Cost-of-living pressures are pushing Australians to be their own barista more often, with nearly three-in-four (71%) saying they are making more coffee at home to cut costs, according to new research from Canstar.
The survey of over 680 recent coffee machine buyers found convenience was the top reason for their purchase (51%), while one in five (21%) bought a machine to save on cafe visits.
The findings come as the winners of Canstar's 2026 Most Satisfied Customers Awards for Coffee Machines are revealed, with De'Longhi taking top honours for beans and ground machines, and ALDI's Expressi winning for pod and capsule machines.
Majority say coffee machines pay for themselves within months
Canstar's data shows almost half (45%) bought their machine on sale, with an average spend of $578 on bean or ground machines, and $296 on machines that use pods. The data also found:
- Machine type: 42% own an automatic or semi-automatic machine, 39% capsule or pod, and 18% a manual machine.
- Paying for itself: 36% expect their machine to pay for itself within three months, and a further 26% within three to six months.
- Getting their money's worth: The vast majority regularly make coffee at home, with only 9% saying they use their machine less than expected.
Cafes still on the menu
Home brewing hasn't replaced the local cafe, however, with Canstar’s research showing 72% of coffee machine owners still like to buy coffee from a cafe. Of those that do, 40% said it is for social reasons, while 30% see it as an occasional treat, with the survey data showing:
- 18% visit at least once a day,
- 32% will go a few times a week,
- 24% visit once a week, and,
- 25% visit less than once a week.
(Note: Does not equal 100% due to rounding)
Top-rated machines revealed
When it comes to the top-rated machines to brew the best cup of coffee, Australia’s home baristas have shared their feedback, and been revealed, with the 2026 Most Satisfied Customers Awards for Coffee Machines revealed:
- The award for Beans and Ground Machines was won by De’Longhi, earning top ratings across all categories including reliability and durability, which was the strongest driver of satisfaction.
- For pods and capsule machines, ALDI’s Expressi took top spot, with Canstar’s analysis revealing consistency and coffee quality mattered most to customers.
Canstar’s consumer expert, Eden Radford, says, “With everyday costs continuing to climb, Aussies are looking for practical ways to stretch their household budgets without giving up their daily rituals.”
“Investing in a home coffee machine could work out as a financial win, with more than three-fifths of buyers expecting the machine to pay for itself in six months or less.
“It's also encouraging to see so many buyers doing their research and purchasing their chosen machine on sale. Waiting it out can mean a better machine for less, and that saving adds to how quickly it pays for itself.
“While there are some kitchen appliances that can be guilty of gathering dust, coffee machines are certainly earning their bench space, with only nine per cent of owners telling us they use theirs less than they expected.
“This data also shows that while coffee machines might be firing up at home, they aren’t slowing down at the cafes either. Most machine owners will buy coffee from a cafe, and it's often about catching up with friends or treating themselves.
“Congratulations to De'Longhi and ALDI's Expressi for winning Canstar’s Most Satisfied Customers Awards for coffee machines. Our analysis shows reliability and consistency are what coffee makers value most, with both brands earning high ratings in all categories in our survey, demonstrating they deliver on the satisfaction that customers value most."
