You want to wake up every morning to a perfectly brewed cup of coffee that’s silky smooth and bursting with flavor. but you don’t want to drive to the coffee shop every day to get it. you need the best super-automatic espresso machine. It’s not that easy, we know.
choose the right one and start each day on the right foot: the perfect cup of coffee in hand. pick the wrong one and you’ll end up with a weird tasting watery brown mess and a feeling of immense regret for spending over $900.
Reading: Best automatic coffee machine
Below is a list of our picks for the best automatic espresso machines – no junk, no regrets. We also reveal a little-known secret that can help you avoid spending hundreds, if not thousands of dollars when buying one.
how to choose the right machine for your needs
Because automatic espresso machines are so expensive, you should read the following part carefully or risk making the wrong decision and wasting a large sum of money.
so how do you select the best super automatic espresso machine for you?
here are some things to consider when choosing the best automatic espresso machine, but keep in mind that we are not talking about nespresso machines (they are not quality machines).
Related: find the best manual lever machine or the best espresso machines.
programmability: how much do you need?
This determines how much control you have over the brewing process.
Although super-automatic espresso machines do the work for you, many of them still allow you to choose from a variety of pre-programmed settings or options. With super-automatic espresso machines, you may want to control the size of the grind, the temperature, or the strength of the shot. Some super-automatic espresso machines allow you to fine-tune almost every detail, while others are primarily intended to run off a standard program:
If you like customization, opt for a super-automatic espresso machine with a high level of programmability, so you have a say in how your coffee is brewed.
Want to get a better idea of what home espresso brewing would really look like? Check out our great video on the basics of espresso:
preparation group: incorporated or not?
The brew group is one of the most vital parts of the espresso machine as it is where the brewing occurs. It is the mechanism on the front of the espresso machine that brings pressurized hot water to the filter basket. On a semi-automatic or manual espresso machine, the brew group is the part that the portafilter locks onto.
Some super-automatic espresso machines have removable brew groups, making them easy to clean or open for inspection if something goes wrong. other machines have a fixed and non-removable brew group (1). this built-in type is designed to be self-cleaning, which is handy.
If you like to take a hands-on approach to the care and maintenance of your coffee equipment, opt for one with a removable brew group.
do you want your milk to steam automatically or do you do it yourself?
Many super-automatic espresso machines have automatic functions to steam or froth milk for lattes, cappuccinos, and the like (2). however, some of them don’t, requiring you to use a traditional steam wand instead.
If you’re short on time or just want the machine to do this part for you, choose a machine that has a built-in system for heating and frothing the milk.
capacity of the water tank and grain hopper
Automatic espresso machines vary in terms of their capacity: size of the water tank, size of the milk carafe, and bean hopper (which feeds the whole bean coffee to the grinder). this affects the amount of espresso they can produce without refilling.
Choose based on your needs: If it’s just for your own enjoyment, a smaller one will do. but if you want to brew for your family or office, choose something with enough capacity. some super-automatic espresso machines can only handle a few shots at a time, while others can comfortably make at least a dozen shots in a row.
How is one machine different from the others?
There are many things in common that all super-automatic espresso machines have. they’re automatic (duh), so they already meet the criteria of ease of use, with ready-to-use programs available at your fingertips.
See also: Best Coffee Beans For Latte (Options At Home)
but the best automatic espresso machines have something special. it can be highly programmable, easy to maintain, or extremely well designed. Depending on your personal style of drinking coffee, you can find the option that best suits your needs.
the little known secret to save a lot of money when shopping
Sure, making your own cup of coffee instead of getting one from a coffee shop already saves you money. But do you want to know how to save up to €500 when buying an automatic coffee machine? below, you’ll notice that some machines have an option that says “see refurbished price.”
why? because we’ve found some retailers offering refurbished versions of these super-automatic espresso machines. click to see if they have machines available, or read our guide to markets for refurbished espresso machines.
Buying a refurbished machine is often a better decision than buying a new one because:
- have been reviewed, returned and tested to ensure they are performing at peak levels.
- You save hundreds, maybe thousands of dollars, off the regular price.
- buy a regular/regular espresso machine instead of a super automatic coffee machine. you’ll have to learn the tricks of making espresso, so you’ll have to deal with a learning curve each morning (for the first time, expect to spend 10-30 minutes each morning learning the skill + drinking poorly brewed coffee).
- buy a brand new, super-automatic espresso machine (warning: they’re expensive).
- Save a lot of money right now by buying a refurbished machine. Some of the companies below offer a 30-day satisfaction guarantee, which means you can try a machine and if it’s not for you, return it within 30 days for a refund.
You’re probably thinking: “Sounds good. but what’s the catch?” there is only a limited amount available. many times, it will click and these machines will be sold out. If this happens, please do not email us and complain, we have no control over the stock.
this means you have three options at the moment:
comparator of automatic coffee machines functions
the 10 best automatic espresso machines of 2022
To help you find the espresso machine that can change your life, we’ve compiled a list. our picks for the best super-automatic espresso machines will enhance your mornings. What? by saving you time and money.
If you’re not a fan of lattes and cappuccinos, you can save a lot of money by opting for a machine without a milk frother. The new Jura A1 is the brand’s cheapest model for this reason, but still offers the same high-end espresso as much more expensive machines, as well as the same sleek, modern design.
The ultra-compact A1 replaces the popular Jura Ena Micro 1. It adds Jura’s patented Pulsed Extraction (P.E.P.) process, which uses short pulses of water to ensure optimal extraction. It also features the aromag3 conical grinder, which is twice as fast as previous options. if you prefer to use pre-ground coffee, there is also a bypass dispenser.
There are three programmable buttons for drink size, and brewing requires just one button press. the strength of the coffee is also adjustable, as the variable brew unit holds between 6 and 10g of coffee. the a1 only brews one drink at a time, which is worth keeping in mind if you’re half of a couple, as most larger machines can brew two.
the new jura ena 8 replaces the previous model, the jura ena micro 9. like the a1, it adds the pulse extraction process technology that guarantees a richer and more flavorful espresso and the aromag3 ultra-fast grinder.
however, unlike the a1, the ena 8 has a fully functional automatic milk frothing system, as well as a 2.8-inch color screen for programming and beverage selection. you can have the perfect macchiato (or one of nine other drinks!) just the way you like it with the push of a button.
The ena 8 is a super compact machine, measuring just 10.7″ wide, 12.7″ tall and 17.5″ deep, making it the smallest single touch machine on the market .it is available in 3 colours, red, white and black, and features a unique and attractive round water tank with a pattern that looks like glass.it may be small, but it will still bring a big dose of class to your kitchen.
The Jura Giga W3 would certainly be overkill in a home environment, but it’s absolutely perfect for a busy office thanks to its huge capacity, wide selection of drinks and the ability to brew two drinks at once.
You can prepare a whopping 43 different specialty coffee drinks, from a latte macchiato to a simple cup of coffee, and each can be customized using the full-color touch screen. With adjustable brew temperature, strength, and coffee-to-milk ratio, everyone in the office can craft their own perfect beverage. It’s almost like having a barista on staff!
With such a large and complex machine, cleaning and maintenance will always be a concern, but Jura has made it as simple as possible by automating everything. built-in rinse, clean and descale programs, plus warnings when you need them, mean you never have to worry about hygiene.
read our jura giga w3 pro review.
the name of the game with swears e8 is programmability, and that’s what makes it our overall favorite this year. and we are not alone; it has long been a best-selling model. It gives you the feeling of marking your espresso, like a professional barista, but in a fully automated environment with no learning curve.
Using the color screen, you can control the amount of coffee and milk, the temperature of both, and the texture of the milk in your search for the perfect shot. or you can let the machine take over and opt for one of 12 pre-programmed specialty drinks. either way, you’re in for a delicious dose of caffeine.
This machine contains all of Jura’s high-end patented technologies, including the pulse extraction process, aromag3 grinder, smart water system and fine foam technology. together they ensure the most delicious espresso with the creamiest milk foam in the easiest package to use.
the jura d6 is a classic looking and elegant coffee machine packed with a host of advanced features, including jura’s patented pulse extraction technology. but where it really shines, in our opinion, is in its ability to produce the perfect aerated foam for a cappuccino.
See also: 10 Iconic Midtown Coffee Shops
this is the result of jura’s easy cappuccino system. It sucks in the milk, heats it to the perfect temperature, and then injects just the right amount of air for the ideal fine foam to top off your expected espresso. and it does it all with the push of a button.
Unlike some of the more expensive models (like the Jura E6), this affordable option uses a plain text display and basic rotary switch, rather than a touch screen. while this may not give you the same high-tech look, in many ways this machine is actually easier to use. it even has the smart connect option, which allows you to operate it through an app on your phone or tablet.
the de’longhi magnifica has a lot to offer for less than $1000. That’s probably why it’s been awarded Amazon’s choice, and certainly why it’s our pick for best value. de’longhi has done an excellent job of deciding what features to offer to keep this machine both affordable and high performing.
For starters, it features a stainless steel conical grinder with 13 different grind settings for the perfect brew. you can customize your espresso by adjusting the length of the shot and the intensity of the coffee, and you can choose to prepare one or two drinks at a time. Unlike Jura machines, this one has a removable brew group, making the occasional deep clean much easier.
de’longhi has chosen to save money in two places. First, the Magnifica uses a rotary dial control instead of a digital display. second, the milk frothing system is a manual wand rather than an automatic frother. however, the wand is equipped with the company’s patented cappuccino system, which makes steaming foolproof, even for a latte novice.
The Gaggia Brera is the least expensive machine on this list, which is all the more impressive given that it is made in Italy by a very well established and reputable brand. Gaggia machines are popular with espresso beginners and professionals alike, and for good reason. they tend to combine high-end components with elegant design.
the brera is a relatively compact model and very easy to use. The downside to its simplicity is that you don’t have many options for selecting an espresso, so we prefer this one for americanos and milk-based drinks like lattes and cappuccinos.
Milk foam is made with the Panarello manual frother. Panarello wands infuse a small amount of air into the milk along with steam, making it easy to achieve the perfect milk texture. while it’s still a bit more difficult to use than an automatic vaporizer, once you get the hang of it, you’ll be able to get better results.
the breville oracle touch is the super-automatic espresso machine for anyone interested in the nerdy details of perfect coffee and wants to feel like a real barista. it’s a great compromise between user input and ease of use, though it comes at a high price as a result.
The full-color digital display makes it easy to choose one of five pre-programmed drinks or design and store a custom drink. the built-in grinder and automatic tamper brew a hefty 22g shot, ensuring rich, flavorful espresso, just like you’d expect from real coffee.
Coffee geeks will appreciate that the Oracle, even the touchless model, is a double boiler, so you can make espresso and milk at the same time. They will also flatter the pid for temperature control, which is the best system for accurate and precise temperature control. even specialty beans will be well served.
The only drawback is that it takes longer than the others to heat up, around 10 minutes, because it uses boilers instead of a thermoblock.
It’s no surprise that our favorite latte machine is the Philips 3200 with Lattego. it’s right there in the name! In fact, this little compact espresso machine has many similarities to the famous Saeco Picobaristo. it has many things going for it, only one of which is the excellent automatic foaming system.
this system, which philips calls lattego, mixes milk, air and heat in a special foam chamber before pouring it over the latte. The totally hands-free system not only produces perfect silky milk foam, it doesn’t use any tubing, making it much more hygienic than many alternatives. Between uses, the milk jug can be removed and stored in the refrigerator.
Together with lattego, the 3200 features an intuitive interface that makes it easy to select and program your drink. you can customize the intensity of the coffee, the volume of coffee and milk and the temperature. The ceramic burr grinder has 12 adjustable settings and is rated to deliver at least 20,000 cups of coffee. that should keep you happily caffeinated for years to come. Learn more in Homegrounds’ full review of the Philips Super Automatic Espresso Machine.
For such a reasonable price, the de’longhi ecam22110sb is simply packed with features, which is also all the more impressive given its compact size. Measuring just 17 x 9.4 x 13.8 inches, this little coffee maker can deliver any of 5 specialty coffee beverages, each of which is fully customizable.
It’s this ability to design your own drink that really makes this machine stand out. Using the rotary dial and display, you can adjust the grinder through one of 12 settings, and you can select the temperature, strength, and size of your preferred beverage. Using the manual steam wand, which includes an adjustable cappuccino system for easy frothing, you can create the perfect milk texture for any beverage. you can even adjust the height of the spout for different cup sizes.
another unique feature of the ecam22110sb is the fast cappuccino system to maintain the brewing temperature when making consecutive drinks. if you cater to a crowd regularly, this is an option worth looking into.
the verdict
While each of the machines on this list put up a strong fight for the contender for best super-automatic espresso machine, there is one that stands out above the rest: the jura e8.
check if a refurbished model is available. you may be able to save about $500.
See also: 30 Best Brooklyn Coffee Shops (By a Local Coffee Connoisseur)
