Sick of waiting at the crowded coffee shop to buy expensive espresso? You’re not alone.
Most coffee snobs have been in that same spot but discovered a secret that put an end to all that stress – using the
These machines are an excellent way to cut down on that pre-caffeine morning stress and save money at the same time. At the push of a button, you’ll have the best cup in your hand to kick start your day.
And we know, choosing the
But before that guide, we’ve tested and hand-picked some of the best automatic espresso machines on the market.
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Summary: Top 5 Best Automatic Espresso Machines
 | Our Top Pick: Jura E8 |
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 | Breville Oracle Touch |
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 | Gaggia Brera |
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 | Jura ENA 1 |
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 | Nespresso by De'Longhi EN80S |
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We’ll get into the details of each of these machines in a bit. But for now, we would like to point out the difference between semi-automatic, automatic, and super-automatic espresso machines.
Semi-Automatic, Automatic, and Super Automatic Machines: What’s the Difference?
Exploring your options for a home espresso machine can be confusing. One of the daunting choices is deciding on the type of espresso to use.
There are three major types: super-automatic, automatic, and semi-automatic. While each of these machines has a unique benefit, it can be challenging to differentiate them, especially when you’re new to the world of espresso.
Well, here’s the difference:
Semi-Automatic Espresso Machines
To operate the best semi-automatic espresso machines, you will need to put in a little work. To pull an espresso shot, your job includes grinding the coffee, loading the portafilter, tamping, and hitting “start.” After that, you should let the machine run on its own, and then you shut it off.
The difference might sound simple here, but the ability to stop at 25 sec rather than 35 or 30 sec can make a huge difference in your espresso’s taste.
Pros
- You still have a lot of control over the espresso-making process
- You can create high-quality espresso shots
- You can find many inexpensive models from reputed brands
Cons
- Some models cost a lot
- This espresso machine model can be more challenging to use than the automatic and super-automatic types
Automatic Espresso Machines
When working with an automatic espresso machine, you will still need to grind the coffee beans, load the portafilter, tamp your coffee, and then hit “start.” The automatic machine will do everything for you. After initiation, this espresso maker will build pressure, force hot water to pass through the portafilter and finally, shut off after approximately 30 seconds.
Automatic espresso machines operate on a set-it-and-forget-it approach, meaning they require minimal work from you.
Pros
- The units are user-friendly
- Most models are affordable
Cons
- You don’t have much control over your espresso’s flavor
- Some models can be costly
Super-Automatic Espresso Machines
This type of espresso maker works on its own. Once you fill it with water and add the beans, the machine does the rest of the work. A super-automatic espresso machine grinds your beans, loads the portafilter, tamps the puck, and pulls the shot on your behalf!
Some of these types of machines also steam your milk which can be a big selling point especially if you prefer mixed coffee drinks, such as cappuccinos and lattes.
Pros
- It’s the easiest in terms of operation
- It comes with tons of special features, including programmable settings and built-in grinders
- They often come with all features, and you won’t have to buy extra features
Cons
- You’ve got no control over the espresso-making process
- Are typically pricier than the other types
Top 10 Best Automatic Espresso Machines You Should Check Out
1. Jura E8
The preparation method for your coffee determines how tasty it is. Jura has transformed espresso-making, and a drink that
The six-level Aroma G3 grinder provides an optimum grinding degree.
It grinds beans immediately before you brew your cup, which preserves the aromatic properties of your coffee. The brewing unit has adjustable settings of between 5 and 16 grams to guarantee the perfect brewing conditions.
When you crave for coffee, you shouldn’t waste a lot of time trying to prepare it. That’s where the
Using this machine is convenient and straightforward. You’ll get used to it in no time! The buttons for making coffee, espresso, milk, and cappuccino are conveniently found on the front panel.
The machine has a unique lid to preserve your coffee’s aroma, ensuring that the coffee beans stay fresh. Your house will start smelling like a coffee shop!
The water hopper is not only easy to access but at 1.9 liters is also generous sized. You won’t find yourself constantly needing to refill it.
Symmetrical shapes, thoughtful details, and harmonious lines give this super-automatic espresso machine a classy look, making it a perfect addition to your space.
What We Like
- Easy to use
- Large water hopper
- Preserves your coffee’s aroma and freshness
- Powerful grinder
- Adjustable coffee strength and volume
- The machine automatically rinses itself
What We Don’t Like
- Regular maintenance is required. Jura recommends that you change the milk spout and milk pipe every three months.
Verdict
With the
2. Breville Oracle Touch
The Oracle Touch from Breville allows you to swipe, select an espresso, cappuccino, latte, long black, or flat white, and enjoy your drink. It’s truly in a class of its own.
The Oracle Touch comes with a built-in grinder to automatically grind, dose, and fill 22g of coffee like a commercial coffee maker in a coffee shop.
The difference between a balanced and ashy tasting espresso may result from a temperature variation as little as 2℉. This machine uses digital temperature technology to keep the temperature within the optimum range.
Bitterness is a complete turn-off for espresso enthusiasts. The makers of the Oracle Touch knew this, which is why they included an overpressure valve to limit maximum pressure during extraction.
This feature prevents bitter flavors from getting into your espresso shot.
A dedicated steam boiler powers a steam wand to automatically texture milk to your preferred temperature and taste, adding the desired flavor to your coffee.
Not many espresso makers have user-friendly settings like the
What We Like
- Rich, full flavor
- Balanced taste
- Auto grind and tamp beans
- Touch screen operation
- Steam wand to texture milk
- Optimal water pressure
What We Don’t Like
- Finding water filters that are compatible with this machine can be tricky
- It’s tall so it may not fit well on your counter if you have under cabinet lighting
Verdict
If your mornings are super busy, and you need the
3. Gaggia Brera
Are you into milky beverages, such as cappuccino and latte, and need an espresso maker that can help with frothing? Gaggia Brera is the
To facilitate frothing, there’s a Panarello steam wand that siphons air directly into your milk, creating creamy foam for your specialty coffee.
Gaggia Brera is also front-loaded; the drip tray, dregs drawer, and water tank are within reach and fully accessible from the machine’s front. The easy access makes cleaning and maintenance a breeze.
Anyone can use this machine, thanks to the easy to use display. The push-button controls and LED display have illuminated icons to make the operation easy and intuitive.
Gaggia Brera is one of the few super-automatic espresso machines with a removable brew group. This feature makes regular maintenance and rinsing extremely easy.
What We Like
- Can make milk-based drinks
- Stainless steel front panels give it a classic yet stylish look
- Removable group
- User-friendly display
- Affordable compared to similar machines
What We Don’t Like
- It’s a bit noisy
Verdict
Are you looking for a machine that can make excellent espressos as well as Americano, cappuccino, and latte? Look no further.
4. Jura ENA 1
This ultra-compact espresso maker doesn’t take up a lot of space on your countertop. So, you can still enjoy a full-flavored espresso shot even if space is premium in your kitchen or office.
Very finely ground beans are what make espresso delicious, which is why this machine comes with a multi-level, conical burr grinder. This grinder helps to grind your beans to a uniform and thorough fineness perfectly.
The Jura espresso machine has two settings for aroma levels, three user-defined cup sizes. These settings allow you to choose the perfect aroma and cup size for your coffee.
What users like most about this super-automatic espresso machine, is that it’s eco-friendly. It comes with a scheduled switch-off time and energy-saving mode that make it energy-efficient.
What We Like
- High-energy efficiency
- Allows you to make three barista-style specialty coffees: espresso, ristretto, and lungo
- Keeps your beans fresh and with a pleasant aroma
- Compact design
- User-friendly panel
- Aquadur test trip to test for water’s hardness
What We Don’t Like
- Can’t brew more than one cup at a time
- The bean hopper is on the small side
Verdict
This is the
5. Nespresso by De’Longhi EN80S
So, you’ve got some guests and want to excite their taste buds with tasty espresso without wasting tons of time in the kitchen. Don’t sweat it; the Nespresso Inissia will do the trick.
You won’t have to wait for this machine to warm up before selecting your coffee. In a single touch and 25 sec., the water will heat to the optimal temperature to brew up to 9 coffees, and you won’t need to refill the 0.7-liter tank.
There are two programmable lungo and espresso settings to help you adjust your cup size.
This machine is not only easy to operate, but it also delivers excellent barista-quality coffee each time, thanks to the straightforward, one-touch functionality and the extraction system that delivers up to 19 bars of pressure.
While we want to enjoy our coffee, we also want to save energy, right? This coffee maker comes with an energy-saving mode that automatically turns the machine off after a nine-minute operation.
With a small footprint, lightweight, compact, and fitted with an ergonomic handle, this Nespresso Inissia fits perfectly into any space and comes with a broad array of colors to satisfy the varying tastes of users.
Prepare your taste palates for an exciting coffee moment! The package consists of a welcome-set of 16 capsules with unique aromas and exceptional flavors, thanks to the top-grade coffees sealed in recyclable aluminum capsules for guaranteed enjoyment.
Nespresso has a mobile app you can download and request support whenever you need it. The EN80S is a great option for an espresso machine under $200.
What We Like
- Ergonomic handle
- Comes with an instruction booklet
- It makes barista-grade coffee, delicious taste, and unique aroma
- A folding drip-tray
- Energy-efficient
- Compact and lightweight
- Budget friendly
What We Don’t Like
- You may need to purchase a descaling kit separately
- Not known for longevity
Verdict
Life’s too short to consume bad coffee! To enjoy barista-grade coffee and not break your wallet buying the
6. De’Longhi ESAM3300
Freshness is what separates the perfect espresso from the ordinary one. And speaking of freshness, De’Longhi ESAM3300 has a burr grinder featuring 13 adjustable settings to ensure you grind your coffee beans each time for guaranteed freshness. Do you prefer pre-ground coffee? Not a problem. You can use the second chamber for that.
Consistent brewing is an excellent determinant of your drink’s quality. Lucky for you, this machine brews each cup to the perfect density, richness, and temperature. Once you brew a cup that delights you, it’s time to customize the machine’s settings, so it keeps giving you the same results.
This machine undergoes an automatic channel flushing once you power it up, and during prolonged shutdown. This ensures every cup of coffee tastes excellent.
We were blown away by this espresso maker’s simple mechanical control. You can use the two controls to decide your drink’s strength and volume at any time. Such operations make the machine convenient and straightforward for all users.
And did we mention the control panel is easy to use too? You can adjust the menu settings based on your preferred coffee strength, cup size, and temperature. The espresso machine handles the rest.
What We Like
- Easy to operate and clean
- Consistent brewing
- Brews tasty espresso
- A frother to create a rich and creamy drink
- Cup tray to warm cups before use
What We Don’t Like
- Using the Eco feature makes you wait for longer
- Cup warmer turns off when using the Eco feature
Verdict
If you think you’re not yet an expert at making espresso from home, the
7. Saeco Incanto Carafe
With this super-automatic espresso machine, your coffee dreams are finally coming to life.
As an espresso aficionado, you loathe burnt coffee, and the makers of this espresso machine have got you covered.
The grinders consist of ceramic material to ensure the coffee beans don’t overheat, which may produce a burned taste.
Are you into creamy cappuccino, macchiato, or latte?
Don’t buy it from the coffee shop anymore. Instead, use the
Cleanup is hassle-free, too, compliments to the dishwasher-safe components, removable brewing group, and auto-cleaning cycle.
And did we mention you can make one cup of coffee after another without waiting? The super-fast heating boiler technology facilitates the immediate brewing of your drink.
What We Like
- 100% ceramic professional disc grinder
- Dishwasher-safe components
- Super-fast heating technology
- Let’s you brew milk beverages at a single touch
- A powder option to make an instant and delicious decaf coffee
What We Don’t Like
- Requires regular thorough cleanings
- Must keep up with changing the filter
Verdict
If you’re looking for the
8. Philips 2200 Series
A pleasant aroma and amazing taste are what defines a quality espresso. The
The machine comes with a milk frother to help you make a perfect latte or cappuccino each day. Its frother dispenses steam, which makes it possible to create a velvety and silky foam for a cappuccino. Cleaning the two-piece frother is easy too.
The menu of this espresso machine allows you to adjust the amount and strength of your drink. There are three different settings to select from.
You can adjust your grind from coarse to ultra-fine thanks to the in 12 step grinder adjustment. The grinders are made from pure ceramic and are super hard and sharp to help you enjoy at least 20,000 cups of fresh, delicious coffee.
The fully automatic espresso machine notifies you when to change the filter, and once you add the AquaClean filter, you can brew up to 5,000 cups before you need to descale. There’s an automatic deactivation of the descaling notification once you install the filter.
What We Like
- Intuitive display for easy selection of coffee
- 12-step grinder adjustment
- Removable brew group for hassle-free cleaning
- Three aroma strength settings
- Double cup option
What We Don’t Like
- The coffee grounds container is very close to the beans container making it easy to mix them up
- A real espresso connoisseur may find the crema to be less superior compared to similar machines
Verdict
If you’d like to brew fresh and tasty espresso on a somewhat quiet machine that also allows you to adjust the temperature, aroma, and coffee type, then this Philips espresso maker is worth considering.
9. De’Longhi ESAM04110S Magnifica
Creating barista-style coffee is no longer difficult when you have one of the best automatic espresso machines in your home. De’Longhi is known for their quality machines and the Magnifica has a lot to offer.
The professional burr grinder features 13 adjustable settings to grind your beans immediately before brewing for maximum freshness.
There’s a manual frother for mixing milk and steam, resulting in a rich and creamy froth for your cappuccino or latte.
The
Based on your preferences, you can adjust the menu settings for coffee strength, temperature, and cup settings. The espresso machine will take care of everything else.
When it comes to cleaning, you can remove the compact brew unit, clean the machine, and return it.
What We Like
- You can fine-tune the settings (strength and volume) to make quality espresso
- Impressively compact
- The thermoblock boiler provides excellent heating distribution
- Customized one-touch drinks
- Refilling is a walk in the park, thanks to the removable reservoir tank
What We Don’t Like
- While the De’Longhi ESAM04110S has de-calcification and rinsing capabilities, you need to detach the removable parts by hand and clean them every few uses
Verdict
We highly recommend the ESAM04110S model. It’s easy to program to suit your preferences and has very little learning curve. It also won’t take a lot of space on your countertop.
10. Saeco Xelsis
Looking for versatility in your next automatic espresso machine? The
The coffee equalizer has a touch screen giving you the ability to adjust drink characteristics and enjoy coffee house style drinks right from your home.
Use the equalizer to customize the volume, strength, milk foam amount, coffee taste, and even the milk and coffee order. In other words, you can craft your coffee any way you want.
Whether it’s for your home of office everyone has their unique taste, which is why this model has six customizable user profiles. This feature lets people enjoy coffee according to their preferences.
You don’t have to keep adjusting the settings each time you want a cup of espresso.
The
To further enhance the taste of your coffee, Saeco offers an AquaClean filter. Water takes a longer path through the filter before getting into the machine.
The outcome is deeply purified water that has no negative impact on the taste of your coffee. The filter also ensures scale doesn’t build up in your machine. By replacing the filter often, you can make up to 5,000 cups of coffee before you descale.
What We Like
- 6 programmable coffee profiles
- The AromaSeal ensures a lasting freshness of your beans
- You can serve two drinks at a time, thanks to the dual output
- Refined ergonomics – adjustable spouts and front-access tank
- Intuitive touchscreen control
What We Don’t Like
- You need to replace the filter often
- The temperature of the cup warmer could be better
Verdict
If the capability to make a wide variety of drinks and programmability is important this is the
How to Choose the Best Automatic Espresso Machine for Your Needs
The right automatic espresso machine is an investment but, in the long run, it can save you a lot of cash. Purchasing espresso or coffee from the barista every day adds up quickly.
A lot of excellent options are available, and it can be quite challenging to determine which machine is best for your home.
When you decide on which automatic espresso machine is best for you it should ultimately reflect what you desire in your drink.
So, you have to consider a lot of factors before you make your decision.
Here are the things you should consider when deciding what the best espresso machine is for your office or home:
The Efficiency of the Machine
The efficiency of your machine is essential. The best automatic espresso machines can brew your drink at the click of a button. You should also ensure that the machine you select has a dual boiler feature that helps extract fresh, aromatic, and flavor-filled espresso, the way you want it.
The Brew Strength
Strength is a customizable attribute of your automatic espresso machine that enables you to control the number of coffee beans to be ground. The advantage of this feature is that you’ll be able to choose how strong you want your drink or shot to be.
The Programmability
If you love customizations, you should choose a machine with high levels of programmability. In this way, you give yourself control over the coffee brewing process. Many machines come with a variety of pre-programmed options that give you the freedom to control the shot strength, grind size, and many other functions. Some even give you the ability to program the exact drink you want.
The Capacity
The capacity of your machine may vary in terms of the water reservoir, milk carafe, and the size of the bean hopper. This will affect the amount of espresso your machine is capable of brewing before needing to be refilled. Some also have the capability of brewing two drinks at once. Depending on your needs, you can choose a machine that befits the number of people who’ll be consuming beverages.
Is it Pump or Steam Powered?
The pressure of your machine will help you create excellent espresso shots. Steam-powered machines are less expensive, but they produce inconsistent outputs because their pressure is irregular. Pump powered options offer more value because they give you control over the pressure and temperature when brewing your coffee.
Drink Presets
Some machines can have limited presets. If you want an espresso maker that can make a variety of drinks, you should get one with different presets. This will allow you to choose different options such as espresso, cappuccino, ristretto, Americano, macchiato or latte, just by pressing a button. Such an alternative will be great for you and those you’ll be sharing your espresso maker with.
Milk Carafe vs. Steam Wand
Some espresso machine models have an integrated milk carafe, which automatically dispenses milk in the cup through the sprout. But if you like to make different shots, you can go for a steam wand, which allows you to adjust and control how much foam or temperature you want for your espresso. You should pay attention to important points like, if the steam wand is manually controlled, has 2 – 4 steam holes and a vast range of motion, or can it rotate for optimal angles.
Maintenance
When choosing your espresso machine, pick one that is easy to clean and maintain. Some of them come with an automatic program that cleans up the brew groups efficiently. One with a removable brew group, automatic steam wand purging, automatic milk-carafe purging, and removable ground boxes and drip tray will be ideal.
Make sure it has a water filtration system, too, so you don’t need to scale it yourself. It would also be a selling point if the machine has components that are dishwasher safe.
Single or Double Boiler
An espresso machine with a single boiler is reasonable if you are concerned about your budget. But you should know that it can be slow on the heating uptake. A double boiler is faster, though a bit expensive. However, this is the best option for brewing multiple drinks.
How Many Bars of Pressure is Best for Espresso?
Espresso machines extract espresso with excellent aroma and flavor by exerting a particular number of bars of pressure. 9 bars of pressure is typically considered the magic number to extract the best espresso.
Most espresso makers, including professional machines are designed to use about 9 bars of pressure but you will see some home use machines market 15 bars of pressure. This doesn’t mean when the water reaches the brew head it still has 15 bars of pressure, it’s often significantly less. Top quality machines maintain the ideal 9 bars of pressure regardless of how much pressure the pump creates.
What Kind of Coffee is Best for an Espresso Machine?
The right type of coffee will guarantee you a delicious cup of espresso. Remember, espresso is a strong type of coffee that is unique on its own. You can use different roasts in your espresso machine and get excellent results but, only if you use the best espresso beans. A French roast or dark espresso will give you the best consistency and taste.
Use a medium roast if you want to avoid the bitterness of a dark roast. Some of the coffees that make great espresso include Ethiopian coffee, Indonesian coffee, and Colombian coffee.
Final Word
A perfectly brewed, homemade, silky smooth cup o’ Joe every morning can help brighten your day. All you need is to have the convenience and quality of a professional automatic barista who perfects the craft of making the most exceptional espresso in your kitchen. A high end, elegant automatic espresso machine can brew your espresso, cappuccino, latte, or coffee fresh, just the way you like it.
Choosing the
Now that you know exactly what to look for in an espresso maker, it’s time to get the best one and enjoy your coffee anytime you want, the way you want it.
