At Cirelli Coffee, we’ve been helping Australians discover exceptional coffee since 2011. Our Italian heritage and years of experience have taught us that great coffee starts with the right equipment. Whether you’re taking your first steps into home espresso or looking for the perfect home coffee machine, this guide will help you make the perfect choice.
Understanding the Three Categories of Home Coffee Machines
Choosing the right espresso machine is about understanding your coffee goals. Whether it’s simplicity, precision, or full control you’re after.
- Entry-Level Machines ($400-$1,500)
2. Prosumer Machines ($1,500-$4,000)
3. High-End Machines ($4,000+)
Must-Have Features (All Categories):
- 58mm portafilter (commercial standard)
- PID temperature control
- Adequate water reservoir (1.5L minimum)
Prosumer & High-End Features:
- Dual boiler or heat exchanger
- Pre-infusion capability
- Rotary pump (quieter operation)
- E61 or saturated group head
- Pressure profiling (advanced models)
This breakdown helps you understand exactly what you’re getting at each price point and which features matter most for your coffee goals!
Entry-Level Machines ($400-$1,500)
Perfect for coffee newcomers and busy households
Our Top Recommendations:
Breville Bambino Plus – The standout choice for most home coffee lovers. Despite its compact size and affordable price point around $450-500, this machine punches well above its weight with PID temperature control – a feature typically found on much more expensive machines. The only weakness is the plastic portafilter, but this can easily be upgraded to a commercial-grade 58mm version.
Key Features:
- PID temperature control (rare at this price point)
- 3-second heat-up time
- Compact design
- 58mm portafilter (plastic, but upgradeable)
- Automatic milk texturing
- Low-pressure pre-infusion
- Hot water spout
Lelit Anna PL41TEM ($800-900) – The perfect entry point into the Lelit ecosystem. While basic, it features the crucial 58mm commercial portafilter that lets you learn proper espresso technique from day one. Think of it as your espresso training wheels – solid, reliable, and upgradeable.
Key Features:
- Single boiler with thermostat control
- 58mm portafilter (commercial standard)
- Compact design
- Manual operation
- Hot water spout
- Basic steam wand
Breville Barista Pro – For those wanting an all-in-one solution under $1,000, this machine combines a quality grinder with consistent espresso brewing. The built-in grinder eliminates the need for a separate purchase, making it excellent value for beginners.
Key Features
- Built-in conical burr grinder
- Digital display with grind size/dose control
- PID temperature control
- 58mm portafilter
- 3-second heat-up
- Steam wand with auto-purge
- Hot water outlet
Lelit Victoria – At around $1,099, this represents the entry point into serious espresso making with proper 58mm portafilter, PID control, and excellent build quality that will last for years.
Key Features
- Single boiler with PID control
- 58mm commercial-grade portafilter
- E61-style group head
- Solenoid valve for dry puck
- Hot water spout
- Compact footprint
- Manual steam wand
Breville Barista Touch Impress – If your budget stretches to $1,400-1,500, this represents the pinnacle of user-friendly espresso making with smart dosing and tamping assistance.
Key Features
- Integrated conical burr grinder
- Touchscreen interface
- Automatic dosing and tamping
- PID temperature control
- Automatic milk texturing
- Pre-programmed café drinks
- 58mm portafilter
Prosumer Machines ($1,500-$4,000)
The sweet spot for serious home baristas
This category offers the perfect balance of performance, features, and value – where most serious coffee enthusiasts find their forever machine.
Lelit Elizabeth V3 ($1,799) – The gateway to dual boiler excellence. This machine offers simultaneous brewing and steaming without complexity, making it perfect for busy mornings when you need multiple drinks quickly. Excellent value for true dual boiler performance.
Key Features:
- Dual boiler system
- PID control for both boilers
- Pre-infusion capability
- E61-style group head
- 58mm portafilter
- Rotary pump
- Hot water spout
Lelit Bianca V3 – Our absolute top pick in this category. Recently reduced to around $3,000, this machine delivers everything you’d expect from machines costing twice as much. With flow profiling capabilities, dual boilers, premium accessories included, and now backed by excellent service support through Breville’s acquisition.
Key Features
- Dual boiler system with individual PID control
- Flow profiling paddle for pressure control
- Pre-infusion capability
- E61 group head
- Rotary pump
- Premium accessories included
- 58mm portafilter
- Hot water spout
- Pressure gauge
- Manual steam wand
Lelit Mara X V2 – Around $1,800-2,000, this heat exchanger design offers three brewing temperatures with automatic pre-infusion, perfect for those wanting prosumer features without dual boiler complexity.
Key Features
- Heat exchanger design
- Three selectable brewing temperatures
- Automatic pre-infusion
- E61 group head
- PID temperature control
- 58mm portafilter
- Hot water spout
- Compact design
Sanremo CUBE – At $3,500-4,000, this brings true commercial café technology to your home. With commercial-grade dual boilers and advanced temperature control, it’s built like the machines we use in professional cafés.
Key Features
- Commercial-grade dual boiler system
- Advanced temperature control
- Pressure profiling capabilities
- Commercial build quality
- 58mm portafilter
- Rotary pump
- Professional steam wand
- Hot water spout
Rocket Appartamento ($2,050-2,250) – The perfect entry into the iconic Rocket aesthetic. This compact heat exchanger machine features the legendary E61 group head and is available in multiple stunning finishes including copper, black, and white.
Key Features:
- Heat exchanger system with E61 group head
- 58mm commercial portafilter
- Rotary pump for quiet operation
- Multiple finish options (copper, black, white)
- Compact design ideal for home use
- Italian craftsmanship and iconic styling
- Hot water spout
Rocket Mozzafiato Cronometro Type R ($3,100-3,250) – The premium choice with rotary pump for whisper-quiet operation and refined aesthetics that make it a true kitchen centerpiece.
Key Features:
- Heat exchanger with PID temperature control
- Digital shot timer
- Rotary pump (whisper-quiet operation)
- Premium refined aesthetics
- E61 group head
- Dual pressure gauges
- 58mm portafilter
- Enhanced build quality
Bezzera BZ10 ($2,200-2,600) – Traditional Italian craftsmanship with E61 group head, heat exchanger system, and PID control. Perfect for those who appreciate classic espresso heritage.
Key Features:
- E61 group head technology
- Heat exchanger system with PID control
- Traditional Italian design and craftsmanship
- 58mm commercial portafilter
- Rotary pump option available
- Hot water spout
- Classic espresso heritage styling
Bezzera Matrix ($2,800-3,200) – Steps up to dual boiler system while maintaining the traditional Italian aesthetic and professional-grade components throughout.
Key Features:
- Dual boiler system (major upgrade from heat exchanger)
- Advanced temperature control for both boilers
- E61 group head technology
- Professional-grade components throughout
- 58mm portafilter
- Traditional Italian aesthetic
- Enhanced performance capabilities
High-End Machines ($4,000+)
For the ultimate coffee experience
La Marzocco GS3 – The gold standard of home espresso machines, bringing commercial café technology to your kitchen. With saturated group head technology and uncompromising build quality, it’s built to last decades.
Key Features
- Saturated group head technology
- Paddle-activated pre-infusion
- Dual boiler system
- Individual PID control
- 58mm portafilter
- Rotary pump
- Commercial-grade components
- Hot water spout
La Marzocco Linea Mini – The home version of the legendary commercial Linea PB, offering dual boiler system with individual temperature control and proven commercial reliability.
Key Features
- Commercial Linea PB technology
- Dual boiler system
- Saturated group head
- Individual temperature control
- 58mm portafilter
- Rotary pump
- Commercial reliability
- Hot water spout
La Marzocco Linea Micra – The compact La Marzocco bringing commercial DNA to smaller kitchens with app connectivity and dual boiler performance.
Key Features
- Dual boiler system
- App connectivity
- Compact commercial design
- 58mm portafilter
- PID temperature control
- Rotary pump
- Hot water spout
- Modern interface
Sanremo YOU – Professional-grade pressure profiling capabilities with commercial components throughout. This machine blurs the line between home and commercial equipment.
Key Features
- Advanced pressure profiling
- Commercial-grade components
- Dual boiler system
- Professional temperature control
- 58mm portafilter
- Rotary pump
- Commercial steam wand
- Professional build quality
Detailed Machine Comparison Charts
Entry-Level Comparison Chart
| Machine | Price | Key Features | Best For | Downsides |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Breville Bambino Plus | $450-500 | PID control, 3-second heat-up, compact | First-time buyers, small kitchens | Plastic portafilter, small water tank |
| Lelit Victoria | $1,099 | 58mm portafilter, PID, E61-style group | Learning proper technique | Single boiler, no pre-infusion |
| Breville Barista Pro | $800 | Built-in grinder, all-in-one | Convenience seekers | Grinder quality adequate, plastic components |
| Breville Barista Touch Impress | $1,400-1,500 | Smart dosing/tamping, touchscreen | Maximum convenience | Over-automation, complex electronics |
Prosumer Comparison Chart
| Machine | Price | Boiler System | Key Features | Why Choose This | Downsides |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lelit Bianca V3 | $3,000 | Dual Boiler | Flow profiling, premium accessories | Ultimate control & value | Complexity, learning curve |
| Lelit Elizabeth V3 | $1,799 | Dual Boiler | Simultaneous brew/steam | Best dual boiler value | No flow profiling, basic accessories |
| Lelit Mara X V2 | $1,800-2,000 | Heat Exchanger | 3 brew temperatures | Simplicity with performance | Temperature fluctuation, cooling flush needed |
| Sanremo CUBE | $3,500-4,000 | Commercial Dual | Commercial-grade components | True café performance | High maintenance costs, overkill for home |
| Rocket Appartamento | $2,050-2,250 | Heat Exchanger | E61 group, multiple finishes | Iconic design, compact | Heat exchanger limitations, no PID |
| Rocket Giotto Cronometro V | $2,350-2,500 | HX + PID | Shot timer, pressure gauges | Precision with style | Vibrational pump, E61 maintenance |
| Rocket Mozzafiato Cronometro R | $3,100-3,250 | HX + PID | Rotary pump, premium aesthetics | Quiet operation, refined design | Price premium for aesthetics |
| Bezzera BZ10 | $2,200-2,600 | HX + PID | E61 group, Italian heritage | Traditional espresso lovers | E61 maintenance, limited local support |
| Bezzera Matrix | $2,800-3,200 | Dual Boiler | Advanced control, professional grade | Performance seekers | Traditional design limitations |
High-End Comparison Chart
| Machine | Price | Unique Technology | Best Feature | Investment Level | Downsides |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| La Marzocco GS3 | $7,500-9,000 | Saturated group head | Paddle pre-infusion | Lifetime investment | Extremely high costs (purchase + maintenance) |
| La Marzocco Linea Mini | $5,000-6,000 | Commercial Linea PB tech | Proven reliability | Professional grade | High maintenance costs, complex systems |
| La Marzocco Linea Micra | $4,000-5,000 | App connectivity | Compact commercial design | Modern convenience | App dependency, new model risks |
| Sanremo YOU | $4,000+ | Pressure profiling | Commercial components | Advanced control | Professional maintenance required |
Quick Reference: Best Value by Category
| Category | Best Overall | Best Value | Best Features | Best Design |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level | Breville Bambino Plus | Breville Bambino Plus | Breville Barista Touch Impress | Lelit Victoria |
| Prosumer | Lelit Bianca V3 | Lelit Elizabeth V3 | Lelit Bianca V3 | Rocket Mozzafiato Cronometro R |
| High-End | La Marzocco GS3 | La Marzocco Linea Micra | Sanremo YOU | La Marzocco GS3 |
Deep Dive: Our Top 3 Recommendations
1. Lelit Bianca V3 – The Ultimate Prosumer Choice
Why We Love It:
- Flow Profiling: Control water pressure throughout extraction for perfect shots
- Dual PID Control: Separate temperature control for brew and steam boilers
- Premium Accessories: Includes everything you need (other brands charge extra)
- Service Support: Now backed by Breville’s Australian service network
- Value: Does everything machines costing $6,000+ can do
Perfect For: Serious coffee enthusiasts who want ultimate control without breaking the bank
What You’ll Get: The ability to recreate any café-style shot at home, with room to experiment and grow your skills for years.
2. Breville Bambino Plus – The Smart Entry Choice
Why It’s Special:
- PID Temperature Control: Consistent brewing temperature (rare at this price)
- 3-Second Heat-Up: Ready to brew almost instantly
- Compact Design: Perfect for Australian kitchen counters
- Upgrade Path: Easy to upgrade portafilter and grow with your skills
Perfect For: First-time espresso makers who want quality without complexity
Pro Tip: Invest the money you save into a quality grinder – it’ll make a bigger difference than upgrading the machine.
3. Sanremo CUBE – The Commercial Alternative
Why Choose Commercial:
- True Café Performance: Same technology we use in commercial settings
- Temperature Stability: Commercial-grade heating systems
- Durability: Built to handle hundreds of shots daily
- Future-Proof: Won’t outgrow this machine
Perfect For: Those who want the absolute best home performance and don’t mind the investment
Consider This: Higher maintenance costs but uncompromising performance
Why Buy Your Machine Through Cirelli Coffee
- Expert Consultation: We’ll match you with the perfect machine for your needs and budget
- Setup & Training: We’ll set up your machine and teach you proper technique
- Ongoing Support: Technical support and maintenance guidance
- Fresh Coffee: The perfect beans to showcase your new machine
- Local Service: We work with local technicians for ongoing maintenance
Making Your Decision: The Cirelli Coffee Process
Step 1: Assess Your Needs
- 1. What’s your realistic budget including grinder and accessories? Don’t forget to budget for a quality tamper, milk jug, cleaning supplies, and ongoing maintenance.
- 2. How much counter space do you have? Measure your space carefully – some machines are surprisingly large when you factor in clearance for the portafilter and water reservoir access.
- 3. How many drinks will you make daily? Single shots occasionally? Multiple milk drinks for the family? Your usage pattern should drive your choice.
- 4. What’s your maintenance comfort level? Higher-end machines often require more involved maintenance but reward you with better performance and longevity.
Step 2: Visit Our Showroom
Experience machines at our roastery (568-572 Port Road, Allenby Gardens).
Step 3: Training & Setup
We’ll ensure you get the most from your investment with proper setup and training.
The Bottom Line
The best machine is the one that matches your commitment level and gets used daily. A well-maintained entry-level machine that you use and enjoy will serve you better than a high-end machine that intimidates you.
At Cirelli Coffee, we’re not just selling equipment – we’re supporting your entire coffee journey from bean to cup.
Ready to find your perfect coffee machine? Contact us at enquiries@cirellicoffee.com.au or call 0468368513 to book your consultation and machine demonstration.