The 8 Best Automatic Espresso Machines


Photo by Arthur Bargan
A super-automatic espresso machine is a great addition to a coffee lover’s home. Imagine waking up in the morning, hitting a button, and having a latte made for you while you brush your teeth. Nice, right? Convenience is the name of the game. These machines are a great fit for someone who wants to skip the drive-through and save time and money.
As a Coffee Expert here on Curated, I have spent countless hours helping people find their dream machines. Which super-automatic makes the best espresso? Which super-automatic steams the best milk? Which has the most variety? Which is the best budget option? Answering questions like these has helped me to find the best espresso makers for people’s needs.
There is no replacement for your first cup of coffee each morning. Some of us are looking for a hobby to go with our coffee. But others don’t want to spend their time tamping, steaming milk, and measuring beans. Why not just pick your drink and let the machine do the work? If you want a delicious cappuccino each morning but also want your hands free, then an automated espresso maker may be a good fit for you.
In this article, we’ll explore which automatic espresso machine fits your lifestyle. You may want the best of the best. You may want a simple and efficient model. Perhaps you are looking for the best deal. If you are still unsure after reading through this list, you can connect with me or a fellow Coffee & Espresso Expert here on Curated for free, personalized advice!
What Is a Super-Automatic Espresso Machine?
Photo by Elena Iyrchik
A super-automatic espresso machine is an appliance that brews your espresso at the touch of a button. All models on this list have incorporated grinders to grind your beans fresh for each drink and automatic milk steamers that allow hands-off milk steaming. There are also models that will mix your steamed milk and espresso for you. Imagine that! A cortado in your cup after just pushing “go.” Learn more about Super Auto Machines here.
Can an Automatic Espresso Machine Make Good Espresso?
Certainly! Of course, some are better than others. Depending on the brand and the model, you can produce cafe-quality espresso and lattes with these machines. Many famous coffee chains use super-automatic systems as well. Just like any other appliance, there is a huge range from value to premium. I will highlight the pros and cons of several models below.
Which Super-Automatic Espresso Machine Is Best for You?
When investing in a new espresso machine, there are several things to consider:
- Budget: How much do you want to spend?
- Variety: Do you like to mix it up? Or are you happy with just a few solid options?
- Longevity: Do you want a machine that will last the test of time, or would you rather upgrade in the future?
- Drink Quality: Are you looking for the best shot of espresso? Or the best latte? What is important to you?
- Maintenance: You will have to clean and care for your machine. Do you want the easiest to clean, or are you okay with saving some money and doing more manual maintenance?
The Best Automatic Espresso Machines
1. Best Premium Espresso Machine: Jura Z10
For those who want a brewing experience that feels unlimited, the Jura Z10 is for you. From delicious espresso shots to creamy cappuccinos, each drink is crafted with precision. In addition to a whole cafe menu of delicious-tasting espresso drinks, the Z10 also incorporates cold brew versions! Jura is well known for their long-lasting machines that brew the best-tasting espresso. They are also extremely easy to clean. However, these do cost a pretty penny – so if you aren’t looking to invest major money (and I mean $$$) into an espresso machine, pass on this Jura.
If you are ready to add the convenience of an automated barista to your home, then the Jura Z10 is the coffee machine for you! With its pulse extraction process, an automatically adjusting built-in grinder, and simple cleaning process, you can really have the best coffee at the push of a button!
2. Best Value: Philips 4300
For under $1,000, it is hard to find a better automatic espresso machine than the Philips 4300. It has a sleek touch display with an easy-to-use menu. The nine pre-programmed drink options cover most popular drink options and are customizable. With user profiles, you can have a cappuccino made your way, and other users can save theirs.
The milk system produces luxurious foam and is very easy to clean. If I could nit-pick one thing about the machine, the foam level cannot be adjusted, so you get what you get in terms of milk. Coffee beans are ground to order, and the grind size is fully adjustable, giving you control over your coffee experience. Need a decaf in the afternoon? A ground coffee bypass allows you to add pre-ground coffee when needed. The flavor of the espresso is great as well. If you are looking for an easy solution to your lack of caffeine in the morning but don’t want to break the bank, this fully automatic espresso machine will be at home in your kitchen.
3. Biggest Bang for Your Buck: DeLonghi Dinamica with Latte Crema System and LCD Display
The DeLonghi Dinamica With Latte Crema System is a favorite among coffee enthusiasts. You get a mind-blowing 18 drink recipes to choose from for less than $1,500. The Dinamica is easy to clean and has an included three-year warranty. The milk system offers great texture for frothed milk and is compatible with alternative kinds of milk. With so much customizability, it is an espresso maker that will keep the whole family happy – unless the family is into aesthetics. Some might prefer a less blocky-looking machine or a machine that has a nicer-looking display menu – but for what the Dinamica lacks in looks, it makes up for in variety.
One premium feature of the DeLonghi Dinamica is its dual heating system. With two thermoblock heaters, your espresso shots are brewed hot by one heater, and the milk is foamed by another. It makes the whole process take less time and allows you to make one drink after another. It even has a ground coffee bypass option for a quick brew of decaf in the afternoon! Customizable, with a huge variety and fast heating, this espresso machine won’t let you down!
4. Best Looking Under $1,000: Terra Kaffe TK-01
Sure, flavor and function are a big part of the decision process, but what about looks? Many of the sub $1,000 models of automatic machines bring variety and ease of use. However, they can be a bit ugly. The Terra Kaffe TK-01 is a machine that not only brews high-quality espresso but looks good in a kitchen. The sleek design, available in black or white, is clean and elegant. Keep in mind that Terra Kaffe is a newcomer to the espresso machine game. They don’t have a long track record like the other brands on this list. If you are looking for something more tried and true, check out the other machines I’ve reviewed here.
The Terra Kaffe TK-01 isn’t all about looks, of course. It has a great brewing system that grinds beans to order, a milk system that steams milk to perfection, and an included thermos for milk. Its small but mighty menu includes espresso, cappuccino, americano, latte, steamed milk, and hot water options. Each drink is customizable via the touchscreen. It’s nice to know that a machine can make your espresso and look good doing it, too! Read more about the Terra Kaffe TK–01 here.
5. Best Overall: Philips Saeco Xelsis
With its stylish looks, numerous drink options, quiet built-in grinder, and innovative milk cleaning system, the Philips Saeco Xelsis is a premium machine worth its weight in gold. The first thing to note about the Xelsis is how nice it looks on a countertop. With stainless steel accents and a shiny black housing, it truly looks as good as it performs. The ceramic burr grinder is quiet as can be and is good for a lifetime. Unlike other premium brands, the Xelis includes a milk carafe, which can be stored in the fridge in between uses. The milk system is cleaned with the touch of one button, which means day-to-day use is a breeze.
If you live in a busy house, the six user profiles will appeal to you. Customizing your drinks on the touch screen is an intuitive process, allowing you to set your coffee strength and milk ratios. The quality of the milk foam and espresso is cafe-level. The dual thermoblocks allow the machine to pull shots of espresso and steam milk simultaneously. If that isn’t enough, there are 15 specialty coffee drink options to choose from! Any negatives? If you like your drinks piping hot, some have complained that the Xelsis doesn’t deliver high-temp milk. I personally don’t mind this, but I can see why others might.
6. Best for Espresso and Coffee Drinkers Who Drink it Black: Jura E4
If all this talk of cappuccinos and lattes does nothing for you, you may be interested in the Jura E4. A machine that has no steam wand or milk options, this super-automatic espresso machine does one thing and one thing well: black coffee. The drink menu is simple: Espresso, Americano, or brewed coffee. Jura’s Pulse Extraction Process is on full display here. With no milk to hide behind, it is good to know that the flavor of the coffee is outstanding.
Since there is no milk system, this is by far the easiest machine to maintain. Just add a cleaning table to clean the brew group weekly and change the water filter in the water reservoir when prompted. If you want a more compact version, consider the Jura E4’s little brother, the Jura Ena 4. With a smaller water reservoir and smaller hopper, you can get great black coffee or espresso for one at a lower price tag. Jura machines are definitely higher-end, so not everyone will want to spend so much for just black coffee. If you are looking for more features, the other machines on this list will get you there.
7. Best Budget Machine: Philips 3200
The Philips 3200 gets a special mention due to its low price and high quality. True, it isn’t the most handsome machine on the list. Some might find the plastic look of the 3200 a bad fit for their kitchen. Still, this simple machine makes a nice cup of coffee, a sweet shot of espresso, and even an iced coffee option. The automatic milk frother is a breeze to clean (just rinse it out or put it in the dishwasher). There are five drink choices, which include a cappuccino and a latte macchiato for the milk-based drinks. More premium models beat this guy when it comes to milk texture. However, it’s still a good buy.
Don’t think that just because the price tag is so low, the machine won’t impress you! The adjustable ceramic burr grinder is of high quality, the drink quality is good, and the machine is exceptionally easy to use. It even has a bypass chute for pre-ground coffee. If you don’t need limitless choices and prefer a simple interface, then this semi-automatic machine is for you. Find out more about Philips machines here.
8. Best Almost Super-Automatic: Breville Touch Impress
This semi-automatic espresso machine has a special place on this list. Though all the super-automatic machines covered in this article are great, wouldn’t it be nice to have a barista in your home? The Breville Touch Impress takes the best of the semi-automatic machine world, mixes it with the best parts of a super-automatic machine, and adds an AI barista.
Beautiful in stainless steel, the Touch Impress guides you through the espresso-making process and gives you feedback on how things are running. It tells you when to adjust your grind, tamp your shot for you, helps you steam your milk, and gives you the recipes to make your favorite drinks. If you don’t mind getting a little hands-on, this is the espresso machine to bring your specialty coffee drinks to the next level! Check out more about Brevilles here.
Find The Right Automatic Espresso Machine for You
Photo by New Africa
Super Autos are all about convenience, consistency, and saving you time. If you need caffeine in the morning but you want to break that drive-through coffee habit, a super-automatic machine will help you get your coffee faster and for much cheaper. In most cases, your investment in an espresso machine will pay for itself within a year – often less!
Everyone’s needs are different, and that is why the Curated Experts exist! When you need help picking the right coffee maker that fits your lifestyle, you can connect with our Coffee and Espresso Experts here on Curated. I look forward to helping you get espresso in your own kitchen at the push of a button!