Everybody knows that Italian “espresso” means “quick” in English. That was the original purpose of the espresso creator, businessman Luigi Bezzera, who was frustrated that making a cup of coffee would take up that much time to prepare. Imagine how automating the process would boost the result time.
We’ve looked at 36 various models and summed up the 7 top ones, where the Breville BES980XL Oracle wins from all perspectives. When choosing the best automatic espresso machines, we focused on the type of the machine. Semi-automatic ones provide you with a greater control of the process, while the super-automatic machines do everything by one touch of a button, which is perfect for regular coffee drinkers and commercial purposes. We also considered the espresso strength level settings, as for big families where everyone has their own tastes and preferences it is essential to get a machine with different strength options.
More features: programmable temperature from 190 to 205°F, dual stainless steel boilers, dual Italian pumps with PID, 3 preset and 6 customizable settings
The Breville BES980XL Oracle took the number the number one spot on our list because of two obvious reasons. First, it has automatic dosing, grinding, tamping and milk texturing function. Since everything is automated, it will be easy for you to get your dosage of delicious coffee whenever you want without a stressing yourself out.
Second, it has a digital control technology that minimizes fluctuation during the coffee extraction process while ensuring that the temperature is kept at a standard range at all times.
One striking this about this espresso machine is that it has a well-crafted low-pressure pre-infusion. This is what it uses to ground, soak and expand coffee, delivering a sweet creamy and delicious extract.
Do you know why home coffee is never as great as the ones sold at coffee shops? The reason for this is quite simple. You see, most automatic espresso machine on the market only does 11 to 13 grams of coffee. That range is below what is needed to create a rich, creamy and delicious coffee. On the other hand, this coffee machine can dose up to 22 grams of ground coffee. Impressive, right?
With this super automatic espresso machine, you will never go to a coffee shop again. With it, you will be able to brew world class coffee that surpasses others out there at the touch of a button.
So, if you are looking for a unique espresso machine that is can brew premium coffee in less time, the Breville BES980XL Oracle should be on your radar.
More features: automatic water temperature adjustment, Thermocoil–Integrated stainless steel water path to control temperature
The Breville BES870XL Barista Express is a top-notch espresso machine that can create a mouth-watering cup of espresso in less than a minute. The barista allows you to grind premium coffee beans moments before extraction. Thanks to its integrated burr grinder, you can get any amount of freshly ground coffee in no time.
Owning a barista will give you and your guest the freedom to make as many cups of delicious lattes and cappuccinos in less time.
Do you know that the freshness of a ground coffee reduces with time? This means that after a couple of minutes ground coffee will start to lose its rich flavor and taste. The barista can effectively solve this problem. You see, with it, you can get premium espressos at a remarkable speed. This machine can transform beans to espresso in less than a minute – in the comfort of your office or home.
One notable thing about this espresso machine is its elegant design. Breville kept the needs of their customers when putting the Barista together. They made it out of high-quality materials and durable materials.
Even more, it is housed in a sleek aluminum casing that makes it a timeless addition to any home.
The Barista comes with a couple of impressive features, such as a warmer and a mechanism that carefully removes excess water from the filter moments after coffee extraction.
The entire unit is super easy to clean. Also, it comes with a storage compartment where you can store cleaning tools.
So if you are looking of a top-notch and budget-friendly espresso machine, then the Breville BES870XL Barista Express will be perfect for you.
More features: grinds beans, 1 or 2 cup selection, 8.8-oz. bean container, cappuccino system, patented direct-to-brew system
The De’Longhi ESAM3300 Magnifica is a budget-friendly espresso machine that is perfect for home and office use. What makes it stand out is its eye-catching design and superior performance.
With it, you will be able to prepare delicious lattes and cappuccinos effortlessly. It also comes with a milk frothing function that is very easy to use. All you got to do to get a rich creamy froth is to place a container containing milk under the nozzle of the machine.
Cleaning and maintaining this machine is very easy and this is because it has an extractible brew unit, that is easy to remove. Even more, it has a programmable menu that gives you the freedom to make your ideal cappuccino and espresso. The machine is designed to remember your preferred beverage size, the strength of your espresso and other small details.
This budget-friendly espresso machine comes with an impressive cup warmer and an aluminum plated removable tray.
One notable thing about this machine is its beans grinder compartment. The perfectly designed grinding compartment is embedded with a “direct-to-brew” system you can easily use to make a perfect espresso.
So if you are looking for a top-notch espresso machine under $500, then the De’Longhi ESAM3300 Magnifica is for you.
More features: adjustable height of 2.6–4.4 inches, Thermoblock heating system, energy save mode, 11-language plain text display
Whether you are a coffee aficionado or you are new to coffee, you are going to be blown away by the Jura 15068 IMPRESSA C65.
Since it is fully automatic, you will be able to brew creamy and delicious espresso with little or no effort. This coffee maker gives you the freedom to brew beverages like-latte, café mocha, espresso, cappuccino, and many more at the touch of a button.
One key thing that makes this espresso machine special is its pre-brew system that will make your coffee taste better.
Its compact and modern design is eye-catching and can suit to any décor. What makes it stand out from its contemporaries is its 11-language text display. Also, it is very easy to program.
The brewing capacity of this coffee maker is remarkable. It is designed to hold up to 16 grams of ground coffee and can make any type of coffee from as little as a single ounce ristretto. Whether you are want to prepare a small cup of espresso for yourself or for your guests this espresso machine will be able to get the job done in a timely manner.
Cleaning and maintenance is a real problem for office- professionals who are always busy. Thankfully, the C65 comes with a sophisticated water filtration system that prevents the accumulation of minerals.
If you are looking for an elegant, durable and budget-friendly espresso machine, you are going to love this one.
More features: programmable brewing, intuitive operation, removable brew group, Mavea Water Filter with four stages of filtration
The Gaggia Brera is a refined and elegant coffee maker, designed to brew delicious espresso at the touch of a button. It gives you the freedom to customize your café crema and espresso. It has a special milk frothing unit for cappuccinos and lattes.
This super automatic coffee maker is embedded with new technologies and unique features that allow it to compete with the heavyweights in the coffee machine industry. The Brera has a dedicated control knob located in the coffee hopper you can easily use to adjust the coffee grind. Also, you can increase the strength and power of the Brera with a special button on the front of the machine.
Since the Brera is programmable, you can be confident of getting delicious espressos any time. The Bypass-doser and hopper of this coffee machine are really impressive. And this is because they give you the freedom to use either pre-ground or whole coffee beans. The Rapid stem technology embedded in this espresso machine enables it to heat up faster.
Unlike other espresso machines that are difficult to clean or requires you to buy special cleaning chemicals, the Brera is super easy to clean and maintain. It has a removable brew group can easily detach and rinse every now and then.
This budget-friendly espresso machine is becoming more and more popular among homeowners because it is easy to use and maintain. The Gaggia Brera coffee maker is perfect for people who are new to coffee making.
More features: commercial filter holder design, eco-friendly
Rancilio Silvia Espresso Machine is one of our best picks because of its sophisticated design. This semi-automatic espresso machine is designed to stand the test of time. It was built with long lasting and durable materials.
The unit is housed in a linear iron frame and smooth steel side panels.
#Its stylish casing and elegant look are definitely going to take your breath away. With this machine, you will be able to make more than 8 cups of your favorite beverage without breaking a sweat.
Rancilio, the Italian company who made this espresso machine, kept the need of their customer in mind when making it. And that is why is it is very easy to use and maintain.
One notable thing about his coffee machine is its 3-way solenoid valve. The role of this valve is to slowly take away excess pressure right after you put your shot. This is ultimately going to make it easier for you to remove the dry coffee puck out of the porta.
As you probably know, no espresso machine is complete without a good boiler. The Rancilio Silvia comes with an internally heated, 952-watt unit boiler. With it, you will be able to stem any beverage of your choice. Its beautifully designed steam knob gives you complete control over the steaming power of this elegant espresso machine.
So if you are looking for a traditional style, durable and beautiful espresso machine, then the Rancilio Silvia Espresso Machine will suit you.
More features: ceramic grinders, milk carafe, AquaClean filter, removable brew group, Powder Option
The Saeco HD8911/48 Incanto Carafe is indeed a work of art. Its super slick and elegant design is what makes it outstanding. The machine comes with a detachable milk carafe and a special button you can press to get a creamy and delicious cappuccino and latte macchiato.
One for the most impressive features of this espresso machine is its professional disk grinder that is made of ceramic and designed for consistent uses. Even more, it protects the coffee from overheating and from having a burnt taste. The 8.8-ounce capacity of its beans container is quite impressive. With it, you will be able to brew more premium coffee in less time.
Unlike other espresso machines out there that are difficult to maintain, this machine is relatively easy to clean and maintain. It has a removable brewing unity you can easily clean every now and then. However, users found that it can be difficult to descale.
Another advantage of this espresso machine is that you won’t have to wait an extra second to get hot delicious coffee. It comes with a superior water heating technology that will give you the freedom to brewing as many cups of hot premium coffee as you want.
So, if you are looking for an espresso machine that will make a statement or one that can prepare a hot, delicious and creamy coffee, then the Saeco HD8911/48 Incanto Carafe is for you.
Finding a good automatic espresso machine is an exciting and challenging endeavor. With so many models on the market, it might be difficult for you to choose the one the will suit your unique needs. That’s why we created this comprehensive buying guide to help you narrow down the right one for you.
Buying an automatic espresso machine is a smart move especially if you start your day with a cup of coffee or if you take it several times throughout your day. That said, before buying an automatic espresso machine it is essential that you learn about its pros and cons.
Speed – Automatic espresso machines are designed to brew coffee, creamy and tasty cappuccino among others in less than a minute.
Making a special drink – With an automatic espresso machine, you will be able to make lattes, cappuccinos and other unique drinks at the touch of a button.
Safety – Safety is a major concern when using a traditional or manual coffee machine. As you probably know, the process of making coffee manually may expose you to hot water and steam. Both can do real damage to your skin. Using an automatic espresso machine, on the other hand, is risk-free. All you have to do to get a cup of delicious espresso is to push a couple of buttons.
Fresh beans – It no news that roasted coffee beans are better than ground beans. Ground beans lose their flavor and taste with time. Roasted beans, on the other hand, hold their freshness until you ground them. Since automatic coffee machines have inbuilt grinders, you will only need to grind your coffee beans when you need a cup of delicious hot coffee. This gives you a fresh and tasty coffee every time you use it.
Cost – Truth be told, most automatic espresso machines on the market are super expensive. Yes, there are cheap espresso machine below $200. But most of them are inconsistent and may not suit you.
Not for everyone – An automatic coffee machine is not suitable for people who don’t consume coffee often. The reason for this is that it uses fresh beans. So, if you don’t grind and brew them quickly, they will go bad.
Below are some important features you need to give your attention to before buying an automatic espresso machine.
Water dispensing container – A regular espresso machine can make 7 to 8 cups of espresso at a go. Some models connect to an external water source. This will save users from the stress of refilling it every time
How much coffee can it carry? – If you are a regular coffee drinker, it is essential that you check how much fresh coffee beans an espresso machine can hold before buying it.
Inbuilt grinders – The way coffee beans are ground will determine how an espresso will taste. Keep in mind that some espresso machines don’t have an inbuilt grinder. To get a fresh and delicious coffee without stressing yourself out, you need an espresso machine with an inbuilt grinder.
It should be able to froth – Apart from brewing coffee, a good espresso machine should be able to froth premium beverages like cappuccino and macchiato.
Irrespective of your coffee background, there is a possibility that you might have heard about the super-automatic and semi-automatic espresso machines. But have you ever wondered what set these two apart? Let’s clarify the difference between semi-automatic and super-automatic espresso machine.
Semi-automatic machines are perfect for those looking for a traditional espresso machine. Its major features include a boiler, a dedicated switch to deactivate and activate the pump and a portafilter. Most semi-automatic espresso machines on the market are programmable. A good example of a semi-automatic machine on our list is the Rancilio Silvia.
Super-automatic machines are designed to do everything for you. At the touch of a button, it will grind, tramp, and brew coffee beans into a rich, creamy and delicious espresso. They are perfect for people who like to drink coffee regularly or for commercial purposes.
Whether you are going for a semi-automatic or a super automatic espresso machine, it is important that you check their brew temperature and bar pressure. These two are critical to the making of a perfect espresso. The bar pressure is what extract the flavor from the ground coffee beans and create the cream on your coffee drink.
The ideal bar pressure for home use ranges from 15 to 19. If the beans are smoothly ground, 11 bar will do.
Many super-automatic espresso machines and some semi-automatic ones come with various espresso strength options. This might be great if, for example, several people with different tastes use the machine, or you just don’t like monotony. The best machines on our list offer five strengths levels, while the Breville Oracle boasts as many as eight.
Grinding – Most automatic espresso machines have an inbuilt grinder designed to crush coffee beans.
Brew pause – The brew pause setting creates a window to stop the brewing process to pour yourself a cup of coffee and continue brewing afterward.
Cup warmer – Some automatic machines have a special hot plate that will keep your coffee warm. Keep in mind that this feature can ruin your coffee if you leave it on it for a long time.
Water filter – This filters the water that will be used to make your espresso.
Clock – This feature is designed to alert you when your cup of coffee is ready.
Frothing – Most super automatic espresso machines come with a frothing feature you can use to make creamy cappuccinos and macchiato.
Let’s face it; no one loves cleaning – maybe a few people do. So when purchasing an automatic espresso machine, it is important that you consider how easy it is to clean. It is also wise to go for an espresso machine that has a large water tank. This will save you from refilling it each time you want a cup of coffee.
Most automatic espresso machine comes with a 1 or 2-year warranty. So, if the machine happens to develop a fault or breaks down within the warranty period, the machine it will be repaired or replaced for free.
Making a perfect espresso is going to be difficult for you if you are new to coffee making. Below are two tips that can help you out.
Coffee beans – Only use fresh coffee beans to prepare your coffee. Grind them moments before using them so that they don’t lose their flavor and taste.
Be clean – Ignoring coffee spills and not cleaning your espresso machine regularly may ruin the taste of your coffee.
The semi-automatic, on the other hand, is partly automated. So, you have to do a little bit of work before it start brewing.
While all the automatic espresso machines in this review are great, the Breville BES980XL Oracle took our number one spot and the reason is that it is fully automatic and can brew premium coffee in less than a minute. Also, its low-pressure-pre-infusion features is really impressive.
The Breville BES870XL Barista Express held us spellbound because it is budget-friendly. Also, it is quick and consistent. This means that you can get a cup of premium coffee in less than a minute. It also has a handful of amazing features like a sleek aluminum casing, and a cup warmer, among others. So, if you are on a tight budget this espresso machine will be perfect for you.
Finally, the De’Longhi ESAM3300 Magnifica took our third place for its functionality at a very affordable price. This product is simple and easy to use, especially if you love frothy lattes or cappuccinos. If you want a rich creamy foam topping, all you have to do is place a milk-filled container under the nozzle before beginning the process.
