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Captainandco’s Guide to the Best Coffee Machines for Home (2025 Edition)


At Captainandco, we know specialty coffee isn’t just a café thing - it’s a lifestyle. Whether you’ve enjoyed our cutest coffee cart at Sydney events or grabbed an iced coffee in a clear can at Melbourne events, you know we don’t compromise on quality.


When it comes to brewing at home, we believe you deserve café-grade coffee - without the shortcuts. That’s why we’ve created this no-nonsense guide to the best coffee machines for home use, listing the best of the best from La Marzocco and beyond, with costs in AUD, pros and cons, and insider insights from our baristas who live and breathe coffee carts, drinks carts, and everything in between.





1.

La Marzocco Linea Micra - Our Top Pick for Home Baristas




Cost: Approx. $6,500 AUD



Compact, elegant, and engineered to deliver café-level espresso on your kitchen bench, the Linea Micra is La Marzocco’s answer to the premium home user. You’ll find the same pedigree we put on our coffee carts at Sydney and Melbourne events, in a footprint that fits most homes.



Pros:



  • Dual boiler system allows simultaneous brewing and steaming.

  • PID temperature control for consistency.

  • Iconic La Marzocco design and heritage.

  • High build quality ensures longevity.




Cons:



  • Premium price point.

  • Limited to manual controls -no automatic shot programming.






2.

La Marzocco GS3 MP/AV - Best Overall Machine




Cost: Approx. $11,500 AUD



If you want the ultimate home machine -the GS3 is the one. Used by some boutique coffee cart operators in Melbourne and Sydney, this machine bridges the gap between home and commercial use. Choose between Manual Paddle (MP) or Auto Volumetric (AV) models, depending on how hands-on you want to be.



Pros:



  • Industry-leading temperature and pressure stability.

  • Dual boiler with PID and pre-infusion options.

  • Built like a tank - designed for heavy use.

  • Gorgeous Italian craftsmanship.




Cons:



  • Price - definitely a luxury investment.

  • Larger footprint, so make sure you have the bench space.






3.

Lelit Bianca V3 - Best Value Dual Boiler with PID and 21g Basket




Cost: Approx. $4,500 AUD



This is where value meets performance. The Lelit Bianca V3 is our pick for home baristas who want a dual boiler with PID and a true 21g basket, without crossing into GS3 territory. Its pressure profiling paddle system lets you finesse every shot to perfection.



Pros:



  • Dual boiler and PID ensure shot and steam temp stability.

  • Pressure profiling paddle for pro-level shot control.

  • E61 grouphead for café-style workflow.

  • 21g basket standard.




Cons:



  • Longer warm-up times compared to saturated grouphead machines.

  • Still a hefty investment, but worth every cent.






4.

Profitec Pro 700 - German Precision for Espresso Purists




Cost: Approx. $4,200 AUD



Built like a German sports car, the Profitec Pro 700 is a fan-favourite among specialty coffee enthusiasts. Known for its reliable dual boiler system and PID, it’s a serious competitor for those who like their espresso punchy, clean, and consistent, just like what we deliver from our best coffee carts at Sydney and Melbourne events.



Pros:



  • Solid, no-fuss engineering.

  • Dual boiler and PID as standard.

  • Easy to service and maintain.

  • E61 grouphead ensures traditional espresso rituals.




Cons:



  • No pressure profiling.

  • Slightly more clinical design compared to Italian counterparts.






5.

ECM Synchronika - Sleek Looks Meets Commercial-Grade Performance




Cost: Approx. $5,000 AUD



The ECM Synchronika is another premium German-made machine that punches above its weight. Featuring a dual boiler, PID, and an ultra-refined finish, it’s perfect for those who want a statement piece in their kitchen as much as they want café-quality coffee.



Pros:



  • Dual boiler with PID.

  • Exceptional fit and finish.

  • Whisper-quiet rotary pump.

  • Plumbable for direct water connection.




Cons:



  • No pressure profiling out of the box.

  • Price starts to approach Lelit Bianca levels.






6.

Breville Dual Boiler BES920 — Best Entry to Dual Boiler System




Cost: Approx. $1,800 AUD



For those wanting to enter the dual boiler club without breaking the bank, the Breville BES920 offers PID, dual boilers, and solid performance. It’s a favorite among home enthusiasts in Sydney and Melbourne looking to replicate café-style drinks at home - especially iced coffees in a clear can or flat whites like we serve on our drinks carts.



Pros:



  • Incredible value for a dual boiler.

  • PID temperature control.

  • Compact and approachable.

  • Easy to find parts and service.




Cons:



  • Build quality and longevity lower than the European heavyweights.

  • Plastic-heavy finish lacks premium feel.






Final Thoughts from Captainandco



At Captainandco, we’ve seen firsthand that investing in the right machine pays off - whether for your home or your next coffee cart hire for Sydney events.


Avoid the temptation to skimp on a single boiler machine with guesswork steam pressure. A dual boiler with PID and a proper 21g basket is non-negotiable if you want café-level results, just like the coffee you’ve tasted from our best coffee carts at Melbourne events and Sydney’s bustling streets.


From La Marzocco’s GS3 to the budget-friendly Breville BES920, your coffee ritual deserves the best tools available.


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