Espresso is a highly concentrated form of coffee produced by sending heated water through a puck of coffee under high pressure.
You have many options if you want to make espresso at home, but to get an authentic shot, you’ll need some form of home espresso machine.
Not all espresso machines are created equal, though.
Many coffee purists insist on using a semi-automatic espresso machine. While these involve a slight learning curve, you can take full control when you’re brewing espresso.
At the opposite end of the scale, you get super-automatic espresso like those we’ll be reviewing today. These are espresso machines with built-in grinders, also known as fully-automatic espresso machines.
A super-automatic espresso machine gives you convenience in line with that offered by Nespresso machines, but generates a far superior shot of espresso. Single-serve machines are great, but the coffee capsules do not contain coffee ground right before brewing.
So, if you feel you would sacrifice control to achieve convenience, what are the most important elements when you’re choosing between the best super-automatic coffee machines?
If you consider these simple points, you should have no problem establishing which of these super-automatics looks right for you.
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The 12 Best Super Automatic Espresso Machines
1. Our #1 Pick:Breville Barista Touch
Features
f you’re hunting for the best super-automatic espresso machines, you should start your search with the iconic Breville Barista Touch.
As the model name hints, you enjoy push-button operation and a seamless barista experience at home.
The Breville is easy to use even by the standards of fully-automatic coffee machines. Use the color touchscreen to navigate the coffee menu, choosing the long or short coffee you crave at the press of a button.
Throw your favorite fresh coffee beans into the hopper and the conical burr grinder will blitz them to your preferred texture. Dose control means you don’t even need to worry about measuring out your coffee grinds either, and you’ll get a consistent result every time.
The pre-infusion phase keeps the pressure low, and during extraction you’ll benefit from the powerful pressure vital for great espresso. Drink this straight like the Italians do, or create longer and creamier espresso-based coffees.
Although this machine does just about everything for you, you don’t lose control completely. You can tweak the brew strength, temperature, and mil texture, and then you can save up to 8 personalized settings. Let everyone in the family get the coffee they love by punching a button.
Almost all user testimony related to this nifty Breville is positive. Regrettably, the customer service department doesn’t come in for the same praise. Overall, the Breville Barista Express is among the very best super-automatic espresso machines, so see if it fits your budget and needs.
2. Philips 3200 Series Fully-Automatic Espresso Machine
Features
Philips is a kitchenware specialist with a surprisingly strong line of coffee machines. How does this super-automatic espresso maker shape up, then?
This machine makes a great choice for anyone looking for espresso, but not wanting to be limited to short shots only.
If you want authentic espresso, you get this at the push of a button as with all the best super-automatics. You won’t need to master the art of tamping or pulling your shot, and you won’t need to concern yourself with microfoam either. Let the Philips do the hard yards for you.
When you fancy longer, creamy coffees like latte, cappuccino, or macchiato, you can achieve these with push-button simplicity, and you won’t need to mess around with milk and foam ratios. The milk system is also extremely easy to clean and maintain, a common bugbear with frothers.
Like all the best super-automatic machines, you benefit from a burr grinder baked in. Philips bundles a ceramic grinder, the optimum choice for lifespan and performance. With 12 settings, get the grind size you need every time without a third-party grinder.
If you opt for the configuration including the AquaClean system, you can make up to 5000 cups of joe before you need to descale this machine, ideal for all high-demand environments.
For anyone prioritizing ease of use and width of coffee menu, the Philips is a must.
3. DeLonghi Magnifica Super-Automatic Espresso and Coffee Machine
Features
DeLonghi has a heavy presence in the coffee machine vertical with a wide variety of great machines in all shapes and styles. How does this super-automatic stand out in a crowded field?
The first thing you’ll appreciate is the squat and space-saving form factor. Finished in stainless steel, the Magnifica looks the part, too.
For all those coffee lovers seeking authentic espresso without the headache, this fully-automatic solution gives you great quality shots on demand.
Get things off to the best start thanks to the burr grinder with 13 settings baked in.
Make adjustments to the cup size, strength, and temperature using the simple dial and get your espresso just the way you want it. With your preferences dialed in, save them and recreate your perfect coffee with push-button ease.
Beyond espresso, you can take advantage of the cappuccino system built in. This creates longer and creamier coffees like latte and cappuccino automatically, so you don’t need to fuss around over the right ratio of foam to steamed milk.
Not only is this machine a cinch to use and maintain, it’s also very easy to clean. For an unrivalled bean-to-cup experience and one of the most impressive super-automatic espresso machines you’ll find, the DeLonghi Magnifica continues to fly off shelves the world over.
4. Gaggia Brera Super-Automatic Espresso Machine
Features
Gaggia has a rich history in the coffee industry, and they also produce a deep line of commercial coffee machines. You benefit from this as a home consumer because this brand rolls out many of their commercial components on machines intended for home use. The Brera is one such machine, so what do you get for your money?
Although it’s not cheap, the Brera allows you to buy into the lower end of the Gaggia range, while still benefiting from much of the quality and performance evident on their costlier appliances.
The front access to the drip tray and dreg tray allows you more scope with placement. Overall dimensions are compact, and this machine is also pretty lightweight. The polycarbonate finish is easy on the eye and the only real concession here.
You won’t need to wait around once you fire your Gaggia up. Rapid heating times and seamless extraction and steaming means you’ll have top-notch coffee in your cup in no time.
If you want an americano, this machine delivers hot water on demand. You can also use the manual frothing wand to create the foam and steamed milk you need for latte, macchiato, or cappuccino.
Backed by Gaggia’s 1-year limited warranty, you can buy with complete confidence.
5. Jura Impressa C65 Automatic Coffee Machine
Features
Jura produce some understated coffee machines that are pretty pricey, but are they any good?
In a word, yes. The first thing that strikes you about the Impressa are the clean, angular lines. This machine makes a real statement on the kitchen counter.
Fortunately, you don’t sacrifice function for form here. Using a simple ergonomic rotary switch, you can generate top-notch espresso with no worries about mastering the art of shot-pulling.
The innovative spout is movable and height-adjustable, so you won’t be limited to using short shot glasses. Any cups to 4.4 inches will fit underneath, so you may find taller travel mugs problematic, but everything else should be fair game.
A manual milk frothing system is the only area where you’ll need to step in. Setting this aside, the user input required with this espresso machine is practically nil.
As long as you don’t mind digging deeper, investing in a Jura coffee machine should give you years of faithful service, with first-class coffee every day along the way. What’s not to love?
6. DeLonghi Dinamica Espresso Machine
Features
For anyone unable to choose between hot or cold coffee, there’s no need if you invest in the DeLonghi Dinamica.
If you are looking for a seamless espresso experience, the Dinamica gets up to temperature in just 15 seconds. With a pump capable of delivering 15 bars of pressure, you’ll get an authentic shot of concentrated espresso with push-button ease.
Perhaps the primary draw with this machine is the way you can make exceptional coffee over ice without the result seeming watered down.
Additionally, an integrated manual milk frother lets you enjoy a variety of creamy coffees – latte and cappuccino, for instance.
Before you get started, though, taking advantage of the burr grinder built in allows you to enjoy coffee the right way with fresh beans ground right before brewing. Equipped with 13 different grind sizes, you can get everything from a super-fine grind for your espresso to a coarser grind for longer coffees.
With the brew unit and drip tray both removable, you’ll find this machine just as easy to keep clean as it to use.
The only drawback we found among overwhelmingly positive user feedback concerns the disappointingly small cup sizes available, so make sure this won’t leave you lacking. Overall, this is one of the best fully-automatic espresso machines you’ll find, delivering a true bean-to-cup experience.
7. DeLonghi Espresso Machine
Features
Another versatile espresso machine from the DeLonghi stable up next, what do you get for your money here?
Well, as with all the finest fully automatics, this unit is equipped with a grinder. Here, this conical burr grinder has 13 different settings, allowing you great scope. A second chamber allows you to use pre-ground coffee – great if you want some decaf or your favorite pre-ground blend.
As an aside, we encountered a handful of complaints from users about the grinder’s performance and functionality.
The highly capable pump onboard ensures you get traditional espresso brewed under the requisite pressure.
An easily navigable menu lets you choose your favorite beverages with push-button ease, embracing all the benefits super-automatic espresso machines offer.
You don’t sacrifice all control either. Fans of longer and creamier coffees will appreciate the manual steaming wand. Manipulate the ratio of foam and froth to suit the drink you have in mind, and play barista by adding the finishing touches and latte art.
The cleaning cycle doesn’t call for any harsh chemicals, and this machine won’t need cleaning as often as many super-automatics, giving you a hassle-free experience, as well as the chance to drink great shots of espresso at home.
8. Gaggia Anima Prestige Automatic Coffee Machine
Features
Next up in our showcase of the best semi-automatic espresso machines comes another entry from the Gaggia stable.
Again, you get a machine packed with commercial components at a reasonably keen price point. This is certainly not a cheap espresso maker, but it’s cheap for a Gaggia.
Surprisingly, there is a fair amount of plastic in evidence here, although the design doesn’t suffer thanks to the glossy finish and solid feel.
We know you’re not buying an espresso machine mainly for its good looks either, so how does this unit perform?
Well, like all best fully automatic coffee machines, the Gaggia delivers an intuitive bean-to-cup experience involving almost no effort on your part. If that’s the way you like to enjoy your coffee, you’ll find few better options.
The pump onboard is rated at 15 bars, so you get more than enough pressure for authentic espresso.
Thanks to the steam wand and dedicated menu settings, you can also enjoy creamy coffees like latte and cappuccino at the push of a button.
You can manipulate the water temperature through 3 different settings, too, allowing you some degree of control to complement the automatic functionality.
Aside from a few gripes related to the warranty, most user testimony for this espresso machine is glowingly positive.
9. Jura Ena Micro 5 Automatic Coffee Machine
Features
Jura enters the fray once more with the enduringly popular Ena Micro 5. Now, this is not a cheap coffee machine, so if you’re hunting for a bargain, explore some of the more affordable option above and below.
This machine would make a compact and elegant addition to any kitchen, and you’ll benefit from bean-to-cup coffee at its finest, as long as you don’t mind digging a bit deeper for the privilege.
On top of the machine you get a highly effective burr grinder. Making great espresso starts with fresh coffee beans ground directly before brewing, and the Ena means you won’t need to rely on a third-party grinder for this. The generous 4oz hopper is covered to keep the freshness locked in.
As with all Jura machines, this one comes equipped with an innovative rotating spout. This gives you maximum control, and it also allows you to pour two shots of espresso at the same time, perfect for all high-demand environments.
You use a crisp and intuitive touchscreen to navigate this fully-automatic gem, and you can get first-rate espresso on demand. While this is one of the more limited machines on our shortlist, it’s also one of the very best fully-automatic espresso machines you’ll find.
10. Saeco PicoBaristo Super-Automatic Espresso Machine
Features
Saeco might not be the first name that springs to mind when you’re thinking of espresso machines, but their stealthy and expensive models are well worth exploring if you have a more fluid budget and exacting tastes. The Saeco brand has belonged to Philips since its acquisition back in 2009, and this machine is the beneficiary of the parent company’s expertise in this space.
The key selling point with this machine is the eye-popping choice of 15 different coffees, all accessible with push-button ease. For anyone looking for fully-automatic convenience married to breadth of choice, the Saeco is tough to beat.
You can also save up to 6 user profiles, allowing everyone in the family to enjoy coffee the way they want it a press of a button away.
The ceramic burr grinder onboard lets you blitz your beans right before brewing for optimum freshness, and this is rated for 20,000 cups, so you’ll have no complaints when it comes to lifespan.
If you opt for the bundle with the AquaClean system, you can make up to 5000 cups of coffee before you need to descale this machine, giving you a hassle-free experience.
For bean-to-cup coffee with precision, you can’t go wrong with this Saeco super-automatic. The only real gripes we unearthed concerned the lukewarm temperature of the milk in creamier coffees. For straight-up espresso, you’ll be blown away, and that’s out core focus today.
11. Breville Oracle Touch Fully-Automatic Espresso Machine
Features
As we edge to the end of our quest for the best super-automatic espresso machines, we have another offering from the inestimable Breville. This brand makes great appliances that are built to last but don’t cost the earth. The Oracle Touch continues that winning tradition.
Boasting an OPV (over-pressure valve) sourced from a commercial espresso machine, temperature regulation is stable throughout the extraction. This should prevent any bitterness from tainting your espresso.
Both grinding and tamping is taken care of automatically, giving you a legitimate bean-to-cup experience, and exemplifying that best qualities of a super-automatic coffee machine.
PID temperature control ensures the water is delivered at between 190F and 196F, ideal for authentic shots of espresso, as well as delicious longer coffees.
The milk frothing is also done on your behalf, giving you a totally seamless coffee-making routine from a brand you can rely on.
12. Jura D6 Automatic Coffee Machine
Features
To round out our reviews of the best super-automatic espresso machines, we couldn’t resist another model from the legendary Jura stable.
As with all machines from this brand, you’ll need to weather a stiff price tag, but you get design, performance, and lifespan in return.
This model will kick out 7 different types of coffee, so you can enjoy more than just a short shot of espresso first thing in the morning.
Espresso lovers certainly won’t be disappointed, though. Use the rotary dial to choose the beverage you prefer then let the machine do all the hard yards for you.
As with all the best fully-automatic espresso machines, you get an integrated burr grinder, so you can grind your beans right before you brew, guaranteeing maximum freshness.
The machine is not only remarkably easy to use, but it also involves little by the way of upkeep and maintenance.
A handful of users complain about consistency issues, but feedback is almost universally positive for this outstanding espresso machine.
FAQs
1) What is a super-automatic espresso machine?
Super-automatic espresso machines are also commonly known as automatic or fully-automatic espresso machines. The name is applied to coffee machines with integrated grinders, allowing you to take your coffee from bean to cup in minutes for maximum flavor and aroma. The best machines in this class also allow you to make latte, macchiato, cappuccino, and other creamy coffees. A super-automatic delivers the convenience you would associate with a single-serve machine like a Keurig or Nespresso, but with an elevated quality of coffee. While single-serve machines can give you drinkable espresso, they don’t make use of beans ground right before brewing. This is perhaps the main factor responsible for the quality of the espresso in your cup, and this is where super-automatics excel.
2) How do super-automatic coffee machines work?
Most people buy a super-automatic coffee machine to enjoy a stress-free and hands-off approach to brewing. If you want something that’s more hand-on, a semi-automatic provides this. Operation will differ from machine to machine. Typically, you’ll load the hopper with some fresh coffee beans of your choice. As coffee beans degrade so quickly after grinding, you’ll be off to a strong start. Most fully-automatics will grind, tamp, and dose your coffee. From here, the machine will ditch the spent puck into a dregs tray. Pop your espresso shot glass under the spout and let the super-automatic give you barista-grade espresso at the push of a button or twist of a dial. Making longer coffees will usually involve hitting a preset or taking advantage of an automatic milk frother. You’ll find some fully-automatic machines only provide a manual steaming wand.
3) What type of water should I use when making coffee?
Your finished beverage is composed of more than 90% water, so use the best quality bottled water for great espresso. At minimum, use filtered water. This will result in a cleaner and crisper taste than using water from the faucet.
4) Do you get any control at all with a fully-automatic espresso machine?
Yes, many of these machines offer you a fair degree of control over brewing variables. We highlight the level of programmability each of the machines we review offers so you can more easily pick one in line with your needs.
Conclusion
We trust today’s guide to choosing the best super-automatic espresso machines has cleared up any confusion you might have had. Taking your time before whipping out your credit card is invaluable.
While you should get an integrated grinder and push-button operation from any decent fully-automatic machine, some are more flexible and programmable than others, so focus on picking something that works for you and your family.
Beyond this, decide whether or not you need the ability to make different types of coffee, and you should find it relatively straightforward to choose the most suitable super-automatic.
We have lots more helpful guides coming your way over the coming weeks, so we would suggest you bookmark Lolita on your way out, and we hope to see you very soon!
