Do you want to wake up to a crema-rich, flavorful espresso that fires up your synapses every morning? Do you love espresso, but you don’t want to do all the work? Super-automatic espresso machines are the answer.
My espresso journey started many years ago, and I’ve tried plenty of automatic espresso machines since. I will include my list of the best automatic espresso machines, coming from years of experience, along with reviews from other users. My top three choices are:
- Best Overall: Jura E8
- Best Budget: Gaggia Brera
- Best Lattes and Cappuccinos: Gaggia Babila
I’ll provide a thorough breakdown of each of the 10 best super-automatic espresso machines, and I’ll explain everything there’s to know about how to choose a super-automatic espresso machine, so you’ll have all the necessary info to make your choice.
How to Choose a Super Automatic Espresso Machine
Budget
Super-automatic espresso machines (also known as automatic espresso machines or bean to cup machines) are a big investment, especially compared to semi-automatic devices, so you should carefully consider which machine features are essential for you and which ones you can live without.
My advice is to decide on a budget before you start shopping. Then, decide the most important features for you. That way, you can rule out the espresso machines that are above your price range and focus on the most critical features to make your final choice easier.
Most espresso machines fall in these price ranges:
- Budget: Under $1,000
- Mid-range: $1,000 to $2,000
- Premium: $2,000+
I know what you’re thinking: $1,000 is a “budget” choice?! It’s true because automatic espresso machines have many advanced components. They heat water to 200 F within a minute, grind the coffee, and generate nine bars of pressure to brew espresso. Not to mention steam milk. All of that in a compact package that’s simple to operate. So, good options don’t come cheap.
If you’re unsure about the investment, a Starbucks venti latte costs $4.15, which is $1,500 per year in daily coffee drinks. Fewer trips to the coffee shop mean an espresso machine pays itself off in a year.
I’ve included options across the price ranges including a few budget ones like the Gaggia Brera and DeLonghi Magnifica that still make excellent espresso.
Build and Espresso Quality
Espresso quality is maybe the most important factor when buying an espresso machine. After all, espresso is the reason you’re buying it.
To make sure your espresso machine will produce a flavorful espresso, you should check the build quality, such as the internal parts. What’s the heating system? Most machines today use a thermoblock heating system, which runs water through intricate heated piping for a fast heating time. A boiler will typically outperform a thermoblock, but it takes a long time to heat and is usually found in high-end semi-automatic models.
Also, is it a single or dual-heating system? For example, this will determine if you can brew and steam simultaneously or wait for the machine to switch to a steaming temperature after brewing.
Are you fine with plastic, or do you need stainless steel? Think about where the machine will be used and how many people will be using it. The more users, the higher chances of scratches or of breaking the plastic parts.
Last, is there a removable brew group? This can help you better clean the machine. You can easily rinse out the main part of the machine to get rid of all the coffee beans residue and only brew espresso with fresh beans.
Overall, I spent time to find models that brew a consistent espresso with quick brewing and steaming time.
Milk Frothing
If you drink a lot of milk-based drinks, milk frothing is as important as a decent shot. Super-automatic espresso machines have two kinds of milk systems: milk carafe or a steam wand.
With the milk carafe, the machine does all the work for you. All you have to do is press a button. You can also store the milk carafe in the fridge once the frothing is done.
A fully-automatic espresso machine can also have a tube, which you place into the milk container, and the machine steams it and dispenses milk into your drink. This is also automatic steaming and is common on Jura models.
On the other hand, some super-automatic espresso machines come with a steam wand. In this case, you have to steam the milk yourself. This is manual steaming, and it’s a good option if you want to learn how to handle milk or work on your latte art skills.
Keep in mind, many fully-automatic espresso machines struggle to produce quality steamed milk. They are usually able to make thick foam for a cappuccino, but not so much the microfoam needed for a latte. However, it’s more work to learn milk frothing too. This is also why you should carefully think about which option is best for you.
I found you can make better milk foam with a manual steam wand and some practice, but whether you want to put in the time is up to you (you’ll save money with a manual wand too).
Drink Options
Some super-automatic machines can make more espresso drinks than others. If you share your espresso machine with several users who have different preferences, you should get a device that can create various drinks.
Or, if you like to switch up your beverages, you need an espresso machine that creates different espresso drink styles. You can choose between super-automatic espresso machines that can make only basic beverages, such as espresso and Americano, or one that can serve a double-digit number of coffee drinks. Whether you need a flat white or cafe au lait option is up to you
In general, if the super-automatic espresso machine comes with an automatic milk frother, you can create more drinks.
Ease of Use and Programming
A super-automatic espresso machine is easier to use than manual and semi-automatic ones. There’s no guesswork. You can get a high-quality espresso with a press of a button.
That being said, not all super-automatic espresso machines are created equally. Some will allow you to personalize the settings, such as temperature, grind, pressure, and more. The range of options you can change dictates how much control you’ll have over the brewing process.
Other, simpler machines will let you change only the most basic settings, such as the type of coffee and cup size.
Choose a super-automatic espresso machine with plenty of programmable options if you like customization. This way, you’ll have a say in how your espresso is made. Or, go for one with little customization options if you trust the machine to do the work for you (and want a more budget option).
Grinder
A high-quality grinder will consistently make the fine grounds that you need for a top-notch espresso. Most people, including us at Craft Coffee Spot, belive the grinder is the most important too for better coffee.
Super-automatic espresso machines come with a built-in grinder, which is either a conical or flat burr grinder. Conical burr grinders use two cone-shaped pieces of metal that crush your beans, while flat burr grinders have two stacked rings with teeth.
Flat grinders create more consistent coffee grinds, but are also louder and heat more quickly than conical burrs. We’ve done our own research on conical vs flat burrs, and found the answer depends on the build design of the manufacturer.
The number of grind settings is important. Espresso is a nuanced drink where small changes in grind size affect the extraction and flavor. More grind settings allow you to better dial-in your espresso. I chose options with a nice range of fine settings that you can choose from.
Grinders are also made of stainless steel or ceramic. Both materials are used by professionals and ceramic burrs are considered a little higher quality, while stainless steel burr grinder is likely to outlive a ceramic, especially if you use it regularly.
Our Top Ten Picks of Super-Automatic Espresso Machines
| Image | Product Name | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
Best Overall  |
| Check AmazonCheck 1st In Coffee | |
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| Check AmazonCheck 1st In Coffee | |
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| Check Amazon | |
Best Lattes and Cappuccinos  |
| Check Amazon | |
Best Budget  |
| Check Amazon | |
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| Check Amazon | |
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| Check AmazonCheck Seattle Coffee Gear | |
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| Check AmazonCheck Breville | |
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| Check Amazon | |
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| Check Amazon |
Jura E8
Jura E8 highlights:
- Aroma G3 grinder with 12 settings
- Pulse Extraction Process
- One-touch milk cleaning system
The Jura E8 tops my list, because it has some of the most advanced features for brewing espresso while having an automatic milk frother and a lot of customizable drink options. Jura E8 offers 17 drink varieties, which include espresso doppio and espresso macchiato. There’s
also Jura’s Pulse Extraction Process brewing system. This means there isn’t a constant water flow. Instead, the water is pulsed through the grounds in short intervals. Your espresso will have better intensity and flavor and a shorter brew time thanks to this feature.
The machine comes with an Aroma G3 grinder that has 12 settings. This gives you excellent control over the coffee flavor and high control over the espresso. The G3 built-in grinder is the latest from Jura, and it is very quiet and very fast.
Jura automatic coffee machines come with a thermoblock heating element that heats up within one minute. The E8 also comes with an intelligent preheating system, which maintains fluctuations in water temperature for optimal extraction. It’s essentially a PID controller, which I always like.
This espresso machine is easy to use. It has an LED screen that walks you through the process when you want to customize your drink. You can change the brew strength and temperature. The machine guides you on what to do, when, and how this affects your drink.
E8 can make milk-based beverages with a touch of a button. This model uses a tube based system, where the frother picks up milk from a container and froths it directly into your drink.
As for the foam, there’s a professional fine foam frother that makes latte, macchiato, and other milk-based drinks with fine-textured foam. You can clean milk system automatically, with a press of a button, and it’s finished in no time, which also means less work for you.
What I like is the enhanced control on this machine. There are the 17 drink options that you can control from a color touchscreen. However, it also comes with 8 drink strength options, so you can add a bigger dose of coffee to your espresso for a stronger drink. A lot of automatic espresso machines under dose and create weaker espresso, while you can brew a rich drink on the Jura E8.
Who is it for? Jura E8 is for coffee drinkers who want a fantastic cup of espresso, latte macchiato, or other drink but don’t want all the hassle of making it on their own. It’s also a good choice for users who want a sleek and modern machine.
Jura S8
Jura S8 highlights:
- Pre-Brew aroma system for preinfusion
- 15 drink options
- Compact machine
Jura S8 is E8’s more advanced brother. This machine is different from E8 in programmability and the display screen. S8 has a larger screen than E8 — 4.3 inch touchscreen that’s easy to navigate. Just tap the slide using a single finger.
There’s no need to press any buttons. The touch screen has colorful graphics and fun animations that guide you through the whole process.
S8 also has slightly fewer drink options — 15 compared to E8’s 17. It features the same frothing system as E8, so, for example, you can make a flavorful espresso and latte macchiato at the same time. The fine foam frother creates good microfoam at a press of a button. Finally, the one-touch milk cleaning system takes care of hygiene.
There’s the Aroma G3 grinder with 15 settings. Because aroma is very important for great-tasting coffee, S8 includes a fast and quiet grinder that preserves all the aroma from the beans.
S8 comes with an Intelligent Pre-Brew Aroma System which pre-infuses the coffee grounds before the Pulse Extraction pushes water through the grounds in short bursts. This helps S8 have an even better tasting espresso.
Finally, the S8 is completely programmable. The machine will walk you through the brewing process. You can choose how much milk you want in your latte if you want a single or a double shot, and much more. You can save your personalized drink preference on the S8 too, so you can get your favorite brew strength and temperature each time.
See our full Jura S8 review, or see our comparison of Jura E8 vs S8.
Who is it for? Jura S8 is for espresso lovers who want an excellent tasting drink and the ability to adjust the flavor to their taste. This is also the espresso machine for users who only want to press the button, and the machine to do all the work, including the cleaning.
Jura E6
Jura E6 highlights:
- 11 drink options
- Older HP1 milk frother
- Good value for a high end brand
I was a fan of the Jura D6 and disappointed when it was discontinued. However, Jura redesigned the E6 in 2023 with a blend of upscale features without the full upscale price.
Now, the E6 comes with Jura’s latest Aroma G3 grinder, which means you’ll get that perfect grind for a robust, full-flavored espresso. It also includes other features for espresso brewing like the Pulse Extraction Process that improves the extraction. There’s also the Intelligent Preheating which makes sure there is good temperature stability with this thermoblock heating system. These are the same features as the Jura E8 model, and the espresso matches its quality.
The E6 also has a 2.8” color touchscreen. This isn’t something you’ll find on Jura’s lower-end models. Plus, the E6 lets you connect to Wifi through the Jura JOE app so you can customize your user profiles. A slight drawback, though, is that the E6 requires a bit more interaction than the E8 model, which is a one-touch operation.
What you trade-off is the milk frothing system. The E6 comes with the HP1 milk frother, which is an older design where the milk and espresso are frothed from the same nozzle. You’ll need to manually twist a dial to pour the milk, then twist it back when the machine tells you to. It’s a little extra work for milk drinks.
Also, the E6 has less drink options than other Jura models, with only 11 choices. While that sounds good, I realized it has four main options: espresso, coffee, macchiato, and cappuccino (the rest are doubles or options like hot water). That can be a big drawback if several people use the machine and have different preferences. However, I didn’t mind it that much, since I usually make the same milk drink or straight espresso every time.
Read our Jura E6 vs E8 comparison.
Who is it for? If you’re after Jura’s top-notch technology for espresso but don’t need an endless list of drinks and want a wallet-friendly option.
Gaggia Babila
Gaggia Babila highlights:
- Automatic and manual milk frothing
- Ceramic burr grinder with 15 settings
- Brews and steams simultaneously thanks to dual boilers
The first time I came across Babila, I was intrigued by its automatic and manual milk frothing options. It’s entirely up to you how you want to froth your milk. You can use automatic frothing when you’re in a hurry or manual when you want to work on your frothing and latte art skills.
The manual milk frother also functions as a hot water outlet, so you can have hot water for teas and hot chocolates.
Babilla is one of the best automatic espresso machines because it can brew an impressive 11 drinks. It also offers impressive customization options — you can choose the water steam, temperature, coffee grind level, and also turn the flow rate knob to speed or slow the flow rate. This machine will remember your settings for future use, which will save you time.
This is a dual boiler machine, so you can brew and steam simultaneously. The true dual boiler is a high-end feature that makes lattes faster and simpler. It also makes the Babila a premium option.
One thing to keep in mind with Babila is that it won’t stop brewing if it runs out of beans. Instead, you’ll get a weak espresso, so you’ll have to keep an eye on the 10 oz bean hopper from time to time.
Who is it for? Gaggia Babila is the best machine for users who want both automatic and manual milk frothing. It’s a good option for users to whom drink customization and a high-quality grinder are important.
Gaggia Brera
Gaggia Brera highlights:
- Stainless steel Panarello wand
- Rapid steam function
- Compact machine
Brera is the most affordable super-automatic machine on this list. It comes with a ceramic burr grinder and a bypass doser for pre-ground coffee. The grinder only has five settings, which is less than the other espresso machines on this list and explains Brera’s friendly price tag.
The Brera has a manual steam wand, so you won’t be able to get milk based-drinks with a press of a button, as is the case with Babila. Still, it can create decent foam, but not the microfoam you need for latte art.
If you don’t have a lot of counter space, Brera is the machine for you. It has a compact size (10 x 15.5 x 11.5 inches), so the drip tray, bean hopper, and water reservoir (40 oz), are smaller than other machines. This is probably better for single-person use, or frequent refilling if many people use this espresso machine.
Brera is easy to use. It has some customization settings, which are a big bonus considering how affordable it is. You can choose between three coffee strength options and program the cup size. Plus, you can create your own custom drink settings, and you can make two espressos at a time as it has two spouts.
Finally, Brera has a rapid steam function. It’s ready to steam in 10 seconds. It’s also very quiet, which comes in handy when you don’t want to wake up other family members. It’s easy to maintain, thanks to the removable brew group.
Who is it for? Brera is the best choice for users on a very limited budget. This is an excellent entry point to super-automatic machines. It’s very quiet and compact, so it’s a good choice if you have limited counter space.
Gaggia Anima Prestige
Gaggia Anima Prestige highlights:
- Cappuccinatore milk frothing system
- Ceramic grinder
- Brews six drinks
Anima Prestige is the best Gaggia super-automatic espresso machine, and it’s relatively budget-friendly considering all the features it comes with. This is the first espresso machine Gaggia tried, and over time they’ve refined and improved the coffee machine, so it’s a top-notch device.
It can brew six different drinks and gives you some control over the brew. You can choose between three temperature settings and five levels of coffee strength. Plus, you can adjust the milk temperature for latte macchiato and other milk-based drinks.
Anima Prestige comes with Gaggia’s “Adapting system,” which remembers your preferences. This means the machine will automatically default to your preferred grind and strength after several uses. However, this won’t be helpful if you plan to share the machine with several other people.
It has a detachable carafe milk system, so you can store it in the fridge. This is an automatic milk frothing coffee machine. There’s no steam wand, so there’s no option for latte art.
Also, this is a single boiler machine, so you’ll have to wait a little for the machine to switch between brewing and steaming. However, it comes with “Milk Circuit Quick Clean,” which means the espresso machine will automatically clean the frother. This means excellent hygiene and less work for you.
Finally, as with all other Gaggia super-automatic espresso machines, Anima Prestige has a ceramic burr grinder, which provides fine grounds for a flavorful espresso.
Who is it for? It’s for users who want a super-automatic espresso machine that can create a solid range of drinks and froth the milk with a press of a button. It’s also more affordable compared to other machines on this list, so it’s a budget-friendly option.
Also, check out our full list of the best Gaggia espresso machines.
Philips 3200 LatteGo
Philips 3200 LatteGo highlights:
- AquaClean filter means there’s no need to descale the machine for 5,000 cups
- LatteGo automatic milk frothing system
- Ceramic flat burr grinder with 12 settings
Philips 3200 LatteGo, as the name says, is all about the milk system. This fully-automatic espresso machine comes with a milk carafe where milk and air are mixed at high speed. Then, the machine automatically pours the milk atop your espresso.
This is a completely hands-free frothing system that produces excellent thick foam for cappuccinos, but you won’t get the microfoam needed for lattes.
The LatteGo system is extremely easy to clean. There isn’t any tubing, so there’s no place for milk to curdle. You can just detach the carafe and rinse it underwater or store it in the fridge.
This is one of the best super-automatic espresso machines because it pulls a good quality espresso. It allows you to customize shot volume, temperature, grind size, brew strength, and water volume.
Philips 3200 LatteGo has a ceramic flat burr grinder with 12 grind settings, so you can use coffee beans of varying coarseness according to your preferences. Philips says their ceramic grinder can brew up to 20,000 cups, so this coffee machine will last for years.
One thing to keep in mind is that Philips 3200 has a very loud grinder and milk frothing system. This can be an issue when you brew first thing in the morning or get a coffee craving in the middle of the night.
There is also an intuitive front-facing display where you can choose five different coffee drinks. It also takes pre-ground coffee, which comes in handy when you want decaf.
Who is it for? Philips 3200 is a good option if you want a super-automatic espresso machine that brews decent quality espresso and milk-based drinks without breaking the bank. Plus, it’s extremely easy to clean, and you can place the removable parts in the dishwasher.
Here’s our review of Philips 3200 LatteGo.
Breville Oracle Touch
Breville Oracle Touch highlights:
- Technically semi-automatic with automatic tamping
- Grinder with 45 settings
- Automatic milk frother cleaning
The next best super-automatic espresso machine comes from Breville. Technically, this is a semi-automatic espresso machine, but only barely. Most semi-automatic espresso machines need you to measure, grind, and tamp the coffee beans.
But, Oracle Touch does that all for you, so it’s extremely easy to use. You only need to transfer the portafilter from the grinder to the brew head.
The built-in grinder also has 45 settings, which is the most on this list, and it has dose-controlled grinding — it automatically grinds, doses, and tamps 22 grams of coffee.
This is a double boiler super-automatic espresso machine, so you can brew and steam simultaneously, which saves time when you’re in a hurry.
It comes with a touch screen display where you can scroll through images and tap to pick your preferred drink. You can also customize drink settings and save your preferences for up to eight drinks. But, its technology is even more impressive than that.
There’s a temperature sensor in the drip tray that monitors steaming temperature and makes sure you get the same steamed milk temperature every time.
An automatic self-cleaning steam wand rounds off its easy-to-use and automatic features. However, keep in mind that the milk tends to bake on the tip, which doesn’t get cleaned during the auto clean. You’ll have to take off the wand and handwash it.
Who is it for? Breville Oracle Touch is a good option if you want a machine that’s a cross between a semi-automatic and fully-automatic one. You can get more control over the tamp and grind settings which allows you to get a nuanced espresso.
DeLonghi ECAM35025SB Dinamica
DeLonghi Dinamica highlights:
- Brews iced coffee
- Can make up to 18 coffee drinks
- Conical steel burr grinder with 13 settings
The first DeLonghi on our best super-automatic espresso machine list is Dinamica. This machine can brew iced coffee thanks to its True Brew function. It uses a longer preinfusion, longer grinding time, and a higher coffee dosage. The final product is a full-bodied iced coffee that isn’t diluted by ice.
It brews an impressive 18 espresso and coffee drinks, all with a press of a button. This is a single boiler espresso machine, but it has rapid steam technology, so it only takes about 40 seconds until the machine is ready to brew. The wait time between brewing and steaming is also short.
This espresso machine doesn’t have an automatic milk frother but a manual Panarello steam wand. While you can’t get milk-based drinks with a press of a button, you can learn how to froth milk yourself and choose between three consistencies when making latte macchiato and cappuccino. The steam wand also works as a hot water outlet when you want some tea.
Another stand-out feature Dinamica has is the conical steel burr grinder with 13 settings. The grinder creates a uniform size, and 13 settings give you plenty of chances to find the best extraction for your espresso.
Moreover, there’s a tubeless grinding chamber, so there aren’t any leftover coffee grounds for the next shot. With Dinamica, you can always pull a shot with fresh beans.
Who is it for? The DeLonghi Dinamica super-automatic espresso machine is a great option for iced coffee lovers and users who want fast start-up time, as it heats in only 40 seconds.
Here’s our in-depth DeLonghi Dinamica review.
DeLonghi Magnifica Evo
DeLonghi Magnifica Evo highlights:
- LatteCrema system
- Touch screen with seven drink options
- Conical burr grinder with 13 settings
The DeLonghi Magnifica Evo is a recently redesigned super automatic machine. The new model exhibits a sleek, modern aesthetic that is an upgrade from DeLonghi’s predecessors in the ESAM line.
I really liked the espresso quality on this model, especially given it’s price point in the budget category. One of the standout features of the Magnifica Evo is its thermoblock heating system, coupled with a conical burr grinder that offers 13 grind settings. The grinder creates a consistent grind size that contributes to a smooth flavor. I noticed a consistent crema whenever pulling a shot of espresso, which is a sign of proper espresso extraction.
The Magnifica Evo includes a touchscreen that is conveniently placed on top of the machine that shows it was designed with the user in mind. The screen has a slight angle that ensures easy access without creating an obtrusive presence in your kitchen. I like the more refined look on this model.
It’s also equipped with DeLonghi’s patented LatteCrema system, which is an automatic milk frother that can hold up to 7oz of milk. You attach a carafe to the left side and the machine crafts a dense foam. The foam is consistent and will hold to a spoon, which is great if you like cappuccinos.
Moreover, the automatic espresso machine has seven different drink options, ranging from iced coffee to a customizable “my latte” setting. With the “my latte” option, you have the freedom to choose the amount of milk and the Magnifica Evo will froth it completely, allowing you to create anything from a large latte to a cortado.
The Magnifica Evo simplifies the maintenance, for the most part. There is a dedicated button to rinse the milk carafe, and you can easily remove the brew head and wash it under a sink. However, I said “for the most part” for a reason. It is important to note that the milk carafe will have some milk inside even after purging and it requires immediate rinsing or the the milk will become stale.
Who is it for? The DeLonghi Magnifica Evo is ideal for those seeking the convenience of automatic milk frothing and a stylish design at a reasonable price.
Also, see our list of the best DeLonghi espresso machines.
One Budget-Saving Tip Before Buying
If you are interested in paying less for a super automatic espresso machine, consider buying a refurbished espresso machine.
Refurbished espresso machines have been used lightly, then returned to a reseller who goes through a full process of checking the machine is in working order. It’s different than a typical used machine in that it’s been inspected to be like new.
Often, I found discounts of 20-30% by buying a refurbished espresso machine, and it’s more common for bean-to-cup machines since they are used temporarily for events or in office settings.
There are two good retailers that we rely on at Craft Coffe Spot for refurbished models: Seattle Coffee Gear and 1st In Coffee. Both retailers have a range of refurbished machines at any given time.
Be warned that you should work with a reputable retailer or see a used machine in person before buying. Tasting coffee is nuanced, and it’s hard to tell if the thermoblock is working properly when ordering online.
Keep in mind, there usually aren’t many refurbished, so buy new if you want to start brewing better coffee right away. Automatic espresso machines last awhile, especially when cleaned regularly, so a new model is well-worth the investment.
Final Thoughts
No matter which of these best automatic espresso machines you choose, you won’t make a mistake. I like the Jura E8 best overall, but the Gaggia Brera is best for a budget. If you want lattes and cappuccinos, the Gaggia Babila has the best integrated milk frothing system.
If you’d like to see more, Breville manufactures excellent machines. Check out our round-up of the best Breville espresso machines.
