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- 2 reviews
Great until it's not.
I bought the mini barista about 9 months ago from Good guys. It has only been used once or twice per week since then and has been well looked after. Unfortunately I've had the same thing happen as a lot of other people. Water has started leaking from the wand so you can't make a decent brew. I won't buy another one or even get a replacement under warranty. I'll go to another brand.
Purchased in June 2021 at The Good Guys for $249.00.
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land fill awiting
the machine does make a nice coffee but like a lot of users 13 months later it is cactus it just pumps the water into the drip tray no coffee
Purchased in December 2021 at JB Hifi Home for $249.00.
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Just had our second machine in 12 months break down
When we first bought this machine we were thrilled. It was in almost every way just like a mini version of the machines used in cafes. Both hubby and I have been baristas, so know how a great machine should function, and we also take impeccable care of our machines. And this one was fabulous. From having had Sunbeams in the past we knew you needed a very fine grind for the perfect cup of coffee. We were making 2-3 coffees a day. After close to 6 months the machine suddenly started leaking water from the steam wand when trying to extract the esp...Read more
resso, which led to a very weak brew. And when using the steam wand, water would also leak from the espresso outlet. Sunbeam replaced the machine straight away, which was much appreciated. But now just 6 months after that, the new machine began doing the same a few days ago. This time no replacement machine, but we have to wait without any machine while they repair it. From past experience with the original Cafe Series machine we bought when first released back in 2007, it had a faulty pump, it can take months for the repairs to be competed. This is not good enough, I would expect a temporary machine or $$ to hire one till the repaired machine is returned. Poor service Sunbeam.Purchased in February 2021 at Harvey Norman for $279.00.
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shastaNew South Wales
- 4 reviews
- Verified purchase
Good product at an affordable price
Overall it feels well made, easy to refill water and easy to clean and it is nice looking. Warm up time is around 1 minute. With coffee ground correctly I can produce a coffee as good as any coffee shop in my area. What I like is the group handle is the same size as a commercial machine, 58mm. And its metal so it holds the heat. Also the group head is high enough to fit a mug underneath. Steam wand takes about 30 seconds to get going, it does the job nicely. So far I'm very happy with this purchase, bought while on special at Target for...Read more
$200.00. The only complaint is that to put the group handle in and take out requires you to hold on to the whole machine, as it is so light. However because it makes such a nice coffee and was a good price, that is acceptable to me.Purchased in November 2021 at Target Australia for $200.00.
1 comment
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StephanieSydney
- 13 reviews
You get what you pay for
I initially loved this machine. I used it daily making one to two coffees and I was impressed with the ease of use and the fabulous results. However, like other reviewers here mine has started making the grinding noise as soon as you turn it on at the socket. It also leaks water into the drip tray. I tried to descale it (I have descaled the machine previously) but it’s of no use as water not only goes through the steam wand but also leaks into the drip tray meaning I have been unable to finish the descaling cycle. Unfortunately for me I can’t find the receipt but the machine would only be about 18 months old. I think I paid about $215 from Myer. Another piece of junk heading for landfill.
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NellSouth East Queensland, QLD
- Verified purchase
Made nice coffee, then broke down
Made nice coffee for two weeks, then started spewing water all over the kitchen and broke down. Had used the machine perfectly with great care, machine is seriously faulty. Taking it back to the store now.
Purchased in December 2021 at Harvey Norman for $199.00.
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Mini barista1Goulburn Valley, VIC
So disappointed!
I am so disappointed that after 18 months of minimal use, 2 coffees per day, and not used at all for four months, that water is now leaking from beneath the machine. I live 300ks from a service centre, and it is not worth my time and petrol to take it there to be told it will then cost me more for repairs. Is it too hard to make a quality product? I must add that I had my LAST mini barista for three years before it gave up. I was told by sunbeam they should last five years. This seems to be a common problem with this machine. I am not buying another.
Purchased in June 2021.
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Great coffee - until it stopped working 18mths later!
I was so happy with this great little machine. It made beautiful coffee with a great crema and deliciously silky micro foam. My family said it was even better than the coffee at many cafes. Unfortunately 18 months later it started leaking water from underneath, lost the ability to froth milk and died a slow death.
Out of warranty and living in regional Victoria with no service centre - I am not prepared to spend a fortune on repairs. I am angry that this great machine has cheap parts designed to fail after a short period of time, resulting in the whole thing going in the bin. What a waste!
Purchased in June 2021 for $250.00.
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Leisa
- 2 reviews
Great machine - found why the water kept emptying out
This is a great little machine - reliable and makes a great coffee.
The machine's pump suddenly started emptying out the water. I remembered that there'd been an electrical surge during a storm and the machine's pump had made a strange noise.
I realise now the electrics of the machine were damaged.
This could have been prevented with a protective devise at the powerpoint (I do this with all my expensive electrical items). I've heard even a double adapter will prevent damage during a surge.
I will definitely be putting in place this protection with the next machine.
Purchased in December 2021 at The Good Guys for $220.00.
1 comment
Customer CareSunbeam
Thank you for your informative feedback Leisa.
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DavoNew South Wales
Awesome little machine
Makes a great shot, easy to use, full size group head which you can set to single or double shot. Only minor comment is the stainless milk heating jug supplied is only big enough to heat one serve at a time, but you could easily buy another, bigger, jug.
Purchased in June 2021 at Myer for $250.00.
1 comment
Customer CareSunbeam
Thank you for the lovely review and I'll be sure to pass on your feedback.
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RedlandsBirkdale
- 3 reviews
Stopped Working After 18 Months
This machine produced consistently decent coffee for 18 months but then stopped working. Had another brand machine previously which lasted 10 years. Will return to that brand for our new espresso machine
Purchased in June 2021 at Harvey Norman for $250.00.
1 comment
Customer CareSunbeam
Hello Redlands,
So sorry to hear about your coffee troubles.
The problem might be a simple repair, here is a directory of our agents if you wanted to inquiry: https://www.sunbeam.com.au/en/Service-Agent-Locator/
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BassaMetropolitan Adelaide, SA
- 7 reviews
The Sunbeam coffee machine that punches well above its weight
The Sunbeam Mini Barista EM4300 is an amazing machine. I paid $238 for mine, and from my research, delivers a coffee at least equal to others costing significantly more. It is a semi-automatic machine containing a PID for spot-on temperature control (sort of like a cruise control on a car, but always spot-on). As a result, coffee temperature is very consistent.
The machine is very easy to use and comes with a Quick Coffee Making Guide to ensure good procedure once the manual has been read. The dial, with its alert lights, indicates when to do ...Read more
a shot and when to steam milk. The dial also allows delivery of a pre-set shot for 1 or 2 cups. NOTE: a grinder is best to get that perfect shot. Store bought pre-ground coffee is generally too coarse. Some cafes will assist in finding your right grind if you buy beans from them. Sunbeam indicate on their guide where to fill the coffee basket to. This helps not only ensuring a consistent cup of coffee but also in determining a good grind setting. Included is a reasonably solid plastic tamper which fits the basket very neatly. Consistent and even tamping also help get that perfect cup. Sunbeam says to insert the group handle to the centre position. This can take a bit of effort, also to release it after the shot. The reason for this seems to be the light weight of the machine. That said, I've learnt to deal with it. Emptying the basket seems to need several attempts at hitting against the bin. I'm not sure what the handle will take but I do half a dozen tempered knocks to achieve an empty basket. I like strong coffee and so do a 2-cup setting into 1 cup. I have noticed the group handle delivers unevenly. If delivery was into 2 cups, the cups would receive uneven shots.Purchased in November 2021 at Myer for $238.00.
2 comments
Customer CareSunbeam
Hello Bassa,
WOW what a wonderfully in-depth review! We're so happy to hear that you're loving your Sunbeam Mini Barista EM4300. By the sound of your knowledge and skills, it seems like you now have a little cafe right in your kitchen.
Thanks. We do love our coffee.
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Kate CSydney
- 5 reviews
Can't even get started - dreadful
We bought this machine recently and today tried to use it. After following all priming instructions, the group handle, after properly being inserted, will not turn around to the centre. Sunbeam website is appalling, telling me I don't know what I'm talking about, wrong product name and I hadn't put in CAPTA message when there wasn't one showing until the 4th attempt. When I finally got onto Sunbeam call centre after a long wait I spoke with a woman I couldn't understand and had to ask to her keep repeating what she said. She told me she coul...Read more
d not help me and to take the machine back to the store. It was bought from Myers on the internet and delivered. I cannot take this heavy item to the station, catch a train then walk to Myers. I'm sick of inferior products and inferior service. I would give this product no stars if I could. Can't even get started.Purchased in November 2021 at Myer Online Store.
1 comment
Customer CareSunbeam
Hello Kate C,
I'm sorry about the service you have received, we can only try and make it easier for you from here on. Myer do offer return with ParcelPoint, so you won't have to go back to the Myer s... Read more
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A and K AmorSouth East Queensland, QLD
- 2 reviews
Best value on the market
Still the best value espresso machine on the market.
I've had both the mini barista and the cafe crema from Sunbeam and both are outstanding.
I've just returned from 9 months in Italy and about to purchase another machine which will no doubt be a sunbeam. I gave the mini barista to my son before I left and he now won't part with it.
When you consider that a coffee in a cafe costs $5 these days, it doesn't take a lot of math to figure out the short pay back period of the cafe crema or the mini barista.
Purchased in February 2021 at K Mart for $200.00.
1 comment
Customer C.Sunbeam
Hi A and K Amor,
Love the review, thank you!
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- Verified purchase
A fantastic Coffee machine for its price but get a good extended warranty
We upgraded our coffee machine from our old Sunbeam unit to the Mini Barista 30 April 2018. 3 weeks later, (22 May) there was a fault. No power to the unit when switched on. The supplier immediately replaced the unit. Since then the Mini Barista has been fantastic, working perfectly, I must say better than machines 5 times the price. The quality, consistency and temperature of the coffer produced by the machine can't be faulted. We make up to a dozen cups of coffer each day. And then yesterday it failed. Tragedy! The pump turned on when...Read more
the machine was off (but plugged in at the wall), and started leaking water. Very frustrating given the warranty ran out five months ago. This appears to be the same fault as Kate's post on this site 11 days ago. (See below). So we are going to see what it costs to repair. We are now seriously thinking about buying a new unit and paying extra for an extended warranty (up to 3 years). You have to admit you get a great coffee machine for bargain basement price. Perhaps realistically, at this price, you may have to accept reliability issues. So .... "Dear Sunbeam, Would you consider improving the reliability and quality and offering a 3 year warranty for an $100 increase in price". I would be a buyer.Purchased in April 2021 at The Good Guys for $229.00.
1 comment
Customer C.Sunbeam
Hi Laurence,
I will forward the feedback...
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JMDPerth, WA
- 3 reviews
Love it, not as sturdy as the previous model though.
I've had the previous model to this one for about 6 years before getting this one when my last one died. This one is a little more flimsy + light feeling that the old one but overall still a great machine. Consistently good quality coffee. You can choose 1 or 2 shots. Temperature is great. Perfect home machine - one of us drinks a double espresso and the other a coffee with milk, we use it daily and haven't had any problems. With the previous model I found that the seal would start to leak after a few years, will have to wait and see what happens with this one, I've only had it for a year.
Purchased in August 2021 at The Good Guys for $200.00.
1 comment
Customer C.Sunbeam
Hi JMD,
Thanks for reviewing for us...
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SarahGreater Melbourne (Metropolitan), VIC
- 2 reviews
Great machine!
Purchased this machine for $240 and it is excellent, nothing bad to say. Coffee crema is cafe worthy, if not better than many and the milk frothing wand works perfectly. We use the machine daily and it's easy to use and clean.
Purchased in August 2021.
1 comment
Customer C.Sunbeam
Hi Sarah,
Thank you. We believe it is a great machine as well!!
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Steph BMelbourne
- 3 reviews
- 1 like
So far so great
Had been having plunger coffee for approx 6 m before taking the leap and buying the Mini Barista. Can say, the quality of the coffee is fantastic. Easy to use and clean. No complaints whatsoever
Purchased in October 2021 at The Good Guys Narre Warren for $220.00.
1 comment
Customer C.Sunbeam
Hi Steph B,
Thank you for your great review!!
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KateGreater Melbourne (Metropolitan), VIC
Great until it stopped working!
A great machine until it stopped working for some unknown reason few days ago. The pump turned on when the machine was off (but plugged in at the wall), and started leaking water. Now it doesn’t work at all. Very disappointing given the warranty ran out a few months ago.
Purchased in April 2021 for $220.00.
1 comment
Customer C.Sunbeam
Hi Kate,
Please call our team on 1300 881 861 to see if we can assist with this.
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Brian.South East Queensland, QLD
Decent machine
Product overall is top notch for its price, I would say its espresso shots are better than some automatics costing 5 times more. However, there are some problems which may or may not apply to everyone.
The group head spouts are too far apart. I take my espresso as a shot, with a small cup whose diameter is about the same as distance between the spouts. Do we see a problem :) Its not too bad, it spills over the sides if I don't centre it properly.
The biggest issue would be the water container, the plastic used is terrible. It imparts a plasticky taste if water is left in it overnight. I have soaked and rinsed it in hot water a few times but its still there. Resorted to emptying out the container every morning to pour fresh water in.
1 comment
Customer C.Sunbeam
Hi Brian,
Thank you for the wonderful review!
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Questions & Answers
Becsasked
The steam light seems to flash, even when not using steam wand.
When trying to pour coffee shot, steam light starts flashing and machine stops. Only way to stop it from flashing is to turn off and try again.
At times when I turn the machine on, steam light flashes straight away and no other function works on machine.
No answers
Kateasked
Hi I'm having the same issue as Brad and Penny, my Sunbeam Mini Barista leaks out of the steam wand instead of through the coffee filter. The machine is only 13-14 months old. We've done our best to troubleshoot ourselves. Hoping there is a solution.
No answers
Pennyasked
I came to this site to see if there was anything l could do that l hadn't already.
Just like the customer here Brad, my machine has suddenly started squirting water out of the steam wand when lm trying to make a coffee. The coffee is just dripping and nothing much else is happening.
I have cleaned and tried everything suggested In the manual.
Just a little disappointed as l only purchased this little over a year ago.
Is there anything you can help me with?
Penny
[email removed]
No answers
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Customer CareSunbeam
Hello shasta,
Thank you for your GREAT Review. Happy to hear you're loving your Mini Barista.