Best 10 (Super) Automatic Espresso Machines Even Beginners Can Handle

All kitchen appliances are increasing in automation level and espresso brewers are no exception. Manufacturers worldwide are trying to create automatic espresso machines that do almost everything for you to ensure that even beginners can brew an exceptional shot of espresso without too much trouble.

The most important thing is that you find a brewer that meets your brewing needs and likings the best. We are here to help!

The Rundown

What Does (Fully) Automatic & Super Automatic Mean?

Most times automatic and super-automatic are mentioned as the same terms but there are some differences. The main difference between these models is in the automation level these espresso machines provide:

Automatic Machines

Automatic espresso makers require you to grind the coffee, tamp it, and start the brewing cycle. They come with an internal timer that controls the shot timing to ensure that you always get the best results – usually around 25 to 30 seconds.

Super-Automatic Espresso Machines

Super-automatic machines do everything for you and you have no control over their performance. They provide a complete bean-to-cup performance and are suitable both for beginners and for professional brewers that enjoy the convenience.

How Does Auto Machine Work?

When you switch it on, the water from the reservoir goes to the boiler where it’s heated to the optimal temperature for espresso which is usually 200℉. Then heated water flows to the grouphead which means to the ground coffee. With the pressure, the water is pressed through the filter and espresso starts to drip into the cup.

Do All Auto Machines Include A Milk Frother?

Yes, there are all automatic espresso machines with milk forther. If you don’t plan to make cappuccino or latte, it doesn’t matter if a steam wand is built-in since the brewing and steaming functions are not connected. If you change your mind, you still have a frother, so it’s an useful part of every auto machine.

Benefits Of Having A Highly Automated Machine

There are many benefits to buying an automated device:

• their simple design makes them very user friendly
• versatile customizable features you would otherwise have to do manually are already pre-programmed and combined
• they provide consistent results with every single-use

Now, we need to be realistic and say that there are some downsides too:

• they come with pre-programmed settings, not programmable ones, meaning, you can only choose your preferred settings and not adjust them
• the higher the automation level they provide, the higher their price is

Features You Should Consider

While all automatized models with mlk frother seem like an amazing choice, there are some things you should consider before you decide which one you want to buy:

Design Quality

Since you are making a long-term investment, make sure that your brewer is made out of high-grade materials. Stainless steel, copper, brass, and even aluminum models are all exceptional choices. You can opt for a plastic one but make sure that you don’t overpay for its quality level. Also, make sure that the parts of the machine that come in contact with the hot brew are not plastic-made.

Boiler Type

In your search for an optimal espresso machine with milk frother, you may come across these two options:

• • single boiler machines – they use only one boiler that exchanges the heat between the brewing and frothing mechanism. This means that you can’t brew and froth at once as you won’t achieve optimal results with either if you do.

• double boiler machines –  these brewers have one boiler for the brewing process and one for the frothing mechanism. This means that you do have the option of brewing and frothing at the same time. Most importantly, you will be able to get consistent results with each use.

  

Brewing Group

The brewing group is the mechanism through which the hot, pressurized water flows into the portafilter. It can either feature a fixed or a removable design. The former comes with a self-cleaning system that ensures optimal performance. As long as it works properly you are good to go, however, if it malfunctions, its repair cost is somewhat higher. The latter provides a bit more flexibility and is easier (and cheaper) to replace its parts, but you do need to clean it manually.

Grinder Quality

Since you are buying a machine that comes with a coffee bean grinder, it is very important that you choose a top-quality one. Go for a conical burr grinder as it is both durable and efficient and it provides many settings so you can adjust its performance based on how coarsely ground you like your beans to be.

Bean Hopper Capacity

The capacity of a hopper lets you know how many beans can fit inside it. It doesn’t have to be large, just make sure that you don’t have to refill it after every espresso shot you make.

Pre-Ground Compatibility

Some models are compatible only for use with whole coffee beans while others provide you with the option of brewing espresso using pre-ground coffee. If you want the latter, make sure that the machine has an additional bypass doser that allows you to have your favorite blend ready for use.

Extraction Pressure

A 9 bar extraction pressure is just fine when it comes to home espresso brewers. However, since automated models meet the needs of professional use, don’t settle for anything less than 15 bars. If you find one with a higher 19 bar pressure even better.

Frother Vs. A Frothing System

While most machines with milk frother come with a wand you can control manually, some are equipped with an automatic system. It completes the frothing process and dispenses the frothed milk straight into your cup.

Smart Functions

You can find models that are WiFi-compatible. They are a great option if you want the opportunity of controlling the machine remotely. You only need to download the designated app onto your smartphone and you will be able to control everything from your phone.

Best 10 (Super) Automatic Espresso Machines

The first model we reviewed below offers a simple touch display with multiple pre-programmed settings. The second one offers a WiFiConnect option that allows you to control it via your smartphone. Read on for more detailed reviews of their features.

Jura Metropolitan Automatic Machine

With its simple TFT touch display, this prosumer machine allows you to choose and set the desired function from 10 barista-style beverages. Although it is a bit smaller, its clearly defined operating panels make it easy to operate.

Its AromaG3 coffee grinder offers a 4.4-ounce capacity and can easily achieve grinds with optimum fineness. On the other hand, its water reservoir offers a 37-ounce capacity and features a convenient cylindric shape thanks to which you can have a much better grip on it.

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Miele MilkPerfection Espresso Machine

Note that this German model allows you to make 2 servings of any specialty drink at once. It also offers up to 4 different individual connoisseur profiles. You can use each one to save your favorite brewing parameters. By doing so you can make your specialized brew with a touch of a finger.

The most important thing worth knowing is that this model offers a convenient WiFiConnect function. This means that you get to control and adjust its performance remotely using a dedicated smartphone app. No need to stand next to the machine to brew an espresso.

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De’Longhi Magnifica Espresso Machine

With its powerful burr grinder and 13 adjustable grinding settings, this Italian machine allows you to make the freshest espresso brew possible. It offers an additional bypass doser so you can brew coffee using pre-ground coffee or even decaf. Due to its efficient dual thermoblock heating system, it needs only about 60 seconds to heat up to the perfect brewing temperature.

Its control panel is very easy to use and allows you to set the desired adjustments with as little effort as possible. Apart from espresso, you can use it to make delicious lattes and cappuccinos. Its patented milk system ensures that you get optimal results with every single use.

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Philips Espresso Machine

Even though this model comes with pre-programmed brewing settings, it still provides you with control over the brewing strength, brew size, and froth thickness. Also, you can choose whether you want to make a single or a double shot of espresso, coffee, and americano. Its hot water function allows you to quickly make a cup of hot tea.

It is worth knowing that this espresso machine comes with an AquaClean water filter. As a result, you get to enjoy the freshest espresso flavor possible. The filter also keeps the scale from building up inside your machine. Change it only when the AquaClean indicator lights up.

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Gaggia Brera Espresso Machine

The great thing about this high-end model is that its regs drawer, water tank, and bottom drip tray are all accessible from its front side. Both its coffee bean grinder and the additional bypass doser are top-mounted to ensure you can easily refill them when needed.

The control panel, on the other hand, is front-mounted and features a backlit display to make the programming espresso shots a much simpler process. Its rapid steam technology provides a very efficient heating performance. You can use it to make smooth foam for latte art as well as to make a thick froth for cappuccinos.

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Tchibo Single-Serve Espresso Machine

This is another bean-to-cup machine that allows you to make the freshest espresso brew with every use. Its top-mounted coffee grinder is easy to refill and provides a sealed environment thanks to which your beans won’t get affected by moisture.

Its intuitive touch control display allows you to choose the desired brewing size with a simple touch of a finger. The only downside of this model is that it does not come equipped with a frother or a frothing system. It will provide you with a delicious espresso shot but if you want to make, let us say, a cappuccino, you need an additional frother.

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Breville Oracle Touch Espresso Machine

The amazing thing about this model is that it comes with a dual boiler heating system. As a result, you get to brew espresso and froth milk at the same time without compromising the performance of either function. Both the espresso and the milk will be brewed/frothed at an optimal temperature level.

Even though it offers pre-programmed brewing settings, this machine provides you with additional 8 user profiles. You get to program each one with preferred brewing parameters to ensure that you have your favorite brew ready with a swipe of a finger.

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Saeco Xelsis Espresso Machine

The amazing thing about this machine under $2000 is that it allows you to program absolutely everything. You can control both the espresso and milk volume, as well as their temperature, dose, and even texture. You can get everything the way you like it.

Note that it comes with double thermo blocks, one dedicated for the brewing and the other for the frothing system. As a result, both functions are operated at the optimal temperature level and can be used simultaneously without compromising the performance of either.

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Espressione Espresso Machine

This is another model that features a bit more compact, space-saving design. Its control panel is top-mounted to ensure that you can easily access it and adjust the desired brewing parameters. It also offers convenient light indicators that will inform you if the water tank needs to be refilled, etc.

What makes this brewer stand out from the crowd is its high, 19 bar extraction pressure. It allows you to pull the most delicious shot of espresso full of all the delicious flavors from your coffee beans. No need to worry that your brew might have a watery flavor.

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Mcilpoog Espresso Machine

This espresso brewer features a large control display with 6 pre-programmed brewing options. It also offers multiple language settings you can adjust to your liking. Since it is WiFi-enabled, you can control it using your smartphone app too.

Another thing worth mentioning is that this model comes equipped with a specially designed refrigeration system. It keeps the milk at an optimal temperature for up to 24 hours. Its milk timer keeps the track of the time.

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What’s The Difference Between Automatic And Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine?

Semi-automatic is also called half-automatic which means semi machine needs more of your assistance. If you handle espresso like an experienced barista, you might appreciate the control and programmable features of semi machines much more than the convenience of super-auto models. In that case, consider buying a semi-automatic model and check also all the differences between these two types.

What Can You Brew Using An Auto Machine With A Milk Frother?

With a higher automation level, the machines brewing versatility increases too. The programs enable you to make single or double espresso of various strengths. The frother is capable to serve you with cappuccino, macchiato, latte, and flat white. The base of these drinks is the same – espresso. The difference is in the amount of added milk.

Do All Auto Models Come With A Frother?

Generally, yes, very few on the market don’t. Automatic ones usually come with a wand whereas super-automatic ones have a frothing system. The important thing is that they both allow you to brew versatile specialized beverages.

Are Auto Espresso Machines Better Than Manual?

The tastes are individual but if we consider more crema (as well as milk foam for latte) “better”, then yes, they are. Since preparing coffee with the automatic machine is faster than with a manual one, it’s one more plus for auto espresso maker.

Are They Worth The Investment?

To be clear, even models with a minimum automation level are relatively expensive. However, if you often spend time trying out different coffee shops, you will get your money’s worth and even end up saving some money long-term by buying one.

New Vs. Used Machines

When it comes to somewhat more expensive machines, you always have the option of choosing between a new and a used model. While used models are much more budget-friendly, you do need to consider a few things:

• first of all, check the machine’s condition – you don’t want to end up with a rusted brewer as it won’t provide you with lasting performance.
• whether the machine has been serviced properly and regularly – every 3 months, every 6 months, and annually.
• how much and how often was the brewer used – a model that has been used once a day is a much better option than the one that was used to brew 100 servings during a day.

What About Refurbished Models

We would say that refurbished espresso machines are some sort of a sweet spot between new and used appliances. This is because once they are returned, they are professionally serviced and their performance is thoroughly tested to ensure that you get to enjoy amazing results. As a result, you get to skip all the worries of buying a used model.

How Long Do Super Automatic Models Last?

When you are making a larger investment, you want your brewer to offer lasting performance. Well, with super automatic models it will be easily possible. The average machine lifespan is 5-15 years. However, to ensure that, you need to give it proper care:

• make sure that you descale the machine when needed, either when an indicator light comes on (if the machine has once), or after a sufficient amount of completed brewing cycles. For instance, the Philips machine we reviewed above allows you to make up to 5,000 cups before it needs to be descaled.
• clean your brewer at least once a month to ensure that the brewing group is perfectly clean.
• lubricate the brewing group’s moving parts to ensure that they work properly for a long time.

Customer Service

Now, this is something a lot of us often overlook, but the company’s customer service reliability is very important. Since these machines are a bit more complex, you ought to experience some malfunctions. This is when you want a dependable assistance source to be available at your service. Check this before you buy an espresso machine to ensure that there are replacement parts available and to find out how long of a warranty period the manufacturer provides for the machine (it can be anywhere from 1 to 5 years).