Are you always on the go living life in express mode? No time to tamp and grind the espresso beans but absolutely love a great cup of espresso? Yes, we all agree that the eclectic espresso is the absolute elixir for those with the button stuck on express mode – and there is no doubt why! Here, you will be introduced to the most impressive, and the very best super-automatic espresso machines you can buy today for those cafe-based delicious drinks at home!
For anyone who leads a super-packed and fast-paced lifestyle, the espresso packs in the taste, punch, energy (Mmmm caffeine!), which is easy to drink in a fairly short time span.
Let’s face it, espresso is perfect for any and all coffee lovers who prefer a condensed premium coffee experience.
A great espresso can be made super quickly and efficiently – provided you have the necessary equipment. People short on time may opt for the fully automated experience of a super-automatic espresso machine that can do pretty much all of the work for them to make most types of espresso-based beverages without much intervention.
AT A GLANCE ON OUR FAVORITE SUPER-AUTOMATICS
Semi vs Automatic vs Super-Automatic
Though you might already know the difference, still we thought to revise a little for a new buyer.
Semi-automatic and automatics are mostly the same category with a very slight difference. A semi-automatic allows the user to stop the flow of water when extracting whereas, in an automatic, the flow of water is controlled by the machine automatically.
So, What’s so Super about Super-automatic?
After that comes the Super-Automatic, the godfather of both. These machines control every aspect of brewing right from grinding the coffee beans to pressurizing, pouring, and sometimes even frothing. You simply get your favorite beverage in a mug. It’s almost like waving a magic wand.
Designed with high programmability technologies, most of these specialized espresso machines have automatic milk frothers or steamers. These can be a delight for dairy-inclined coffee lovers who want that perfect frothy crème.
If you are still unsure about the difference, read through our little guide on types of espresso machines so that you can be pretty sure about what you are buying.
Before we begin our list of products, have a quick check as if you fall into any of the following categories:
- The base of all is semi-automatic and many people are biased over that. It’s not bad if we can have a look at the basic home espresso machines as well before we take the final decision.
- We have a dedicated guide about the best cappuccino makers, and if that beverage is your target, cappuccino machines are your perfect companions.
- Lattes are again among the favorite beverages and no doubt people love them. So we have our collection of the best latte machines to keep you at ease.
- If you are having any kind of commercial intent to use in a cafe or something like that, we have an article about the best commercial espresso machines as well.
Let’s now move on to our list of best machines you might be wandering for.
The Best Super Automatic Espresso Machines – Our Favorites
Here is our list of favorites including some one-touch machines that are super cool to operate and you will be proud to have them.
1. Gaggia Brera – Cheapest Super-Automatic Machine
- Note: 1)Too coarse a grind, too little coffee, or...
- FROTHING FOR MILK BEVERAGES: Pannarello wand frothing for...
- EASY ACCESS: The dregs drawer, drip tray, and water tank are...
- USER-FRIENDLY DISPLAY: Push-button controls and an LED...
This compact size machine is quite capable of turning your kitchen into a café. Excelling in frothing milk, the Pannarello steam wand siphons air directly into milk resulting in a relish-worthy velvety foam beverage. In addition to espressos, this gives you a levy to brew cappuccinos and lattes at a very affordable price.
What we liked
It does bring out the ‘explorer’ within you. Although you may notice only 4 buttons on the panel which is super easy to operate but adjusting them to match your preferences is an artistic skill to master!
These 4 buttons, with varied adjustments, make all the difference. Bean-shopping doesn’t need to involve wearing spy glasses anymore, since the sturdy ceramic burr built-in grinder and bypass doser allow brewing with either whole beans or even pre-ground coffee.
It’s not going to occupy humongous space on your counter as its front-loading deg drawer and water tank make it slide under kitchen cabinets with ease, just like a velvety espresso beverage sliding across your taste buds.
Want to make things steamy in under 10 seconds? It allows you to steam on-demand – heating up to steam temperatures in under ten seconds. So pulling a single shot or a double espresso shot is not a problem here.
Cons
- Intuitiveness: Although the Gaggia Adapting System accommodates your preferred bean by adjusting how the grinder operates, this can be quite a learning curve to conquer for the newbie home brewing person.
- If you drink multiple cups a day, be prepared to refill it often as the water tank is relatively small.
- Minimal grinder settings.
- Ease of Cleaning: The metal area under the steam wand can be baked with milk. FYI: Put your mug under the dispenser BEDORE you press on. The automatic rinse function is quick to catch us all off-guard.
Read our complete review about Gaggia Brera
2. Philips 4300 Fully Automatic Espresso Machine with LatteGo
- With Philips 4300 Series easily make up to 8 black and...
- LatteGo Milk System: Top your coffee off with a silky-smooth...
- Intuitive Touch Display: Select the perfect coffee for your...
- My Coffee Choice Menu: Adjust the strength and quantity of...
Say hi to this stunning espresso machine, and it will thrill you with its deliverables, inducing you to utter the word ‘incredible.’ With this machine, you get the freedom to adjust the coffee temperature, amount, and milk amount as well. Though rare, if you encounter guests who are tea drinkers, you can use this machine for hot water too.
Your coffee, your way – this is what Philips has come up with this space-saving, efficient, and beautiful espresso machine. Espresso, Hot water, Cappuccino, Coffee, Milk froth, Ristretto, Latte Macchiato, Café au Lait, Americano, Caffè crema – you get them all!
What we liked
The frother does a commendable job and delivers silky smooth froth, which adds up more to the taste of your espressos. Easy installation, informative TFT display, decent water storage, and multiple beverages options with varied espresso, milk, water, and froth are some of the features worth considering while you choose to buy this.
The best part is, this espresso machine offers saved profiles – blue and green, which saves your preferences individually. Therefore, once your brewing preference is saved, you get to enjoy hassle-free cups with the same delectable taste each and every time.
Cons
- Milk steam volume is dependent on the milk type used. There might be a possibility to alter with recipes in case someone uses alternate milk like oats, coconut, etc.
- Bit noisy
- The menu might seem confusing for new users on first impression.
3. Gaggia Cadorna Milk Super-Automatic Espresso Machine
- 10 Pre-Programmed Beverages|Build your home barista menu...
- Cappincup System|The Cappincup System allows users to make a...
- 4 Personalized Profiles|Create up to 4 user profiles on the...
- Intuitive User Interface|The Cadorna Milk is easy to...
You get your phone handy, dial a number, and start talking to the person you want! In a better scenario, you save a number on the speed dial, and with just a few taps, you connect over the call. Guess what? Brewing espresso with the Gaggia Cadorna is similar to the way you use a speed dial. Just dial in your favorite settings once, and the machine will serve your preference every time.
With ten pre-programmed beverages, four user profiles, this fast, convenient, and user-friendly machine sets a benchmark when it comes to enjoying barista-style beverages at home.
What we liked
The Gaggia Cadorna espresso machine is indeed a beast and leaves no stone unturned when it’s about the flavor, aroma, and boldness it delivers. Therefore, chances are, you might not be willing to visit a specialty coffee outlet once you get this beauty home.
In case you crave tea in the afternoon, you also get the hot water functionality from this machine emitting the requirement for kettles. Pretty easy to use, this machine won’t demand much of your time in cleaning and maintenance. The color screen display feels great to use and is easy to navigate, completing its high-tech design.
Overall, with its features, quality, and longevity, the Gaggia Cadorna espresso machine truly justifies its price and is a deserving candidate for someone looking for an ‘automatic espresso machine.’
Cons
- The capacity of water reservoir could have been better.
- Wait time for the second cup.
4. Gaggia Velasca Espresso Machine
- Manual frothing for milk-based drinks: Pannarello steam wand...
- Programmable: programmable brewing options for Espresso and...
- Ceramic burr grinder and brew unit: ceramic burr grinder...
- Front loaded water reservoir: features a 54oz capacity and...
Bean to cup, the Gaggia Velasca espresso machine hits a sweet spot in terms of its performance, size, and of course, pricing. It comes with a 54 oz. water reservoir, water filter to get rid of chlorine and soften water for better taste, and a decent-sized drip tray that won’t let coffee spill around.
It’s loaded with a burr grinder which lets you choose from five different fineness settings and five brew strength settings – Pretty enough to enjoy your cup of joe the way you want. It’s not just the mouth-watering cup of coffee you will get from this machine, but also a very hot one (temperature is always a concern).
What we liked
This one of the cheaper bean-to-cup machines looks fantastic, and its tuck-out-of-the-way outlook is indeed mind-blowing! The simplistic single display dominates the gizmo’s front, adding more appeal to its beauty. The sprout in the front is movable between 75mm and 120mm, which allows most mugs and espresso cups to fit in.
Additionally, it’s amazingly user-friendly and well-priced. Moreover, it makes super drinks, cleans itself, and you don’t need to wash baskets every time you make a beverage – what else can define convenience?!
Cons
- Water usage is a bit high.
- Controls are a little fiddly.
5. Delonghi Magnifica ESAM3300 – Best Option Under $1000
- Note: 1)Too coarse a grind, too little coffee, or...
- FRESH ESPRESSO FOR EVERY CUP: The professional burr grinder...
- YOUR FOAM, YOUR WAY: A manual frother mixes steam and milk...
- CONSISTENT BREWING EVERY TIME: Each cup is automatically...
The Delonghi Magnifica is all out to cheer for all the espresso drinkers in the crowd who love foam! It’s ready to empower you and give you the freedom to make choices, ‘Your foam, Your way’.
The manual frother diligently mixes steam and milk to carefully create luscious and quality milk foam for each espresso as needed. Equipped with 13 grind sizes setting, the burr grinder grinds fresh beans to espresso grounds with precision delivering bursts of freshness within each shot of espresso.
Again, since this machine is also about letting you in control to make your choices, you can choose pre-ground in the second chamber as well. This automatic espresso machine was truly created with consumers in mind, giving you the flexibility to completely control the end results of every coffee cup made, making it one of the top choices.
What we liked
The array of settings on this machine provide limitless choices for the user. You can brew your espresso or cappuccino by programming all of your desired selections to create your customized beverage exactly the way you like it.
This is fantastic, however, what’s really cool is that once the machine understands your choice, it ‘remembers’ you and your preferences. It will remember the strength of your brew as well as the apt size of your beverage. Quite a score there! It is quiet and has an energy-efficient 3-hour automatic shut-off feature.
You might be wondering that in order to do all this work, how much work is involved to clean up after it. Surprisingly, this machine makes cleanup rather simple. The ‘direct-to-brew system keeps maintenance minimal. Chemical cleanings are not essential. Only, water can be caused due to the ground coffee blocked in the funnel, if any. Simply remove this using a fork/toothpick then clean up the inside.
Cons
- Loud: It tends to get a bit noisy if you keep your hands off it. Many may not be pleased with unpleasant noises at the start of the day.
- Construction: While it has energy-saving features, the plastic parts don’t render it completely environment-friendly. Plastic also makes it flimsy, and knobs can break quickly if you’re a little rough on things.
- Cleaning: The steam function in this automatic espresso machine releases water which drains into the tray for the cup which needs to be wiped frequently.
Read our complete review on DeLonghi Magnifica.
6. De’Longhi Dinamica
- ALL-IN-ONE BARISTA - With bean-to-cup brewing and a built-in...
- EASY TO USE - Customize the size & strength of every cup...
- YOUR FOAM, YOUR WAY - With an integrated manual frother,...
- QUICK CLEANUP - Cleanup is simple & easy, saving you time....
Ice, Ice Baby! If that’s your song and your brew; then the De’Longhi Dinamica will make you stop, collaborate, and listen. With its iced coffee function, it can craft a solid, yet smooth, and voluptuous iced coffee that will make your guests melt away in awe.
Its unique TruBrew ice technology ensures that your iced coffee isn’t watered down making it an iced coffee lover’s favorite. But don’t count out its amazing hot beverage prowess, as this machine creates delicious espressos and cappuccinos equally as well.
What we liked
For the ones who like it hot, it delivers barista-level coffee in less than 40 seconds and all you need is a single one-touch operation to get things started. Talk about easy! Its Italian 15 bar high-performance pump pressure makes this all possible.
You can alter the coffee strength across a 5-setting spectrum (from extra-strong to extra-mild). It’s quite a breeze to clean with its removable brew unit. Just remove and wash. The removable drip tray can be put into the dishwasher too. Overall, it is an amazing entry into the list that excites a lot of conquerors of the cup!
Cons
- Time: Many machines can heat it up in 3 seconds so, the 40 second heating times can seem long for those who value every second. The lack of a secondary thermoblock heating system may cause a sacrifice of some consumer’s precious time.
- It lacks an automatic conversion milk foam feature. Without an active bean monitoring input or powder detection for second ground coffee; it can seem high on price.
7. Jura A1
- ONE TOUCH: Prepare 3 barista quality specialties including...
- PERFECT ESPRESSO: Ultimate coffee quality thanks to JURA's...
- CONICAL BURR GRINDER: Fast and precise AromaG3 grinder...
- ECO FRIENDLY: JURA is always freshly ground, not capsuled -...
The Jura A1 works well on the principle of – 2 birds in one shot. It works great, not only for your coffee habit but also for the esthetics of your kitchen space. The Juna A1 boasts a sleek and dashing appearance, designed to look amazing and compact enough even for smaller spaces.
It can be placed almost anywhere on your counter and kept inside cabinets when not in use. While delivering richness in your cup of coffee, its highly advanced brewing modalities work seamlessly.
What we liked
It pledges the brewing consistency of excellent espresso each and every time. Each cup you make will be consistent in richness and taste. No new unwanted flavor surprises in the morning. The built-in grinder houses multi-level grinding functions that optimally grind the beans to the right consistency. It’s freshly ground and not capsuled. With a single touch, you’re ready to prepare 3 specialties – Ristretto, Espresso, or Coffee.
High on design and simple to operate! Quite the ultra user-friendly machine, its touch panel has three user-defined cup sizes and two aroma levels. It stays true to being kind to the environment, as it generates very little to no waste while grinding using its built-in energy efficiency-rated motor. Pick up some good espresso beans and this machine will never disappoint you.
Cons
- Residue woes: After the carafe is removed, residues do drip. Due to this, scrubbing comes into play. Sometimes coffee tends to remain with the carafe, and it cannot be easily poured out.
- Sometimes it speaks too simple: lacks a hot water dispenser, or even an automatic milk frother in there! Evaluating the price factor, it can seem steep.
- Moreover, it is limited to just 3 drinks – not the specialty ones.
You might like to read: Best Jura Espresso Machines
8. Philips 3200
- With Philips 3200 Series enjoy the delicious taste and aroma...
- LatteGo Milk System: Top your coffee off with a silky-smooth...
- Intuitive Touch Display: Select the perfect coffee for your...
- My Coffee Choice Menu: Adjust the strength and quantity of...
Dreaming of having a mini-coffee shop right in your home? The Philips 3200 is set out to make your dream come to life if you supply the coffee beans. It delivers 5 aromatic coffees at your demand. Be it espresso, coffee, or simply milk drinks; this espresso machine is ready to make it happen.
Selection is simple – The intuitive touch display in this automatic espresso machine makes it a breeze to select the coffee of your choice. Head to the ‘My Coffee Choice’ menu, and adjust to your desired beverage strength and quantity. With 12 grind settings, the built-in ceramic burr grinder takes care of it all – from fine to coarse bean grinding.
What we liked
Frothy tops for your coffee! The LatteGo systems are perfect for taking your coffee to the next level in terms of frothy steamed milk creme topped espresso drinks! Milk and air are mixed at high-speed frequencies, and a velvety, smooth froth emerges from this built-in high-speed function.
Maintenance is ultra-easy so that you can do regular cleaning of the machine. The 2-parts milk system has no tubes or hidden parts, the milk container can also be easily rinsed and even placed in the dishwasher.
Cons
- The touch buttons are not very tactile for office use. It’s better suited for the home.
- The price is quite steep. It may roughly take 6 months of coffee-shop drinks purchases to cover the cost for this machine. Only if you’re an absolutely avid coffee drinker, this can be a valuable investment.
9. Gaggia Anima Prestige
The Gaggia Anima Prestige is a sleek, slim, and programmable super-automatic espresso machine for your kitchen counter. The interface is very simple to understand in one go, with 6 dedicated buttons for each drink making it a perfect choice for many households.
Just one touch of a button is all it takes to make your espresso, cappuccinos, lattes, and just about most things on your café menu. Along with an auto-frothing carafe, it’s quite tempting for milk-lovers. It’s an excellent choice if you have some budget to spare for ease of use.
What We Liked
It’s high on that personal touch! The Gaggia Anima Prestige does a fairly good job to remember your personal taste. With its customizable settings, one can program the coffee temperature and adjustable strength; truly focusing on a personal touch to your brewing experience. Quite an adapting system indeed!
A good choice if you love hosting guests. The Bypass Doser allows in brewing pre-ground coffee and makes it easy when you have a larger group of people to serve. Hosts love using this device for gatherings or get-togethers.
The water tank can be accessed from the top left or top right, keeping it effortless to access. The design almost resembles the famous Gaggia Accademia, but Anima Prestige is priced very fairly and is quite budget-friendly.
Cons
- Single boiler – This results in a higher waiting period to make things hot.
- Costly – Compared to other options in the market, this one’s quite pricey for the value delivered. Relatively, it’s just a tad bit aging.
10. De’longhi Eletta
- Metal sensor touch control panel with high visibility...
- Stainless steel grinder.
- Removable 2 Liter (67 ounce) water tank with water level...
- Milk menu: get access to additional milk drinks through the...
The Delonghi Eletta puts your espresso cup into the milky way by offering a nice crema. The auto-frothing wand also gives steaming hot milk. You can adjust the auto-froth level to match your preference. Set it to the finest level, and you will be served finer groups that give that smooth dash – in every sip. It delivers consistency each time and also has customizable settings for your coffee with a simple interface.
What We Liked
Eletta is very suitable for a pro or for a coffee brewing newbie or just a basic home brewer. Even though it provides multiple options, navigation and operation are quite intuitive. An auto-on function to automatically serve you hot espresso really makes your day more comfortable and enjoyable.
The milk cleaning system can be easily dialed. The angled-up control panel keeps the viewing quite easy to read from any tabletop or counter space.
Cons
- In comparison to the rest, it is relatively slow to startup.
- The price range is high given the display.
- It doesn’t offer user profiles to save coffee beverages per user. So if this is for a family, you cannot save each member’s coffee preference profile.
- The cleaning needs work. During start-up and shut down, the cleaning time to be dedicated needs to be factored in. Also, one will need to take out the drip tray and ground bin in order to remove the milk frothing system.
You might like: Best Delonghi Espresso Machines
11. Gaggia Babila
- One touch brewing and frothing: bean-to-cup feature. Milk...
- ACCESSORIES INCLUDED: 1 bottle of Gaggia Descaler, 1...
- PROGRAMMABLE: 8 Programmable brewing options for espressos,...
- Easy access to water reservoir: features a top Loading...
The Gaggia Babila is a newcomer to the super-automatic espresso machine list and comes with both – a carafe and a steam wand. You can brew up your delicious drink with the push of a button, or manually on your own with the help of the manual wand. Great for those who want their espresso made for them and sometimes want to use the wand like a barista for the perfect amount of froth since it is equipped to do both.
What We Liked
Offering a magic wand to brew up the perfect espresso shot! The manual wand gives you the freedom to texture your milk in the way you want it. The Latte art quality micro froth, an airier froth for cappuccino, helps customize milk-based drinks.
The flow knob is your adjustment friend – you can easily switch between strong espresso or a lighter, larger coffee without having to over-extract. The bypass doser lets you use pre-ground coffee as well for varied coffee options (One-Touch Cappuccino, Tall Spouts, Stainless Accents).
It’s pretty height-friendly. Pour into any cup from 3” inches to 6” inches with the help of the adjustable telescopic coffee dispenser. A great pick for espresso as well as a few inches tall to-go cups.
Maintenance is quite reasonable. The internal dreg bin can hold over 10 pucks of used coffee grounds. Now, that’s quite a good amount. You just need to empty out the bin once it’s filled up. Next, a simple wipe-down. With an entirely removable brew unit, it also comes with an automatic rinse and a descale cycle function.
Cons
- Refilling Woes: Although this machine houses a pretty large water tank, some users find themselves having to refill the reservoir often between automatic rinse cycles and repeated brews.
12. Saeco Xelsis
- With Philips Saeco Xelsis easily make up to 15 coffee...
- 15 Coffee Varieties at Your Fingertips: Explore the world of...
- Personalized Preferences: Everyone’s custom coffee...
- LatteDuo Milk System: Prepare and enjoy single or double...
A perfect pick for families since each member may have his/her own preference and it’s important to address each one’s cup; Saeco Xelsis offers 6 customizable user profiles. You need not change the settings to fit your taste each time.
Just pick your saved user profile, the color LCD touch screen display will intuitively store everybody’s favorite drink with personalized settings. Pull up any by one touch, it makes you cappuccinos, is a latte maker as well and a host of other great coffee drinks too!
What We Liked
The cleaning chores are taken care of to a large extent. This machine has a HygieSteam function, which cleans up the entire milk circuit with steam, right from the spout to the milk tubes.
Also, every time you make a milk-based drink, it automatically cleans the milk system with a jet of hygienic steam. Before you know it, it’s ready and clean for you to make the next drink.
We spoke above about how AquaClean Filters can enhance your coffee taste. This machine too houses the AquaClean Filter delivering improved coffee taste.
Also, the attractive design of the machine lets you place it in the living room for a little show-off.
Cons
- It is a lot of money if you’re only one person to use this machine. However, it’s better suited for family setups.
- Users have often expressed concern about the drip tray, as its susceptible to scratches.
Also Read: Best Saeco Espresso Machines
13. Jura E8
- ONE TOUCH: Prepare 16 barista quality specialties including...
- PERFECT ESPRESSO: Ultimate coffee quality thanks to JURA's...
- CONICAL BURR GRINDER: Fast and precise AromaG3 grinder...
- : JURA is always freshly ground, not capsuled - fresh taste...
For someone who is already deeply entrenched in the coffee community; this can be quite an attention and value grabbing. The Jura E8 Automatic Espresso Machine brings precision to the forefront. It offers state-of-the-art technology with its six-level aroma G3 grinder.
This preserves the coffee’s aromas and brings it right into your cup. It can easily grind fresh coffee beans, two times faster than conventional grinders.
What That We Liked
Engineered with the world-class Pulse Extraction Process (P.E.P.), the coffee bean extraction time is optimized. So, what is the result exactly? Even short specialty coffees such as ristretto and espresso are infused with the bold intensity and breadth of aromas.
This machine is designed with techie prowess with an array of features. It houses a fine foam technology that serves a perfect layer of feather-light milk foam. I guess one could say a crowning glory for your drink!
Soaring high in design, this is pure elegance on your kitchen counter. It’s sleek even in usage. The color display is very easy to navigate and understand – with dedicated buttons assigned for dedicated drinks.
Cons
- The milk features are quite tedious to clean.
- The foam isn’t as hot, but it’s common with automatic machines. This wouldn’t be appreciated by those who like to begin their day with piping-hot sips of coffee.
- Dainty is good. However, some users have raised issues regarding the machine being too delicate. Do check up the warranty before purchasing.
If the budget doesn’t bind you, don’t forget to check out another marvel, the Jura C65. We have not included that model in this list as the pricing part was a little on the higher side to accommodate in here, but if the budget doesn’t bar you, check our review about Jura C65.
14. Breville Oracle Touch
- Please refer to user guide or user manual or user guide...
Breville as a brand has empowered people’s potential to do more things, more easily and impressively than they’d think were possible in their own kitchen. Sticking to this idealogy, the Breville Oracle Espresso Machine has earned industrial clout.
Though it can’t be referred to as a true Super Automatic, it is an advanced device classified by many as one of the very best fully automatic espresso machines. So, we figured it would be best to include it here as Breville is one brand that simply can’t be missed when thinking Espresso.
There is an outstanding feature included in this machine. A commercial option, Over Pressure Valve (OPV), limits the maximum pressure throughout the extraction, preventing bitter flavors in the coffee shot. It delivers even extraction through a true low-pressure pre-infusion.
The pressure is increased in a step-by-step fashion to carefully expand the grinds. This feature is mostly found in commercial machines which are ted costly.
Also Read: Best Espresso Machines with Built-in Grinder
What We Liked
This machine helps deliver 4 key formulas that make each coffee’s math simple and tasty.
Full-bodied flavor: The right dose of freshly ground beans to serve a rich, velvety, and viscous espresso.
Well-balanced taste: Digital temperature control (PID) technology to monitor water temperature and extract the best aromas.
Irresistible body: Low-pressure pre-infusion that soaks the grinds, and allows water to get through evenly at the high pressure (9 bar) extraction process.
Micro-foam texture: A harmoniously sweet and flavorsome texture delivered through the micro-foam rapid steam wand.
Cons
- Designed for the ones who like it strong, this machine is well suited for the ones who love their brew to be strong. If you’re not too much into strong flavours, this might not satisfy you completely.
- It’s important to source fresh roasted beans or get bags that have roasted on dates and not use-by dates. If this is hard to find in your locality, you may not be able to enjoy the fullness of the flavors in your drink.
- This machine requires ample space in the kitchen as it has a pretty massive size. Not quite suitable if space is an issue.
How to Choose a Super-Automatic Espresso Machine?
Automation definitely does save ample time in any process. Combatting morning chores or the hustle and bustle of the daily grind can be conquered with a perfect espresso. However, with a multitude of automated machines out there, it can get fairly perplexing as to which one to opt for.
While some may require you to buy your beans ground, or rely on the portafilter; others may demand that you tap into your explorative side to achieve that perfect shot. As this purchase should be a one-time affair, it will be advisable to review and make a list of a few of your preferences to ensure you choose one that does everything you need.
Let’s gauge the 7 key parameters to help you with the purchasing decision.
1. Single Boiler or Dual Boiler
Let’s get to the basics – a boiler is located within the machine. It’s a sealed metal container that boils the water poured into the reservoir. The water in the boiler is heated to the temperature required to pull the espresso shot as well as to steam milk for the frothing process.
Single boiler in order to extract through the ground coffee, the water must be heated to the right temperature. A waiting period adds up while the water heats up to a hotter temperature, which is necessary to achieve correctly steamed/frothed milk. These are also often referred to as heat exchanger types.
Dual boilers (with two separate boilers having two individual heating thermostats) permit one to work for pulling espresso shots and the other for steaming or hot water purpose resulting in reduced heat-up time along with more temperature stability. As the correct temperature is used for each function, better flavors are extracted as it runs through the beans. In these machines, the wait-up time is greatly reduced since both the boilers work independently from each other.
For the ones in a rush daily and yet not ready to compromise on flavor, double boilers will do the job.
2. Programmability
Making the perfect shot involves an artistic tech backend. Programmability can vary – some machines produce everything in a single click, while some need you to grind. Account in the ease factor, and the time in hand. If you sense, you’re someone who has time to do the partial job – you can settle in for a cheaper machine with fewer features.
However, if you sense the ‘one-click-to-get-it-all’ is what you’ve been looking for to ease your chores; then go all out by opting for advanced features.
FYI: Be sure that you can navigate around technology well. If not investing all the money and not being moderately tech-savvy; can be quite a nuisance.
Also, it’s important to note that the advanced technology does enhance taste, velvety froth and serves a richer experience with each cup of coffee.
3. Drink Options
If you’re already spoilt for choice and love sipping a new drink almost every alternate day: then opt for the machine which provides a one-touch button for espresso, cappuccino, latte, espresso macchiato, or hot water for tea. Look for models with adjustable settings for water temperatures, strength, and froth to permutate your favorite drinks with different parameters.
But if you’re specific and consistent with your drink: a daily dose of espresso only – then there isn’t a point of paying for what you wouldn’t use.
4. Maintenance & Cleaning
Remember that it can save time but another equally important factor is ‘cleaning’ which also takes up time. Coffee stains can be stubborn, to say the least.
Make sure that your machine has at least some level of auto-cleaning or provisions that allow ‘drips’ to occur. Find out which parts can be detached or not. Find out the dishwasher-safe parts, assess the filters as this is one area that requires maintenance. This way, your cleaning hassle is addressed to quite a large extent.
Most of the top-notch machines demand relatively less upkeep. One more tip is to use less oily beans as the grinders are clogged easily by them in shorter intervals.
5. Brew Strength
Opt for models that allow making adjustments to the strength of your brew. Experimenting with strength can also help you find your perfect taste preference.
Observe the bars of pressure the machine offers. A higher figure means that it can perform the extraction at higher pressures and as a result, more in-depth flavors will be extracted. Enhanced flavors and greater intensity come along with higher pressures.
6. Water Tank Size
The number of cups that can be brewed at a single time is crucial. Ask yourself as to how many members of the family will use this machine. Is it only to brew for you, or for your complete family?
Also, how much space will this machine occupy in your kitchen?
Accordingly, set out to buy a machine whose reservoir can do justice to both your responses.
7. Price
These are the steepest of the lot but of course, they also house the most advanced features and convenience. The double boiler semi-automatic machines comparatively have a higher price than the single boiler machines.
These machines tick off almost every task: right from grinding the beans, tamping the grounds, brewing it with pressure, providing foam, options to experience a multitude of strengths to even dumping out the coffee grounds. The machines on the market sell for a range of $400 to approximately $2,400; depending on internal upgrades.
As this isn’t cheap, opt for machines that come with reliable and prompt customer service. Study your warranty timelines and what all does it include.
Cannot wait for that Delectable Espresso?
In conclusion, we found that they do slave off a lot of your work and time with a touch of a button. An amalgamation of smart technology and artistic finesse is out to captivate your taste palate. If you are one who enjoys convenience and time management, yet are totally tempted by a steaming cup of espresso every morning, then opting a one is quite a perfect investment.
Furthermore, you can prepare a wide variety of coffees for guests, hot or cold, or even foamed milk for hot cocoa for your kids. It’s like having a coffee shop and with all of these options – in the comfort of your home. Ready to turn your home sweet home into a mini-barista – Pick up a super-automatic espresso machine that suits all of your needs today and get started!
Resources
- https://sca.coffee/sca-news/community/ask-a-ctg-expert-12-super-automatic-espresso-machine-basics
- Choosing a super automatic – https://www.seattlecoffeegear.com/blog/2018/09/07/choosing-a-superuatomatic/
- How does a super automatic works – https://www.beveragefactory.com/resources2/coffee_tea/buying_guides/espresso-guides/superauto-guide.shtml