melting.

Do your math before investing in Breville's expensive Coffee Machines. Their products are amazing when they work but they dont work for long and cost a fortune.

It is also dissapointing that they don't care about fire risks and customer safety.

Do not buy if you want a machine that last longer than 2.5 years! – Do not even bother!!! Just shy of 7 months out of warranty and getting an error code of ER05. Contacted Breville but they will only cover cost of… Read more

their repair person “looking” at the machine then the labour and parts fall on me - absolutely appalling!! For the cost of the machine you would expect the machine to last longer than 2.5 years!!!

After using the Breville The Barista Express Impress BES876 for several months, I can confidently say it has transformed my morning coffee routine.… Read more

As someone who enjoys espresso-based drinks but doesn't have professional barista experience, I found this machine to be an excellent balance between automation and hands-on coffee making.

One of the standout features is the Impress Puck System. It takes much of the guesswork out of dosing and tamping, helping create a consistent coffee puck every time. Before using this machine, I often struggled with uneven tamping and messy preparation, but the BES876 makes the process cleaner and far more reliable.

The built-in grinder is another highlight. Freshly grinding beans directly into the portafilter noticeably improves flavor and aroma compared to pre-ground coffee. The grind adjustment settings allow for fine-tuning, making it easy to experiment with different beans and achieve the desired extraction.

Espresso quality has been impressive. The machine produces rich, flavorful shots with a thick crema when paired with quality coffee beans. Temperature stability has been excellent, and once I learned the basics of dialing in my grind settings, I was able to consistently make café-quality drinks at home.

The steam wand performs very well for milk-based beverages. It creates smooth microfoam suitable for cappuccinos and lattes, and while it requires some practice, the results are rewarding. Making latte art became much easier as my technique improved.

Build quality feels premium throughout. The stainless-steel construction gives the machine a solid and durable feel, and the controls are intuitive enough that new users can become comfortable with them fairly quickly. Maintenance is straightforward, with clear reminders for cleaning cycles and descaling.

While the machine occupies a fair amount of counter space and carries a higher upfront cost than basic coffee makers, it easily justifies the investment for anyone who regularly buys espresso drinks from coffee shops. Over time, the savings and convenience add up significantly.

Overall, my experience with the Breville The Barista Express Impress BES876 has been outstanding. It delivers excellent espresso, simplifies the preparation process, and provides an enjoyable coffee-making experience that bridges the gap between beginner-friendly convenience and genuine barista-style control.

Highly recommend. The quality of your cup is dependent on many things - the beans, the milk, technique, grind etc. Know your beans, every cup is… Read more

different. Powerful steamer. Easy to use and clean.

I bought mine in 2021 and it's still going strong in 2026. Very powerful in comparison to my friends bigger, more expensive, more featured breville. He's actually a little jealous of mine, additionally, his broke beyond repair that was worthy $ wise. So I have used both machines many times and can make a reasonable comparison.

Compact size, doesnt take up too much space. All the features needed - i didnt want the extras of pressure guage etc.

Downsides are: - only comes with one jug size. - noise when steaming milk. It's very loud and it is a big negative. - making a 2 cup has for 5 years been an inconsistent drip so I make all individually. - didn't come with a knock box, that's unfortunately normal - aesthetics starting to wear away from wiping.

Keep up the maintenance, it's definitely paid for itself and I'd buy another one.

I upgraded from the Sunbeam Barista Max after using it for five years. Over time, the group head started to leak, which seems consistent with other… Read more

reviews I’d read before replacing it. That said, I was genuinely happy with that machine. The coffee was always good, and getting five years out of it felt reasonable.

Because of that positive experience, I decided to stick with Sunbeam for my upgrade, and I’m really glad I did. The improvements are noticeable straight away. The sunbeam origins classic grinder is much faster, there’s far less mess, and the auto grind setting makes everything more convenient.

Overall, I was already satisfied with my previous machine, but this upgrade has definitely been worth it.

Only worked well for a few weeks. Then started leaking through the milk frother, pump low pressure so no crema on coffee and no froth in milk. Have… Read more

contacted Delonghi who gave details of what to do for the wrong machine. Then requested another photo of model number etc after supplied this then asked for a video. So much for customer support. Will not buy this brand again

I bought this machine to replace my Barista Express (which has been falling apart on me gradually over 5 years), so I'm uniquely placed to offer a… Read more

comparison if you are trying to decide between models.

Know that any of these machines are probably going to die within 3-5yrs, and its a bit of luck which component dies as to whether the machine is still usable.. and its unlikely a repair is worth while.. so although I am a fan of the Pro... there is definitely merit in buying the Express version because the $ value is superb.

But.. there are many reasons why you might choose the Barista Pro.. the biggest ones are it has a better grinder (vs the express which was a bit crude and got out of alignment from time to time), the Pro also heats up near instantly which is a luxury but still nice.. but more importantly its a more even heat which in theory (and according to reviewers) means less randomness when you pull a shot.. its just a better machine...

I stressed out when I first used the Pro, because a) the grouphead wont even turn beyond a few degrees.. I dunno why Breville make their machines so tight to use, but you don't actually need to turn it far, just if its snug its fine.. it will loosen up over the years.. but also when I first started making coffee my coffee was coming out terribly.. like.. even after dialling everything in, only a small volume was coming out.. I thought my machine was defective.. BUT... here is the cool thing about the pro.. you can manually adjust the volume of water that comes out when you click the 1cup or 2cup button.. so actually you can tweak things yourself which I have now done and feeling great! However that process even for a relatively experienced home barista took me quite a few hours and youtube videos.. a bag of beans getting it wrong.. but I have it now.. but if you are totally new, this could definitely be a barrier for you.. but it can be overcome if your heart is in it =)

Overall very happy.. just need to see what the longjevity is like, the more electronics on a machine the more risk I feel that things can fail.. but having had fancy brand machines in the past, I am very much a fan of the Breville range.

Just wait till you pour a shot and then are forbidden from steaming your milk while the machine performs some cryptic semaphore. You’ll feel full Ted Kazinsky rage at the machine controlling you

I've owned 4 em6910 cafe m/c's that were all damaged by lightning strike. Just a problem where I live. They were all excellent. I tried to buy… Read more

another one and ended up with an origins dual espresso machine. Out of the box, it appears nowhere near as heavy a build as the 6910, plastic parts against brass. Very simple instructions, for the most part, correct. Two things missing are a pressure gauge(helpful)and a milk temperature gauge (essential), obviously left off to reduce cost. Instructions state grind size dictates shot time, I set the grind at #21 and the shot time was 17 seconds. Trying to gauge milk temperature by hand is rubbish. Buy a milk thermometer, no guesswork needed. Beans were Aldi Luxe blend, at $30kg, excellent value and quality. From the first cup, really good crema, sweet coffee, velvet milk, at the right temperature. Very satisfying. M/C longevity? One of the reasons I didn't buy Breville, I'd love to give an update down the track that is as positive as now.

Doubts over how long it will last – Purchased from Harvey Norman 18 months ago. Used to make 2 cups a day and was fine until alarming mechanical noises when pour should have commenced… Read more

followed by lack of pressure and ‘pulsing’ noises. Originally this was a ’special price offer by HN ($445) and we took out ‘Product Care’ for an extra $80 – not worth it, but more about that elsewhere. This model is discontinued but the same HN still had 2 in stock, at $749. Now here’s the rub. If you accept a refund, you only get $445 – the’ good deal’ only applies to the initial purchase, the terms don’t carry over and apply to any future problem resolution. BUT Australian consumer protection law makes it plain that the the purchaser is entitled to a replacement if the identical model is available (which it was) if it is a major, as opposed to a minor fault. A major fault is something that cannot be fixed in a reasonable time, something that, had you known about it, you wouldn’t have purchased the item in the first place. It took 70 minutes of escalating argument with HN before I left, with a new machine, at no cost. Short of the thing exploding into flames, I cannot imagine what could be more major than a sudden loud rattling noise followed by a failure to produce pressure to make coffee. There’s a heater in there, and a pressure pump, controlled by chips on a motherboard. How long – and at what cost -would that take to investigate and repair? I now have a replacement. I’ve read that others have had a similar fail after just 18 months (coffee makers have an average life of around 10 years. I’m not particularly happy – I personally would have elected to choose another brand. I’m livid with the time spent arguing for my legal rights with Harvey Norman at Garden City. How many people accept a store’s incorrect, and illegal, interpretation of what protection is guaranteed by national consumer legislation? It will be interesting to see what the response will be from ACCC.

Wonderful small, elegant and well.made machine – Title says it all. No issue combining grinder and espresso machine. High quality steam and water pressure for espresso. Great looking too. Has one boiler so occasionally takes a bit longer. All up a perfect combination. Show details

Best purchase we have made in years. We absolutely love this coffee machine. Makes fabulous coffees, easy to use and clean. Can do coffee art. Perfect for the caravan too. Highly recommend!! Show details

got one month with this machine what a waste of money constantly needing cleaning of group head tried to descale it and it blew the thermosensor next morning. Never again will i get another one Show details

I bought this machine 20 years ago and it has lasted this time, making amazing coffee. I thought I would update to this newest machine, and it has… Read more

failed within the first 2 years. I sent it to the repairer and they quoted more to repair it than the machine is worth. If this is progress Sunbeam, you are moving in the wrong direction

Simple no frills little espresso machine. Takes up a small amount of bench space. So much better than those expensive coffee machine with all the extra w#nk. Show details

Serious machine – Had this for almost a year and loving it. Serious machine that brews serious shots. Only just found out you can easily adjust the brew pressure (9… Read more

bar) without having to open up the machine. That along with temp control & the manual lever brewing makes it perfect for the espresso hobbyist that likes to tinker, adjust & experiment. The milk steaming is also powerful and fast. Saves so much time being able to pull a shot and steam milk at the same time with a dual boiler like this

Very disappointing experience with my DeLonghi EC9665.BM La Specialista Maestro, and Delonghi's customer service. I purchased this as a premium… Read more

espresso machine, expecting strong reliability and support. Unfortunately, the machine has had repeated issues since purchase.

It previously had to be sent to a DeLonghi recommended service centre, where it was held for close to four weeks. It later developed further faults and was sent to another DeLonghi recommended service centre on 28 April.

Multiple parts have since been replaced, including the safety valve, solenoid valve and expansion chamber, but the general alarm fault still could not be resolved. DeLonghi’s own technical team was also involved, but the issue remained unresolved. It's now close to the end of June.

DeLonghi offered 40% off another machine. I did not consider this fair, as it still required me to pay most of the cost of replacing a premium machine that has had repeated faults and could not be repaired through their recommended service network.

After I pushed back, DeLonghi declined to provide a replacement, refurbished replacement, or meaningful refund/credit. They instead offered to cover the service cost and order yet another part to attempt another repair.

After being without the machine since 28 April, and after several parts have already been replaced without fixing the issue, I found this response very poor.

Based on my experience, I would recommend avoiding DeLonghi coffee machines, especially if after-sales support and fair customer service are important to you.

If you're serious about your coffee, this is heaven – This machine is the Mercedes Benz of espresso makers. It's hand-made in Heidelberg, Germany using only the best parts. It's made like a tank. It's… Read more

everything a coffee aficionado would love. First: It looks impressive on your kitchen bench. It's a piece of art, and it's easy to keep it that way. Second: Dual boilers mean you can just heat up the extraction boiler and make a short black or double shot. If you want to froth milk, you can turn on the second steam boiler separately. Third: The temperature of each boiler is controllable. (Some coffee tastes better when extracted at a lower temperature.) Fourth: Maintenance is simple. Fifth: It's quiet as a mouse - because of good insulation and a rotary pump.

Others have said that this isn't for beginners. Look, if you want a machine you'll have for a very long time, don't waste your money on lesser espresso makers. Yes, it's a bit complicated at first, but most places that sell these types of machines offer barista courses. Do one of those - you won't regret it.

Most important question of all: Does it make good coffee. YES!!! Probably as good as, or better than, what you get at your favourite coffee shop. Just takes a little practice. Don't forget - get yourself a good grinder, and use the freshest roasted beans you can find. (Not from the supermarket.)

amazing machine 4 years nothing gores wrong perfect coffee and foam – This machine just keeps on giving. Mine sits on the sink so not plumbed but huge tank. Never had any faults- serviced once only in 4 years plus. Easy… Read more

to use and superb steam pressure. Cant understand people who have had faults- maybe different machine?

I purchased a Gaggia New Classic in August 2023 for about $710. For a premium home espresso machine at this price point, I expected a product that… Read more

would be durable and free from premature corrosion, consistent with Australian Consumer Law expectations of acceptable quality.

In 2025, I noticed rust forming above and around the water tank area. Over time, the rust worsened instead of remaining cosmetic or superficial. Eventually, I decided to have the outer shell professionally powder coated to protect the machine and extend its life.

During that process, it became clear that corrosion was not limited to the external surface. There was also rust inside the casing, in areas that are not normally visible to a user. In my view, this raises concerns about the design and materials used in parts of the machine that are exposed to moisture during normal use, such as around the water tank and nearby internal surfaces.

From a usability point of view, the Gaggia New Classic can make good coffee and has a strong following, but my personal experience with premature rust and internal corrosion means I am not confident about its long‑term durability. Based on my experience, I would encourage potential buyers to carefully consider whether the build and finish meet their expectations for a machine at this price and to check how well the product’s durability is supported under consumer guarantees in practice.

This review is based on my personal experience and honest opinion of the product over time.

I’m blown away by how great this machine is. How simple it is to set up and operate. I’m in my 70’s and the hardest part for me was pulling it out… Read more

of the box. Setting it up and using it was a breeze. It has a number of drink options including tea. I was very surprised the water was actually hot enough to make tea. But it does make a nice hot cuppa. Coffee, latte, flat white. Cappuccino, and more are all at the push of a button. I love it. Best of all. As I said, it all happens at the push of a button. It’s so easy to use and is mess free. Absolutely love this machine.