6 automatic coffee machines that brew delicious, café-style coffee in a flash

If you want coffee variety without the café queue, this new model from Philips has you covered. With 20 recipes – from a strong espresso to a cooling iced latte – it’s like having a menu at your fingertips. The LatteGo milk system creates silky froth in seconds, whether you’re using dairy or a plant-based alternative, while SilentBrew technology makes it 40 per cent quieter than previous Philips machines.

“Overall I have been very impressed with the 5500 Series,” shared a five-star reviewer at Philips. It makes lovely coffee, particularly the espresso which has a great flavour and lovely crema. Milky coffees are easy when you can just pop the milk into the LatteGo container, hook it on and it froths itself.”

Another said: “I am obsessed with this coffee machine. I love that it is fully automatic and simply takes the push of a button to make my favourite coffee (which it remembers so I don’t have to adjust settings every time I use it). As a mum to two under two this machine is an absolute life saver. My only recommendation is to use coffee beans instead of ground coffee.”

Key features:

• 20 pre-set coffee recipes, including hot and iced
• LatteGo milk system for smooth, fuss-free froth
• Built-in ceramic grinder with 12 adjustable settings
• Extra shot function for bolder coffee without bitterness
• SilentBrew technology for quieter operation
• Easy-clean milk system (10 seconds, no tubes)
• Up to 5000 cups without descaling with AquaClean filter

The Eletta Explore is like having your own personal barista – but better, because you don’t even need to leave the house. With LatteCrema technology, you’ll enjoy silky, smooth microfoam for everything from a cosy cappuccino to a refreshing iced latte. Plus, with over 50 coffee recipes to choose from and a handy To Go function, it’s perfect for coffee lovers on the move (in case you do actually need to leave the house).

“Absolutely love it,” wrote a five-star reviewer on the DeLonghi website, where it’s currently sold out. “No longer go out for expensive coffee. Once you get the beans you like and the settings correct the coffee is fantastic. You cannot go wrong with this machine, it’s fully automated, you do not have to stand there heating/frothing the milk.”

“My only issue I drink too much coffee now whilst chilling in my courtyard. And I got a brilliant deal ordering from DeLonghi. Highly recommend this machine.”

Key features:

• Over 50 pre-set recipes for hot, iced and Cold Brew coffee
• LatteCrema technology for smooth microfoam, hot or cold
• Personal profiles to save and access your favourite drinks
• WiFi connectivity
• Automatic cleaning cycles and dishwasher-safe parts
• Coffee Link App for customising recipes and exploring new flavours

Also available at:

• $1566 (usually $1899) from Amazon
• $1598 (usually $2199) from Appliances Online
• $1699 from Myer
• $1798 from Bing Lee

Featuring automatic grinding, dosing and tamping, this machine takes the guesswork out of your morning coffee. Thanks to Auto MilQ, you’ll get perfectly frothed milk, whether you prefer dairy or plant-based options like oat and almond. The Auto Queue setting also lets you prep your next step, so your milk starts steaming as soon as the extraction finishes.

One reviewer on the Breville website called it the “barista masterpiece of the decade,” while another wrote: “The Oracle Jet is amazing! We cannot believe how easy it is to make nearly every type of coffee possible with great instruction, however, it does take a little practice. Perfect lattes, cappuccinos, amazing flat whites, espressos and long blacks. Perfect milk frothing and temperature.”

Key features:

• Auto grind, dose and tamp with professional 58mm portafilter
• Auto MilQ for hands-free microfoam with customisable milk settings
• Pre-programmed Cold Brew and Cold Espresso options
• ThermoJet heating system
• Barista Guidance
• Auto Queue to move between extraction and milk steaming

Also available at:

• $3112 from Bing Lee
• $3119.20 (usually $3899) from Myer
• $3399 from Breville

The JURA Z10 is not just a pretty face – though, let’s be honest, that sleek design is certainly a showstopper. But what really steals the show is the coffee, of course. With up to 32 specialty options, a built-in burr grinder and a smart TFT display, making barista-quality coffee at home has never been easier.

“By far the best thing we have purchased,” wrote a reviewer who left five stars at Appliances Online. “We replaced our Rancilio with the Z10 and we haven’t looked back. We added the on-bench refrigerated milk container which just keeps things running so easily and quickly. We haven’t had a bad cup ever! We also use the iced latte feature often through summer which is amazing.”

Key features:

• 32 specialty coffee options, hot and cold
• Built-in Product Recognising Grinder and 3D Brewing System
• Programmable milk frother with 10 temperature settings
• Active Bean Monitoring
• Smart TFT display
• Automatic switchover from milk to milk foam

Also available at:

• $4098 from The Good Guys
• $4499 from Betta
• $4499 from Designer Appliances
• $4850 from Winnings

The Sunbeam Barista Max makes café-style coffee simple and stress-free. With its built-in Tap & Go grinder and Temp IQ Shot Control, it’s designed to get the best out of your beans with minimal effort. You can even customise your brew, whether you want to control the shot manually or let the automatic features handle it for you.

Reviewers love the machine for its quality, ease of use and affordability. It’s simple to set up, which makes it a hit with beginners looking to nail that perfect coffee. The compact design fits snugly into most kitchens, and many also appreciate its solid build and functionality.

One recent Amazon reviewer shared: “I bought this coffee machine back around late 2023 I think. All I know is I have had it for a long while. We use it up to four coffees a day on average. I love this machine, it has been an awesome investment. Easy to use and hasn’t missed a beat.”

Key features:

• Tap & Go grinder with 30 adjustable settings
• Temp IQ Shot Control
• Auto Shot Volumetric Control
• Cool-touch steam wand for velvety microfoam
• 58mm café-size group head for rich flavour extraction
• Includes stainless steel milk jug and cleaning accessories

Also available at:

• $449 from Woolworths
• $456 (usually $649) from Appliances Online
• $474 from Big W

With over 40 pre-set recipes and the option to use plant-based milks, this machine from KitchenAid lets you explore endless coffee creations at the touch of a button. It is sleek, durable and built to last, with a metal-clad construction that fits right into any kitchen. It also boasts a five-inch touchscreen, six user profiles and the ability to personalise your coffee, so every cup is made just the way you like it. Talk about fancy!

“This espresso machine has been a game changer for my family,” said a five-star reviewer on the KitchenAid site. “We use this multiple times in the day. The multiple functions and settings you can use are amazing. The fact that you can set a user info… for example, set your favourite drinks on your own profile… saves you so much time. Every feature on this is fantastic.”

Key features:

• 40+ customisable espresso recipes
• Works with plant-based milks like almond, oat, or soy
• Easy-to-use five-inch touchscreen
• Six user profiles for personalised coffee
• Removable 270g bean hopper for easy refills
• Auto purge ensures fresh grounds with every brew

Also available at:

• $1899 (usually $2299) from The Good Guys