2015 Coffee Machine Reviews

You are viewing the archived 2015 ratings. Go to the current coffee machine ratings.

Compare some of the best coffee machines using our ratings comparison for coffee machines.

Save the grind on your wallet and invest in a coffee machine for your home

For many of us, a coffee break is an essential part of the day, particularly early in the morning, and a good cup when you really need it is like getting a warm hug from a friend you haven’t seen for a while. Owning your own coffee machine gives you the ability to make a great barista-style coffee whenever you want it. In fact, one out of two New Zealanders we surveyed said they actually prefer the coffee they make at home to what they can buy from a café. You know what they say, if you want something done properly…

Not only can coffee machines make great tasting coffee, but they can also be a wise investment. Our survey found 70% of coffee machine owners believe their appliance has saved them money on their caffeine habit. Approximately half of respondents use their coffee machine at least once a day, so the savings could quickly add up.

But coffee-lovers are notoriously fussy and won’t just settle for any old coffee machine to supply their regular caffeine fix, so choosing the right one could be difficult. Fortunately that’s where Canstar Blue can lend a helpful hand with our customer satisfaction ratings. And we’re pleased to report that Nescafé Dolce Gusto has stood out from the crowd, earning our Most Satisfied Customers Award for coffee machines.

Can you drink too much coffee?

New Zealand has its fair share of coffee addicts, with 22% of adults admitting to drinking a whopping five cups each day. Furthermore, nearly one in two claims they drink more coffee since purchasing a coffee maker. But don’t worry, because some research suggests that coffee can have a myriad of health benefits; coffee consumption has even been linked with a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes, heart and liver disease. Like anything though, coffee should be enjoyed in moderation. General advice is that the average person consumes no more than 400 milligrams of caffeine per day – the equivalent of four cups of coffee. If you think you need to reduce your coffee intake, then it’s best to take it slow as to avoid withdrawal symptoms; one in four Kiwis claim to have suffered headaches when trying to cut down on their caffeine intake.

What coffee are we drinking?

Lattes and flat whites are traditional coffee favourites for Kiwis, while smaller, richer coffees such as piccolos are usually enjoyed by only the most dedicated coffee-enthusiasts. Interestingly though, 56% of coffee machine owners still drink instant coffee despite having access to their coffee maker. On the other hand, 76% said they do like to experiment with all sorts of flavours and beans.

What do we want from a coffee maker?

The taste of the coffee your machine produces is of course important, but there are other variables that contribute to a great overall package. Some people simply favour a machine that is easy to use, while others are more concerned about getting the maximum bang for their buck. From our findings, the largest drivers of satisfaction for coffee lovers are:

• Reliability 34%
• Value for money 20%
• Ease of use 17%
• After sales service/warranty 13%
• Ease of cleaning and maintenance 10%

Our results show that, above all else, New Zealanders want a coffee machine they can count on to work properly – because there’s nothing worse than needing a coffee, but not being able to get one…

The brands we rated

Nescafé Dolce Gusto

Nescafé Dolce Gusto produces seven models of coffee machines, ranging in price from $120 to $250. Each model boasts a futuristic design and is easily operated to make quality espressos. The machines use specialised capsules that come in 13 flavours, from Nesquik chocolate to the rich Espresso Intenso.

Delonghi

Delonghi offers one of the largest ranges of coffee machines, with prices that vary greatly, from $130 to $3,155. Delonghi make machines for Nespresso and other Nestle brands, as well as pump espresso and fully automatic coffee machines.

Breville

Breville offers seven models of espresso coffee machines, ranging in price from $200 to $2,500. Breville coffee machines are diverse in their functionality; some are manual – for your inner barista and some are completely automatic – for those who just want their coffee.

Nespresso

Nespresso offers five collections of coffee machine, each modelled for a particular theme or purpose. For example, the Inissia range coffee machines cost around $250 and are designed for compact kitchens, while the Nespresso Latissima range machines cost between $700 and $1,000 and are equipped with milk frothers.

Sunbeam

Sunbeam only entered the coffee machine industry in 2001. Today, it produces four models which begin at $180. Sunbeam’s most expensive commercially available coffee machine is the Café Series Espresso Machine at $1,100.