The grinders of super-automatic espresso machines are specified and classified according to two characteristics: material and type of mechanism.

When it comes to materials, we are talking about ceramic or stainless steel, while the mechanisms are divided into conical or flat burrs. in both cases, there is no clear best option: each option has its advantages and disadvantages.

Ceramic is supposed to be less noisy, but don’t count on it. My top picks for the quiet life are the Jura E8 and above, which have stainless steel cone grinders.

I’m also not convinced by the claims that ceramic lasts longer. my feeling is that stainless steel is stronger, although the only clear advantage of ceramic is that you never have to worry about rusting. hey, no discussion there.

Conclusion: Don’t get too obsessed with the material. arguably the grinder and build quality are more important.

Next, let’s disassemble the mechanisms. I added blade grinders in the table to compare, but don’t go there. seriously no. these cheapskates just chop the coffee beans into oblivion.

You will notice that small super automatics, like the , tend to have conical burrs because the mechanism is more compact.

on the other hand, flat burr mechanisms are larger because the stacked rings take up more space than the nested tapered design. What’s more, increasing the size of the burrs has the advantage of not only reducing the grinding time but also improving the flavor. why? heat cannot accumulate and compromise the delicate aroma of your beans.

Instead of obsessing over the type of material or mechanism that your super-automatic espresso machine has, redirect your energy to taking care of your grinder. regular care prevents glitches and failures, so remember:

• adjust the grinder correctly, while it is running.
• Periodically disassemble the grinder for thorough cleaning. it is not so difficult. I swear pinky.
• Watch for small stones or other debris that can ruin the grinder.

The first point is a real moment of truth for a machine as a whole. Will you literally choke on the finest beans the grinder can produce, or will the pressure pump and brew unit come to the party?

Remember, the finer the soil, the more pressure is needed to force the water through the disk. plus, the greater the risk of fine particles clogging parts even before extraction begins.

Of course, grind size is not the only factor that affects extraction. higher pressure is needed to force the water through more ground coffee, resulting in a more intense flavor.

dosage of coffee grounds

so to keep things simple manufacturers tend to use a simple bean scale. more bean icons mean more coffee grounds on the disk.

Combining these two settings (grind size and dosage) is important, especially since this is where many people make mistakes. here is a brief summary for you:

• Watery coffee is the result of water passing through the disc too quickly. the grind may be too coarse and the dosage too small.
• muddy sludge ends up in your cup. the grind may be too fine and the dosage too high.

You’ll have to play until you hit the sweet spot, but a good screen with intuitive, easy-to-navigate menus will make your life a lot easier.

Word to the wise: Once you’ve made all the adjustments to harmonize water volume, grind texture, and dosage to create a perfect hallelujah of an espresso, stop messing around.

After all, a great espresso is not only glorious in its own right, it’s also the foundation for all the other specialty coffee drinks your machine produces. so once you’ve nailed it, don’t mess with it. That said, if you decide to experiment with different beans, you’ll probably have to start from scratch with the configuration.

feeling the pressure: the brew group and the pump

Prep pressure is one thing, but don’t let manufacturers convince you that more bars are better.

the

ideal espresso extraction requires about 9 bars, that’s all. basically you need those extra 3, 6 or 10 bars that manufacturers love to tout like a fish needs a bike. yes, swear, I’m looking at you!

also, unless the coffee is ground finely enough and tamped firmly enough, it still won’t offer enough resistance to all that pressure. And since that’s not possible on most fully automatic espresso machines, there’s little point in getting caught up in hyping the numbers.

In fact, the pump and the brew group form the black box in a super-automatic espresso machine. that’s because you generally have no control over what happens there.

here’s a quick look:

• Freshly ground beans are deposited in the brewing chamber, where the beans are compacted to form a disc.
• Hot pressurized water is forced through the disk. the resulting extract flows through a system of pumps and pipes before being poured into your cup.
• the spent disk is ejected into the waste drawer.

Add that to the fact that brewing involves a lot of mechanical processes, and you don’t need an engineering degree to realize that quality materials and construction are vital here. otherwise your machine just won’t last.

Although (durable) plastic is often the predominant material, the more stainless steel in the mix, the better. As you probably already know, stainless steel is preferable when it comes to hinges and other moving parts.

milks everything that is worth: cappuccinos, milk systems and adjustments

cappuccino-what?

Despite being more of a snack than the drink that gives it its name, this milk frothing system is quite simple. the milk is sucked up with a hose and then frothed with steam.

In fact, any integrated milk frothing system is basically an improved version of this system.

If there’s a special built-in milk container, expect that to be reflected on the price tag. On the other hand, systems that extract milk directly from a carton or jug ​​are often more affordable.

Still, before you go beyond the credit card limits, you should know that simple cappuccinators consistently outperform the more elaborate systems in our reviews. here’s why:

• They are much easier to clean and much more hygienic.
• switching between different types of milk is easy.
• simple systems often reduce the footprint of the machine and are more flexible.

the jura e8 and the jura z8 are a real testament to this, as you can read in the reviews. It sounds too good to be true? Well, there is a small problem: very few machines produce barista-quality foam for milk-based drinks.

surprise, surprise! You only get barista results with one barista tool: a steam wand. the only problem is that a manual milk frother not only requires some skill, it goes against the grain of a super-automatic espresso machine.

so what can you do to squeeze all that’s worth?

Most Super Autos allow you to adjust the temperature and volume. however, Jura leads the way when it comes to doing more. The Jura Giga 6 allows you to adjust the milk to foam ratio, while the Jura E8 has an adjustment lever on its professional fine foam frother. however, your choice of milk is something you can control, regardless of your machine.

Traditional moo juice is a sure thing when it comes to creating milk foam. while whole milk will deliver bolder, creamier results, reduced-fat products still work.

As for all the so-called “baristas” or other versions whose fat content has supposedly been optimized for latte art, just walk right past it. not worth it.

Since milk alternatives struggle to replicate the ratio of fat to protein found in dairy, things aren’t that simple. you’ll find that this is especially true of rice milk, which hardly foams at all.

When it comes to non-dairy milk, soy is the foaming phenomenon, but it still might not be your first choice. it may lack sophistication, plus there are potential hormonal side effects. Alone, boxed almond and coconut milk don’t quite meet the mark. but if you mix them, you will start to see results.

You may be surprised that homemade nut milks foam up pretty well. just make sure your batch is super fresh and hasn’t separated while in the container.

Basically, you have to accept that you’re in trial and error territory and experiment a bit. however, keep in mind that some super-automatic cappuccinatore espresso machines may need adjustment when changing milk varieties.

user interface: controls, screen and application

Now that we’ve done a pretty complete tour of the inner workings of your fully automatic espresso machine, let’s wrap up with the external connection to all that functionality: the user interface. after all, even an espresso machine with millions of options is useless if you can’t easily locate and use all those features.

It also almost goes without saying that higher-priced coffee machines will have fancier, digital controls. For some manufacturers, that means looking to integrate the coffee machine into their smart kitchen via app control.

A saeco sales rep I spoke to at a trade show a few years ago pointed out that app control is just the first step on the road to digitizing kitchen appliances. perhaps that is why the brand has opted for a very generous touch screen on its flagship saeco xelsis.

Honestly, I can’t fault the manufacturer’s logic. even with the slickest app, you still have to walk over and put a cup under the spout. while you’re there, you can also program the machine.

Before we go down the app rabbit hole, though, let’s find out what makes a good interface go away, because once the novelty of a new machine wears off, all you want to do is put your fingers on a few basic functions at the same time. instant.

so don’t hesitate or doubt what a button or icon could do. Endlessly scrolling through menus, whether in an app or on a touch screen, gets old quickly.

While it’s not the only way to design intuitive controls, basic and simple buttons definitely keep things simple. It’s also why I never recommend a model with a screen over the same machine with buttons. there’s just no need for a screen if the controls are self-explanatory.

I also have absolutely no problem with buttons that light up like a Christmas tree, as long as all the blinking has a purpose. in fact, many of the inexpensive machines do a great job of guiding you and communicating clearly in this morse code.

My very simple test of whether a super-automatic espresso machine gets my yes or no for ease of operation goes like this: If I can set all the parameters to make well-balanced coffee and espresso drinks without having to go back to the user manual, it’s approved.

There is no doubt that applications must pass the same test. And with virtually all machine settings at your fingertips on a smartphone or tablet, they often do.

Honestly, I don’t have a problem with the apps, but let’s not kid you, the manufacturers certainly aren’t. apps cost about $200 more and are ultimately a gimmick to attract techies. for that reason, most appliqué models are also available with standard controls.

The real draw, of course, is ordering coffee drinks from the comfort of your couch or bed. plus, if you really want to test the capabilities of your machine, doing it with your feet up is pretty cool. To get the most out of it, here’s a list of features that I think really elevate the app experience:

• select drinks with ease.
• turn on the machine (from your bed).
• access the user manual.
• Easily start water hardness tests and maintenance programs.
• contact customer service.

Since there are rarely advantages without disadvantages, beware of these potential headaches:

• Apps are a great way for manufacturers to collect data, and coffee drinkers are a lucrative target market. consider yourself warned.
• You can’t adjust certain key parameters, like grind size, through apps.
• Manufacturers like to make you think that all the appliances in your kitchen should be from the same brand and part of the same app ecosystem. Sure, nobody’s stopping you, but what’s the point of your espresso machine communicating with your stove?
• you can buy branded detergents, accessories and other products with a single touch. I recommend taking a couple of seconds to check out third-party providers because you’ll get a much better deal.

For all the apps that make you feel like the era of robot butlers is just around the corner, it ultimately makes no difference to the performance or quality of your machine.

Manufacturers currently offering apps with high-end machines include Jura with the Joe app and Delonghi with the Delonghi Coffee Link app. in case you were wondering, the functionality is good on both.

double features: two are needed. or yes?

When researching super-automatic espresso machines, you can quickly find yourself not just dreaming big, but dreaming twice as big. in the line of:

• how about making two drinks at once?
• can I use pre-ground coffee?

See also: How Much Does a Cup of Coffee Cost? Coffee Prices Around the World

I get a lot of questions about how flexible and well tamed these machines are, and those two are the most frequent. I mean, anyone who enjoys coffee time with family or friends can appreciate the value of being able to make two drinks at once.

While this feature is usually available on mid-range models, such as the DeLonghi Dinamica, you are often limited to non-dairy coffee drinks.

yes, it’s nice to have, but is it a deal breaker? not in my book. at the end of the day, the fact that each drink is perfect counts more.

Of course, the larger the home, the more important this is. no one wants to be third in line, waiting impatiently, while the person at the machine worries about their espresso macchiato.

Another place I’ve noticed this “two is better than one” thinking on high-end machines is with bean hoppers. If one person in the household drinks regular coffee and the other sticks to decaf, it’s easy to see how two thieves could nip a lot of problems in the bud.

some of you will point out the powder chute you can use for pre-ground coffee. While it may seem like an elegant solution, I’ve found that these bypass dispensers tend to clog up too easily.

Despite the obvious appeal of having two bays, there aren’t many machines in the US. uu. market they do. maybe it’s because there’s a catch.

You have two sets of beans but only one grinder. Since there are always some grounds left in the grinder, the decaf drinker inevitably gets a tiny bit of caffeine. for someone who is hypersensitive to caffeine, that’s not ideal.

As a workaround, you should drink at least one espresso after changing beans to cleanse the system before brewing your coffee. the first prize, of course, is two hoppers and two grinders. For that, though, you’re looking at the insanely expensive Jura Giga 6.

The latest of the twin packs are twin heat blocks in machines like the Jura Z8 and Giga 6. Now, in theory, these give you better control over the different temperatures required to brew and foam.

but truth be told, a cappuccino from the jura z6 single thermoblock tasted just as good to me as one from the jura z8 dual boiler machine.

the best coffee beans for automatic espresso machines

It’s time to spill the beans… on the ones you love the most.

okay, that was a total escape because taste is so subjective. however, that doesn’t mean just any old bean will do. not even remotely

Listen, it’s not up to me to tell you how to live your life. Still, because I care, I’d like to give you some tips for selecting coffee beans:

• Consider brewing coffee using fresh, high-quality coffee beans.
• Whenever possible, buy coffee beans from small, independent roasters.
• don’t fall for cheap mass-market coffee.
• dare to experiment!

As a general rule, slightly darker roasts are the best choice for automatic espresso machines. however, if you want more floral notes, pour-over drippers do a better job of sparking that beautiful bouquet.

Keep in mind that espresso beans that are a knockout in your semi-automatic espresso machine don’t necessarily lend themselves to a fully automatic espresso machine, which tends to extract less. the results can be unpleasantly acidic.

At this point, I should mention that I have developed what I consider to be the best coffee beans for automatic espresso machines. this has been a passion project of mine for quite some time now and i am very excited about the results. Sustainably sourced and of the highest possible quality, my coffee for fully automatic coffeeness machines will be available in North America very soon.

cleaning your super automatic espresso machine

Hygiene should be an integral part of owning a super-automatic espresso machine from day one. Unfortunately, many users only get down to cleaning when things stop working or the coffee starts to taste bad. by then, it’s too late.

Fact: Coffee grounds and steamed milk create a really nice petri dish feast for mold and other microbes. this can change the flavor of your drink, to say the least.

think about it. You wouldn’t drink a cappuccino from a cup that hasn’t been washed for a week, at least I hope so.

I know a lot of you are looking at automatic cleanup programs and thinking that’s the easy fix. while you should definitely run them regularly, they don’t leave you completely trouble free.

The first line of defense against mold and other nuisances is to clean your fully automatic espresso machine at the end of each day it is in use.

here is a summary of my daily routine:

• rinse and dry the waste drawer, drip tray and water tank.
• clean the milk system.
• remove the base unit and rinse it under running water. let it dry overnight.

Honestly, it’s very simple and only takes a few minutes, but it can add years to the life of your machine.

Also, anyone who uses your machine every day should give it a thorough cleaning at least once a week. just to be clear: that means running a cycle with detergent as well as cleaning, rinsing and rinsing daily.

manufacturers recommend very different cleaning intervals. but with the daily grind, plus a weekly deep clean, you’re covered.

is fine with the sermon. In the following sections, I’ll explain the cleanliness etiquette for each part of your machine.

cleaning the extractable brew group

for a long time i insisted that a removable brew group was the only way to go. That’s why I had so much trouble with Jura, who insists on screwing her setup groups firmly into place.

The swearing argument is that its automatic cleaning programs are so effective that coffee lovers don’t need to worry about a thing.

Well, I wasn’t about to take the manufacturer’s word alone. Instead, I performed a year-long experiment on a Jura A1, always doing the necessary cleanup. guess what? swear he was right all along. once I removed the brew group for inspection, it was apparent that the manufacturer’s cleaning program really works!

I will say, though, that you’re always better off with a removable brew group if you don’t have a jura. that way you’ll be safe in the knowledge that the thing is being cleaned correctly.

That said, you should always be careful when extracting and reinserting the staging group. not that this is particularly complicated, but you just have to keep this point in mind. by doing so, you and your machine will be fine.

To avoid clogging, only remove or replace the brew group when it is in the neutral position and the machine is off.

I remove the brew unit from my machine every day and rinse it well under hot running water. That way I don’t have to resort to detergent and I avoid scratching it.

Don’t get me wrong though, that’s no excuse to skimp on cleaning. In fact, you should go ahead and redouble your efforts because these parts generate a lot of static electricity and can be very susceptible to failure. .

grain hopper cleaning

Bean hoppers are the neglected children of super-automatic espresso machines, rarely getting the washing and polishing they deserve.

The problem is that, depending on the roast and the origin of the beans, they can be quite oily. plus, those oils then build up in the hopper and eventually go rancid.

That’s why I insist on recommending that you not completely fill the hopper. That is, unless you know those beans are going to disappear quickly. There are also other advantages of doing things this way:

• cleaning the container regularly comes naturally.
• the beans won’t be subject to as much heat.
• switching between different roasts is easier.

once empty, cleaning the hopper is very easy. just wipe it with a dry cloth. And since coffee absorbs odors and flavors, using any kind of chemical detergent is just asking for trouble, so don’t.

I have often watched in horror as people, even those in the restaurant industry, spray tons of glass cleaner (or worse!) into containers. For me or any other coffee aficionado, that’s a cup disaster waiting to happen.

cleaning the drip tray and the coffee grounds container

This really isn’t that big of an issue because most fully automatic espresso machines let you know when the grounds drawer or drip tray is full. depending on the model of the machine, the job should not take long.

Again, I clean these parts daily, even if the machine doesn’t ask me to. now here, using detergents is not a problem. so if you prefer that, go for it.

cleaning the water tank

While you don’t have to worry about coffee grounds in your water tank, there are plenty of other nasty things, like algae, that love your water. once it’s all gross, you’ll have no choice but to buy a new one.

so there’s no free pass to clean it. Before refilling the tank, I recommend always rinsing it with hot water and letting it dry. then fill it with fresh, cold tap water and let it dry.

more and more models come with a tank that can be put in the dishwasher. hooray for that! still, it’s good to give it a hand rinse after it comes out of the machine to remove any detergent residue.

On this front, Miele, who takes dishwasher-safeness very seriously, leads the way.

grinder cleaning

Taking apart a grinder is often easier than you think. that’s especially the case, as many models have a click-and-turn mechanism that allows you to separate them into the main components for cleaning.

Sure, cleaning tablets are a quick fix, but they’re not a replacement for manual cleaning.

The good news is that this is not a daily task. once or twice a month is enough for heavy use in an average home.

However, keep in mind that if you feel like arranging to see each individual piece, you risk voiding your warranty. disclaimer, it can be a very rewarding process, if you know what what are you doing.

the best cleaning and descaling agents for super-automatic espresso machines

Don’t make your life more difficult than it has to be.

use the products recommended by the manufacturer or the economical alternative based on the same formula. at this point, the manufacturer really knows best.

As a general rule of thumb, stay away from home remedies unless you know exactly what you’re cooking. while something like lemon juice can work wonders in kettles of water, it’s too harsh for some automatic espresso machines.

My blog post on cleaning and descaling details the topic.

descaling a super-automatic espresso machine

If you live in a city, and even if you don’t, listen up.

The water that comes out of the tap can damage your super-automatic espresso machine over time.

no, it is not a conspiracy theory, it is what is known as hard water, which means that it has a high mineral content.

In short, when you heat water, calcium and magnesium precipitate out and form deposits. these not only block the pipes, but also limit the effectiveness of a boiler and can eventually lead to its failure. Not to mention, excess minerals also make your coffee taste funny.

Descaling is what removes those deposits. ergo, it is quite important. doing it too often won’t hurt, but if you neglect the work, you could end up with a broken machine. so go with the shorter descaling intervals and save yourself the trouble.

Using the test strips that come with most machines or calling your utility company will help you determine how hard your water is so you can calibrate your machine. for additional guidance, I put together this table.

Since this is a very common problem, many fully automatic espresso machines come with a filter already installed or at least have the option to insert one.

basically these filters work like the classic brita system without being fully integrated into the machine. the filter reduces the hardness of the water to level 1.

so, is your get out of jail free card a filter for descaling? not even remotely water filter or not, descaling is essential. keep this in mind:

• A water filter will not eliminate the need for descaling, but it will extend the intervals between program runs.
• if you already have soft water, a filter is not necessary.
• regardless of what the manufacturer says, you should descale it at least four times a year.

To learn more about this, read my article on water filters.

descaling done right: how and when to do it

One of the first things you do after opening a new machine, even the most affordable ones, is set the water hardness. this requires some precise programming, so the machine knows you’re using a filter and can decide how often to remind you to descale.

Can’t find the descaling program for your machine? after all, there are some (cheap) fully automatic machines that don’t have one. in that case, you need to figure out how often to do the job and find a way to remind yourself. by the way, I recommend descaling at least once a month.

Also keep in mind that you need to replace filter cartridges regularly, which can become much more expensive than routine descaling.

I’m going to say it again because it’s very important: even with a filter, you still have to descale.

My advice when choosing descaling products is very similar to that of cleaning detergents: stick to the manufacturer’s recommendations, especially regarding the type of product. however, feel free to choose a cheaper brand if it’s identical.

greasing and lubrication of a super-automatic espresso machine

You want your fully automatic espresso machine to be a well-oiled machine in every sense of the word, and that means including lubrication as part of your maintenance.

That grease keeps your espresso machine’s rails and hinges moving smoothly so the ramming and brewing mechanisms work perfectly.

If you clean your brew unit every day, you should oil it once a month. and of course check the user manual to know exactly what to do.

You need a lubricant that is food safe, so save the bike oil. I personally like oks multi-silicone grease.

verdict: the super-automatic espresso machine of your dreams awaits!

If you’ve read everything from the beginning, congratulations on a job well done! unfortunately, I can’t give you a certificate or anything. still, you can already consider yourself an expert in automatic espresso machines.

Give yourself a pat on the back, and then go ahead and bookmark this article. That way, you can return to any section if you need a refresher.

My goal was to guide you in the right direction as you tried to navigate the super-auto seas. so if you now have a clearer idea of ​​which machine you should go for, I’ll pat myself on the back too!

At the end of the day, I just want you to enjoy the best coffee and milk foam possible. Whatever your budget or preferences, I trust my guide will help you find the best super-automatic espresso machine for your needs.

Remember, coffee is a social drink. so that should be true not only for sharing a cup of coffee with others, but also for exploring the world of java.

See also: Starbuckss red cup controversy, explained

The grinders of super-automatic espresso machines are specified and classified according to two characteristics: material and type of mechanism.

When it comes to materials, we are talking about ceramic or stainless steel, while the mechanisms are divided into conical or flat burrs. in both cases, there is no clear best option: each option has its advantages and disadvantages.

Ceramic is supposed to be less noisy, but don’t count on it. My top picks for the quiet life are the Jura E8 and above, which have stainless steel cone grinders.

I’m also not convinced by the claims that ceramic lasts longer. my feeling is that stainless steel is stronger, although the only clear advantage of ceramic is that you never have to worry about rusting. hey, no discussion there.

Conclusion: Don’t get too obsessed with the material. arguably the grinder and build quality are more important.

Next, let’s disassemble the mechanisms. I added blade grinders in the table to compare, but don’t go there. seriously no. these cheapskates just chop the coffee beans into oblivion.

You will notice that small super automatics, like the , tend to have conical burrs because the mechanism is more compact.

on the other hand, flat burr mechanisms are larger because the stacked rings take up more space than the nested tapered design. What’s more, increasing the size of the burrs has the advantage of not only reducing the grinding time but also improving the flavor. why? heat cannot accumulate and compromise the delicate aroma of your beans.

Instead of obsessing over the type of material or mechanism that your super-automatic espresso machine has, redirect your energy to taking care of your grinder. regular care prevents glitches and failures, so remember:

• adjust the grinder correctly, while it is running.
• Periodically disassemble the grinder for thorough cleaning. it is not so difficult. I swear pinky.
• Watch for small stones or other debris that can ruin the grinder.

The first point is a real moment of truth for a machine as a whole. Will you literally choke on the finest beans the grinder can produce, or will the pressure pump and brew unit come to the party?

Remember, the finer the soil, the more pressure is needed to force the water through the disk. plus, the greater the risk of fine particles clogging parts even before extraction begins.

Of course, grind size is not the only factor that affects extraction. higher pressure is needed to force the water through more ground coffee, resulting in a more intense flavor.

dosage of coffee grounds

so to keep things simple manufacturers tend to use a simple bean scale. more bean icons mean more coffee grounds on the disk.

Combining these two settings (grind size and dosage) is important, especially since this is where many people make mistakes. here is a brief summary for you:

• Watery coffee is the result of water passing through the disc too quickly. the grind may be too coarse and the dosage too small.
• muddy sludge ends up in your cup. the grind may be too fine and the dosage too high.

You’ll have to play until you hit the sweet spot, but a good screen with intuitive, easy-to-navigate menus will make your life a lot easier.

Word to the wise: Once you’ve made all the adjustments to harmonize water volume, grind texture, and dosage to create a perfect hallelujah of an espresso, stop messing around.

After all, a great espresso is not only glorious in its own right, it’s also the foundation for all the other specialty coffee drinks your machine produces. so once you’ve nailed it, don’t mess with it. That said, if you decide to experiment with different beans, you’ll probably have to start from scratch with the configuration.

feeling the pressure: the brew group and the pump

Prep pressure is one thing, but don’t let manufacturers convince you that more bars are better.

the

ideal espresso extraction requires about 9 bars, that’s all. basically you need those extra 3, 6 or 10 bars that manufacturers love to advertise like a fish needs a bike. yes, swear, I’m looking at you!

also, unless the coffee is ground finely enough and tamped firmly enough, it still won’t offer enough resistance to all that pressure. And since that’s not possible on most fully automatic espresso machines, there’s little point in getting caught up in hyping the numbers.

In fact, the pump and the brew group form the black box in a super-automatic espresso machine. that’s because you generally have no control over what happens there.

here’s a quick look:

• Freshly ground beans are deposited in the brewing chamber, where the beans are compacted to form a disc.
• Hot pressurized water is forced through the disc. the resulting extract flows through a system of pumps and pipes before being poured into your cup.
• the spent disk is ejected into the waste drawer.

Add that to the fact that brewing involves a lot of mechanical processes, and you don’t need an engineering degree to realize that quality materials and construction are vital here. otherwise your machine just won’t last.

Although (durable) plastic is often the predominant material, the more stainless steel in the mix, the better. As you probably already know, stainless steel is preferable when it comes to hinges and other moving parts.

milks everything that is worth: cappuccinos, milk systems and adjustments

cappuccino-what?

Despite being more of a snack than the drink that gives it its name, this milk frothing system is quite simple. the milk is sucked up with a hose and then frothed with steam.

In fact, any integrated milk frothing system is basically an improved version of this system.

If there’s a special built-in milk container, expect that to be reflected on the price tag. On the other hand, systems that extract milk directly from a carton or jug ​​are often more affordable.

Still, before you go beyond the credit card limits, you should know that simple cappuccinators consistently outperform the more elaborate systems in our reviews. here’s why:

• They are much easier to clean and much more hygienic.
• switching between different types of milk is easy.
• simple systems often reduce the footprint of the machine and are more flexible.

the jura e8 and the jura z8 are a real testament to this, as you can read in the reviews. It sounds too good to be true? Well, there is a small problem: very few machines produce barista-quality foam for milk-based drinks.

surprise, surprise! You only get barista results with one barista tool: a steam wand. the only problem is that a manual milk frother not only requires some skill, it goes against the grain of a super-automatic espresso machine.

so what can you do to squeeze all that’s worth?

Most Super Autos allow you to adjust the temperature and volume. however, Jura leads the way when it comes to doing more. The Jura Giga 6 allows you to adjust the milk to foam ratio, while the Jura E8 has an adjustment lever on its professional fine foam frother. however, your choice of milk is something you can control, regardless of your machine.

Traditional moo juice is a sure thing when it comes to creating milk foam. while whole milk will deliver bolder, creamier results, reduced-fat products still work.

As for all the so-called “baristas” or other versions whose fat content has supposedly been optimized for latte art, just walk right past it. not worth it.

Since milk alternatives struggle to replicate the ratio of fat to protein found in dairy, things aren’t that simple. you’ll find that this is especially true of rice milk, which hardly foams at all.

When it comes to non-dairy milk, soy is the foaming phenomenon, but it still might not be your first choice. it may lack sophistication, plus there are potential hormonal side effects. Alone, boxed almond and coconut milk don’t quite meet the mark. but if you mix them, you will start to see results.

You may be surprised that homemade nut milks foam up pretty well. just make sure your batch is super fresh and hasn’t separated while in the container.

Basically, you have to accept that you’re in trial and error territory and experiment a bit. however, keep in mind that some super-automatic cappuccinatore espresso machines may need adjustment when changing milk varieties.

user interface: controls, screen and application

Now that we’ve done a pretty complete tour of the inner workings of your fully automatic espresso machine, let’s wrap up with the external connection to all that functionality: the user interface. after all, even an espresso machine with millions of options is useless if you can’t easily locate and use all those features.

It also almost goes without saying that higher-priced coffee machines will have fancier, digital controls. For some manufacturers, that means looking to integrate the coffee machine into their smart kitchen via app control.

A saeco sales rep I spoke to at a trade show a few years ago pointed out that app control is just the first step on the road to digitizing kitchen appliances. perhaps that is why the brand has opted for a very generous touch screen on its flagship saeco xelsis.

Honestly, I can’t fault the manufacturer’s logic. even with the slickest app, you still have to walk over and put a cup under the spout. while you’re there, you can also program the machine.

Before we go down the app rabbit hole, though, let’s find out what makes a good interface go away, because once the novelty of a new machine wears off, all you want to do is put your fingers on a few basic functions at the same time. instant.

so don’t hesitate or doubt what a button or icon could do. Endlessly scrolling through menus, whether in an app or on a touch screen, gets old quickly.

While it’s not the only way to design intuitive controls, basic and simple buttons definitely keep things simple. It’s also why I never recommend a model with a screen over the same machine with buttons. there’s just no need for a screen if the controls are self-explanatory.

I also have absolutely no problem with buttons that light up like a Christmas tree, as long as all the blinking has a purpose. in fact, many of the inexpensive machines do a great job of guiding you and communicating clearly in this morse code.

My very simple test of whether a super-automatic espresso machine gets my yes or no for ease of operation goes like this: If I can set all the parameters to make well-balanced coffee and espresso drinks without having to go back to the user manual, it’s approved.

There is no doubt that applications must pass the same test. And with virtually all machine settings at your fingertips on a smartphone or tablet, they often do.

Honestly, I don’t have a problem with the apps, but let’s not kid you, the manufacturers certainly aren’t. apps cost about $200 more and are ultimately a gimmick to attract techies. for that reason, most appliqué models are also available with standard controls.

The real draw, of course, is ordering coffee drinks from the comfort of your couch or bed. plus, if you really want to test the capabilities of your machine, doing it with your feet up is pretty cool. To get the most out of it, here’s a list of features that I think really elevate the app experience:

• select drinks with ease.
• turn on the machine (from your bed).
• access the user manual.
• Easily start water hardness tests and maintenance programs.
• contact customer service.

Since there are rarely advantages without disadvantages, beware of these potential headaches:

• Apps are a great way for manufacturers to collect data, and coffee drinkers are a lucrative target market. consider yourself warned.
• You can’t adjust certain key parameters, like grind size, through apps.
• Manufacturers like to make you think that all the appliances in your kitchen should be from the same brand and be part of the same app ecosystem. Sure, nobody’s stopping you, but what’s the point of your espresso machine communicating with your stove?
• you can buy branded detergents, accessories and other products with a single touch. I recommend taking a couple of seconds to check out third-party providers because you’ll get a much better deal.

For all the apps that make you feel like the era of robot butlers is just around the corner, it ultimately makes no difference to the performance or quality of your machine.

Manufacturers currently offering apps with high-end machines include Jura with the Joe app and Delonghi with the Delonghi Coffee Link app. in case you were wondering, the functionality is good on both.

double features: two are needed. or yes?

When researching super-automatic espresso machines, you can quickly find yourself not just dreaming big, but dreaming twice as big. in the line of:

• how about making two drinks at once?
• can I use pre-ground coffee?

See also: [2021] 12 Quán café Thư giãn Cuối tuần Đẹp tuyệt vời Sài Gòn – TPHCM

I get a lot of questions about how flexible and well tamed these machines are, and those two are the most frequent. I mean, anyone who enjoys coffee time with family or friends can appreciate the value of being able to make two drinks at once.

While this feature is usually available on mid-range models, such as the DeLonghi Dinamica, you are often limited to non-dairy coffee drinks.

yes, it’s nice to have, but is it a deal breaker? not in my book. at the end of the day, the fact that each drink is perfect counts more.

Of course, the larger the home, the more important this is. no one wants to be third in line, waiting impatiently, while the person at the machine worries about their espresso macchiato.

Another place I’ve noticed this “two is better than one” thinking on higher end machines is with bean hoppers. If one person in the household drinks regular coffee and the other sticks to decaf, it’s easy to see how two thieves could nip a lot of problems in the bud.

some of you will point out the powder chute you can use for pre-ground coffee. While it may seem like an elegant solution, I’ve found that these bypass dispensers tend to clog up too easily.

Despite the obvious appeal of having two bays, there aren’t many machines in the US. uu. market they do. maybe it’s because there’s a catch.

You have two sets of beans but only one grinder. Since there are always some grounds left in the grinder, the decaf drinker inevitably gets a tiny bit of caffeine. for someone who is hypersensitive to caffeine, that’s not ideal.

As a workaround, you should drink at least one espresso after changing beans to cleanse the system before brewing your coffee. the first prize, of course, is two hoppers and two grinders. For that, though, you’re looking at the insanely expensive Jura Giga 6.

The latest of the twin packs are twin heat blocks in machines like the Jura Z8 and Giga 6. Now, in theory, these give you better control over the different temperatures required to brew and foam.

but truth be told, a cappuccino from the jura z6 single thermoblock tasted just as good to me as one from the jura z8 dual boiler machine.

the best coffee beans for automatic espresso machines

It’s time to spill the beans… on the ones you love the most.

okay, that was a total escape because taste is so subjective. however, that doesn’t mean just any old bean will do. not even remotely

Listen, it’s not up to me to tell you how to live your life. Still, because I care, I’d like to give you some tips for selecting coffee beans:

• Consider brewing coffee using fresh, high-quality coffee beans.
• Whenever possible, buy coffee beans from small, independent roasters.
• don’t fall for cheap mass-market coffee.
• dare to experiment!

As a general rule, slightly darker roasts are the best choice for automatic espresso machines. however, if you want more floral notes, pour-over drippers do a better job of sparking that beautiful bouquet.

Keep in mind that espresso beans that are a knockout in your semi-automatic espresso machine don’t necessarily lend themselves to a fully automatic espresso machine, which tends to extract less. the results can be unpleasantly acidic.

At this point, I should mention that I have developed what I consider to be the best coffee beans for automatic espresso machines. this has been a passionate project of mine for quite some time now and i am very excited about the results. Sustainably sourced and of the highest possible quality, my coffee for fully automatic coffeeness machines will be available in North America very soon.

cleaning your super automatic espresso machine

Hygiene should be an integral part of owning a super-automatic espresso machine from day one. Unfortunately, many users only get down to cleaning when things stop working or the coffee starts to taste bad. by then, it’s too late.

Fact: Coffee grounds and steamed milk create a really nice petri dish feast for mold and other microbes. this can change the flavor of your drink, to say the least.

think about it. You wouldn’t drink a cappuccino from a cup that hasn’t been washed for a week, at least I hope so.

I know a lot of you are looking at automatic cleanup programs and thinking that’s the easy fix. while you should definitely run them regularly, they don’t leave you completely trouble free.

The first line of defense against mold and other nuisances is to clean your fully automatic espresso machine at the end of each day it is in use.

here is a summary of my daily routine:

• rinse and dry the waste drawer, drip tray and water tank.
• clean the milk system.
• remove the base unit and rinse it under running water. let it dry overnight.

Honestly, it’s very simple and only takes a few minutes, but it can add years to the life of your machine.

Also, anyone who uses your machine every day should give it a thorough cleaning at least once a week. just to be clear: that means running a cycle with detergent as well as cleaning, rinsing and rinsing daily.

manufacturers recommend very different cleaning intervals. but with the daily grind, plus a weekly deep clean, you’re covered.

is fine with the sermon. In the following sections, I’ll explain the cleanliness etiquette for each part of your machine.

cleaning the extractable brew group

for a long time i insisted that a removable brew group was the only way to go. That’s why I had so much trouble with Jura, who insists on screwing her setup groups firmly into place.

The swearing argument is that its automatic cleaning programs are so effective that coffee lovers don’t need to worry about a thing.

Well, I wasn’t about to take the manufacturer’s word alone. Instead, I performed a year-long experiment on a Jura A1, always doing the necessary cleanup. guess what? swear he was right all along. once I removed the brew group for inspection, it was apparent that the manufacturer’s cleaning program really works!

I will say, though, that you’re always better off with a removable brew group if you don’t have a jura. that way you’ll be safe in the knowledge that the thing is being cleaned correctly.

That said, you should always be careful when removing and reinserting the staging group. not that this is particularly complicated, but you just have to keep this point in mind. by doing so, you and your machine will be fine.

To avoid clogging, only remove or replace the brew group when it is in the neutral position and the machine is off.

I remove the brew unit from my machine every day and rinse it well under hot running water. That way I don’t have to resort to detergent and I avoid scratching it.

Don’t get me wrong though, that’s no excuse to skimp on cleaning. In fact, you should go ahead and redouble your efforts because these parts generate a lot of static electricity and can be very susceptible to failure. .

grain hopper cleaning

Bean hoppers are the neglected children of super-automatic espresso machines, rarely getting the washing and polishing they deserve.

The problem is that, depending on the roast and the origin of the beans, they can be quite oily. plus, those oils then build up in the hopper and eventually go rancid.

That’s why I insist on recommending that you not completely fill the hopper. That is, unless you know those beans are going to disappear quickly. There are also other advantages of doing things this way:

• cleaning the container regularly comes naturally.
• the beans won’t be subject to as much heat.
• switching between different roasts is easier.

once empty, cleaning the hopper is very easy. just wipe it with a dry cloth. And since coffee absorbs odors and flavors, using any kind of chemical detergent is just asking for trouble, so don’t.

I have often watched in horror as people, even those in the restaurant industry, spray tons of glass cleaner (or worse!) into containers. For me or any other coffee aficionado, that’s a cup disaster waiting to happen.

cleaning the drip tray and the coffee grounds container

This really isn’t that big of an issue because most fully automatic espresso machines let you know when the grounds drawer or drip tray is full. depending on the model of the machine, the job should not take long.

Again, I clean these parts daily, even if the machine doesn’t ask me to. now here, using detergents is not a problem. so if you prefer that, go for it.

cleaning the water tank

While you don’t have to worry about coffee grounds in your water tank, there are plenty of other nasty things, like algae, that love your water. once it’s all gross, you’ll have no choice but to buy a new one.

so there’s no free pass to clean it. Before refilling the tank, I recommend always rinsing it with hot water and letting it dry. then fill it with fresh, cold tap water and let it dry.

more and more models come with a tank that can be put in the dishwasher. hooray for that! still, it’s good to give it a hand rinse after it comes out of the machine to remove any detergent residue.

On this front, Miele, who takes dishwasher-safeness very seriously, leads the way.

grinder cleaning

Taking apart a grinder is often easier than you think. that’s especially the case, as many models have a click-and-turn mechanism that allows you to separate them into the main components for cleaning.

Sure, cleaning tablets are a quick fix, but they’re not a replacement for manual cleaning.

The good news is that this is not a daily task. once or twice a month is enough for heavy use in an average home.

However, keep in mind that if you feel like arranging to see each individual piece, you risk voiding your warranty. disclaimer, it can be a very rewarding process, if you know what what are you doing.

the best cleaning and descaling agents for super-automatic espresso machines

Don’t make your life more difficult than it has to be.

use the products recommended by the manufacturer or the economical alternative based on the same formula. at this point, the manufacturer really knows best.

As a general rule of thumb, stay away from home remedies unless you know exactly what you’re cooking. while something like lemon juice can work wonders in kettles of water, it’s too harsh for some automatic espresso machines.

My blog post on cleaning and descaling details the topic.

descaling a super-automatic espresso machine

If you live in a city, and even if you don’t, listen up.

The water that comes out of the tap can damage your super-automatic espresso machine over time.

no, it is not a conspiracy theory, it is what is known as hard water, which means that it has a high mineral content.

In short, when you heat water, calcium and magnesium precipitate out and form deposits. these not only block the pipes, but also limit the effectiveness of a boiler and can eventually lead to its failure. Not to mention, excess minerals also make your coffee taste funny.

Descaling is what removes those deposits. ergo, it is quite important. doing it too often won’t hurt, but if you neglect the work, you could end up with a broken machine. so go with the shorter descaling intervals and save yourself the trouble.

Using the test strips that come with most machines or calling your utility company will help you determine how hard your water is so you can calibrate your machine. for additional guidance, I put together this table.

Since this is a very common problem, many fully automatic espresso machines come with a filter already installed or at least have the option to insert one.

basically these filters work like the classic brita system without being fully integrated into the machine. the filter reduces the hardness of the water to level 1.

so, is your get out of jail free card a filter for descaling? not even remotely water filter or not, descaling is essential. keep this in mind:

• A water filter will not eliminate the need for descaling, but it will extend the intervals between program runs.
• if you already have soft water, a filter is not necessary.
• regardless of what the manufacturer says, you should descale it at least four times a year.

To learn more about this, read my article on water filters.

descaling done right: how and when to do it

One of the first things you do after opening a new machine, even the most affordable ones, is set the water hardness. this requires some precise programming, so the machine knows you’re using a filter and can decide how often to remind you to descale.

Can’t find the descaling program for your machine? after all, there are some (cheap) fully automatic machines that don’t have one. in that case, you need to figure out how often to do the job and find a way to remind yourself. by the way, I recommend descaling at least once a month.

Also keep in mind that you need to replace filter cartridges regularly, which can become much more expensive than routine descaling.

I’m going to say it again because it’s very important: even with a filter, you still have to descale.

My advice when choosing descaling products is very similar to that of cleaning detergents: stick to the manufacturer’s recommendations, especially regarding the type of product. however, feel free to choose a cheaper brand if it’s identical.

greasing and lubrication of a super-automatic espresso machine

You want your fully automatic espresso machine to be a well-oiled machine in every sense of the word, and that means including lubrication as part of your maintenance.

That grease keeps your espresso machine’s rails and hinges moving smoothly so the ramming and brewing mechanisms work perfectly.

If you clean your brew unit every day, you should oil it once a month. and of course check the user manual to know exactly what to do.

You need a lubricant that is food safe, so save the bike oil. I personally like oks multi-silicone grease.

verdict: the super-automatic espresso machine of your dreams awaits!

If you’ve read everything from the beginning, congratulations on a job well done! unfortunately, I can’t give you a certificate or anything. still, you can already consider yourself an expert in automatic espresso machines.

Give yourself a pat on the back, and then go ahead and bookmark this article. That way, you can return to any section if you need a refresher.

My goal was to guide you in the right direction as you tried to navigate the super-auto seas. so if you now have a clearer idea of ​​which machine you should go for, I’ll pat myself on the back too!

At the end of the day, I just want you to enjoy the best coffee and milk foam possible. Whatever your budget or preferences, I trust my guide will help you find the best super-automatic espresso machine for your needs.

Remember, coffee is a social drink. so that should be true not only for sharing a cup of coffee with others, but also for exploring the world of java.

See also: Chi phí mở quán cafe milano là bao nhiêu? – Bardeli Academy