Super automatic espresso machines take the guesswork out of making espresso. Traditional espresso production requires various steps and effort on the part of the consumer to craft their homemade espresso. From grinding the beans to tamping down the grounds to adding water, it is all a bit tedious. Semi-automatic machines have a pump for delivering water. Automatic machines control brew volume. Super automatic espresso machines, however, do it all! They grind, tamp, and brew, all in one convenient contraption. We have determined the best super automatic espresso machines out there so you know exactly which one to add to your kitchen.
Under $1000:
The KRUPS EA8442 Falcon Fully Automatic Espresso Machine is a compact super automatic espresso machine. It isn’t quite a one-button operation, but set up is simple. It has a latte tray, is adjustable to fit various cup sizes, and is equipped with automatic on and off. All of the features can be learned in less than a week. It comes with an auto-cappuccino accessory, which expands your library of at-home coffee drinks to include café au lait, lattes, and cappuccinos.
For a sleek, attractive espresso machine, the DeLonghi ECAM22110SB Compact Automatic Cappuccino, Latte and Espresso Machine is the ticket. Its compact nature saves counter space without compromising the high-quality, low-effort espresso associated with super automatic espresso machines. The main criticism we had for this unit is that the heating plate does not get as warm as desired, but that is easy enough to overlook when faced with the ease of this DeLonghi machine.
This unit, the DeLonghi ESAM5500B Perfecta Digital Super Automatic Espresso Machine, is a frontrunner when it comes to ease. The double boiler allows for simultaneous preparation of espresso while milk steams to create a cappuccino. This super automatic espresso machine also features the quietest grinder of all the units we looked at. Its digital control panel is straight-forward and fully programmable. We did notice a few hiccups in the system – namely, it’s particular about when it wants to be cleaned, and it has to be cleaned by hand – but other than that it is a real contender.
At the top end of the $1,000 price range, the Jura 15068 Impressa C65 is worth the price. It has a single rotary switch. This keeps the user from fumbling with a bunch of buttons. It’s smaller than most super automatic espresso machines. The milk frothier is a new, fine-foam design, making all of your coffee drinks more lightweight. Espresso and milk alike come out of this machine hot,fresh, and beautiful.
The DeLonghi ESAM3300 Magnifica Super Automatic Espresso/Coffee Machine is notable for its patented “Cappucino System.” To achieve a super light froth, it mixes steam and milk. Like the Jura 15068, this super automatic espresso machine has a rotary switch for operation, but it also has a push button control panel so you can log in all of your favorite menu items. Unfortunately, of all of the espresso machines we looked at, this one had the longest track-record of breaking down.
Over $1000:
Milk carafe: check. Automatic cleaning: check. Automatic de-scaling: check. Pre-brewing to enhance flavor: check. The one-thousand-dollar threshold marks some notable improvements, and the SAECO HD8753/87 Philips Intellia Cappuccino Fully Automatic Espresso Machine exploits all of them. This unit consistently performs well, producing the high-quality at-home espresso we were looking for. One of the easily overlooked but added conveniences of the SAECO HD8753/87 is that the water container just needs to be slid out for refill rather than removed completely.
The DeLonghi ESAM3500.N MAgnifica Digital Super Automatic Espresso/Coffee Machine instantly grinds the right amount of beans needed to make a perfect espresso. The grinder is quiet, and it has various settings to get the achieve fineness for your needs. Unfortunately, other consumers found that after about five years the grinder started to make a high-pitched squeal. Otherwise, it is a great unit. Easy to clean, fool-proof to use, and attractive to set on your counter.
Just like the lower priced Jura, the Jura Impressa XS90 One Touch Automatic Coffee Center does it all and does it well. The most convincing element was the extra feature of a one-touch cappuccino/latte/macchiato button. Snuggle your mug into place and let the machine do all of the work for you. This unit is also earth-friendly, featuring an energy saving mode. It produces perfect coffee every time. Perhaps the only negative is its height; it is taller than other units, and it might not fit on some counters.
If you are looking for a cappuccino, the SAECO HD8954/47 Philips Xelsis EVO Fully Automatic Espresso Machine has your back. It creates a perfect froth, courtesy of its dual chamber milk carafe. Its double boiler allows espresso and milk to prep at the same time. It cleans and de-scales itself, and it has six programmable drinks so it can remember just how you like it. That said, it does have a ton of features, and it takes a little longer to learn than the competition.
If you are looking for an eye-catching super automatic espresso machine, the Jura 13937 Impressa XJ9 Professional Super Automatic Pump Espresso Machine is the model for you. Symmetrical, sleek, clear, and chrome-plated, it is as lovely to look at as the espresso it produces is to drink. We had to take it down a notch, however, because the milk container is sold separately. Like the Jura Impressa XS90, this super automatic espresso maker brews a mean cuppa joe.
If you are looking for something under one thousand dollars, the Jura 15068 Impressa C65 comes in as our favorite. Simple, sleek machine with delicious, hot espresso – you cannot go wrong. As for the higher-priced, super automatic espresso machine, Jura is still our favorite. The Impressa XS90 will not disappoint you.