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Five luxe espresso machines for your morning coffee

Get your java jive on at any hour.
espresso machine on a shelfArmelle Habib/aremediasyndication.com.au.

Containing higher levels of caffeine – and steeze – than filter coffee, the espresso is a quintessential drink of Italy that’s revolutionised the way in which we consume our coffee.

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Layered first with the heart as the bitter bottom layer, the body in the middle and the sweeter golden crema as the top layer, the espresso boasts complexity in not just aroma but texture.

Forming the foundations of your cappuccinos, long blacks, lattes and so on and so forth, the espresso is brewed by forcing near-boiling water through finely ground coffee with high pressure.

So, whether you’re wanting to hone your in-house barista potential or you’re endeavouring to tighten the purse strings by forgoing the local every morning, investing in an espresso machine surely won’t be the wildest idea you’ll have this year.

From cruisy afternoon cappuccinos to dinner party dessert macchiatos, we’ve curated an edit of the best espresso machines to give you a daily dose of la dolce vita.

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5 quality espresso machines to shop in 2024

delonghi magnifica evo machine

Magnifica Evo automatic coffee machine

$699 (usually $999) at De’Longhi

Something of a barista, yourself? The automatic Magnifica Evo machine allows for caffeinated experimentation while delivering on quality and flavour. While it comes with the bells and whistles, its espresso function stands strongly on its own – bringing the café to the home.

Key features:

  • 13 adjustable grind settings
  • One-touch control to prepare and customise
  • Traditional stream wand
  • Five one-touch coffee recipes
  • Dishwasher-safe grid and milk carafe

Ideal for kitchens with limited bench space, the Bambino Plus may be small in size but not in pizazz. Ready to rumble in three seconds, this machine features low pressure pre-infusion followed by 9-bar extraction delivered by its 15 bar Italian pump. Plus, if you’re a fan of a latte, the automatic steam wand does all the milk foaming for you.

Key features:

  • Uses the four key formulas
  • Hands-free automatic steam wand
  • ThermoJet heating system
  • Low pressure pre-infusion followed by nine-bar extraction
  • Compact design for countertops

Also available:

Sunbeam Mini Barista silver coffee machine

$263.20 (usually $329) at Myer

An unintimidating level up in the game of brew, the Sunbeam Mini Barista features Auto Shot Volumetric control allowing you to pre-set single and double shots. Steam your milk and you’re all set for java time.

Key features:

  • Auto shot volumetric control
  • Micro foam mil
  • ‘Powerful full-size steam wand

Also available:

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"Smeg cream-colored espresso machine with a portafilter and steel accents."

Smeg 50s retro style cream coffee machine

$569 at Bing Lee

For the retro-inspired countertop, this Smeg coffee machine features a 1950s profile, and extracts espresso in single and double shots with its 15 bar pressure pump. Use the in-built steamer for all your homemade cappuccinos.

Key features:

  • ThermoBlock system
  • 15-bar pressure
  • Stainless steel steam wand
  • Easy four-button operation

Also available:

Breville espresso machine with a sleek stainless steel design and modern features.

Nespresso by Breville Creatista Plus capsule coffee machine

$759.20 (usually $949) at Myer

If you’re an espresso head but you’re more about convenience than process, this coffee machine uses Nespresso capsule pods to deliver perfectly portioned java. With a fully automatic steam wand set to your preferred temperature, frothy milk for your cap or latte is all but a button push away.

Key features:

  • Fully automatic steam wand
  • Advanced microfoam milk technology
  • Intuitive digital display
  • Autoclean function
  • Two-year warranty

Also available:

How to use an espresso machine

Mastering espresso of a manual espresso machine requires precision and practice. Grind beans finely, fill the portafilter, and tamp evenly the pull a shot for 25-30 seconds, aiming for 30-60mL. For lattes or cappuccinos, steam milk to 65°C with microfoam. Although, the functionality of automatic espresso machines will largely differ to that of manual ones.

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