Espresso coffee machine buying guide

Manual and semi-automatic machines

Manual and semi-automatic espresso machines work similarly to one another. Some have a built-in grinder and others don’t. Either way, you pack ground coffee into a filter basket that sits in the portafilter, then twist the portafilter into the machine’s group head.

Manual machines require you to judge the amount of water that flows through the filter basket, while semi-autos cut off the flow automatically.

Typically, you’ll manually froth your milk, but some semi-autos offer automatic milk frothing.

Automatic machines

Automatic and automatic-manual espresso machines (also known as “super automatic”) automatically grind the coffee, tamp it, and extract the espresso shot.

Many have an integrated milk frother, but some have a steam wand for manual frothing.

Capsule machines

Capsule machines use airtight pods (capsules) of coffee. You typically insert the capsule, pull a lever and flick a switch. The machine pierces the capsule and forces hot water through.

Learn more about coffee capsules.

Espresso coffee machine features to consider

Ask whether there's a demonstration model of the espresso machine you’re interested in so you can try before you buy, and look for these features:

• Brew capacity: If you’ll want to make two coffees at once, make sure
  the coffee machine you’re considering can do so. Also check whether it can
  accommodate tall cups as not all espresso machines can.

• Size: Small coffee machines leave you with more bench space. But, if you often make several coffees back-to-back, you might need a larger espresso machine with a water tank that won’t need refilling so often.

• Adjustable grinder: If the espresso machine you’re considering has a grinder,
  make sure it’s adjustable so you can grind your coffee by the right
  amount to suit your taste.

TIP: If you buy a separate grinder, choose a burr (rather than blade) model so the coffee is ground evenly and extracts evenly for the best flavour.

• Adjustable strength setting: If you buy an automatic espresso machine, choose
  one with an adjustable strength setting so you can tweak the
  intensity of the brew to your taste.

• Milk frother: If you want full control over milk frothing, choose an espresso machine with a manual steam wand. Some automatic milk frothers also do a great job, including some capsule machines that use milk capsules. Check the milk frothing scores in our espresso coffee machines reviews.

TIP: If the espresso machine has a froth enhancer on the milk-frothing wand, removing it will often produce a better foam (despite its name). Some froth enhancers aren’t removable, so check.

TIP: You can make reasonable milk froth with a basic coffee plunger. Heat the milk and pour it into your pre-warmed plunger. Then pump the plunger through the milk a few times until it foams.

• Controls: Make sure they’re clear and simple to use. An espresso machine with a digital display is usually best.

• Tamper: Choose a coffee machine with a separate, solid metal tamper to pack the coffee down evenly so it extracts evenly. Plastic tampers and those fixed to an espresso machine typically do a poor job.

• Cup warmer: Using an espresso machine’s cup warmer is the easiest way to prevent a tepid brew and preserve its flavour and the milk’s froth. If the coffee machine doesn’t have one, you’ll have to pre-heat your cup separately.

• Cleaning programme: Ideally, any coffee machine you buy will have an automatic cleaning programme. If the espresso machine has to be cleaned manually, check that the parts can be removed easily and are dishwasher safe.

• Drip tray: A large drip tray won’t need draining as often as a
  smaller one, which is handy if you make regular coffees throughout
  the day. Make sure it’s easy to remove.

• Exterior: A coffee machine with a seamless exterior is easiest to clean. But note that espresso machines with stainless steel or matte finishes can make fingerprints and grime stand out.

See our espresso machines reviews to find a coffee machine with the features you want.

Coffee machine costs – up front versus long term

Capsule machines are often the cheapest type to buy. But they can mean spending more long term, as capsules typically cost more than ground coffee or whole beans.

Here's how coffee costs compare over a year, based on two double shot espressos a day:

• Espresso machines: $360–$945 per year.

• Capsule machines: $950–$1,505 per year.

• Takeaway coffees: $2,900–$4,015 per year.

* Excludes the price of the coffee machine, since there’s a wide range in prices. Check out our espresso coffee machine test results to compare prices.

Buying a secondhand espresso machine

Under the Electricity Act, all electrical appliances for sale must be safe, whether they're new or secondhand, bought privately or from a dealer.

You might save money buying secondhand, but there are some things to check before you hand over your cash:

• Type of coffee machine: Consider the pros and cons of the different types
  Some are easier to use while others provide more control. And some may be cheaper up front but can cost you more over time

• Brand and model: Check our espresso machines test results or both current and discontinued models to see how the coffee machine performed in testing. Our discontinued models go back several years. If the espresso machine you’re looking at was widely available when it entered the New Zealand market, there’s a good chance we’ve tested it. Check the brand’s reliability and satisfaction ratings for espresso machines.

• Features and settings: Check whether the espresso machine has the features and settings you want. Compare espresso machines in our results.

• Condition, age and usage: Does the coffee machine look clean and tidy? Check the exterior and all components for cracks, dings or excessive scratches. Also look for coffee stains and other grime, which can be a sign of infrequent cleaning. Such grime can taint the flavour of your coffee and even lead to blockages that damage the machine.

  Ask the seller how old the espresso machine is and how often it’s been used. Have they owned it from new? Has it ever been used commercially?

• Cleaning, maintenance and repair history: Ask whether the espresso machine has
  been cleaned regularly and descaled as needed. Have any major repairs
  been required? Check what's required for proper coffee machine cleaning.

• Price and guarantee: Compare the asking price with the prices of similar espresso machines on the market. Don’t be afraid to
  negotiate. Note: If you buy from a secondhand dealer,
  you're protected by the Consumer Guarantees Act. If you buy
  privately, you're not – but you might find cheaper deals.

• Test run: Request a test run before buying the espresso machine. Make three or more cups of coffee using your usual coffee and milk. Does
  the coffee machine warm up quickly for first use? Check you can easily use
  the machine. Make sure the coffee grinds evenly (ie, the grinder’s
  burrs are sharp). Check for any leaks. Also make sure every cup of
  coffee tastes good and the strength is consistent.