Espresso coffee machines

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

• Size – consider a smaller machine if you have a small kitchen or limited bench space. But if you often make several coffees back-to-back, you might need a larger machine with a bigger water tank that won’t need refilling so often. Make sure you can easily check the water level.
• Clear and simple controls – digital displays are usually best.
• Variable strength settings (automatic machines) – so you can adjust the intensity of the brew to your taste.
• Adjustable grinder (where included) – to grind the coffee by the right amount to suit your tastes. Also make sure the grinding mechanism can’t be accessed while it’s running.
  

TIP: If the machine you want doesn’t have a grinder, and you want to grind your beans fresh before each brew, choose a burr (rather than blade) grinder so the coffee is ground evenly and extracts evenly for the best flavour.

• Solid metal tamper – to pack the coffee down evenly so it extracts properly. Plastic tampers and those fixed to a machine typically do a poor job.
• Cup warmer – to prevent a tepid brew and preserve its flavour and the milk’s froth.
• Brew capacity – can the machine make two coffees at once? Can it accommodate tall cups?
• Milk frother – if you like a latte or other milky drink. Some machines have steam wands to froth milk in a separate jug, while others have an automatic frother built in.
  

TIP: If there’s 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.

There are also separate tools available to whisk and heat your milk, as well as milk pods that are poured directly into your cup.

TIP: You can make velvety smooth 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.

• Automatic cleaning programme – to reduce cleaning work. If the machine must be cleaned manually, check that the parts can be removed easily and are dishwasher safe.
• Drip tray – go big and easy to drain, especially if you often make several coffees back-to-back.
• Exterior – a seamless design is easier to clean. But note that stainless steel and matte finishes can make fingerprints and grime stand out.

See our espresso machines test results to find a machine with the features you want.

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 test results to compare prices.

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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 machine: Consider the pros and cons of the different types. Some are easier to use while others provide more control. And some can be cheaper up front but may be more expensive over time.
• Brand and model: Check our espresso machines test results for both current and discontinued models to see how the machine performed in testing. Our discontinued models go back several years. While we can’t test every machine on the market, if the model you’re looking at was widely available when it entered the New Zealand market, there’s a good chance we’ve tested it. Also check the brand’s reliability and satisfaction ratings.
• Features and settings: Check whether the machine has the features and settings you want. See our test results to compare models.
• Condition: Does the 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.
• Age and usage: Ask the seller how old the machine is and how often it’s been used. Has the seller owned the machine from new? Has the machine ever been used commercially?
• Cleaning, maintenance and repair history: Ask about the espresso machine’s history. Has it been cleaned and descaled regularly? Has it had other necessary maintenance? Have any major repairs been done?
• Price and guarantee: Compare the espresso machine’s asking price with the prices of similar models 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 machine. Make three or more cups of coffee using your usual coffee and milk. Does the 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.