Introduction to Automatic Coffee Machines
Automatic coffee machines grind the beans freshly each time and make the espresso all at the press of a button. But despite their relatively high prices, not all coffee machines make a great espresso – and our testing shows that the best machines are not always the most expensive models. These machines are designed to simplify the coffee-making process, offering convenience for users who want café-quality drinks without the hassle of manual preparation. From bean-to-cup models to super-automatic espresso machines, they cater to a range of preferences, balancing ease of use with customization options.
Types of Automatic Coffee Machines
Bean-to-Cup Coffee Machines
A bean-to-cup coffee machine will suit you if you want to make the freshest coffee possible and have more to spend. Grind beans on demand for a fresh brew. Most automate the coffee-making process, but there are some manual models around too. Can use a variety of coffee beans, and in some cases ground coffee too. Some have extensive customisable settings, so you can tailor drinks and save preferences. Some can make two drinks at once. Tend to be much more expensive. Some models are very large and bulky. Can be difficult to clean and prone to clogging.
Super-Automatic Espresso Machines
Super automatic machines are a more modern invention. They’re designed to be all-inclusive. It’s hard to beat a super automatic machine in terms of convenience. You can rely on it to pull the same shot just about every time. The only thing is, if you don’t like how the shot tastes, there’s very little you can do about it. If the machine allows you to make grind size adjustments, they’re usually very limited.
Benefits of Automatic Coffee Machines
- Just select the desired drink on the display and press the power button to have a cup of coffee ready in no time.
- Automatic coffee machines have a fully automated process, which does not require any experience to have a good drink of standard taste.
- They are very practical machines and suitable for anyone, in which the process can start from partially ground beans, pods, or capsules.
- It is not necessary to practice or have any kind of experience. So anyone can take care of the management of the coffee machine, without investing time and resources in staff training.
Drawbacks of Automatic Coffee Machines
- The multi-product system must be cleaned daily, otherwise, there is the risk that the flavor of the drinks will be altered.
- For some equipment, cleaning is complicated and requires an expert for maintenance or training.
- Automatic coffee machines are more linear in appearance and have an essential design.
- The number of coffees that can be prepared every day is limited because they need more frequent maintenance than the others.
Best Automatic Coffee Machines in 2025
Jura Z10
The Jura coffee machine range is very impressive and the Jura Z10 is the best of the bunch for us. It offers great quality coffee with a huge array of drinks and customization options in a very nice-looking and easy-to-use package. Yes, this package is expensive. But getting high-quality hot and cold coffees, perfectly adjusted to your tastes, at a touch is worth a hefty price tag. Especially as the cold coffees are actually brewed “cold” and not just designed to be poured over ice. Though you can of course do that if you prefer iced coffee/iced latte. Shop Jura Z10 on Amazon
Breville Barista Express Impress
The name “Impress” says it all. Our pros were, in fact, impressed with this Breville machine. We loved it so much that we gave it a spot in our Kitchen Gear and Coffee Awards. It’s no surprise since Breville is a brand that consistently performs well in our Lab tests. Whether you’re a beginner or professional, this machine is easy to use, especially with its intelligent dosing and tamping technology. With a built-in grinder, an automatic coffee portioning system, and an assisted tamping lever, the Barista Express Impress streamlines the shot-pulling process so anyone can make great espresso. Its steam wand is ready in seconds and we love the smiley face that illuminates to let you know the grinds level is correct. This espresso machine will especially appeal to beginners. Shop Breville Barista Express Impress on Amazon
De’Longhi Magnifica Plus
If quality espresso is your top priority, you’ll love the automatic grinding, which is sensitive for different types of beans. This is still an expensive machine, but you’ll often find it on sale, and it ticked pretty much every box in our testing. The control panel has pictures and text making it simple to see and select the drink options. The built-in coffee grinder has 13 settings to adjust grind preferences. The milk-frothing jug is another convenient feature that automatically makes steamed milk and foam which pours directly into your cappuccino or latte macchiato. Our Lab expert loved the thick froth that it produced without having to manually operate a steam wand. One tester said, “Never having used an espresso machine prior to this, I feel super comfortable using this one because it’s so easy to use and to clean.” Shop De’Longhi Magnifica Plus on Amazon
SMEG Medium Fully-Automatic Coffee Machine
This machine has intuitive controls and consistently delivers high-quality espresso. It was the most consistent machine out of all the semi- and super-automatic espresso machines we tested, producing balanced shots essentially right out of the box. The steam wand froths milk to creamy, tight-bubbled structure, and all of the grinding and tamping happens internally, leaving you with hazelnut-colored streams of espresso without any guesswork. If we had to find something to criticize, we wouldn’t mind if the frother wand were longer and if pulling a double shot of espresso were possible — but this SMEG is good enough that we’re more than fine with a single shot. Shop SMEG Medium Fully-Automatic Coffee Machine on Amazon
Comparison of Top Automatic Coffee Machines
| Model | Price Range | Key Features | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jura Z10 | $3,000+ | Cold brew, 32 drink options, touchscreen | High customization, excellent cold brew | Very expensive |
| Breville Barista Express Impress | $790-$900 | Built-in grinder, auto-tamping, steam wand | Beginner-friendly, consistent shots | Slower milk frother |
| De’Longhi Magnifica Plus | $700-$1,000 | 13 grind settings, auto milk frother, 52 drink styles | Easy to use, great froth | Bulky design |
| SMEG Medium Fully-Automatic | $1,000-$1,200 | Internal grinding/tamping, consistent shots | Intuitive controls, high-quality espresso | No double shot option |
Test Scenarios and Performance
Espresso Consistency Test
We measure the consistency of four consecutive coffees for each machine after warming it up for five minutes. Models with thermoblock systems generally heat up only a very small quantity of water on demand as it flows through the system so it isn’t unusual for them to have inconsistent temperatures. Boilers heat a larger amount of water and generally keep it heated fairly consistently. The Breville Barista Express Impress was the most consistent machine out of all the semi- and super-automatic espresso machines we tested, producing balanced shots essentially right out of the box.
Milk Frothing Test
We used each models’ steam wand to froth milk, seeing if it could create microfoam. We poured latte art and tasted the drinks to assess the milk’s texture. The De’Longhi Magnifica Plus stood out with its milk-frothing jug, producing thick froth without manual operation. The SMEG’s steam wand frothed milk to a creamy, tight-bubbled structure, though testers noted it could be longer for better control.
Usability and Cleaning Test
We evaluated the overall design of each espresso machine by testing every function and assessed user-friendly details that helped simplify the shot-pulling process, like automatic volume buttons and built-in timers. The best way to clean an espresso machine is to backflush coffee detergent into the group head using a blank, solid filter basket. Many of the machines we tested had automatic cleaning cycles. Even better were the Breville models that alerted you when it was time to perform a full cleaning cycle.
Buying Guide for Automatic Coffee Machines
- Regularly cleaning and descaling your machine will help to keep it working well for longer. Look for automatic cleaning programs to make it less of a hassle.
- If it needs to be cleaned manually, check to see if the parts can be removed easily for cleaning and whether they’re dishwasher-safe.
- If you tend to make a lot of coffee at once, look for a model with a larger water tank of around 1.5 litres, otherwise you’ll find yourself having to constantly refill it.
- If you’re a fan of milky drinks, such as cappuccinos and lattes, choose a coffee machine with a milk-frothing function.
- Some coffee machines let you adjust pre-set drinks settings to suit your preferences. This means the machine will automatically dispense just the right amount of coffee, at the perfect strength, every time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the difference between automatic and super-automatic coffee machines?
Automatic machines handle some aspects of the brewing process, like shot timing, but may require manual grinding or tamping. Super-automatic machines manage everything—grinding, tamping, brewing, and sometimes milk frothing—with minimal user input, offering maximum convenience but less control.
How often should I clean my automatic coffee machine?
Daily rinsing of removable parts and weekly deep cleaning with a water-vinegar solution are recommended. Many machines have automatic cleaning cycles, which simplify maintenance. Always check the manual for specific instructions.
Are automatic coffee machines worth the investment?
If you value convenience and consistent coffee without barista skills, automatic machines are a great choice. They save time and can be cost-effective compared to daily café visits, though high-end models require a significant upfront cost.
Can I use any coffee beans in a bean-to-cup machine?
Yes, most bean-to-cup machines allow various coffee beans, and some accept ground coffee. Experiment with different roasts to find your preference, but ensure beans are fresh to avoid clogging.
Conclusion
Automatic coffee machines offer unparalleled convenience for coffee lovers, delivering café-quality drinks with minimal effort. Models like the Jura Z10, Breville Barista Express Impress, De’Longhi Magnifica Plus, and SMEG Medium Fully-Automatic stand out for their performance, ease of use, and customization options. By considering factors like cleaning ease, water tank size, and milk-frothing capabilities, you can choose a machine that fits your lifestyle. For more coffee-making tips, check out Serious Eats’ coffee guides or explore Food & Wine’s coffee reviews.