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Coffee machines buyers guide: everything you need to know

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Plunging into your very first coffee machine purchase? There's a machine designed for you - whether you're seeking a 'barista robot' that does everything for you, or you prefer to grind, tamp and froth your own caffeine hit. Today's coffee machines are technological powerhouses that deliver a real hit, as Ella Smith writes.

Glistening like shiny new BMWs in a seductive showroom, coffee machines come in such a wide variety of shapes and sizes, prices, styles and brands that for the coffee machine novice, buying one can be daunting. Gadgetguy.com.au will step you through some of the choices.

Manual machines

For the beginner on a budget who only wants to shell out about $100-$150 you can at least dip your toe in the coffee machine pool. Around $150 will get you a basic machine with a compact footprint - so it won't hog your bench space. At this price, your machine is a DIY type - you do everything yourself.

With basic features like dial operation, a cup warming plate, manual milk frothing, a set cup height, a basic removable drip tray, 15-bar pump pressure, compact water reservoir (around 1.5 litre) and a warming tray, these machines will make a decent coffee. In this price bracket it's likely your machine will be made from basic plastic, metal, or a combination of the two. They offer a great way for beginners to find their feet.

If you're new to coffee, don't forget to have some fun with the coffee making process! Experiment with coffee beans, flavours and strengths. Try your hand at mastering milk frothing, bean grinding, and so on.

Of course, if you spend another couple of hundred dollars (say, around $400) you can expect extra bells and whistles. Your machine will have a better build quality (such as stainless steel), the water reservoir will be larger and you are likely to have more coffee making options such as the choice of programmable features (manual vs automatic, one or two cups). As well, the filter and group handle will be better quality, and the cup clearance height will be higher, accommodating larger cups or mugs.

The more expensive semi-automatics are a step up again in terms of their performance and overall functionality. For example, for around $700 your machine may have an LCD screen (which gives you feedback on the temperature, the time, for instance), a much larger water reservoir (ie 3 litres), a bigger warming tray plus programmable control panels. Some even have built-in coffee grinders. It's also likely that $700-$800 machines will have self-cleaning functions and pre-brewing features.

Fresh is best

Don't forget that one of the key ingredients to making a good coffee is to buy fresh beans and a good grinder. And grind your beans each time you make a coffee. Grinding your beans just before making your coffee will help keep the flavour and aromas intact. Grinders start at around $60 and range up to a few hundred dollars for a quality burr grinder. Keep an eye out for "free grinder' bonus offers that manufacturers sometimes offer at key selling periods throughout the year (ie Mother's Day, Father's Day and Christmas).

Back to school

Some manufacturers include a free coffee school session with their machines, providing you with training on coffee making tasks like milk texturing and bean grinding.

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