Best Espresso Machines Under $700 in Australia 2026

The Breville Bambino Plus stands out as the top choice for espresso machines under $700 in Australia, delivering professional-quality espresso with automatic milk frothing in a compact design that won’t overwhelm your kitchen counter. At around $399-449 from major Australian retailers, it offers exceptional value with 3-second heat-up time and precise temperature control.

Finding the perfect espresso machine under $700 can transform your daily coffee routine from a costly cafe habit into a rewarding home brewing experience. With rising coffee prices across Australia, investing in a quality home espresso machine pays for itself within months while giving you complete control over your coffee quality and strength.

Quick Comparison: Top Espresso Machines Under $700 Australia

Model	Price (AUD)	Type	Milk Steamer	Available At
Breville Bambino Plus	$399-449	Manual	Automatic	JB Hi-Fi, Harvey Norman, Amazon AU
DeLonghi Dedica Style	$299-349	Manual	Manual Steam Wand	The Good Guys, Myer, Amazon AU
Breville Barista Express	$599-699	Semi-Automatic	Steam Wand	Harvey Norman, JB Hi-Fi, Amazon AU
Sunbeam Mini Barista	$249-299	Manual	Steam Wand	The Good Guys, Amazon AU
DeLonghi Stilosa	$199-249	Manual	Manual Steam Wand	JB Hi-Fi, The Good Guys

Top Espresso Machine Reviews Under $700

1. Breville Bambino Plus – Best Overall

The Breville Bambino Plus hits the sweet spot between functionality and price in the under-$700 category. This compact powerhouse consistently pulls excellent espresso shots without a steep learning curve, making it perfect for both beginners and experienced home baristas.

Key Features:

• 3-second heat-up time with ThermoJet heating system
• Automatic microfoam milk texturing
• Pre-infusion for optimal extraction
• Compact 19cm width footprint
• Precise espresso extraction with 9-bar pressure

Pros:

• Lightning-fast heat-up saves precious morning minutes
• Automatic milk frothing produces cafe-quality microfoam every time
• Small footprint perfect for Australian kitchens
• Easy to clean and maintain
• Excellent build quality from Australian-designed Breville

Cons:

• Small water tank means frequent refilling for big coffee drinkers
• No built-in grinder means separate purchase needed
• Limited programmability compared to higher-end models

You’ll find it at Harvey Norman for $449, JB Hi-Fi for $399, and Amazon AU often runs sales bringing it under $400.

2. DeLonghi Dedica Style – Best Compact Design

The DeLonghi Dedica Style wins on space efficiency without sacrificing espresso quality. At just 15cm wide, it’s the slimmest espresso machine in this price range while still delivering that authentic Italian espresso experience.

Key Features:

• Ultra-slim 15cm width design
• Thermoblock heating system
• Professional filter holders for ground coffee and pods
• Adjustable cappuccino system
• Energy-saving automatic switch-off

Pros:

• Smallest footprint in category – ideal for tiny kitchens
• Works with both ground coffee and ESE pods
• Stylish Italian design comes in multiple colours
• Great value for money under $350
• Reliable DeLonghi build quality

Cons:

• Manual steam wand takes practice to master
• Longer warm-up time compared to ThermoJet systems
• Basic features compared to Breville options
• Small water reservoir needs frequent topping up

Find the DeLonghi Dedica Style at The Good Guys for $349, Myer for $329, and Amazon AU often has it under $300.

3. Breville Barista Express – Best Semi-Automatic

The Breville Barista Express pushes our budget ceiling but delivers incredible value by including a built-in conical burr grinder. This semi-automatic machine gives you complete control over every aspect of espresso making.

Key Features:

• Integrated conical burr grinder with dose control
• Digital temperature control (PID)
• Pre-infusion and low-pressure pre-infusion
• Steam wand with 360-degree swivel action
• Stainless steel construction

Pros:

• Built-in grinder eliminates need for separate purchase
• Professional-level control over grind size and dose
• Rock-solid build quality and durability
• Large water tank and bean hopper
• Comprehensive warranty and Australian support

Cons:

• Higher price point at top of budget range
• Steeper learning curve than automatic machines
• Takes up more counter space
• Grinder can be noisy first thing in the morning

Check it out at Harvey Norman for $699, JB Hi-Fi for $649, and Amazon AU occasionally discounts it closer to $599.

4. Sunbeam Mini Barista – Best Budget Option

The Sunbeam Mini Barista proves you don’t need to spend big for decent home espresso. This Australian brand delivers surprising quality at an entry-level price point that’s perfect for first-time espresso machine buyers.

Key Features:

• 15-bar pressure pump
• Stainless steel group head
• Steam wand for milk frothing
• Removable water tank
• Cup warming plate

Pros:

• Very affordable entry point under $300
• Decent espresso quality for the price
• Australian brand with local warranty support
• Simple operation perfect for beginners
• Compact design fits small kitchens

Cons:

• Basic build quality compared to European brands
• Manual steam wand requires practice
• Limited temperature stability
• Missing advanced features like pre-infusion

Find the Sunbeam Mini Barista at The Good Guys for $299 and Amazon AU frequently has it under $250.

5. DeLonghi Stilosa – Best Value Entry-Level

The DeLonghi Stilosa offers exceptional value in the entry-level category, delivering genuine Italian espresso experience without breaking the budget. Perfect for those wanting to test the waters of home espresso making.

Key Features:

• 15-bar pump pressure
• Stainless steel boiler
• Manual cappuccino device
• Two separate thermostats
• Removable 1L water tank

Pros:

• Excellent value under $250
• Reliable Italian engineering
• Simple, no-fuss operation
• Good espresso quality for price point
• Easy to maintain and clean

Cons:

• Very basic features
• Manual milk frothing requires skill development
• Longer heat-up time
• Some plastic construction elements

You’ll find it at JB Hi-Fi for $249 and The Good Guys, with Amazon AU offering competitive pricing around $199-229.

Manual vs Semi-Automatic vs Super-Automatic

Manual Espresso Machines

Manual machines like the DeLonghi Dedica Style give you complete control over extraction time and pressure. They require more skill but offer the most authentic espresso experience. Perfect for enthusiasts who enjoy the ritual of espresso making.

Semi-Automatic Machines

Semi-automatic machines such as the Breville Barista Express automate water pressure and temperature while letting you control grind size, dose, and extraction time. They strike an excellent balance between control and convenience.

Super-Automatic Features

While true super-automatic machines exceed our $700 budget, machines like the Breville Bambino Plus offer automatic milk frothing that approaches super-automatic convenience in specific functions.

Essential Features to Consider

Heating System

ThermoJet systems (found in Breville machines) heat up in seconds, while traditional thermoblock systems take 1-3 minutes. For busy mornings, fast heat-up can be a game-changer.

Milk Frothing Capability

Automatic milk frothing systems like those in the Bambino Plus create consistent microfoam, while manual steam wands offer more control but require technique development.

Build Quality and Materials

Stainless steel components last longer than plastic alternatives. Look for machines with stainless steel group heads, boilers, and filter baskets for durability.

Water Tank Capacity

Larger tanks mean less frequent refilling. Consider your daily coffee consumption when choosing between compact machines with smaller tanks versus larger capacity options.

Australian Buying Guide

Where to Buy

Harvey Norman often has competitive prices on Breville products with excellent warranty service. JB Hi-Fi frequently runs sales on coffee machines, especially during end-of-financial-year periods. The Good Guys offers price matching and good after-sales support. Amazon AU provides convenience and often the best prices, while Myer stocks premium models with occasional luxury sales.

Warranty Considerations

Australian Consumer Law provides strong protection, but manufacturer warranties vary. Breville offers excellent Australian warranty service, while European brands like DeLonghi have established local support networks.

Running Costs

Factor in ongoing costs like water filters, descaling solutions, and quality coffee beans. A good grinder is essential – budget an additional $100-200 for a decent burr grinder if your machine doesn’t include one.

Power Requirements

Most espresso machines under $700 operate on standard Australian 240V power with power consumption between 1200-1500W. Make sure your kitchen electrical setup can handle the load, especially if running multiple appliances simultaneously.

Maintenance and Care Tips

Daily Maintenance

Rinse the group head and portafilter after each use. Empty and refill the water tank with fresh, filtered water. Wipe down exterior surfaces and steam wand.

Weekly Deep Clean

Remove and wash all removable parts including water tank, portafilter, and drip tray. Clean the steam wand thoroughly and purge any milk residue.

Monthly Descaling

Use manufacturer-recommended descaling solution to remove mineral buildup. Australian water varies significantly by location – areas with hard water may require more frequent descaling.

Coffee Quality Factors

Bean Selection

Invest in quality, freshly roasted beans from Australian roasters. Single-origin beans often work well in entry-level machines, while blends can be more forgiving for beginners.

Grind Quality

If your machine doesn’t include a grinder, a separate burr grinder is essential. Blade grinders produce inconsistent particle size that negatively impacts extraction.

Water Quality

Australian tap water varies dramatically by location. Consider a water filter system if your area has particularly hard or heavily chlorinated water.

FAQ

What’s the best espresso machine under $700 for beginners in Australia?

The Breville Bambino Plus is ideal for beginners, offering automatic milk frothing, fast heat-up, and consistent results with minimal learning curve. At $399-449, it provides excellent value and user-friendly operation.

Do I need to buy a separate grinder?

Yes, unless you choose the Breville Barista Express which includes a built-in grinder. A quality burr grinder is essential for consistent espresso extraction. Budget an additional $100-200 for a decent standalone grinder.

How much does it cost to run an espresso machine daily?

Running costs include electricity (about 10-15 cents per day), coffee beans ($1-3 per day depending on quality), and occasional maintenance