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Best Automatic Coffee Machines in 2023 — Buyers Guide, Review, and Comparison

Maybe you want to just enjoy the occasional espresso while curled up with a blanket at home. Or maybe you want to cut your coffee shop spend. Either way, an automatic coffee machine that takes the hard work out of coffee is a great option. Automatic espresso makers range from simple devices that offer manual control over the espresso process to one-touch behemoths that do it all. A wide range of options are available, and there’s an espresso maker out there for everyone. Here are our favorites.
De'Longhi ECAM22110SB
This compact and capable automatic espresso maker has a sleek appearance and plenty of power to extract flavor from the beans. An in-built stainless steel grinder means each grind is fresh and makes your morning espresso a breeze to create.
Features
  • User-friendly design
  • Adjustable conical grinder
  • Manual cappuccino system offers a variety of drinks
  • Choose from multiple strength and temperature settings

Automatic Coffee Machines Comparison Table

IMAGE PRODUCT DETAILS
  • Dimensions: 9.4 x 17.0 x 13.8 inches
  • Type: Automatic
  • Wattage: 1250 watts
  • Integrated Grinder: Yes
  • Frother Type: Manual
  • Bars of Pressure: 15

Features

  • User-friendly design
  • Adjustable conical grinder
  • Manual cappuccino system offers a variety of drinks
  • Choose from multiple strength and temperature settings

Product Rating: 4.7/5

Check Price At Amazon ECAM22110SB Review
  • Dimensions: 8.7 x 13.4 x 16.9 inches
  • Type: Super Automatic
  • Wattage: 1500 watts
  • Integrated Grinder: Yes
  • Frother Type: Automatic
  • Bars of Pressure: 15

Features

  • Incorporated ceramic grinder
  • One-touch drink selection
  • Multiple temperature settings
  • Integrated milk carafe with automatic frothing

Product Rating: 4.8/5

Check Price At Amazon Anima Prestige Review
  • Dimensions: 9 x 12.7 x 17.5 inches
  • Type: Automatic
  • Wattage: 1450 watts
  • Integrated Grinder: Yes
  • Frother Type: None
  • Bars of Pressure: 15

Features

  • Grinder with different grind settings
  • Environmentally conscious design
  • 4.4-ounce coffee bean container
  • 37-ounce water reservoir tank

Product Rating: 4.3/5

Check Price At Amazon Jura Ena 1 Review
  • Dimensions: 11.0 x 15.3 x 14.4 inches
  • Type: Super Automatic
  • Wattage: 1350 watts
  • Integrated Grinder: Yes
  • Frother Type: Manual
  • Bars of Pressure: 15

Features

  • Burr grinder with multiple settings
  • Choose your beverage strength and cup size
  • 60-ounce water reservoir tank
  • Double boiler system

Product Rating: 4.8/5

Check Price At Amazon De'Longhi ESAM3300 Review
  • Dimensions: 11.22 x 8.86 x 12.6 inches
  • Type: Semi Automatic
  • Wattage: 1040 watts
  • Integrated Grinder: No
  • Frother Type: Automatic
  • Bars of Pressure: 15

Features

  • Semi-automatic espresso machine
  • Automatic milk frother
  • Pre-programmed for simple operation
  • Removable water and milk reservoirs
  • Optimal 15-bar pressure for coffee extraction

Product Rating: 3.5/5

Check Price At Amazon Cafe Barista Review

Best Automatic Coffee Machine Reviews Buying Guide


When you desperately need that shot of espresso but you don’t want to leave the house — it’s time to look at automatic espresso makers.

It’s perfectly fine if you prefer getting coffee from your local cafe. It’s also okay to have a basic, run-of-the-mill espresso maker. What’s important is that both will, hopefully, give you great espresso.

But maybe you’re tired of spending so much in coffee shops. Or perhaps you just want to spend the morning curled up with a blanket, a book, and espresso. Even if you don’t know how to make espresso, the beauty of an automatic espresso maker is that it does everything for you.

There’s no need to leave the comfort of home to get your fix and there’s no need for coffee know-how, either. These devices do it all with minimal effort from you.

Not all auto coffee machines are created equal, though. Some offer one-touch pre-programmed drink options while others allow more customization. And yes, certain models produce better-quality espresso than others.

Take these points into consideration before making a decision:

How much control you want over your brewing

Water reservoir tank size

Manual or automatic frother

Ease of use

Automatic vs. Manual Coffee Machines


It’s no secret that espresso traditionalists prefer manual machines. This is the original way of brewing espresso, after all. With a manual unit, you’ll need to grind beans, fill your portafilter, attach it to the grindhead, and instruct the machine to push boiling water through the grinds.

The benefit here is that you controls every aspect of the brewing process. However, there is a very steep learning curve associated with a fully manual espresso maker.

With automatic coffee machines, the whole process is the machine’s responsibiliity. The user has less control over pulling the espresso shot, but the trade-off is that it’s not as difficult to brew delicious espresso.

Advantages of an Automated Espresso Maker


There are so many espresso makers on the market it can be hard to know which one is right for you — especially if you’re watching your pennies.

Automatic espresso makers, while usually more expensive, can offer a lot for people who want both convenience and value, brew top-notch espresso with minimal time and effort.

Some very basic models typically use less pressure and you’ll need to grind beans and tamp the grinds. These models may not include a steamer wand, so you’ll need to purchase that separately if you want milky coffees.

Mid-priced espresso makers have a few more perks but are still mostly manual machines. These models will likely include a frother, and the devices themselves will be of better quality. Most models in this price range do not offer an integrated grinder.

Most automatic espresso makers include the ability to froth milk for cappuccinos or lattes, so it’s not just espresso on offer. Many have incorporated grinders that give you control over how finely ground the coffee beans are. These grinders ensure optimal grind freshness and flavor.

The top automatic coffee machines are typically quite user-friendly, even if you don’t have a lot of espresso knowledge. Features like one-touch drink selection leave little room for user error — and the quality of the espresso is consistently good.

Here are the main advantages of automatic espresso makers:

  • Easy to operate — no espresso experience required
  • Consistent, delicious tasting espresso and other coffees
  • Integrated grinders make for fresher tasting grounds
  • Additional features not found with manual espresso makers

How to Choose the Best Automatic Coffee Machine


All automatic espresso makers offer features that make it easier to brew espresso at home. However, different models have distinct characteristics that should be considered before you make your selection, including:

Control Over Your Espresso

How much control do you want over brewing espresso? Many people are happy to just add coffee beans, press a button, then wait for the shot to materialize. There’s nothing wrong with that! Others want to customize their espresso or experiment with flavors and strengths.

Some espresso makers do virtually everything for you after you add the beans. Other models give you more options, such as choices in temperature, type of drink, and espresso strength.

Milk Frother

If you’re only going to be drinking straight espresso, you might not need or want a milk frother. There are definitely espresso machines that do just that while other models allow you to craft milk-based drinks. Lovers of lattes and macchiatos will appreciate the latter.

Automatic or manual milk frother? There are arguments to be made for both, each are easy to use and can produce rich, creamy textured foam. However, manual milk frothers cannot steam milk, while this step is included with automatic frothers. Because of that, automatic frothers are better for consistent, even temperature.

Degree of User-Friendliness

Filtered pods, plastic capsules, or K-Cups? Cross-compatibility is rare, so double-check that your machine will accept the coffee you like. Certain machines will only brew own-brand pods, and some are even more particular and only brew specific brand ranges.

Another consideration here is that some machines are dual brewers that take both pods and loose grinds.

Espresso Quality

Okay, this one is a given. No one is buying these appliances with the intention of brewing watery or bitter espresso. There are sometimes dramatic differences in the taste of espresso with different espresso makers, though. Espresso quality can be affected by temperature, choice of beans, or even bean exposure to air.

It’s important to read automatic coffee maker reviews to see what actual owners think of their models.

Price

The cost of an automatic espresso maker can vary wildly. Some models are more budget-friendly, and others are significantly more expensive. Whether you have a budget of a few hundred dollars or thousands, there’s an espresso maker out there for you.

Evaluate your must-haves with an espresso maker, along with your budget parameters, and go from there.

Our Picks of the Best Automatic Coffee Machines


De’Longhi ECAM22110SB

~ Most Versatile


Our Rating: 4.7/5

FEATURES:

  • Compact design
  • A built-in conical burr grinder with 13 grind settings
  • Manual cappuccino system (frothing and texturing)
  • Simple controls
  • Multiple temperature settings
  • Programmable beverage selection
The small but powerful De’Longhi ECAM22110SB makes good on its promise to deliver rich, delicious espresso.

If you love espresso and other coffees, there’s a certain appeal to making those beverages at home. However, brewing good espresso can be a tedious task. Luckily, this espresso maker does all the work for you.

With 15 bars of pressure and 1250 watts of power, this device draws out the most flavor from coffee beans. High-quality espresso shots can be enjoyed on their own or used to produce delicious lattes or cappuccinos.

An integrated stainless steel grinder grinds beans when the espresso is brewed, not in advance, for fresh and full-bodied espresso. The grinder has multiple options you can adjust according to your preferences.

De’Longhi designed this appliance to be user-friendly, so even a novice can successfully brew espresso. There’s still room for customization, though, with four temperature settings and a manual cappuccino system.

The De’Longhi is not inexpensive, but the machine’s quality and simplicity make it worth the price tag.

  • Design
  • Functionality
  • Price

Gaggia Anima Prestige

~ Best Fully Automatic


Our Rating: 4.8/5

FEATURES:

  • Multi-level ceramic grinder
  • One-touch brewing
  • Three temperature settings
  • Integrated milk carafe with automatic milk texturing and foaming

The smartly designed Gaggia R18762 Anima Prestige brews delicious espresso with minimal effort on your part.

When you love espresso, there’s something to be said for the convenience of creating it yourself in your own kitchen. But what if you don’t know how?

The good news is that you don’t need coffee know-how with automatic coffee machines such as the Anima Prestige — it does virtually everything for you. Create high-quality espresso, either on its own, or add textured milk for cappuccinos and lattes.

Fully automatic, this espresso maker uses an optimal 15 bars of pressure to extract the most flavor from coffee beans.

It’s practically foolproof, even for someone who’s never touched an espresso maker before. Simply add the beans and select your preferred grind level. Set your temperature, beverage type, and strength, then sit back and let the magic happen.

This model is rather expensive, particularly for a device that only has a single boiler. However, the thoughtful design and ease of use make it worth the price tag.

  • Design
  • Functionality
  • Price

Jura ENA Micro 1

~ Best Compact


Our Rating: 4.3/5

FEATURES:

  • Ultra-compact design
  • Multi-level grinder
  • Simple to use
  • Environmentally friendly design
  • In-built burr grinder with different grind settings
  • 4.4-ounce coffee bean container
  • 37-ounce water reservoir tank
The super-compact Jura ENA Micro 1 promises rich, delicious espresso combined with environmentally conscious design.

If you have a love of caffeine, then there’s a definite appeal to brewing those expensive coffeehouse drinks in your own kitchen. And if you don’t have much space on your counter, this machine’s compact build is ideal.

The Jura espresso machine boasts 15 bars of pressure to extract the most flavor from your coffee beans. Whether you prefer espresso, ristretto, or americano, this device brews high-quality espresso shots.

A built-in conical burr grinder means beans are ground when the espresso is made, not beforehand. The result is a fresh, aromatic espresso.

Jura made this appliance eco-friendly with automatic energy-saving and shut-off features. In addition, a patented zero-energy switch prevents the device from drawing power when it’s turned off.

The ENA 1 is rather pricey, but it delivers on the quality front. It’s particularly attractive for those who lack the space for a large coffee maker.

  • Design
  • Functionality
  • Price
A
Jura A1 – Black
from: 1st in Coffee

Our Rating: 4.8/5

FEATURES:

  • Professional-level burr grinder with multiple settings
  • Manual milk frother
  • Simple control panel
  • 60-ounce water reservoir tank
  • 15-bar pressure for optimal flavor
  • 8.8-ounce bean hopper
  • Double boiler system
De’Longhi boasts that its Magnifica ESAM3300 brews espresso that’s comparable to any cafe’s coffee. If the idea of making cafe-quality coffee in the convenience of your kitchen is enticing, this could be the coffee maker for you.

This automatic model uses an optimal 15-bars pressure to extract the most flavor out of the beans. Combine that with 1350-watt power and you get robust, high-grade espresso time after time.

Compact sizing is another plus; it won’t take up all the counter space or leave you wondering whether to leave your toaster or coffee machine on the bench.

Featuring dials, rather than a digital display or control pad, the Magnifica is simple to use and requires little coffee know-how. For those who don’t want to wait, it takes a mere 75 seconds to heat up.

An incorporated stainless steel burr grinder means the beans are ground just before the drink is made for the best-tasting espresso.

  • Design
  • Functionality
  • Price
Our Rating: 4/5

FEATURES:

  • Semi automatic coffee machine
  • Automatic milk frother
  • Pre-programmed for simple operation
  • Removable water and milk reservoirs
  • Optimal 15-bar pressure for coffee extraction
  • One-touch beverage selections

The aptly named Mr. Coffee Espresso and Cappuccino Maker promises delicious, caffeinated drinks made in the convenience of your own home.

Being able to make multiple types of coffee with a single machine is understandably attractive. Plus, the compact size of this combination machine means it takes up less counter space.

Mr. Coffee’s espresso maker boasts 15 bars of pressure to extract maximum flavor (and caffeine) from your coffee grounds. Drink your morning shot straight up or froth some milk for a cappuccino or latte.

For quick and easy use, the unit features a control pad. Select from six pre-programmed drinks at the touch of a button or customize your coffee preferences. Need coffee fast in the morning? It only takes a few minutes to prepare a single drink with the Mr Coffee Cafe Barista.

Mr. Coffee is a good introductory machine at this price point. You’ll appreciate its speed and versatility. However, the quality of your brew may be inconsistent, especially if you’re new to cafe-style coffee making.

  • Design
  • Functionality
  • Price

Conclusion


 

When you want espresso that tastes like it’s from a cafe without leaving your own kitchen — you need one of the top automatic coffee machines.

Easy to use, these time-saving appliances produce great tasting espresso and other specialty drinks. With a variety of features, these automatic or super-automatic coffee machines are designed for people who desire quality with minimal effort.

Certainly, they may not satisfy espresso aficionados who want more control over pulling espresso shots. And the pricing of certain models may be out of reach for some people.

However, if you would rather invest money in a premium espresso maker over a coffee shop, automatic coffee machines are a great alternative.

Best Automatic Coffee Machines FAQs


How Does an Automatic Espresso Maker Work?

Because an automatic espresso maker electronically measures the proper amount of water, coffee, and adjusts the pressure for you, there is less room for human error. Simply fill your hopper with beans and your tank with water and the machine takes care of the rest.

What Are the Types of Automatic Coffee Machines?

There are three types of automatic espresso machines. Semi automatic coffee machines allows some control over the process. You will need to grind the beans, and then tamp down the grinds in order to brew espresso. You also control the length of the espresso shot.

Automatic machines often still require that you grind the beans and tamp the grinds. However, these appliances take control over the brewing process itself. The device knows when to end the shot.

Super automatic espresso machines do virtually everything for you. Most feature incorporated grinders and mechanisms that will even tamp your grind, so all you have to do is add beans and select your drink.

Are Can Automatic Coffee Machines Make More Than Just Espresso?

For the most part, yes. The specifics of each model vary, but many will also brew americanos, ristrettos, or macchiatos. Models with in-built milk foamers allow you to create lattes and cappuccinos too.

How Do I Get Espresso Crema?

Espresso crema is the result of the fat content in the coffee grind coming into contact with the high pressure exerted by the espresso maker. The machine extracts the fat from the coffee beans, and the crema is naturally layered on top of the espresso. To get crema, you’ll need a quality espresso maker.

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