What Is the Best Super-Automatic Espresso Machine? Reviews and Buyer’s Guide

How to Choose the Automatic Espresso Machine

Super-automatic espresso machines are complex technical devices. They can differ from one other even within the same price category. For this reason, it's helpful to know what to focus on before making a purchase. Let's take a look.

Settings Possibilities

Super-automatic espresso machines have a lot of settings to choose from, and some have more settings than others. Sometimes, two machines with the same function still work very differently. Let's take a look at the basic features of super-automatic espresso machines.

Grind size settings help to adjust the taste of the finished drink.

If your coffee is too acidic or too bitter, you can fix this by playing with the grind size.

Every super-automatic espresso machine has a grinder, but different machines have different numbers of grind size options. Some have 3, some have 12, and some have even more.

Temperature control maintains the temperature of the water, keeping it in the optimal range for making coffee. Some models allow you to select from several temperature modes.

With simpler models, you may be able to choose between low, medium, and high. More complex models allow you to choose a temperature with more precision.

Shot strength is responsible for the amount of ground coffee used to prepare one shot of espresso. It can be configured as a programmable setting in some models, while other models let you set the strength with a dial.

One- or two-shot control determines how many shots of espresso you'll get at once.

Almost every espresso machine has this feature. Moreover, you can choose to pour the shots into either one cup or two cups at a time.

If you want to pour into two cups at once, pay attention to whether an espresso machine makes this convenient. Some machines don't leave space for two cups on the drip tray.

Milk foam settings allow you to set the steam strength and foam quality.

This feature is important for lovers of espresso-based milk drinks. For a cappuccino, the foam should be thicker and denser, and for a latte, it should be softer. Therefore, the wider the range of settings, the more drinks you can prepare.

The pre-programmed drinks function allows you to use ready-made settings to get coffee without any brewing effort. Just choose a drink, press a button, and wait for the machine to dispense your coffee.

This function varies widely across super-automatic espresso machines. Some have 18 recipes, while others can only prepare espressos and lungos.

Operating Interface

Super-automatic espresso machines can be operated with buttons or a touch screen.

Some models have buttons for changing settings and also a digital information display.

Every super-automatic espresso machine indicates when it's time to clean it, fill the water reservoir, or refill the coffee bean hopper. Some machines use LED lights for indicators, while others use text or graphics on the display.

When choosing an interface, focus on convenience and your preferences.

Automatic vs Manual Milk Frother

Every super-automatic espresso machine has a milk frother. The frother can be either automatic or manually operated.

The quality of the foam you get depends on many factors, which are especially important if you choose a manual milk frother.

If you aren't familiar with steaming milk and don't want to delve into it, you should take a closer look at the automatic option. An automatic frother not only steams and froths milk on its own but also mixes the coffee and milk in the right proportions for cappuccinos, lattes, and other espresso-based drinks.

Brew Group

The coffee preparation process takes place in the brew group.

Super-automatic espresso machines can have one of two types of brew groups: removable and built-in.

If the brew group is built in, the coffee machine is easy to care for. You don't need to wash the group after each brewing cycle—the inside of the coffee machine is automatically rinsed. The used coffee grounds are sent to a special container, which you just need to periodically unload and wash.

If the brew group is removable, you will need to clean it yourself from time to time. This can actually be a benefit, because you can remove coffee dust from hard-to-reach places.

Water Tank and Bean Hopper Capacity

Pay attention to the volume and location of the water tank and the capacity of the bean hopper.

The larger the water tank, the less often it will have to be refilled.

As for the water tank's location, just make sure it's in a place that's easy to get to so refilling doesn't become a hassle.

The bean hopper is usually filled from the top and is not a problem. But the water tank can be located at the back or on the side of the espresso machine.

It's very inconvenient when the water tank is in the back, so we recommend choosing a model with a side-mounted water tank.

Best Automatic Espresso Machines

Below we have compiled reviews of the best automatic espresso machines by their value for the money. To make your choice easier, we've included specifications for each product. Let's dive in.

1. Philips 3200 Series - Best Overall

If you want all the convenience of a fully automatic espresso machine without spending a fortune, check out this best super-automatic espresso machine for home use.

Its main advantage is the Aroma Extract system, which maintains a balance between brewing temperature and aroma extraction. As a result, every shot of espresso is high quality even without any intervention from you.

If you want to brew a shot of espresso to your taste, you can adjust the strength and volume of the drink. And don't be afraid that the quality of the drink will deteriorate. The Aroma Extract system will still maintain a high-quality beverage.

For those who like more control over the taste of their espresso, the machine is equipped with a 12-step grinder. It is made of ceramic, does not overheat the beans, and prepares a uniform grind even at ultra-fine sizes.

But tasty espresso isn't everything. The coffee machine is equipped with a steam wand for preparing milk froth. The only drawback is that it doesn't automatically mix the milk and coffee in the right proportion, so you will have to add the foam to the coffee yourself. But the quality of this foam is really good—it is dense and also customizable.

The machine is easy to maintain. The steam wand can be easily disassembled for cleaning, and you can simply rinse the removable brew group under the tap.

2. De'Longhi ECAM35075SI Dinamica - Premium Pick

Dinamica is the new line of fully automatic espresso machines from De'Longhi. It replaces outdated models. There are 4 models in the new De'Longhi Dinamica line, but the ECAM35075SI is the top model in the line and is deservedly considered the best premium super-automatic espresso machine.

It received its high rating thanks to its LatteCrema automatic cappuccino maker, 18 customizable recipes, and ease of use.

Operation is more touch-sensitive and convenient than in older models. And the water tank is now inserted from the side rather than the back, making access much easier even in small kitchens.

The espresso machine allows you to adjust the strength of the drinks and the grind size, and you can also customize your favorite drinks. The Dinamica brews great espresso and whips up a great cappuccino froth.

The De'Longhi ECAM35075SI has 18 drink recipes. There are six buttons to select basic recipes: latte macchiato, cappuccino, iced coffee, Americano, coffee, and espresso. Just press a button and get the drink you want. There are also two buttons to prepare additional recipes: "Drink Menu" and "My Menu." Each menu has its own programs and capabilities.

The Drink Menu gives access to additional recipes: lungo, ristretto, doppio+, latte, flat white, cappuccino+, espresso macchiato, 2 espressos, 2 lungos, 2 ristrettos, and hot water.

Compared to the previous models, this is a step forward, because earlier models had far fewer programs and recipes.

"My Menu provides a place for your alternative, favorite recipes. You can configure another set of drinks with your own parameters: strength and volume.

3. De'Longhi ESAM3300 Magnifica - Best Budget Pick

Despite the fact that this espresso machine is considered obsolete, the De'Longhi ESAM3300 Magnifica is still used in offices, catering establishments, and retail outlets, as well as at home. It brews espresso, and espresso lungo, allow you to make cappuccinos, lattes, and does this job well.

This is the easiest automatic espresso machine to use. That is why it is often used in offices. All you need to do is choose the volume of the drink, its strength and portion (one or two at a time).

The second reason this espresso machine is loved is that it is easy to clean. The machine will inform you when to empty the drip tray and remove any accumulated coffee grounds. You just need to open the lid, throw out the dirt and insert the parts back. Fast and easy.

If you like coffee with milk froth, there is a milk frothing stick here. It is not automatic, so you need to make the foam manually. That said, it's perfectly froths milk if you do it right.

4. De'Longhi Dinamica - Best for Small Office

Dinamica is the new line of super-automatic espresso machines from De'Longhi. It replaces outdated models. There are 4 models in the new De'Longhi Dinamica line, but the ECAM35075SI is the top model in the line and is deservedly considered the best super-automatic machine.

It received its high rating thanks to its LatteCrema automatic cappuccino maker, 18 customizable recipes, and ease of use.

Operation is more touch-sensitive and convenient than in older models. And the water tank is now inserted from the side rather than the back, making access much easier even in small kitchens.

The machine allows you to adjust the strength of the drinks and the grind size, and you can also customize your favorite drinks. The Dinamica brews great espresso and whips up a great cappuccino froth.

The De'Longhi ECAM35075SI has 18 drink recipes. There are six buttons to select basic recipes: latte macchiato, cappuccino, iced coffee, Americano, coffee, and espresso. Just press a button and get the drink you want. There are also two buttons to prepare additional recipes: "Drink Menu" and "My Menu." Each menu has its own programs and capabilities.

The Drink Menu gives access to additional recipes: lungo, ristretto, doppio+, latte, cappuccino+, espresso macchiato, 2 espressos, 2 lungos, 2 ristrettos, and hot water.

Compared to the previous models, this is a step forward, because earlier models had far fewer programs and recipes.

"My Menu provides a place for your alternative, favorite recipes. You can configure another set of drinks with your own parameters: strength and volume.

Unlike its predecessors, the De'Longhi ECAM35075SI does not have active cup warming; there is only passive heat. However, the Dinamica's advantages over earlier models easily outweighs the loss of active cup warming.

5. Breville Oracle Touch - For Advanced Users

If you are looking for the highest quality espresso, the Breville BES990BSS Oracle Touch should be your choice. No other super automatics espresso machine with grinder can make coffee like it.

The BES990BSS is the most well-equipped professional model. This espresso machine can be used not only at home but also for commercial purposes. It has increased functionality and reliability, but you have to pay for these improvements.

The Oracle Touch fully automates the preparation process, from dosing and tamping coffee grounds to making delicious milk foam and then cleaning the cappuccinatore.

The Breville Oracle Touch has a feature that sets it apart from other super automatic espresso machines—three heating elements: the water boiler, the brewing unit, and the steam boiler. They speed up the process as much as possible, allowing you to simultaneously prepare an espresso or Americano and whip up a gentle foam. The brew unit heating element and digital temperature control guarantee the optimal heating level for the full development of your coffee's taste and aroma.

As for the coffee grinder, the Breville machine also outperforms its competitors. The conical burr grinder has 45 grind size choices. This is the largest figure among the super-automatic espresso machines. It achieves an even grind for flawless extraction of espresso.

There are six drinks pre-programmed in the menu: espresso, americano, cappuccino, latte, and steamed milk. You can also save six personalized recipes with your own names and start brewing with one touch.

The Oracle Touch is very easy to operate. It is controlled by a touchscreen display. You can select a drink and adjust settings with one touch. For maximum convenience, you can set the machine to heat up at the perfect time. You'll wake up and the Breville Oracle Touch will be ready to brew the perfect coffee for you.

Buying Guide

What is a fully-automatic espresso machine?

A super-automatic espresso machine is the easiest, safest way to brew both espresso and espresso-based drinks. You don't need to have barista skills—the machine will do everything by itself. All you have to do is load coffee beans, fill the water tank, and choose your favorite drink. Just push of a button and get the best espresso.

What Kind of Coffee Can You Make With a Super-Automatic Coffee Machine?

In the buying guide, we pointed out that you should pay attention to what kind of drinks a super-automatic espresso machine can brew. Below, we will look at these drinks in more detail.

Espresso is a strong drink with a small volume, made from finely ground beans brewed under high water pressure. Espressos usually have crema. The ratio of ground coffee to brewed drink should be approximately 1:2.

Americano got its name during the Second World War, while Italy was occupied by US troops. American soldiers, who missed their homeland and black coffee, ordered espressos, which were unusually strong for them, in Italian cafes, and diluted the espresso with hot water to make the drink taste more like filter coffee.

Latte was not invented in Italy. When espresso was first tasted around the world, it was bitter, intense, and for many a completely new taste. Some did not like it, so they added milk to make the drink more palatable. A latte typically has more milk and less foam than a cappuccino.

Cappuccino is an espresso-based coffee drink with the addition of steamed, foamed milk. A thick layer of creamy foam complements the sweet milk and the rich taste of well-brewed espresso.

A Ristretto differs from an espresso in it uses the same amount of pre-ground coffee, but only half as much water. The drink is always strong and aromatic and always has a dense foam. For a ristretto, only freshly ground coffee beans should be used.

Lungo is prepared in the same way as espresso, but with more water. A lungo tastes more bitter but less strong than espresso. When brewing a lungo, coffee from varieties with a delicate aroma and delicate taste is most suitable.

Basic Principles for Using

After turning on the espresso machine, the first step is to check the system.

• Are there coffee and water in the correct containers?
• Are all parts of the device ready for operation?

Generally, a super-automatic espresso machines will check these things for you. In the event of a malfunction, like a lack of coffee or water, the machine will display a specific message.

The brewing unit is the main unit of a super-automatic coffee machine. It forms a tamped coffee tablet and pushes hot water through the tablet under high pressure, resulting in espresso.

The used coffee grounds are transferred to a special waste container, and unnecessary water is drained. At the end of this cycle, the machine is ready to make drinks again.

Espresso makers differ in the amount of pressure applied to the tamped coffee:

• Super-automatic espresso machines that connect to a water line are capable of 9-bar pressure.
• Machines that do not have a connection to the water supply are capable of 15-bar pressure.

Sources:

1. Review of the DeLonghi Dinamica Automatic Espresso Machine Series - The Appliances Reviews
2. Espresso Machines: Semi-Automatic VS Automatic VS Superautomatic - JavaPresse
3. How to Clean a Super Automatic Espresso Machine -  Espresso Machine Experts