Alternative Brewing Reviews 340

This coffee steamer is genuinely barista quality. The milk texture is smooth, creamy and consistent every time — exactly what you’d expect from a good café. It heats quickly, is easy to use, and makes lattes, cappuccinos and flat whites taste professional at home.

The biggest win? It has absolutely paid for itself. When a café coffee is pushing $8 a cup, having this at home means I don’t feel the urge to buy takeaway anymore. Great flavour, great foam, and real savings in the long run. Highly recommend for anyone serious about their coffee.

I had a very disappointing experience with this company. I purchased two identical items—the Wacaco Minipresso—one for use in my car and one for use at home. One unit functioned perfectly, while the other was clearly faulty, destroying approximately 70% of coffee pods without producing any coffee.

Before contacting the company, we attempted several troubleshooting steps. When I raised the issue and outlined what we had already tried, it took more than 30 emails before we were eventually permitted to return the product for a “review.” At their request, we also provided multiple videos showing the unit being used correctly.

Despite this, we were repeatedly told the issue was due to “user error.” This explanation is difficult to accept, given that one unit worked correctly 100% of the time while the other only worked approximately 30% of the time. We were even advised that, based on one of our videos, we were using the product incorrectly—despite following an instructional video provided on their own website.

Throughout the process, we received repeated responses stating that they were “waiting to hear back from the supplier,” despite the fact that my purchase was made directly through them, not their supplier.

Overall, I am extremely disappointed with the level of customer service provided. We got a new unit, so the result was the same in the end they just chose a path of being terribly at customer servicee with 30 emails over a month, when it could have been two emails and a 5-star review.

I purchased a few items including a Brewista smart scale. Dispatch and deliver was quick but the rubber mat for the scale was deformed and would not sit flat on the scale deck. I provided photos showing the defect and asked for a replacement but was to justify why I could not use the product and that their supplier did not think it was an issue. I was then asked to make a video showing how the defect affected product use, all over a rubber mat that was unlikely to cost more than $10 (but not sold separately). The absence of a telephone number for customer support was also frustrating. I finally tracked down the importer of the product and explained the situation to them and they advised me they would provide a replacement rubber mat. The replacement rubber mat finally arrived a week later. I cannot believe how difficult and frustrating the process is to get a defective product replaced. Very glad I didn't by my coffee machine from this company. And I also started receiving spam emails from this company too, despite never signing up for them. Won't be shopping here again.

Really great advice helping me choose the right products and the normcore tamp was amazing!

Always a good price for coffee related stuff. Generally cheaper than what I can get locally in nz and a much better selection.

Bought the varia vs3 coffee grinder recently.

This is a thing of beauty. It feels gorgeous too. It’s super quiet. The satisfaction of the magnetic cup sliding into place is divine. It doesn’t have an auto off though so don’t leave it running by mistake!

The biggest drawback for me (which is rather small) has been the mess when I’m making 28grams to fill my Mocha Pot. Tends to sprinkle around a bit. Nothing a quick wipe down didn’t fix.

Amazing Service. There was no difficulty in ordering and the people that were in-charge of communication responded quickly. The item arrived earlier than said date and it was a very good shopping experience overall. 100% will order again

Still receiving marketing emails from Alternative Brewing even though I never tick the box when ordering and I have unsubscribed on the last marketing email.
No choice but to block them and report spam marketing to ACCC.

The Varia VS3 Gen 2 Grinder is an absolute standout. Its high-quality design feels premium and durable, while the grind setting control is impressively precise—perfect for dialing in your brew. One of the most surprising features is how quiet it is during operation, making it a joy to use daily.

The purchase experience through Alternative Brewing was equally impressive. Despite a power outage at their warehouse, the team went above and beyond to help—friendly, efficient, and genuinely committed to great service. Highly recommend both the grinder and the team behind it!

Purchased Wacaco scales from Alternate Brewing, fast delivery and product was exactly as they advertised. Great info on site.

Fast delivery, well packaged and the Aeropress Go is easy to use with a little practise and makes great coffee.

Order #662390

I have been really enjoying using the Bellman.
The build quality is excellent and it does a great job at making tasty lattes both at home and camping.
I also like the range of dedicated accessories and spare parts available for it to keep it in great working condition and even add some upgrades to it.

Very responsive company. Great set of products, very reasonably priced.

Bellman Espresso Attachment

The coffee possible from this little attachment is sensational. 16 grams of beans 32 ml delicious espresso. Whilst it is possible to maintain the pressure whilst emptying and refilling the coffee basket, it can be messy and tricky as it’s very hot. You need to turn off the valve however the basket remains full of water. At this point I haven’t found a way to get it to empty other that wait quite a while (not ideal if you objective is making two coffees). My solution, if I’m time pressed - use the original mocha method, when I have time - use the new espresso attachment. Two great alternatives.

I’ve purchased a range of products from them, and they’re always happy to answer my questions. Since we don’t have a local coffee shop, they’ve become my go-to store.

They have always been amazing with everything I ordered. Very helpful and quick to respond to all queries.

Disappointed with Handling of Return Request

I recently placed an order with Alternative Brewing (Order #661364) for a Pesado 54mm 18g filter basket to suit my Breville machine. Instead, I received a 58mm basket that doesn’t fit. I immediately contacted customer service and provided all the photos they requested to confirm the issue.

Despite explaining that the basket clearly doesn’t fit my setup—and that I also ordered a matching 54mm puck screen in the same order (which fits perfectly)—I was told that I received the correct item and was asked to pay for return shipping myself.

I find this disappointing, especially for a store that sells precision coffee equipment where size compatibility is critical. A quick order check or clarification from their end could have avoided this issue entirely.

I expected a more customer-friendly resolution, such as a prepaid return label or at least some acknowledgment that this was a genuine mix-up. Unfortunately, the response felt rigid and dismissive.

Quick delivery, great product. Will shop again.

Gone are the boring plungers of old. This is fancy and ooh la la. Love it!

Super happy with my new Fellow kettle. The quality is great, very compact and looks great on the bench. Another hassle free purchase from Alternative Brewing at a great price.

Fast and easy pick up, quality gear available, definitely recommend!

The Alternative brewing team are super friendly, both over email, and the warehouse staff! They sell great equipment at great prices :) I’ve recently purchased a pair of AKU pro scales and a DF54 grinder and they are awesome. They also offer same day pickup which is awesome!