Kiwi coffee drinkers love espresso — flat whites, long blacks, iced lattes. So naturally, the idea of having café-quality coffee at home sounds like a dream. But here’s the thing: owning an espresso machine isn’t for everyone.
Why you shouldn’t get one
Let’s start with the tough love. A home espresso setup can be awesome — but only if you’re ready for what comes with it.
- No time (or inclination) to learn: The biggest reason not to get a machine? If you’re not willing to learn. There are a lot of variables when you’re making espresso that can mean the difference between a good coffee or a bad one. If you don’t have the time or the interest, you won’t be getting café-quality coffee, no matter how fancy your machine is.
- They’re expensive: An “okay” machine and grinder will set you back a few hundred dollars. A setup that’s genuinely close to café quality? You’re looking at thousands. If you’re not all-in, that’s a big spend for something you might barely use.
- They’re high maintenance: Cleaning, backflushing, changing water filters, replacing parts, servicing — it’s a lot more than just pressing a button.
- Bench real estate: Espresso machines and grinders take up space. If your kitchen’s already tight, they can quickly become annoying clutter.
Why you should get one
Still nodding along? If this all sounds like your idea of a good time, here’s why a home espresso machine might be one of your best purchases yet.
- Good coffee at home: If espresso is your go-to and you’re happy to put in the work, you’ll be able to make café-level coffee at home. That means better weekday mornings, lazy weekends with no need to leave the house, and impressing guests with your DIY flat whites.
- Convenience: Some mornings, you just don’t want to go anywhere. Having a machine means great coffee in your slippers. No queues, no pants required.
- Potential savings: If you’re a daily café regular, your machine could pay itself off over time. It won’t be instant, but if you're consistent, it adds up.
- You’ll learn heaps: Owning a machine is the fastest way to understand coffee — what affects flavour, how to tweak your brew, and how to dial in exactly what you like.
- It’s fun: Dialling in your grind. Trying new beans. Perfecting your milk texture. It’s a hobby, a ritual, and a little creative outlet all in one.
So, should you?
If you’re all about espresso and up for the challenge, a home coffee machine can be one of the most rewarding tools in your kitchen.
But if you want something quick, easy, and low-effort? Stick with simpler brew methods like plunger, AeroPress, or stovetop — they’re cheaper, easier to clean, and still deliver a great cup.
