Battle of the coffee machines! Popular home espresso appliances are put to the test - and the results prove you can get a great result every time WITHOUT spending a fortune

  • Cups of home brewed coffee have been put to the test to see how they stack up 
  • Varying from budget to industry-standard, experts compared each to another
  • The machines were judged on price, appearance, ease of use and taste 

By Holly Hales For Daily Mail Australia

Published: 20:06 EST, 20 November 2018 | Updated: 20:11 EST, 20 November 2018

It's said to be the fuel that keeps Australia running - and now humble cups of home-brewed coffee have been put to the test to see how they stack up.  

In a segment on A Current Affair, some of the country's most popular at-home coffee machines were judged by experts to see which is the best on the market for amateur baristas. 

Varying from budget-priced capsule machines to industry-level espresso appliances, the team of experts took liberty in rating each on price, appearance, ease of use and taste.

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It's said to be the fuel that keeps Australia running - and now humble cups of home-brewed coffee have been put to the test to see how they stack up 

It's said to be the fuel that keeps Australia running - and now humble cups of home-brewed coffee have been put to the test to see how they stack up 

 Target

'This is the perfect little manual machine for one or two fast cups of coffee!' said one buyer

'This is the perfect little manual machine for one or two fast cups of coffee!' said one buyer

A mid-range option for those wanting to progress in their home barista efforts, Target's machine of choice will set buyers back $129. 

Online, fans have raved about the Sunbeam EM2800 Piccolo Espresso machine largely due its convenience.  

'This is the perfect little manual machine for one or two fast cups of coffee!' reviewed one buyer. 

I wanted to get a reasonably priced, new manual machine and this is perfect,' said another.

Inclusive of a frothing function, it appeared to also be a hit with the experts, with one adding 'it did the job really well.'  

Rating: 7/10   

Nespresso 

Retailing at $299, it's by no means cheap, but it can come as part of a payment plan which can see coffee lovers pay as little as $1 

Retailing at $299, it's by no means cheap, but it can come as part of a payment plan which can see coffee lovers pay as little as $1 

Among the globe's most reputable coffee brands, Nespresso's trademark pod machine promises a unique taste and blend - which it does, according to the experts. 

Retailing at $299, it's by no means cheap but can comes as part of a payment plan which can see coffee lovers pay as little as $1.

This lasts for 12 months and involves spending $50 a month toward other Nespresso products - including pods. 

However, despite the price tag, the Vertuo machine trumped its competitors due to its convenience, simplicity and trademark taste. 

Rating: 8/10 

Aldi Expressi  

An alternative for those just dipping a toe in coffee Aldi's version costs just $79.

An alternative for those just dipping a toe in coffee Aldi's version costs just $79.

A trendy alternative for those just dipping a toe in the often-intimidating coffee world, the Aldi Expressi is a great option - costing just $79. 

The capsule machine lauds itself as an at-home alternative to cafe-quality coffee and promises 'rich silky crema, a full body and layers of complex intense flavour'. 

However, the program's experts disputed this partly, saying its choice of shot length could be a 'good or bad thing'. 

Rating: 7/10 

KMART 

A full-fledged espresso coffee machine, the device is a steal, retailing for just $89 and also comes with a high pressure frothing function 

A full-fledged espresso coffee machine, the device is a steal, retailing for just $89 and also comes with a high pressure frothing function 

KMART's release of a coffee machine was a much-hype addition for the superstore's hoards of devotees. 

A full-fledged espresso coffee machine, the device is a steal, retailing for just $89 and also comes with a high pressure frothing function. 

But according to one expert, Geoff Quatromani, its manual style may actually be a drawback for some buyers.

'I think the price point attracts amateurs to enter this type of coffee market. Yes, it's a great value machine, but you do need a course on how to use it first,' he said.  

Rating: 7/10    

Breville 

By far the priciest option on offer, the Breville machine will set buyers back $599 but promises coffee that's worth every penny

By far the priciest option on offer, the Breville machine will set buyers back $599 but promises coffee that's worth every penny

By far the priciest option on offer, the Breville machine will set buyers back $599 but promises coffee that's worth every penny. 

'This one produced the best coffee, I think it was the easiest to use and it had some functions the other two didn't have,' said Quatromani.

Additionally, it comes with accessories to boot, and has a sleek look which will be a stylish addition to any kitchen. 

Rating: 8/10

Lavazza 

The Lavazza is available from Coles for just $49 and has gained a reputation for its easy use and compact size

The Lavazza is available from Coles for just $49 and has gained a reputation for its easy use and compact size

A bargain offer, the Lavazza is available from Coles for just $49 and has gained a reputation for its easy use and compact size. 

The capsule machine also has the trusted benefit of the Lavazza brand which has long been an advocate for taste. 

'They know coffee so you'd expect it's going to be a good machine, you'd expect it's going to be good flavour,' said cafe owner Gemma Darling. 

Rating: 7/10  

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Nespresso, Target and Kmart coffee machines put to the test to see which is the best

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