Why you possibly can belief TechRadar
We spend hours testing each services or products we evaluation, so that you will be certain you’re shopping for the perfect. Discover out extra about how we check.
Sunbeam Origins Traditional Espresso Machine: Two-minute evaluation
The Sunbeam Origins Traditional Espresso Machine proves that not all good guide espresso machines carry a premium price ticket. The truth is, the mix of its affordability and its ease of use ought to enchantment to inexperienced persons or anybody seeking to improve their residence espresso sport at an reasonably priced worth. It appears the half, is intuitive to make use of – with loads of help given via the type of video tutorials and manuals – and produces espresso that’s filled with flavour.
For milk-based espresso drinks, a steam wand can be readily available and it delivers loads of stress to froth and steam milk with ease and (optionally) become familiar perfecting latte artwork. I used to be significantly impressed with the very fact it labored properly with plant-based milks, even ones with out an specific ‘barista’ label.
The Origins Traditional comes equipped with the important instruments you could flip your private home into your personal espresso bar, together with single- and double-shot single-wall 58mm filter baskets, a portafilter, a tamper, a stainless-steel milk jug and some cleansing equipment.
Whereas it’s nice you get a lot within the field, the equipment aren’t of a very prime quality, at the very least when in comparison with costlier machines I’ve used such because the Breville Oracle Jet (we’ve examined the UK model within the Sage Oracle Jet), this may be considerably forgiven as this Sunbeam is much more reasonably priced and might typically be discovered at a major low cost.
Throughout my testing, nonetheless, I discovered that utilizing the machine wasn’t as clean crusing as I’d hoped. Sunbeam claims the machine advantages from anti-static know-how to stop espresso from spilling onto the benchtop when beans are being floor and dosed into the portafilter. This was sadly not true in my expertise.
I selected to grind a double shot of espresso all through the vast majority of my testing and it appeared as if the default preset quantity deposited was an excessive amount of for the big basket (regardless of Sunbeam claiming the “good” quantity is floor every time) and far of the yield discovered its strategy to the kitchen counter. In actuality, what I used to be seemingly experiencing is what’s generally known as fluffy grinds, which is not strictly a fault of the machine however will be attributable to different elements comparable to the kind of beans and their age. Nevertheless, I skilled related signs with two various kinds of espresso bean, so whereas it won’t be totally responsible, the grinder is actually a contributing issue.
Luckily, you possibly can override the default system settings to set your most popular grind quantity to get round this downside, and I discovered that not solely did it enhance the mess in my kitchen, however I used to be nonetheless left with a double shot that was virtually good and extracted within the superb period of time.
In terms of steaming milk, I found you will have to undergo a trial and error course of to find out how lengthy to steam for. I used the equipped jug till it was too scorching to the touch the principle physique, believing the milk would’ve been piping scorching at that time, however that was not the case. I finally realized to maintain the steamer going past this level, and the outcomes improved.
Within the grand scheme of issues, these are minor setbacks which have easy resolutions, and contemplating the value of the Sunbeam Origins Traditional, I wouldn’t name them deal breakers. The machine isn’t fairly good, and is unlikely to make our shortlist of the perfect espresso machines in Australia, however it is extremely good for the value and may please many wannabe baristas who’re on the lookout for a compact espresso machine that received’t make too large a dent of their pockets.
Sunbeam Origins Traditional Espresso Machine: Value and availability
- Launched in Could 2025
- Solely out there in Australia and New Zealand
- Record worth: AU$829 / NZ$899
Sunbeam is an Australian model and as such, the Origins Traditional Espresso Machine is barely out there within the ANZ area.
It launched in early Could 2025 with a listing worth of AU$829, however on the time of writing, it may already be discovered with some heavy reductions – most main Australian retailers have it listed for beneath AU$600. At launch, I noticed the record worth in New Zealand to be NZ$899 however, on the time of writing, it is shot as much as NZ$1,199 at some Kiwi retailers. I reached out to Sunbeam for a affirmation of the retail worth for New Zealanders, however I used to be directed to a reduced worth of NZ$799 at Harvey Norman as a substitute. With that in thoughts, consumers in NZ ought to rigorously evaluate costs from totally different retailers and positively not spend greater than NZ$899 on this machine.
Contemplating it gives the important capabilities to make a espresso – a built-in grinder, customisable shot extraction occasions and a steam wand – it’s very reasonably priced. Nevertheless, it does enter an area occupied by business heavyweights Breville and De’Longhi, each of which have equally specced and equally priced machines, such because the Breville the Barista Specific or De’Longhi La Specialista Arte.
Sunbeam Origins Traditional Espresso Machine: Specs
|
Identify |
Sunbeam Origins Traditional Espresso Machine (EMM5500BK) |
|
Kind |
Handbook |
|
Dimensions (W x H x D) |
10.9 x 15.7 x 11.9in / 27.8 x 39.9 x 30.1cm |
|
Weight |
17.4lbs / 7.9kg |
|
Water reservoir capability |
1.9qt / 1.8 litres |
|
Milk frother |
Sure (guide) |
|
Bars of stress |
15 |
Sunbeam Origins Traditional Espresso Machine: Design
- Good trying and compact
- Easy controls to study
- Grinder output will be messy
The Sunbeam Origins Traditional is a comparatively compact espresso machine, making it a good selection for individuals who have restricted area of their kitchen. The De’Longhi La Specialista Contact – our favorite compact espresso machine – is smaller nonetheless and is extra feature-packed, making it one other one to think about for smaller kitchens.
The Sunbeam machine can be fairly light-weight at 7.9kg (a lot lighter than the ten.8kg De’Longhi). Whereas that makes it straightforward to maneuver round if you wish to clear behind it (for instance), I did discover the dearth of ballast often prompted it to maneuver when inserting and locking the portafilter into place to extract a espresso.
The physique of the machine is predominantly completed in a black color, however it has a shine to it that I believe elevates it to a extra premium-like standing. This, mixed with chrome accents, make it look costlier than it’s, at the very least in my view – I used to be more than pleased to have it on show on my kitchen counter.
The machine is operated utilizing a number of buttons alongside the entrance, with a dial on the right-hand facet of the panel for allotting scorching water and steam. The buttons on the entrance are for energy, cleansing, guide shot (your most popular quantity of water as much as 200ml) and both single- or double-shot pours. You may customise the default water volumes for the 2 latter buttons if you want, with all steerage equipped within the (fairly frankly) extremely useful person guide.
The bean hopper on high of the machine twists to regulate the grind dimension, with 30 grind settings out there. Sunbeam has clearly labelled the hopper to point out you the impact turning both method – high quality or coarse – can have on shot extraction (slower pour or quicker pour), furthering the machine’s enchantment to coffee-machine newbies who could be intimidated by the vary of options.
Nevertheless, the bean hopper has a darkish, tinted look that hindered my capacity to obviously see the extent of beans inside – while you have a look at it immediately from the facet, it’s clearer, however it darkens when seen from a standard standing place trying down. Unbeknownst to me, this resulted within the beans operating out unexpectedly a number of occasions which, in flip, meant the grinder was trying to churn beans that weren’t there – a transparent audible distinction will be heard to let you understand.
The grinder is preset to dispense espresso for single and double-shot filter baskets, however you possibly can override these settings for those who want to dispense roughly espresso. I wanted to get the machine to grind barely much less for a double shot, as a result of it might make fairly fluffy grinds, which might commonly overflow from the portafilter and onto the drip tray beneath (after which onto my kitchen counter once I tried to brush away some extra into the bin), regardless of Sunbeam’s claims that anti-static know-how constructed into the funnel ought to stop it from occurring.
To set the grinder in movement, you could insert the portafilter and press down as soon as for a single, or twice for a double shot (you too can press and maintain it down for guide quantities). I discovered I wanted to be fairly forceful with the second press to make sure the machine registered that I wished a double shot. You may simply see what the machine thinks you need although, as both the only or double-shot buttons will mild up, relying on the motion. You get a second or two of buffering time earlier than the grinder begins, guaranteeing you’ve chosen the proper shot.
The 1.8L water tank slots into the again of the machine and is straightforward to take away due to an inner deal with. I discovered it a bit difficult to correctly clear because it’s fairly slim and, sadly, it’s not dishwasher secure.
The steam wand has a good vary of movement and includes a silicone sleeve to guard your fingers when it’s scorching. Sunbeam features a small pin cleaner (present in a tiny drawer behind the drip tray, together with a cleansing brush) to assist unclog the steam wand nozzle if the necessity arises. There’s just one stress degree for steam, nonetheless, and there’s no built-in thermometer. Sunbeam does provide one other machine, the Origins Sense, that features a thermometer and preset shut-off temperatures for varied kinds of milks (a evaluation of which can be at the moment within the works).
Sunbeam provides the Origins Traditional with a industrial dimension 58mm portafilter, and one and two-shot single-wall filter baskets. Some guide espresso machines additionally come equipped with double-wall filter baskets, which may theoretically assist to provide a well-extracted shot extra persistently, however given the quantity of assist in the person guide and helpful prompts on the machine itself, I can’t see many individuals having hassle attending to grips with simply the single-walled possibility.
You additionally get a generic stainless-steel milk pitcher which I discovered tended to soak up warmth fairly shortly, with out the milk inside heating as much as an equal degree. When you may in fact purchase a extra substantial milk pitcher individually, I believe one good jug needs to be equipped as normal.
A knock field would even have been a fantastic accent to be included, however Sunbeam does promote a bundle package of a knock field, tamping mat, milk thermometer and a extra premium tamper.
Sunbeam Origins Traditional Espresso Machine: Efficiency
- Constantly well-extracted espresso
- Comparatively quiet in use
- Milk steaming takes some studying
The Sunbeam Origins Traditional doesn’t take lengthy to grasp – a collection of labelled, detachable stickers do a fantastic job of guiding you each step of the best way – and, finally, produces a superb espresso with a stunning crema.
It additionally heats up comparatively shortly, taking round a minute, which I discovered acceptable – there’s nothing worse than a machine that takes an age to get to temperature while you’re in a rush within the morning.
The press-to-grind characteristic makes the method of grinding both a single or double shot’s value of espresso easy and intuitive, though as I discussed earlier on this evaluation, you’ll seemingly need to tinker round with the default preset quantities. This was my greatest gripe with the machine, as it might dispense fairly fluffy grinds, which might typically spill over both onto the drip tray beneath or my kitchen counter. It’s positively one of many messiest espresso machines I’ve examined. It’s a easy course of to override the dosing settings (you will want to learn the guide the primary time to study the process), though admittedly, I’d’ve most popular to haven’t wanted to intervene.
The Origins Traditional can be fairly quiet in use, with the grinding being the loudest a part of the coffee-making course of, registering round 80dB. When extracting, this drops to a a lot calmer 60dB. Though, I used to be standing proper subsequent to the machine once I took these readings utilizing the ‘decibel X’ app on my iPhone. It’s not as quiet because the KitchenAid KF6, for instance, which registers round 60dB when grinding and solely 44dB throughout extraction, however I’ve examined louder machines just like the De’Longhi Magnifica Evo Subsequent.
I used to be capable of obtain a well-timed double shot, sometimes taking between 20 to 30 seconds, via the vast majority of my testing interval, indicating the grind setting I used was persistently in the proper zone. Sunbeam recommends setting the grinder to fifteen earlier than you begin experimenting, which suited me simply high quality for everything of my testing. I did experiment with shifting it to a setting of 25 for coarser grinding and right down to 7 for finer, however as anticipated, in each situations it resulted in an beneath extracted and over extracted shot, respectively.
Whereas I wasn’t significantly enamoured with the included stainless-steel milk pitcher, the efficiency of the steam wand was good. You don’t get management over the stress, however it’s adequate for frothing milk, supplied you utilize the right method. I assumed I used to be already aware of find out how to greatest steam milk, having beforehand labored in a restaurant, however I discovered I needed to consult with the guide, which informed me to relaxation the wand on the jug’s spout and angle the jug to the left, so the wand is in a 3 o’clock place. Implausible recommendation! After I used this methodology, I used to be creating silky textured milk very quickly.
I used oat milk for my testing and a non-barista selection at that, the mix of which may typically make creating microfoam difficult. Contemplating I used to be capable of obtain good outcomes every time, I’ve little question it is going to carry out even higher with dairy milk.
Ought to I purchase the Sunbeam Origins Traditional Espresso Machine?
|
Attribute |
Notes |
Rating |
|---|---|---|
|
Worth |
An reasonably priced record worth that’s already ripe for reductions and also you get all of the necessities to make a fantastic cuppa |
5/5 |
|
Design |
A beautiful machine to take a look at and use due to helpful prompts, however a bent to scatter espresso grounds retains it from getting full marks |
4/5 |
|
Efficiency |
A superb machine for inexperienced persons that produces great-tasting espresso, however the grinder presets might require some intervention to get the dose proper |
4/5 |
Purchase it if…
Do not buy it if…
Sunbeam Origins Traditional Espresso Machine evaluation: Additionally take into account
Sunbeam Origins Traditional Espresso Machine evaluation: How I examined
I examined the Sunbeam Origins Traditional over the course of a few weeks, utilizing quite a lot of freshly roasted espresso beans I picked up from a Inglewood Espresso Roasters in Melbourne, Australia and The Little Marionette espresso roasters in Sydney, Australia. I dialled within the grinder to attain a great extraction and carried out a number of of the override capabilities, comparable to the quantity of espresso that was floor (generally known as the dose), to get the machine set as much as my private desire.
Learn extra about how we check.
First reviewed June 2025
