Who this guide is for
This guide is intended for Australian shoppers comparing home coffee machines across different budgets and levels of experience.
How we evaluate coffee machines
We focus on machine type, ease of use, grinder integration, milk-texturing capability, maintenance, size and suitability for beginners or more hands-on espresso preparation.
Quick comparison
| Feature | Breville Barista Express | De'Longhi La Specialista Arte |
|---|---|---|
| Model | BES870CHR | EC9155.MB |
| Grinder | Integrated conical burr grinder | Integrated grinder |
| Milk system | Manual microfoam steam wand | Manual MyLatte Art steam wand |
| Water tank | 2 L | 1.7 L |
| Maintenance | Moderate | Moderate |
Breville Barista Express BES870CHR
The Breville combines a manual espresso workflow with an integrated conical burr grinder, manual microfoam steam wand and 54mm stainless steel portafilter.
| Water tank | 2 L |
|---|---|
| Bean hopper | 250 g |
| Dimensions | 40.5 × 33.4 × 31.6 cm |
| Milk system | Manual microfoam steam wand |
| Maintenance | Moderate |
Strengths
- Integrated conical burr grinder.
- Manual milk texturing.
- 54mm portafilter.
- PID temperature control.
Trade-offs
- More involvement than fully automatic machines.
- Milk texturing has a learning curve.
- Less grinder upgrade flexibility.
Read detailed Breville product research →
De'Longhi La Specialista Arte EC9155.MB
The De'Longhi combines an integrated grinder with manual espresso preparation and a MyLatte Art steam wand.
| Water tank | 1.7 L |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 285 × 365 × 400 mm |
| Weight | 9.76 kg |
| Milk system | Manual MyLatte Art steam wand |
| Warranty | 2 years |
Strengths
- Integrated grinder.
- Manual MyLatte Art steam wand.
- Grinding and espresso preparation in one appliance.
Trade-offs
- Manual espresso requires user involvement.
- Milk texturing has a learning curve.
- Revision-sensitive details should be checked before buying.
Read detailed De'Longhi product research →
De'Longhi La Specialista Arte
Product revisions, pricing and availability may change.
Check current price on AmazonWhat to look for when buying a coffee machine
Manual vs automatic operation
Manual machines generally offer more involvement in grinding, dosing, extraction and milk texturing. Automatic systems prioritise convenience.
Built-in grinder
An integrated grinder reduces separate equipment, but may offer less upgrade flexibility than a standalone grinder.
Milk preparation
Buyers who regularly make flat whites, cappuccinos or lattes should consider how much manual control they want over milk texturing.
Maintenance
Espresso machines require cleaning, descaling and routine maintenance.
Bench space
Measure available space before buying, particularly for machines with an integrated grinder and larger reservoir.
Frequently asked questions
What type of coffee machine is best for home use?
There is no single type that suits everyone. The right choice depends on whether you prioritise convenience, control, milk drinks, speed or manual espresso preparation.
Is a built-in grinder worth it?
It can reduce separate equipment and save bench space. Some users prefer standalone grinders for greater upgrade flexibility.