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Rank: | Photo: | Model: | Rating: | More Info: |
#1 |  | BEST OVERALL Jura D6 Automatic Coffee Machine | ||
#2 |  | Gaggia Brera Super Automatic Espresso Machine | ||
#3 |  | De'Longhi Magnifica Super Automatic Espresso Machine | ||
#4 |  | Philips 3200 Series Automatic Espresso Machine | ||
#5 |  | Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine |
Espresso is a rich, delicious – and slightly bitter – coffee. If you can’t start your day without it in your system, you’ll want to buy an automatic espresso machine that will ensure your coffee is always full of flavor and never sour or bland.
What is an automatic espresso machine?
This type of coffee machine allows you to make fast, delicious espressos at home. Since it’s automated, after you grind your coffee you just press a button and it will make your coffee.
Some automatic espresso machines will even grind your beans for you! Which automatic espresso machine should you buy? Let’s check out the best automatic espresso machine and four alternatives.
The five automatic coffee machines in the above table give you a range of options to choose from.
Let’s break down their specific pros and cons so that you can find out which one is best for you and your lifestyle. We’ll start with the best automatic espresso maker that makes our number-one spot!
Contents
- 1 Best Automatic Espresso Machine – Reviews & Buying guide for 2020
- 1.1 Best Overall: Jura D6 Automatic Coffee Machine
- 1.2 Runner Up: Gaggia Brera Super Automatic Espresso Machine
- 1.3 Alternative: De’Longhi Magnifica Super Automatic Espresso Machine
- 1.4 Alternative: Philips 3200 Series Automatic Espresso Machine
- 1.5 Alternative: Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine
- 2 Automatic Espresso Machines FAQ
- 3 Conclusion
Best Automatic Espresso Machine – Reviews & Buying guide for 2020
Best Overall: Jura D6 Automatic Coffee Machine
This sleek and stylish coffee machine will look beautiful on your kitchen counter. It will also turn your morning coffee into an absolute delight. Here’s what you should know about it.
Featured specs
- AromaG2 integrated grinder
- Pulse Extraction Process technology
- Intelligent Water System
Benefits
- One of the best things about this machine is that you can use it to whip up a range of coffees, such as espressos but also cappuccinos and others, which makes it versatile.
- It comes with many options for greater customization, such as adjustable coffee strength and water level.
- It has an AromaG2 integrated grinder that’s accurate and fast.
- It makes use of Pulse Extraction Process technology, which basically means that it boosts the flavor of your coffee when extracting the beans.
- If you want quick coffee that’s really convenient to make, you’ll love that by simply pressing a button on the machine you’ll get a cup of hot coffee in less than a minute!
- The water you use to make coffee is important as you want it to be of high quality. This machine actually helps you to achieve better-tasting coffee because it makes use of an Intelligent Water System with RFID technology. This is used to monitor the water filter so you can be notified when it needs to be replaced.
Drawbacks
- Some people have reported that coffee beans sometimes get stuck in the machine.
- Other people have reported that the self-cleaning feature doesn’t work that well, which is disappointing.
Extra Features
- This automatic espresso machine produces milk foam for use in coffees like cappuccinos.
- Anyone can use this machine because it’s so user-friendly. It has a digital plain text display and a rotary dial.
- This machine is made of stainless steel. It not only looks good but is durable so it’s sure to last you for many years, which makes paying your hard-earned money for it much more worth it.
Buying Advice
Making espresso or other coffee at home doesn’t have to be a huge mission if you make use of this coffee machine. While it is quite expensive, it gives you everything you need to make delicious and top-quality espressos, plus some extra features!
Runner Up: Gaggia Brera Super Automatic Espresso Machine
This espresso machine looks like something you’d find in a specialty coffee shop, with its sleek and modern appearance, as well as stainless steel front panels. It’s filled with technology to make brewing an espresso a breeze. Here’s what to know about it.
Featured specs
- Frothing wand
- Rapid steam technology
- Adapting System technology
Benefits
- This machine comes with a frothing wand that you can use for coffees such as lattes and cappuccinos. If you’re a tea drinker you’ll love using this wand, too!
- It makes use of rapid steam technology. This means that it warms up quickly and ensures that your brewing method is both robust and effective.
- Although pictures of the machine make it seem large, it can easily be placed underneath your kitchen cabinets so that it’s out of the way in small spaces.
- It makes use of an Adapting System. It basically learns from the way you like your coffee so that the grinder works in the way you want it to.
Drawbacks
- It contains plastic components that can reduce its lifespan.
- Some people who have purchased this espresso machine have reported that its frothing wand is a bit flimsy.
Extra Features
- The machine is really easy to clean because its water reservoir, drip tray, and dregs draw are easily accessible. This makes maintaining it a breeze.
- It’s user-friendly, thanks to its LED display with illuminated icons and button controls.
- It’s versatile because you can use ground coffee or whole coffee beans to make the perfect espresso.
Buying Advice
This Gaggia Brera coffee machine looks expensive and has many high-quality features that will make you feel like a barista when using it. It’s much less expensive than the previous coffee machine we featured but has many features that take it to the same, if not higher, level.
Alternative: De’Longhi Magnifica Super Automatic Espresso Machine
De’Longhi is another famous brand of coffee machines worth knowing about. If you love espressos, you’ll love using this coffee maker. Here’s everything you should know about it.
Featured specs
- Patented frother
- Direct-to-brew system
- 13 grind settings
Benefits
- This coffee machine is a total game changer when it comes to making cappuccinos at home because it’s equipped with a patented cappuccino system frother. This blends milk and steam together so that you can achieve a froth that’s creamier than ever before.
- It makes use of a rotary as well as a push-button control panel, so sifting through its menu settings is easy.
- It’s got a direct-to-brew system that’s been patented. Not only is this a way for you to grind your favorite coffee beans at home, but it’s also compact so it won’t take too much space in your kitchen.
- It has 13 settings that you can choose from to grind your coffee beans. Not into grinding beans? You can use the pre-ground coffee setting for the ultimate convenience.
- You’re in complete control of your coffee. Not only can you customize settings to ensure you get your coffee made exactly the way you like it, but you can also choose the water quantity. Then, the coffee maker will adjust the amount of coffee beans in the hopper based on your choice.
- This machine enables you to adjust the spigot height so that the machine can accommodate a variety of cup sizes – even tall mugs.
Drawbacks
- Some people have reported that the instruction manual contains errors, which makes it difficult to understand.
- The machine works well but some people have complained that it doesn’t make coffee that’s as hot as they want.
Extra Features
- The coffee machine comes with a cup tray to keep your drink warm before you enjoy it.
Buying Advice
It looks straight out of a top-quality coffee shop and won’t let you down when you want to enjoy an espresso that tastes like it was made by an expert.
Alternative: Philips 3200 Series Automatic Espresso Machine
This stylish Philips espresso machine will look trendy on your kitchen counter, but what does it have to offer you if you’re an espresso lover?
Lots! Let’s look at its features.
Featured specs
- AquaClean filter
- Ceramic grinders
- Bean hopper aroma seal
Benefits
- You can make different beverages with this espresso machine, such as Americano and Espresso Lungo coffee.
- To add extra indulgence to your coffee, make use of the milk frother that comes with the machine so you can make coffees such as cappuccinos. Perfect for guests!
- The machine has ceramic grinders to grind your coffee beans. These are effective and durable.
- You know you should clean your coffee machine regularly to descale it, but this machine goes one step further: it enables you to make up to 5,000 cups of coffee without having to descale the machine, as a result of its AquaClean filter.
Drawbacks
- Some people have stated that it takes a bit of time to get used to using this espresso machine, so it might not be best for beginners.
- The machine requires a bit of regular maintenance. For example, it tends to rinse the brewing system whenever you turn the machine on or off, which means you’ll have to empty the tray underneath it on a regular basis.
Extra Features
- The grinders can be adjusted so that you can choose the perfect ground size. For espressos, you’ll want a fine or extra-fine grind size, and that will be achieved easily with this machine.
- The machine has an aroma seal on its bean hopper. This helps to lock in that delicious coffee smell.
- It also has what’s known as an aroma extract system, which ensures that it strikes the ideal balance between the brewing temperature and the beans’ aroma extraction. The result? You can always get a cup that’s full of flavor.
Buying Advice
With its technology and convenience, it’s certainly right up there as one of the best automatic espresso machines you can purchase.
Alternative: Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine
This steel-constructed espresso machine is focused on customization so that you can enjoy espresso that caters to your needs. No more settling for bad coffee.
Featured specs
- Grinding cradle
- Conical burr grinder
- Intuitive grind size dial
Benefits
- This machine has a conical burr grinder that grinds up your coffee beans and sends them into the machine’s portafilter so that you can get fresher coffee that tastes the way you like it.
- It makes use of digital temperature control to ensure that the water is kept at the ideal temperature for the best extraction of the coffee.
- You get to choose the ideal grind size you want, no matter what beans you use.
- It has an innovative grinding cradle. What this does is allow you to grind directly into the portafilter. The machine is highly versatile because it lets you choose between automatic or manual operation.
- The grind size dial is simple to use and highly intuitive, and it’s features like this that make this coffee maker the best home espresso machine to own.
Drawbacks
- If the machine runs out of water, it will attempt to continue the coffee-brewing process.
- The drip tray of the machine needs to be cleaned on a regular basis.
- People who have purchased this espresso machine have reported that it takes a long time to steam milk.
Extra Features
- It has a steam wand that enables you to texture your foam by hand, which is perfect for creating your own cappuccino and latte art.
- It has interchangeable filters.
Buying Advice
If you want to use an automatic espresso machine but you still want control over your coffee, you need a semi-automatic machine like this one by Breville. It’s the perfect machine to make your coffee breaks even tastier and more enjoyable, thanks to all its customizable features.
Automatic Espresso Machines FAQ
What is an automatic espresso machine?
There are many types of espresso machines you can purchase if you love espressos, from manual to semi-automatic to completely automatic machines. Let’s look at the differences between semi-automatic and automatic machines.
Semi-automatic espresso machines are mainly used in commercial settings, such as restaurants. How they work is that a barista will use a lever or button on the machine, but he or she will have to control various elements involved in making the coffee.
This includes grinding and tamping the coffee beans. This means that semi-automatic coffee machines strike a balance between manual and automatic coffee-making.
An automatic espresso machine, on the other hand, requires that you just press a button on the machine and a shot of espresso will be pulled for you. No fuss, no hassle!
Although you might still need to be in charge of grinding your coffee beans, the machine takes care of the rest.
Now, there’s one more type of automatic espresso machine that we can’t leave out of this list: the super automatic machine! What this one does is go one step further than fully-automatic machines.
This is because it can grind coffee beans and pull an espresso shot for you. This is as a result of how it’s programmable so you can choose what features you want to ensure the perfect cup of coffee.
How does an automatic espresso machine work?
You might love drinking espresso coffees, but do you ever stop to wonder how, exactly, an automatic espresso machine works? Here’s what to know about the process.
- Water that you will use to brew the coffee is put into the water tank or reservoir, and from there it enters the water pump where it becomes pressurized.
- The water then moves into the machine’s boiler. This is where the water is heated up to the optimal temperature to make the coffee.
- Many automatic espresso machines will have what’s known as a feedback system that uses a temperature probe. This ensures that the water will remain at the correct temperature until the time when you choose to pull an espresso.
- Once heated, the water moves into the grouphead – this is basically when the hot water comes into contact with the coffee grounds in the filter basket. Depending on the type of espresso machine you own, you’ll either have to be in control of this stage or not. If your machine is semi-automatic, you’ll have to start and stop the coffee extraction, but if your machine is fully-automatic or super automatic, it will make use of a flow meter to do the work for you.
- Finally, your automatic espresso machine will make use of a steam or frothing wand. If you have a single boiler in your machine, the boiler will contain two thermostats so that one can be used for brewing the coffee and the other can be used for steaming. However, the downside of this is that you won’t be able to brew your coffee and froth your milk simultaneously. Fret not – a machine that makes use of two boilers will ensure that you can, thanks to how one boiler will be reserved for brewing coffee and the other will be used to froth your milk.
Automatic espresso machines are built in such a way to do most of the job for you. You will, however, need to grind your coffee beans, load the portafilter, hit the start button, and so on.
When the machine starts, it will build pressure on its own, then push the water through the portafilter, and soak the beans so that the coffee extraction can take place. It will usually be done with the brewing process after approximately 30 seconds, which is quite amazing!
Are super automatic espresso machines worth it?
In these automatic espresso machine reviews, we’ve seen that there are different types of automatic machines, such as fully-automatic and super automatic.
To find out if super automatic espresso machines are worth it, we first have to define these different types of espresso machines.
- A semi-automatic espresso machine offers a bit of automation but you’re in charge of some tasks, such as timing when you should pull your shot of espresso.
- A fully automatic espresso machine makes use of a flow meter to stop the espresso shot without you having to be in charge of that task.
- A super automatic espresso machine does most of the work – it will even grind the coffee beans for you and froth your milk!
There are definitely good reasons why you should make use of a super-automatic espresso machine. These include:
- It’s really convenient and perfect for beginners who don’t have much experience when it comes to making delicious espressos.
- It prevents the hassle of making your own coffee. Even if you make a delicious cup of coffee, you might not always have the energy or time to do so, which is where super-automatic espresso machines come in really handy.
- The coffees these machines make are consistent, so you don’t have to worry about your coffee not turning out the way you want it.
- Most super-automatic espresso machines have an in-built grinder to grind your coffee beans.
However, super-automatic machines can be costly and if you’re the type of person who wants at least some control over your coffee when you make it at home, then they might not be right for you.
For example, with the grinder you might want to be able to make lots of changes but you might not always have this choice.
How often should you clean your espresso machine?
To ensure that the best auto espresso machine you’ve purchased works at its best, you have to maintain it well.
This involves cleaning it on a regular basis to eliminate calcium and other minerals in water that can accumulate in the machine’s small tubes, as well as dirt and grime that can inhibit its functioning.
How often you should clean it will depend on how often you use it. Someone who uses it a few times a day will obviously need to clean it more regularly than someone who uses it once a week.
To clean your espresso machine, make sure you do the following:
- Reach for vinegar! Vinegar is an excellent, natural cleaning ingredient to keep your espresso coffee machine in good condition. You’ll have to mix three parts of vinegar with one part of water.
- Put this solution into the machine and then run the machine.
- Don’t forget to flush the machine! Once you’ve used your vinegar-water cleaning solution, you should flush the machine. This means that you need to use water to clean the machine so that you eliminate any extra dirt or residue. You might have to flush the machine a few times to eliminate all traces of vinegar so that it won’t alter the taste of your coffee.
If you dread cleaning your coffee machine, invest in an automatic espresso machine like the Philips espresso maker on our list of reviews that allows you to make up to 5,000 cups of coffee before you need to clean it, thanks to its AquaClean filter.
Conclusion
If you love drinking espressos, you’ll want to have your own espresso maker at home. Why not consider purchasing an automatic espresso machine that takes the hassle out of making coffee?
Many automatic espresso machines on the market also offer you the opportunity to make other delicious types of coffee, such as lattes and cappuccinos.
“Automatic” doesn’t mean that you won’t have any control over the coffee-making process, though. You can find automatic espresso machines that are the perfect blend of customization and automation, so you can stop settling for common coffee and enjoy making your own creative cups at home.
In this article, we’ve reviewed five of the best automatic espresso machines, outlining all their most important features, drawbacks, benefits, and costs so you can enjoy your espresso exactly the way you like it, every single time.
Last Updated on May 15, 2021