SHORT GLANCE ON THE BEST SUPER AUTOMATIC ESPRESSO MACHINES

Are you always on express mode? No time to tamp and grind your own beans? The eclectic espresso is an absolute elixir for the ones in express mode – no guesses as to why! You will be meeting the most interesting super automatic espresso machines very soon!

For the ones who lead a super-packed and fast-paced lifestyle, the espresso packs in the taste, punch, energy and ease to drink in a fairly short time span. The perfect espresso can be made super quickly and efficiently – provided you have the right machine. The search for the ‘right’ machine for your espresso dates back to the age of steam.

Angelo Moriondo was titled the first to encapsulate the modern espresso machine using steam, high pressure and grounds-tightly packed. Bezzerra and Desiderio Pavoni further perfected it by including steam wands, portafilters and pressure release valves.

Next in line, Achille Gaggia (a popular brand even today) improved the pressure control by introducing the barista-operated spring-piston lever.

Semi Vs Fully/Super Automatic Espresso Machine

You may be wondering then how does the ‘super automatic’ differs from a semi-automatic and fully automatic espresso machine.

Semi-Automatic

A notch of pressure improvement from Gaggia’s masterpiece! Ernesto Valente introduced a motorized pump mechanism which eliminated the need to manually pump the piston, hence delivering a stronger shot. However, this is why it is tagged as ‘semi-automatic’ espresso machines.

The barista decides when the shot is done, and not the machine.

You are required to tamp and grind your own beans. It’s often picked for commercial settings and requires more group heads to pull many shots at once.

Fully-Automatic

Quite close to achieving automated brewing. Herein, ‘flowmeters’ control the exact amount of water that has to be passed through the puck and stop the passage when the apt amount is filtered. The need to manually control the brew time is definitely kept at bay. But, here’s why they don’t let you sit on the couch throughout the espresso making process.

You will need to go through the grind of grinding your own beans.

Most of these machines include semi-automatic redundancy features. It’s usual to find them on each other’s buying sections.

So, What’s so super about a Super Automatic Espresso Machine?

It’s almost like swaying your magic wand. Super automatic espresso machines are designed to truly automate just about each step of your espresso making spectacle, right from grinding the coffee beans to pressurizing and pouring. Designed with high programmability technologies, some have automatic milk frothers or steamers. These can be a delight for the dairy-inclined coffee lovers on the go.

Let’s find out which super automatic espresso machine can perfectly pull your shot.

We first thought of including some of the best Nespresso machines, but than dropped. They are automatic and bring convenience to great extent, but, are not complete bean to cup machines.

The Best Super Automatic Espresso Machines – Our Favorites

So, here goes our list of favorites that are super cool to operate and you will be proud to be their super owners.

1. Gaggia Brera – Cheapest Super Automatic

This compact super automatic espresso 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 levy to brew cappuccinos and lattes.

What we liked

It does bring out the ‘explorer’ within you. Although you may notice only 4 buttons on the panel which are super easy to operate, but adjusting them to match your preferences is the artistic skill to master! These 4 buttons, with varied adjustments, make all the difference. Bean-shopping need not involve wearing spy glasses anymore. The sturdy ceramic burr 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 reservoir make it slide under kitchen cabinets with ease. Just like the velvety beverage sliding on 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.

Cons

Although the Gaggia Adapating system accommodates your preferred bean by adjusting how the grinder operate. This can be quite a learning curve to conquer for the newbie home brewing person.

If your coffee doses are too many a day, be prepared to refill it often as the water tank is relatively small.

Cleaning needs attention. 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 off-guard.

Gaggia Brera Super Automatic Espresso Machine FROTHING FOR MILK BEVERAGES: Pannarello wand...

EASY ACCESS: The dregs drawer, drip tray, and...

USER-FRIENDLY DISPLAY: Push-button controls...

2. Delonghi ESAM3300 Super Automatic Espresso Machine

The Delonghi ESAM3300 is all out to cheer for the drinkers who love foam! It’s out there to empower and give you the freedom to make your choices, ‘Your foam. Your way’. The manual frother diligently mixes steam and milk to carefully create luscious and creamy foam. Equipped with 13 adjustable settings, the burr grinder grinds fresh beans delivering bursts of freshness within each espresso shot.

Again, since this machine is also about letting you make your choices, you can choose pre-ground in the second chamber as well.

What we liked

Limitless choices come in with the array of settings. You can brew your espresso or cappuccino by programming your choices. Now, what is cool that once the machine understands your choice, it ‘remembers’. It remembers the strength of your brew as well as the apt size of your beverage. Now, that’s quite a scorer! It is quite energy efficient 3-hour automatic shut off.

And to do all this work for you, you may be wondering if you need to clean up after it. 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 insides.

Cons

It tends to get a bit noisy. While you can keep your hands off it, you may not be very pleased with unpleasant noises at the start of your day.

While it has energy saving, the plastic parts don’t render it completely environment friendly. Plastic also renders it flimsy, and knobs can break quickly if you’re a tough-user.

The steam function in this automatic espresso machine releases water which drains into the tray for the cup. This needs to be wiped.

De'Longhi Super Automatic Coffee Machine Patented "Cappuccino system" frother that...

Easy-to-use rotary and push button control...

Grinds beans instantly with the patented,...

3. De’Longhi Dinamica Automatic Espresso Coffee Machine

Ice, Ice Baby. If that’s your song and your brew; then the De’Longhi Dinamica can win you over. With its iced coffee function, it can craft a solid yet smooth, voluptuous iced coffee that will make your guests melt away in awe. It’s TruBrew ice technology ensures that your drink isn’t watered down.

What we liked

For the ones who like it hot, it delivers a barista-level coffee in less than 40 seconds. And all you need is one-touch. It’s Italian 15 bar high performance pump makes this possible. You can alter the strength of your coffee 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 drip tray can be put into the dishwater too. Overall, this super automatic espresso machine is an amazing entry into the list that excites a lot!

Cons

Well, some machines heat it up in 3 seconds. So, heating within 40 seconds can seem long for the ones who value each second. It doesn’t have two thermoblock heating systems and that’s why it does require atleast upto 40 seconds.

It lacks an automatic conversion milk foam technique. Without an active bean monitoring input, or powder detection for second ground coffee; it can seem pricey.

De'Longhi Dinamica Automatic Coffee & Espresso Machine The true Brew process delivers smooth,...

Heat-up time in less than 40 seconds: With...

Brew the freshest coffee: With bean to cup...

4. Jura Ena 1 Fully Automatic Espresso Machine

The Jura ENA 1 works well on the principle of – 2 birds in one shot. It’s works great not only for your coffee habit but also for your kitchen space. The Juna ENA 1 boats of a sleek and dashing appearance prowess. Made for compact spaces, it can be laid almost anywhere on your counter and kept inside cabinets when not in use. While delivering richness in your cup, its highly advanced brewing modalities work seamlessly.

What we liked

It pledges by consistency each time. Each cup of yours will be consistent in richness and taste factor. No new unwanted surprises each morning. The conical burr grinder houses multi-level grinding functions which grind the beans optimally. It’s freshly ground and not capsuled. With a single touch, you’re good to prepare 3 specialities – Ristretto, Espresso and 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 level. It stays true to being kind to the environment, as it generates very little to no waste while grinding. Stick to some good espresso beans and this machine will never disappoint you.

Cons

Residue woes: After 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: there ain’t a hot water dispenser, or even a cappuccino frother in there! Evaluating the price factor, it can seem steep.

Moreover, this super automatic espresso machine is limited to just 3 drinks – not the specialty ones.

Jura ENA 1 Automatic Coffee Machine ONE TOUCH: Prepare 3 Barista quality...

COMPACT: Slim design, perfect for small...

CONICAL BURR GRINDER: Multi-level grinder...

5. Philips 3200 Super Automatic Espresso Machine

Dreaming of having a mini-coffee shop right in your home, the Philips 3200 is set out to make your dream come to life. It delivers 5 aromatic coffees at your demand. Be it an espresso, coffee or simply a milk-based recipe; this espresso machine is out 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. The 12-step ceramic grinder adjustment takes care of it all- from fine to coarse bean grinding.

What we liked

Frothy tops for your coffee! The LatteGo systems is taking your coffee into the milk way! Milk and air are mixed at high speed frequencies, and a velvety, smooth froth emerges out to this high speed function. Cleaning and maintenance is ultra-easy. Since the 2-parts milk system has no tubes or hidden parts, it can also be easily rinsed or 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 up for this machine. Only if you’re an absolutely avid coffee drinker, this can be valuable.

Sale Philips 3200 Fully Automatic Espresso Machine Enjoy 5 coffees

Intuitive touch display

12-step grinder adjustment

6. Saeco Incanto Super Automatic Espresso Maker

An intuitive Italian craftsmanship, this Saeco espresso machine speaks toughness, innovation and sets high-standards in class. Its construction with tough stainless steel definitely makes it sturdy for the ones who aren’t too gentle with appliances.

What we liked

Its advanced technology is geared to deliver maximum flavour – each time. Embedded with a super-fast heating boiler technology, one can quickly brew cups back to back. For the ones who may sometimes like some decaffeinated coffee, it houses a ‘powder option’. The integrated milk carafe offers speciality coffees with milk.

It does aim to make it effortless for the user. The removable brew group helps do the machine everything by itself. The fresh beans are ground consistently every single time. All you need to do is ‘hit that button’.

The type of water used to make coffee does influence the taste – specially when using hard water. A few enthusiasts turn to distilled water which still can contain minerals. These minerals can leave residue on the coffee maker and again impact taste. To circumvent this, the Saeco Incanto comes with an AquaClean Filter. Descaling isn’t essential as the AquaClean filter helps deliver upto 5,000 cups of coffee. You may just need to look into a regular replacement of the filter.

Cons

It’s a bit tedious to clean. Probably due to the construction. The large brewhead requires quite a lot of water. A separate strong brush may need to be purchased in addition to the one given. An intense brushdown is necessary to remove residues.

Ceramic blade grinder – not very efficient given the cost.

Sale Saeco Incanto Super Automatic Espresso Machine Elegant design, best materials, and high...

Creamy cappuccino and latte macchiato at the...

Professional disc grinder made of 100%...

7. Gaggia Anima Prestige Automatic Espresso/Coffee Maker

The Gaggia Anima Prestige is a sleek, slim and programmable super automatic espresso machine for your kitchen counter. The interface math is simple to understand. 6 buttons 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.

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 programmable brewing, temperature settings and adjustable strength; it does give out that personal touch. Quite an adaptive adapting system there!

A good choice if you love hosting guests. The Bypass Doser allows in brewing pre-ground coffee and makes it easy when you’ve a larger group of people to serve too.

The water reservoir can be accessed from the top left or top right, keeping it effortless.

Cons

Single boiler. This results in higher waiting period to make things hot.

Compared to other options in the market, this one’s quite pricey for the value delivered. Relatively, it’s just a tad bit aging.

Gaggia Anima Prestige Automatic Coffee Machine ONE TOUCH BREWING AND FROTHING: Bean-to-cup...

PROGRAMMABLE: Programmable brewing options...

TEMPERATURE CONTROL: 3 different temperature...

8. De’longhi Eletta Super Automatic Espresso Maker

This Delonghi espresso machine 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 which give that smooth dash – in every sip. It delivers consistency each time, and also allows you to customise your coffee with simple settings.

What we liked

This automatic espresso machine is very receptive for the newbie home brewer. Even though it provides multiple options, navigation and operation is quite simple. An auto-on function to serve you hot espresso and make your day. The milk cleaning system can be easily dialed. The angled-up control panel keeps the viewing quite neat.

Cons

In comparison to the rest, it is relatively slow to start.

The price 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 dip tray and ground bin in order to remove the milk frothing system.

De'Longhi Eletta Fully Automatic Espresso Machine 15 bar pressure brewing excellence produces...

Latttecrema system; single touch cappuccino...

Integrated silent burr grinder with 13...

9. Gaggia Babila Super Automatic Coffee Machine

The Gaggia Babila is a new baby to the super automatic espresso machine list and comes as both – with a carafe and a steam wand. You can brew up your perfect drink with the push of a button, or manually on you own with the help of the manual wand.

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 customise 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. Great pick for espresso or tall to-go cups.

Maintenance is 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 reservoir, some users find themselves having to refill the reservoir often between automatic rinse cycles and repeated brews.

Gaggia Babila Espresso Machine One touch brewing and frothing: bean-to-cup...

ACCESSORIES INCLUDED: 1 bottle of Gaggia...

PROGRAMMABLE: 8 Programmable brewing options...

10. Saeco Xelsis Automatic Coffee Machine

A perfect pick for families. Since each member may have his/her own preference and it’s important to address each one’s cup; the 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 colour touchscreen 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 off 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.

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.

Sale Saeco Xelsis Super Automatic Espresso Maker Premier programming - the xelsis lets you...

User profile - and, once you have your...

Touchscreen control - The xelsis showcases...

11. Jura E8 Super Automatic

For someone who is already deeply-entrenched into the coffee community; this can be quite attention and value grabbing. The Jura E8 Automatic Espresso Machine brings precision on 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 we liked

Engineered with the world class Pulse Extraction Process (P.E.P.), the coffee bean extraction time is optimised. 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 not falling short on any techie prowess. It houses a fine foam technology which serves a perfect layer of feather light milk foam. Crowning glory for your drink!

Soaring high in design, this is pure elegance on your kitchen counter. It’s sleek even in usage. The colour display is very easy to understand – 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.

12. Breville Oracle Touch Fully Automatic Coffee Machine

Breville as a brand has empowered people’s potential to do more things, or more easily or impressively than they’d think were possible in their own kitchen. Sticking to this idealogy, the Breville Oracle Touch has an industrial prowess. Though, it can’t be called as a Super automatic, but it’s an advanced and best fully automatic espresso machine. So, we thought to include it here as Breville can’t be missed when thinking Espresso.

A ‘sweet’ feature is included in this machine. A commercial feature, Over Pressure Valve (OPV), limits the maximum pressure throughout the extraction, preventing bitter flavours in the coffee shot. It delivers even extraction through a true low pressure pre-infusion. Pressure is increased in a step-by-step fashion to carefully expand the grinds.

What we liked

This machine helps deliver 4 key formulas that make each coffee’s math simple and tasty.

Full bodied flavour: 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 allow water to get through evenly at the high pressure (9 bar) extraction process.

Micro-foam texture: A harmoniously sweet and flavoursome texture delivered through the micro-foam 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 flavours in your drink.

This machine requires ample space in the kitchen as it is pretty big in size. Not quite suited if space is an issue.

Breville Oracle Touch Fully Automatic SWIPE. SELECT. ENJOY: With automation at...

DOSE AMOUNT: The integrated conical burr...

PRECISE WATER TEMPERATURE: The difference...

Buyer’s Guide – 7 Commandments

Automation definitely does save ample of time. Combatting morning chores can be conquered with that perfect espresso. However, with a multitude of machines out there, it can get 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 need your explorative side to surface to achieve that perfect shot. As this purchase is a one-time affair, it will be advisable to scan through a few of your preferences.

Let’s guage the 7 parameters to help you with the purchasing decision.

1. Boiler System – Single or Double

Let’s get to the basics- a boiler is located within the machine. It’s a sealed metal container that holds the water poured in the water reservoir. The water in the boiler is heated to the temperature required to make that espresso shot as well as to produce the steam for the milk frothing process.

Single boiler (with one 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. Double boilers (with two separate boilers having two individual heating thermostats) permit one to heat water to a hotter temperature than the other. As correct water temperature is used for each function, better flavours can be extracted as it runs through the beans.

For the ones in a rush daily and yet not ready to compromise on flavour, 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 advance technology does enhance taste, velvety froth and serve a richer experience with each cup.

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, milk, cappuccino, latte, latte macchiato, or hot water. Look for models which allow you to make adjustments to water temperatures, strength and froth.

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 purchasing a super automatic machine 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 atleast some level of auto-cleaning or provisions that allow ‘drips’ to occur. Find out which parts can be detached or not. Find out which parts are dishwasher-friendly. Assess the filters as this is one area which requires maintenance. This way, your cleaning hassle is addressed to quite a large extent.

Most of the top-notch machines demand relatively less upkeep.

5. Brew Strength

Opt for models that allow you to make adjustments to the strength of your brew. Experimenting with strength can also help you find your perfect taste preference.

Observe the bars of the machine and the pressure they can offer. Higher figures mean that they can offer higher pressures with which the coffee will come out. Enhanced flavour and greater intensity comes along with higher pressures.

6. Water Reservoir Size

The number of cups that can be brewed at a single time is crucial. Ask yourself as to how many members in the family will use this machine. Is it only to brew for you, or for your full family?

Also, how much space will this machine occupy in your kitchen?

Accordingly, set out to buy a machine whose water reservoir can do justice to both your responses.

7. Price

The steepest of the lot are the super Automatic machines. But of course, they also house the most advanced features and convenience. The double boiler semi-automatic machines are comparatively higher priced than the single boiler dual use machines.

These machines tick off almost each task: right from grinding the beans, tamping the grounds, brewing it with pressure, providing foam, options to experience 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 which come with reliable and prompt customer service. Study your warranty timelines and what all does it include.

Keurig K-cafe has recently been launched that is not a bean to cup machine but makes specialty drinks via K-cups by just a push of a button. If you are looking for convenience in budget, this machine might be a break through for your needs!

Cannot wait for that Delectable Espresso?

A super automatic espresso machine does tick off a lot of your work with a touch of a button. An amalgamation of smart technology and artistic finesse is out to captivate your taste palate. If you’re totally tempted by a steaming cup of espresso every morning, then opting for a super automatic machine is quite an investment.

Furthermore, you can prepare other types of coffee for guests, or foamed milk for your kids. And all of this – in the comfort of your home. Ready to turn your home-sweet-home into a mini-barista?