Best coffee machines: NZ buying guide

From the push-button ease of pod machines to the craft and ceremony of espresso makers, there’s something for every type of coffee lover. Let’s break down the options:

Ideal for those always on the go. Pop in a pod, press a button, and you've got coffee in seconds. They’re compact, come in tons of flavours, and there’s minimal clean-up. But the taste can’t quite touch that of freshly ground beans, and those pods can add up — both in cost and waste.

Browse our range of pod coffee machines.

These are for the budding barista looking to refine their craft. With the right machine, you can explore different pressures and temperatures to extract espresso shots that would make Italy proud. It's a bit of a learning curve, but the result is a rich, full-bodied coffee that’s the foundation for lattes, cappuccinos, and more. Keep in mind, that these machines are an investment in both money and counter space.

Find your ultimate espresso machine.

The classic, set-it-and-forget-it option. Ideal for the household with multiple coffee drinkers, or anyone who likes to sip coffee all morning. They’ve evolved too, with models offering programmable features and varying strength controls.

Shop all drip coffee maker listings.

This method is for the purist who loves a bold, rich coffee. It’s all about the ritual — the grind size, the water temperature, the plunge — it's coffee artistry. And it's environmentally friendly, as there's no need for paper filters or plastic pods.

See our range of French press coffee makers.

The techie's dream. These machines often come with built-in burr grinders, which are known for their consistent grind size and, superior flavour extraction. They can be quite the kitchen showpiece as well, often featuring sleek designs and digital interfaces.

Browse all bean-to-cup machines.

When you’re on the hunt for a new coffee machine, each brand has its unique benefits. Let's brew over the specifics.

A maestro of bean-to-cup and espresso machines, Breville caters to those who want to fine-tune their coffee experience. Their machines are packed with features that appeal to both the espresso enthusiast and the latte lover, offering customisation at every step.

Find a Breville coffee machine.

DeLonghi shines across the board but has a special knack for super-automatic and espresso machines. Whether you're a novice or a connoisseur, DeLonghi’s machines are built to deliver quality with ease, and they have a particular flair for rich, creamy espressos.

Shop all DeLonghi coffee machines.

Smeg’s espresso machines are as stylish as they are functional, perfect for those who value aesthetics as much as their morning shot. Though they specialise in espresso, they also offer drip coffee makers that don’t skimp on style.

Browse our range of Smeg coffee machines.

Sunbeam tends to focus on drip coffee makers and is a champion of the everyday coffee drinker looking for reliability without fuss. They're the go-to for no-nonsense machines that deliver a consistent cup.

Find your ultimate Sunbeam coffee machine.

Specialists in pod coffee machines, Nespresso has revolutionised the one-touch espresso and coffee experience with a wide array of capsules to suit any palate. They're all about convenience and speed, perfect for busy bees.

Shop Nespresso coffee machines.

If you want to feel like a barista in Italy, Rocket's manual espresso machines are your ticket. They’re all about high-quality, professional-grade machines that promise an authentic espresso-making experience.

See all Rocket coffee machine listings.

This brand stands out for its versatile pod machines, capable of crafting not just coffee but a variety of hot beverages. If your tastes are eclectic and you value convenience, their machines are a solid bet.

Find your perfect Nescafe Dolce Gusto coffee machine.

Vibiemme is synonymous with professional-grade manual espresso machines. If you're a home barista looking to recreate the coffee shop experience with precision and authenticity, VBM offers that in spades.

Browse our range of VBM coffee machines.

With these add-ons, you’ll not only improve your coffee-making skills but enjoy the process from bean to cup.

• Sleek pod storage: Put a drawer-style holder or rotating carousel next to your machine to save space and sort your coffee collection.
• Descaling solutions: Keep your coffee’s taste crisp and your machine in tip-top shape with descaling solutions — essential for areas with hard water.
• Premium coffee filters: Coffee filters give you a clean, pure taste by preventing grounds from making their way into your cup,
• Complete barista kits: These kits come with all the tools you’ll need to clean, craft, and add a personal flair to each cup.
• Electric milk frothers: For lattes and cappuccinos, an electric frother can whip up café-quality froth in seconds.
• Coffee cups: Invest in a set of well-crafted coffee cups that keep your drink extra hot.