Advice Needed: Best Bean-to-Cup Coffee Machine under $700

BuddhaBoy on 03/11/2024 - 12:14

Hi everyone,

I’m looking for recommendations on a fully automatic coffee machine that makes great coffee. My budget is around $700, and I’m open to buying second-hand from a marketplace if that helps.

I currently have a DeLonghi Lattissima Touch and go through 3-4 Nespresso pods a day. I’d like to switch to a bean-to-cup machine that’s quick and easy to use. I enjoy both black coffee and lattes/cappuccinos, so I need a machine with a milk frothing function.

There’s so much info out there, and I’m finding it a bit overwhelming! If you’ve tried and tested any machines in this price range and have recommendations, I’d really appreciate it.

Thanks so much!

Electrical & Electronics Coffee Machine

Comments

  • Switchblade88 on 03/11/2024 - 12:26
    +1

    Are you looking for 7/11 style full automation? That sounds expensive…

    If you are looking for an 'integrated grinder' machine, I've been happy with my Breville BES870 that was $500 on sale, but it's also an older model and I haven't kept up with more modern models as to how they'd compare.

    • BuddhaBoy on 03/11/2024 - 13:07

      Ah the 7/11 and Coles coffee! They are good no doubt! I am
      Looking for something like the Delonghi Prima Donna or Maginifica, Philips LatteGo something like that.

      • Switchblade88 on 11/11/2024 - 12:50
        +1

        https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/876080

        If you hadn't decided yet, this is my machine currently on sale

        • BuddhaBoy on 13/11/2024 - 21:11

          Thank you! I was literally on this page checking it out and very intrigued. Now leaning towards getting the Breville instead of a full super auto.

  • sumyungguy on 03/11/2024 - 12:27
    +1

    If you're OK with pre-owned and don't mind staying with Nespresso, consider Breville Creatista Pro. Dual thermoblock, auto milk, auto steam wand rinse with adjustable shot volume, milk temperature and froth level.

    • BuddhaBoy on 03/11/2024 - 13:07

      Was hoping to move away from the pods but this looks interesting. Pods are getting expensive.

      • sumyungguy on 03/11/2024 - 13:13

        I'm a reformed Nespresso hater in a two coffees a day (max) household. The Creatista Pro can be adjusted to compensate for the smaller dose in pods; which are always on special somewhere; they're highly consistent - I've never made an undrinkable shot. But sure, most definitely not for everyone.

        • jollibot on 04/11/2024 - 09:54

          Hoffman did an interesting video where he compared aftermarket solutions to making your own pods and basically came to the conclusion that the tech and grind quality of the Nespresso Pods were just better than the alternatives.

          • sumyungguy on 04/11/2024 - 11:13

            @jollibot: I've been buying Nespresso, Campos, Starbucks & Vittoria. No issues with the physical pods though I think only Nespresso has the silicone seal.

        • bobwokeup on 04/11/2024 - 10:33

          So it’s a reusable pod??

          • sumyungguy on 04/11/2024 - 11:15

            @bobwokeup: Nespresso compatible pods generally aren't reusable but they're recyclable; I drop mine into the local veterinary surgery as they accept used pods

  • dtc on 03/11/2024 - 13:51
    +4

    Breville Barista Express

  • Dollar General on 03/11/2024 - 14:32
    +2

    Nescafé blend 43

    • Shoocat on 03/11/2024 - 14:35
      +3

      Username doesn't check out. Surely you mean International Roast?

  • open4highway on 03/11/2024 - 16:01
    +3

    I used to be in your position 3-4 years back.
    I was using L'Or Barista Premium Pod Machine, and was going through whole 10 capsule pack ($4-6/per pack) in a day or two.
    After a while, I moved to a portable grinder with re-usable stainless steel pods (you will find it on Aliexpress), the taste was not decent and preparation took a while.

    Finally, after 2 years of using the pod machine, I bit the bullet and splurged on [Delonghi Dinamica Plus] (https://www.delonghi.com/en-au/products/events/dinamica/c/di…) (costing $900+) which came with free coffee beans (2kg) and couple of mugs.
    I have been using it consistently for the last 3 years and it's been amazing for me and the wife.
    We usually drink 2-4 cups of cuppucinos daily and this machine has not let us down.

    The Dinamica is currently on sale for $800 which is a bit higher than your budget.

    If you change the bean, it might take a while to adjust the grind settings, but other than that, the machine has been pretty good.
    Easy to clean and maintain. Highly recommend this if you are moving away from Nespresso Pod Machines.

    • BuddhaBoy on 03/11/2024 - 22:55
      +1

      This is awesome! Thanks for sharing your experience! I maybe able to increase my budget to another $100.
      Main reason to move away from pods due to the costs and lately… I have noticed the quality is not consistent. So thinking of going the bean way.
      I’ll check the dinamica plus. Thanks!

      • Qazxswec on 04/11/2024 - 10:42

        Are you using Nespresso pods? Ive been using them for about 10 years and find them to be nothing but consistent

      • tunzafun001 on 13/11/2024 - 23:09
        +1

        Just thought you might like to know that the actual internal coffee brewing part of all the DeLonghi auto models is exactly the same.

        The difference is in the milk frother systems and the display.

        The reality is, there is no such thing as a good auto milk frother. It's a compromise/ half assed way of adding bubbles to milk, but will never give the proper texture.

        Ironically, if you want to make the best coffee, buy the cheapest Magnifica. Spend 30 seconds and steam your milk with the wand (ditch the chrome outer bit, it's useless. Use the tip only). Then do your coffee shot (a thermoblock works better coming down from being too hot, then trying to heat up mid shot). I've owned a few. This is the only way to get a decent cup.

        If you must have auto milk, buy a used Jura.

        They are the closest to a textured milk…but a steam wand will always be better.

        P.S. auto machines are a pressurised basket system. So you will never get a cafe level coffee from it. For that you need a manual single basket machine (ie. a Breville machine). But, if you keep your shot to 30ml or less (YES…30ml… should be a very little amount). It will taste half decent.

        Funny enough, as you go beyond 30ml the flavor gets weaker..as the bitter stuff comes through and cancels out the good part of the shot.

        Summary… Get a steam wand, do your milk first, do a short 30ml shot, pour the milk over the shot..enjoy.

        • heavyoctopus on 15/11/2024 - 19:24

          this is the correct answer.

          All the spare parts are the same, so bought the magnifica s as i predominantly have single shots.

          But I will check my volume and give the 30ml shot a go!

    • bobwokeup on 04/11/2024 - 10:34

      OP is being responsible i’m moving away from pods which are so bad for the environment!

  • kmwa on 03/11/2024 - 16:48
    +1

    This is an interesting read
    https://www.telegraph.co.uk/recommended/home/best-coffee-mac…

  • Ryanek on 03/11/2024 - 19:47
    +2

    Philips 4300 is fairly popular. Easy to use and maintain.

  • TEER3X on 03/11/2024 - 19:53
    +2

    Have the delonghi magnifica s, but would recommend getting one with auto milk frothing like the Dinamica, or something from the Phillips range.

    Wait till black friday and get the best deal, pretty easy decision imo.

    • BuddhaBoy on 03/11/2024 - 22:56

      Thanks. Looks like Dinamica and the Philips are tried and tested here.

    • bobwokeup on 04/11/2024 - 10:35
      +1

      Yes I’ve been using this for years and it is amazing. We use the Aldi coffee beans which won an award this year and very happy with our coffee!!!

  • numloxx on 04/11/2024 - 08:26
    -2

    Do yourself a favour, buy a manual machine with built in grinder. Do a barista course, learn how to calibrate your machine and you'll never look back. I did this and my coffee is perfect.

  • Belistic on 04/11/2024 - 09:01
    +1

    I bought the Philips 4300 a few months back.
    Only neg is, the bean tray isn't sloped enough, to ensure all the beans make their way to the grinder. For the price, I shouldn't complain. I would buy it again.

    I don't use the filter in the water container, as our house water is triple filtered.

    I used to have the top range DeLonghi, but I couldn't justify the prices anymore.

  • Waltervp on 04/11/2024 - 09:02
    +2

    I have used these beans to coffee automatic machines for about a decade. First was an Italian brand new from Harvey Norman which was a nightmare and never worked and was unsellable/chucked after 18 months. Then i bought a second hand saeco. Saecos would work for 2 years for me before i typically had to replace them, but the best ones by far has been the swiss made Jura machines. I make about 5 cups a day. Go for a second hand Jura, whichever one you see for sale in your area. These are great machines.

  • anthony t on 04/11/2024 - 11:06
    +1

    We bought a vertuo pod machine for a weekender we didn’t buy as we have a bezzera at home. We didn’t want ‘pod coffee’ (price & quality) so we bought stainless steel refillable ‘pods’. Haven’t tried it, but it seems a great solution for lots of people who want better coffee cheaper.

  • ton1 on 04/11/2024 - 11:51
    +1

    I have De'Longhi Primadonna soul bought second hand and its awesome best appliance i ever bought
    3 to 4 flat whites a day. Just need to give milk dispenser a good wash every 3 to 4 days. Very low maintenance

    • BuddhaBoy on 06/11/2024 - 22:37

      I wonder what’s the difference between the Primadonna and Danimica Plus. Got to google it…

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