Making café-grade espresso shots used to take a lot of knowledge and practice. You would have to grind the beans, tamp the coffee grounds, and sometimes literally “pull the shot” yourself. With too much on your plate already, this manual work just makes having a caffeine boost in the comfort of your home unpractical for most.
This is when automation comes to the rescue. Fully automated machines can take care of the whole brewing process with the push of a button. It is like ordering coffee instead of making it – a fantastic way to start your morning.
However, these machines aren’t a cheap investment. There is no worse feeling than spending hundreds of dollars on something that churns out horrible coffee or doesn’t fit your needs.
Fret not. Keep reading, and you should get the best super automatic espresso machine for yourself. I have rigorously tested several leading names on the market and found some choices that can work for you.
Contents
Best Super Automatic Espresso Machine
Jura S8 – The Best Overall
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The S8 isn’t even the most capable or expensive coffee maker Jura has to offer. Yet, for individuals who want barista-quality beverages from a flagship product for households, there is hardly any better choice.
If you care about the aesthetics of coffee makers like me, the outside appearance of the S8 will impress you. You have three color and finish options: piano black, chrome, and moonlight silver.
With a modern design and clean lines, they are all beautiful machines. And I haven’t mentioned small touches like the chrome-plated grill or the grooved water tank.
There is no need for physical buttons when you have a huge 4.3-inch full-color touchscreen on the front. I’m sure it will be a joy to use for digital citizens who spend all day on their phones.
This digital display comes with color images of all the espresso drinks the S8 provides. I could easily customize their options with sliders, while the fun animations and graphics guided me through brewing tasks. You can even connect this machine to the Jura app on your phone and start the brewing with voice commands.
The S8 can deliver 15 specialties with plenty of adjustable settings like the amount of milk or brewing temperature. You can even get just hot milk or hot water for tea.
Still, its One-Touch function is what I appreciate the most about the S8. It functions as exactly as it sounds: a touch on the screen, and the brewing starts all the way from the beans to your cup.
The S8 is an automatic espresso machine with grinder (the Aroma G3 grinder in particular). It was quiet and fast in my tests, and this could be a big deal when you don’t want to wake up your entire family just yet.
Like other Jura models, the dosing for each grind cycle is 16g – equal to a Doppio (double espresso) most baristas serve. As a result, you don’t have to wait for a second cycle to make a second cup or a double shot.
As far as super-automatic models are concerned, the S8 does a better job than most machines I have tried. The golden-brown crema was thick and luxurious, while every cup went out hot and strong, sometimes with a pleasant tartness. It isn’t the best automatic latte machine for home, yet milk-based drinks are quite decent.
I am so pleased with this beast that I have made a thorough Jura S8 review, so you can check it out for more hands-on experience.
Jura could bring improvements to the S8’s maintenance, though. The brew unit isn’t removable, and you will have to buy cleaning tablets from Jura for its cleaning cycles. These tasks are automated, but they can still be tiresome, and the cost can add up quickly.
Pros
- Premium look and build quality
- Smart monitoring and control with the companion mobile app
- Versatile with several specialty coffees
- Highly programmable
- Easy to use
- Energy-saving modes available
Cons
- Expensive
- Complicated cleaning and maintenance
- Not for a big family or an office
>> Read Customer Reviews: Here <<
Breville Oracle Touch – Runner-up
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While the S8 is the best super automatic espresso machine 2022, the Oracle Touch is another excellent all-around model when money is no object. It can take care of your morning bean-to-cup routines. And in some aspects, it is even better than the Jura S8 – my top choice.
This Breville is packed with great design choices. The premium stainless steel construction made me feel like I was a real barista. With little plastic in the build, it should serve you coffee for a very long time.
There are built-in lights shining on the working and showing the water tank level from within. The brew group inside the Oracle Touch comes with its own heater, whose job is to correct the water temperature during the whole process. The built-in grinder is another favorite of mine. Combined with the two PID-controlled boilers, you should have everything to make excellent espresso at home.
Like the Jura S8, the Oracle Touch uses a big color touchscreen for easier controls. Breville integrates automation into every stage. You are free to choose to adjust the default presets as much as you prefer. Or you can just put your trust in the machine and let it take care of everything.
Just a swipe, and you can pick the specialty you wish to have that day. Want steamed milk or tamp it yourself? Both are available with the Oracle Touch. The dual-boiler design allows you to steam milk continuously and pull shots with minimal downtime and a perfect temperature.
This machine can grind and tamp a higher dose (22g) than the S8 before it goes into the 58mm stainless steel portafilter, where the extraction happens. The Oracle Touch produces lovely shots. Their rich flavors and excellent crema should be even solid enough for a coffee shop.
While the Oracle Touch has a higher capacity, it is also bulkier and more expensive than the S8. There are also some things the machine can’t do for you. You will need to move the portafilter back and forth between the brew group and the grinder, as well as clean the steam wand and espresso puck.
Pros
- Luxurious stainless steel look
- Sturdy construction
- Color touch screen
- Dual boilers for simultaneous steam and extraction
- Silky and consistent milk froth
Cons
- Astronomical price
- Not a compact design
- Some manual tasks are required
>> Read Customer Reviews: Here <<
Jura E8 – Best Mid-range Choice
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At one level lower compared to the S-series, the E8 is a machine worth considering if you love the overall appeal of the S8 but want to save some bucks in your budget.
With dimensions of 12.2 x 20 x 16.1 (D x W x H) inches, this bean-to-cup espresso machine isn’t bulky at all. It is rather attractive with the signature chrome finish of Jura models. This chrome is easy to wipe and clean but also has a fingerprint magnet. In fact, I have lost count of how many times I needed to use a towel to clean milk residue and coffee smears.
The E8’s water reservoir can hold 64 ounces, similar to that of the S8. It is located on the side, and you can easily lift up and pull it out from the machine’s front.
Jura has programmed the E8 so you can make espresso (as well as 15 other beverages) right out of the gate. This super automatic nature doesn’t sacrifice the ability to customize them to your taste. Though the E8 doesn’t have a touchscreen like higher-end models, everything shouldn’t be too cumbersome when you aren’t fully awake in the norming.
The bright 2.8-inch TFT screen shows clear options for you to choose from. You can press and hold buttons to set up the amount of coffee and milk. Or you can simply select a programmed drink from the menu.
I appreciate the existence of 8 different coffee strength levels, much more than many machines in the same price range. The milk temperature can be set to normal or high, while you can set the volume in milliliters or ounces.
The E8 delivers strong coffee cups by default, but you can adjust this dosing between 5 and 16 grams. The taste isn’t that different from that of the S8. Perhaps because this mid-level machine also comes with premium technologies like Pulse Extraction Process and pre-infusion.
Milky drink lovers should be aware of the only frothing setting. I have no doubt the E8 produced nicely textured milk. That said, it can’t create untextured milk if that is your thing. On top of that, this isn’t an affordable machine by any means. It is just that you have another amazing option with a slightly lower price tag. My Jura E8 review has covered all the competitive edges and drawbacks of this machine. Check it out here.
Pros
- Retain the premium chrome finish
- Compact
- One-touch preparation
- Able to personalize the brewing in many ways
- Excellent main beverages like espresso
- Compatible with Jura’s mobile app
Cons
- Still a little expensive
- No touchscreen
- Lack of foam frother settings
>> Read Customer Reviews: Here <<
Jura ENA 8 – Compact Choice
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Let’s be honest here: not every great coffee machine is going to fit the countertop or table in your kitchen. The ENA 8 is one of the most portable models from Jura. This statement doesn’t just guarantee the quality of the machine but also gives you the smaller footprint you can ask for from a premium espresso maker.
The ENA 8 measures just 10.7″ wide, 17.5″ deep, and 12.7″ high. This is a godsend for apartments and houses with a small kitchen. The minimal silver front captured my attention at first glance. I knew that as a Jura machine, it would have beautiful aesthetics. The clean lines, stainless steel body, and, most importantly, the gorgeous water tank makes the ENA 8 stand out from other premium options.
Jura puts this cylindrical reservoir on the side and makes it look like a crystal milk carafe. This unique design is just impeccable and also helps reduce the overall size of the machine.
The Aroma G3 built-in grinder is a familiar feature at this point. After you turn it on, the ENA 8 will begin heating and flush itself to make sure you have the freshest coffee. There are only 10 drink options – a bit disappointing for those in need of greater diversity.
Though the TFT display is quite small, it worked flawlessly for me. You may take some time to learn how to program the brewing with it, yet the process is enjoyable. The delicious espresso cups the ENA 8 gave me were as rich-tasting as I expected. The crema was smooth, and there was no gritty residue in the full-bodied taste.
Due to the compact footprint, you will have to stomach its small capacity. As slick as the water tank is, it can only handle 37.2 ounces. Additionally, you can only put 4.4 ounces of beans into the container.
Pros
- Super compact
- Stunning design
- Easy to operate
- Automation at every stage
- Many adjustment levels
- Can connect to the mobile app
Cons
- Limited capacity
- No touchscreen
>> Read Customer Reviews: Here <<
De’Longhi Magnifica S Smart – Compact Model For Milk-Based Drinks
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If the familiar design of the ENA 8 has bored you out, or you love strong milk-based options, check out the Magnifica S Smart. It won’t take up much space in your kitchen and still provide good enough espresso every day without much manual work from you.
At 17 x 9.4 x 13.4 inches (WxDxH), this is a taller and narrower (and only a bit wider) machine than the ENA 8. This surprised me a lot when I unboxed it because the water tank capacity of the Magnifica S Smart is 60 ounces, much larger than the Jura machine’s 37-ounce side water tank.
The overall design looks more straightforward than premium. There is a huge black area dominating the front face above the knobs and buttons. This control panel is simpler than that of the ENA 8, where there is a text line indicating what option you are looking at.
When you select a type of coffee on the Magnifica S Smart, it will illuminate the icon for that drink. Still, it wasn’t always clear to me what each icon meant, not to mention when those symbols blinked to draw your attention to something.
When you get familiar with its control panel, the simplicity of this machine is top-notch. Fill your unground beans and water, select the drink by pressing a button, and wait for your cup of coffee. You can even brew two specialties at the same time, thanks to the dual spouts.
All the espresso drinks made by the Magnifica S Smart, not just the espressos, taste good. I liked the strong flavor of the coffee beans after simply adjusting the grind size. It helped every time I felt the espresso was a little watery and thin. Another thing I wish De’Longhi could improve is the noise this machine generates in operation. It was too loud for a quiet morning.
Pros
- Not bulky or heavy
- Impressive capacity for the size
- Can make a wide variety of drinks
- Can brew two beverage types at the same time
- Simple maintenance with removable brew group
Cons
- Loud grinder
- Many may not like the default settings
>> Read Customer Reviews: Here <<
De’Longhi Dinamica – Best Value For Money
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You don’t need to splurge much money to still find amazing deals like the De’Longhi Dinamica. It is an affordable mid-range model that strikes a good balance between convenience and quality.
For starters, the build gives the Dinamica a unified look even though it is just painted plastic. The sleek profile doesn’t just go well with most modern decor but with dinky kitchens as well. There is no touchscreen, yet the text display and soft-touch buttons are attractive and functional.
De’Longhi really puts emphasis on simplicity here. The case design is pretty standard, with an accessible brew group behind the water tank. There are four default presets, which you can kick off with one button press.
To make up for the lack of a touchscreen, De’Longhi equips several dedicated buttons on the Dinamica. You can press one of them to add hot water and make long coffee. There is even a dedicated button for rinsing in case you need to clean the brew group. There is little manual work involved unless you want a milk-based beverage.
What I was worried about the most about coffee makers at this price range was the wrong temperature. Many, especially semi-auto models, make too-cold shots. This isn’t the case with the De’Longhi Dinamica. The taste isn’t the best, yet unless you are a true coffee nerd, the flavor and aroma are acceptable for a non-premium super-automatic machine.
My major gripe when using the Dinamica is how awkward it is to slide the bean hopper to fill it. But at least the water tank is on the front side, so it wasn’t a chore to frequently refill it. The milk wand doesn’t produce a lot of foam, and making latte art is a challenge.
Pros
- Not very expensive
- Sleek design
- Simple to use and clean
- Heating up quickly
- Consistent coffee with minimal effort
Cons
- No smart features like a touchscreen or mobile app
- The taste doesn’t stand out
>> Read Customer Reviews: Here <<
Jura D6 – Best Double-Serve Under $1000
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I’m sure many readers are thrilled as we are going to explore the best super automatic espresso machine under $1000. These machines, such as the Jura D6, are a perfect match for non-enthusiasts and their limited budgets.
The D6, in particular, doesn’t lose the timeless and classy design that has made a name for Jura. In many respects, it looks similar to the more expensive E series.
What it doesn’t have is a color display. To save cost, Jura opts for a text display and two rotary switches instead. They certainly don’t scream “high-tech product” like higher-end machines, yet they were intuitive and worked well enough for me.
Where I could see the Jura D6 spoiling your experience is the programmable modes. Making adjustments with physical buttons sounds fun. But trust me, it demands a steep learning curve.
Otherwise, the Jura D6 is a standard super-automatic machine that can make two standard espresso shots (or a double shot) at once. This is possible thanks to the variable brewing unit that can handle from 5 up to 16 grams. Remember that not many competitors from Phillips or De’Longhi support a dose this high at this price point.
It features only the Aroma G2 grinder, not G3. Still, I saw not many differences between them. My shots of espresso were still flavorful with a nice crema. The D6 is also one of the rare affordable machines that can make milk beverages without moving your cup.
The Jura D6 doesn’t have the same versatility you can find on the more advanced models. Only espresso, regular coffee, and cappuccino are available (even making a proper latte is out of the question). That shouldn’t be an issue if you don’t plan to switch your daily drinks.
Pros
- Not expensive
- Quality espresso
- Compact
- Impressive capacity
- Dual coffee spouts for two shots at once
- Decent programmable settings
Cons
- Only three main drink options
- Only plain text display
>> Read Customer Reviews: Here <<
Jura A1 – Best Single-Serve Under $1000
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Despite my best efforts to prevent this from becoming a “best Jura espresso machine” list, this Swiss brand has really mastered the craft of making models fully automated from start to finish. This applies to the one-cup A1 as well. I recommend it when your needs are just a single shot of espresso at a time with a reasonable price tag.
There is nothing revolutionary about the design of the Jura A1 – that is for sure. In fact, it even looks a bit uninspiring to me with simple shapes and boring cuts. At least you get a compact machine at 9.4 inches with and 17.5 inches depth, though.
I had to find the control interface on the top instead of its uncluttered front panel, where the height-adjustable spout, drip tray, and Jura logo are located. It contains just some old-style buttons and a symbol display. There is nothing to choose either other than 3 specialties (espresso, ristretto, and regular coffee) and 2 strength levels (7 and 10 grams).
You can choose ristretto (basically a more intense espresso) like me since this dosing is lower than Jura’s normal. Adjusting the grind settings is another way to influence the brewing process, given the limitations on programmable features.
The Jura A1 brews its single cup fairly quickly. This should be credited to the presence of an efficient Thermoblock heating system. The result? Unless you are a coffee purist, chances are it should satisfy your taste buds. The flavor profile of the espresso is complex, while the ristretto has a clean chocolatey note.
Pros
- Reasonable cost
- Small footprint
- Short brew time with single espresso shots
- Decent coffee quality
- Simple use and maintenance
Cons
- Limited drink variety (no milk options)
- Low dosing
- Limited programmability
>> Read Customer Reviews: Here <<
Philips 3200– Best Entry-Level Choice
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The Philips 3200 gives you the best of both worlds. It doesn’t cost you a fortune like Jura machines. And you can still get a good level of customization out of it before dwelling into the world of high-end espresso machines.
First off, it comes with a 61-ounce water tank – pretty huge for this market segment. The compact 9.6-inch width shouldn’t overwhelm even small countertops. To save more space, the bean container lid is removable.
Philips brings a lot to the game with this beginner model. The 3200 features a big touch control panel. It manages to show all 5 drink choices, 3 brewing settings, and 2 maintenance tasks in a single place. From left to right, press the power button, touch your beverage icon, make some adjustments if you wish, push the start button, and you are good to go.
There is a small milk container on the side. This is the LatteGo system that you can attach to create steamed milk. The ceramic burr grinder provides 12 grind settings. You may not play with it much, but these options are nice to have in case you want to switch between dark and light roast beans.
When it comes to speed and taste, the Philips 3200 delivers on both counts. My espresso shot took just over one and a half minutes from heating up to completion. From its very first sip, the espresso delights me with its rich aroma and strength.
The 3200 uses a lot of plastic in its build, and the brewing espresso process is quite loud. I wish the milk foam could also be denser. That said, all things considered, this is a great starting purchase if you want to learn more about making espresso while still enjoying the convenience of fully-automated brewing.
Pros
- Affordable
- Compact with a thoughtful design
- Many adjustments, suitable for beginners
- User-friend one-touch operations
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Noisy
- Not sturdy construction
- Thin milk foam
>> Read Customer Reviews: Here <<
Gaggia Brera – Best Budget Choice
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For those not too fussy about their daily espresso and not in need of tweaking the brewing, the Gaggia Brera is the best inexpensive purchase they can get.
This automatic coffee machine has solid build quality with a well-made stainless steel front panel. It feels robust and should be able to last for several years, making this machine an even better investment.
On this front side, you will find a small LED display and illuminated buttons. Located on the top of the machine, the bean hopper is easy to access. It has a lid through which you can add your favorite pre-ground coffee as well.
At less than 41 ounces, the water tank is on the small side. Despite having only 3 beverages to choose from, the customizability isn’t too bad for home use. You can pick one from the 5 pre-defined grind settings and 3 brew strengths. It was easy for me to save my favorite drink recipe with the Memo function as well.
Your cups of coffee are just a few buttons away. Even when making a cappuccino with the Pannarello wand, the Gaggia Brera didn’t cost me more than 5 minutes. The grinding can be loud, so take this into account if you don’t want to wake up your spouse or baby in the morning.
The espresso was hot and bitter. There was a significant lack of oily richness, but overall, the machine did a much better job than its competitors. On top of that, almost every part is removable and easy to empty and wash. It shouldn’t be a hassle for you to take care of this manual work on a regular basis.
Pros
- Very inexpensive for a super-automatic model
- Compact and sleek design
- A steam wand included
- Sturdy build with
- Easy cleaning with a removable brew group
- Respectable customizable range
Cons
- Loud built-in grinder
- Small water tank
- Just above-average coffee flavors
>> Read Customer Reviews: Here <<
How To Choose The Best Super Automatic Espresso Machine
Like their semi-automatic cousins, super automatic machines feature basic components needed to grind and pull espresso shots from coffee beans. What makes them different is the automated grinder and brewing system.
On top of that, there are a whole host of other factors that come into play. For such a huge investment, you’d better get them right. Here are some suggestions for evaluating super automatic espresso makers in general.
Capacity
It is one thing to have only yourself to care for. And it is another thing when you are tasked with preparing morning coffee for most families.
Some machines can comfortably handle a jug of coffee, while others can only make one or two shots at once.
Remember that a higher capacity means a higher price tag and a bulkier machine. Pretty much the size of everything is bigger: the bean hopper, milk carafe, and water tank. They ensure there is no need to refill while the machine keeps churning out shot after shot.
Cost
There is a huge gap between affordable models for households and professional-grade machines. The word ‘affordable’ here is already generous because fully automatic coffee makers are infamously pricey than other types.
Think hard about your budget and be ready to make some tradeoffs. A refurbished unit isn’t a bad idea either if you can find a good deal.
Size & Weight
People often forget this, yet remember to measure your countertop (or space where you plan to place your coffee machine) first.
Owners of small kitchens have no other choice but to say goodbye to a large water tank or bean hopper capacity. Nothing is more annoying than the fact that your costly appliance couldn’t fit in with its surroundings.
Many built-in grinders get their beans from the top. Pay attention to the space well above the machine if this is the case. You might choose to store it in a cupboard as a workaround. That works too; just consider the weight and make sure you can easily lift and move it around.
Build Quality
Given the amount of money you have to spend on it, your coffee maker should be able to last for years to come.
For high-end models, this shouldn’t be a problem. They often come with sturdy frames coated with stainless steel. This look may seem too utilitarian to your liking. But if you want to take the function-over-form approach, they are your best bet.
With a stricter budget, you will have to settle with more plastic. Many mid-range choices still use stainless steel as the core material for the build and plastic for non-critical parts. It is the best of both worlds. You will have the durability of all-metal constructions and save some money at the same time.
Versatility
To be frank, not even die-hard espresso fanatics drink only this coffee style all the time. Additional drink options also make sense if you have other family members or colleagues to cater to.
Start by looking at which kinds of beverages a coffee maker claims it can make. If you long for milk-based options like latte macchiato or cappuccino as well, get a machine with a built-in milk system.
This should be easy as not many models are only able to produce espresso. In fact, many premium machines even offer more than 15 different specialties.
Coffee Quality
At the end of the day, this is what matters the most. It is true that we have to give up some aspects when choosing the fully automatic road. However, if you can’t enjoy tasty and flavorful espresso from this, then what is the point?
In addition to taste, have a look at the aroma and overall appearance of the coffee. For milk-based drinks like cappuccinos, assess the froth’s density and how it blends with the coffee.
Customization
Getting a super automatic model doesn’t mean you can’t change a thing in the brewing process. There are a lot of settings you can tweak depending on the model. You can find out how much you can adjust your coffee machine from its user manual.
Common settings are the drink size, coffee strength, and milk temperature, among other things. You can program your favorite recipe and recall it later in a second.
If you trust the machine’s pre-set options and don’t plan to alter the brewing process much, a high degree of programmability isn’t that important. That said, it can be a deal-breaker for coffee enthusiasts who would like to experiment with a new setting once in a while.
Extras
Not every super automatic machine can froth or steam milk on its own. To make cappuccinos or lattes with it, you will need a steam wand.
Modern features like Bluetooth-connected apps and touchscreens have been common in recent generations. Others retain a barebone design and rely on old-school physical buttons.
The choice is yours. But don’t be surprised at a premium if you want to start and monitor the brewing remotely with your phone from the comfort of your bed.
Ease Of Use And Maintenance
Mold and yeast love moist places like the interior of your coffee maker. In fact, some tests have found that half of all water reservoirs in coffee machines have them. That is not to mention germs, coffee residues, and oils, as well as hard water deposits.
The ‘super automatic’ nature of many models extends to cleaning and maintenance as well. They can execute various self-cleaning cycles to flush out all the gunk and residual mess.
However, you may also need to dismantle the machine and manually clean its components. A user-oriented model should make these routines painless and straightforward.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Fully Automatic Espresso Machines Better Than Traditional Models?
The choices come down to your personal references.
The products in this list are bean-to-cup machines that can have a cup of espresso ready for you after a few minutes just with the push of a button. You don’t even have to grind the beans yourself with a separate grinder. However, they are much more expensive, and you have less control over the brewing process.
Less automated models require more care and attention from you to make a delicious cup of coffee. They are a better choice for enthusiasts who love more room for experimentation when learning this craft.
Are Cheap Super-Automatic Models Worth It?
Yes.
As my superautomatic espresso machine reviews have shown, these coffee makers have a high price tag, with good reason. They are tasked with the whole brewing process and leave you with as little manual work as possible. And those automatic machine parts are costly.
Going with the lowest price is usually not a wise decision. To bring down the cost, manufacturers have to cut corners here and there.
Sub $300 models often offer a frustrating experience. The shots are usually neither good nor consistent, and the steamed milk may get overly frothy as well.
Can I Make Regular Coffee With The Above Machines?
No.
Most automatic espresso makers can’t make American-style drip coffee. Instead, some of them have a setting for Americano – the closest thing you can get. It dilutes the espresso base with hot water to create a similar strength to that of drip-brewed coffee.
Can Fully Automatic Espresso Makers Clean Themselves?
This depends on the particular machine. Most have some kinds of automatic cleaning and maintenance built-in, such as rinsing or descaling the machine. You can select these integrated maintenance programs from the control panel.
Final Words
The best super automatic espresso machine should eliminate as much stressful manual work as possible for you. More importantly, it also needs to be able to consistently produce tasty coffee cups.
The Jura S8 is an easy recommendation for the best fully automatic espresso machine from me if you don’t mind its price tag. It is extremely easy to use, while the espresso is well-made with rich flavors and strong crema.
Lower-end options like the De’Longhi Dinamica or Philips 3200 also work well. They are more economical choices when you care less about the drink variety or smart features. ()
