Top 6 Best Super-Automatic Espresso Machines Reviewed

Quick summary

De'Longhi ESAM3300 Capable of preparing espresso, coffee, cappuccino, latte drinks, with charcoal water filter. 5 best overall Check Price

Gaggia Anima Prestige A fully one-touch coffee machine with integrated milk carafe and sleek design. 4.5 BEST VALUE Check Price

Nespresso Inissia Perfect machine for those barista's who don’t want to fuss with too many buttons and settings. 4.5 BEST CAPACITY Check Price

Are you the type of person that likes to dabble in espresso and relax with a nice cappuccino and looking for an all-in-one coffee machine?

We recommend going superautomatic.

Superautomatics combine everything you need in a neat, and truthfully, small package. They all have integrated grinders (freshly ground rules), milk frothing systems, and high-pressure pumps for crema-tastic espresso.

Fair warning: these machines are pricey. This is next-level tech, and trust us, it will make your life easier.

Super-auto engaged.

The 6 Best Super-Automatic Espresso Machines - Our Picks

Expensive appliances have to be worth the price. No one wants to buy a lemon. We consulted the coffee gods and came up with a list of superautomatic machines that stand out.

De'Longhi ESAM3300 Super-Automatic Espresso/Coffee Machine

• Manual milk frothing system
• Coffee capacity: 8.8 oz
• Water capacity: 60 oz
• Dimensions: 11 x 15.3 x 14.4 inches

Best Overall

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De’Longhi makes good espresso machines. And this model is our overall best pick.

It has a simple menu (no LCD) with options for tweaking your coffee to water ratio, and it allows you to pull double-shot espressos with the push of a button. The De’Longhi has an integrated grinder and manual milk frother. This is the one small nitpick about this machine — you’ll have to make lattes and cappuccinos by hand. But hey, it’s fun to get hands-on.

Another thing you should know (and look out for) is the maximum cup height. This machine can be used with a max cup height of 4.25 inches. Also, be careful not to use oily beans with any super-auto. They gunk up the grinder and may cause it to malfunction (potentially breaking your machine).

This is one of the best superautomatic espresso coffee machines on the market. It’s $650, and it’ll save you that and more in time and money.

Gaggia Anima Prestige

• Auto milk frother
• Coffee capacity: 8.8 oz
• Water capacity: 60 oz
• Dimensions: 16.93 x 8.7 x 13.38 inches

Best Value

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“Best Value” may look odd next to a $1000+ price tag. Once you see what it’s capable of and how convenient it is, it won’t seem so high.

First, the Gaggia has a super-clear interface for a super-auto machine. It has separate large buttons to choose coffee drinks, and you’re one press away from espresso, espresso lungo, cappuccino, or latte macchiato. Second, it makes it easy to control coffee/water proportions and has three temperature settings (if you like it hot).

Additional features include a removable milk carafe — easier to refill and it can be stored in the refrigerator to keep any milk you don’t use fresh. The LCD screen shows you notifications when the machine needs to be cleaned, water/coffee is low, and when it needs to be looked at by a professional.

We recommend the Gaggia if you want an all-in-one, one-button system that is a workhorse.

Nespresso Inissia Espresso Maker

• No milk frother
• Coffee capacity: N/A
• Water capacity: 24 oz
• Dimensions: 12.6 x 4.7 x 9.0 inches

Best Capacity

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The Inissia is made by De’Longhi and sold under the Nespresso brand. This machine is unlike the super-autos we looked at above. It’s a single-serve Nespresso capsule-only coffee machine that costs only $150. If you stretch the super-auto definition to mean super-fast, one-button operation, the Nespresso fits with style. It comes in three colors: black, creamy white, and silver.

The used capsule compartment holds up to 10 used capsules. And speaking of capsules, you get a free 16-pack of different Nespresso Original capsules included in the box. The Inissia can be used with any brand of capsules that are Nespresso Original compatible. You can either buy Nespresso capsules or use a milk frother (sold separately).

We recommend this machine for people that like simplicity. Simply put in a capsule and press a single button to have fresh coffee. However, with that simplicity comes a lack of customization and control.

JURA GIGA 6

• Auto milk frother
• Coffee capacity: 19.8 oz
• Water capacity: 87 oz
• Dimensions: 16.93 x 8.7 x 13.38 inches

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At $5,000, you expect something out of this world. And that’s why we didn’t pick it for the best value. This monster of a coffee machine has two grinders, two bean hoppers, and it can brew two espressos simultaneously. It won the “Best Capacity” award because of its gigantic 87 oz water reservoir and combined 19.8 oz (1.24 lb) coffee bean hoppers.

But wait, there’s more — the Giga 6 allows you to blend beans from both grinders! Plus, it has a touchscreen display, where you can choose from 28 different coffee drinks. And the customization goes even deeper. You can adjust the brew strength using the menu settings and try out 10 milk temperature levels.

Also, you can download the Jura app and control your machine remotely via a Bluetooth connection. Nuff said. This is one of the best superautomatic espresso machines out there.

Philips Saeco HD8771/93 Saeco Philips Intelia Deluxe Espresso Machine

• Auto milk frother
• Coffee capacity: 10.5 oz
• Water capacity: 60.8 oz
• Dimensions: 17.44 x 12.46 x 21.5 inches

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Saeco is part of the Phillips group, hence the name. Important note: this model is discontinued and can only be purchased in used, or refurbished condition. The upside is if you buy a refurbished unit, you’ll save almost 50% off the original retail price. We’ve seen these go for $600 refurbished — a great deal for what you get.

The Saeco Intelia Deluxe machine has multiple drink options, including settings to customize your favorite drinks. It’s easy to clean thanks to the removable brewing group (where the coffee comes out), and you can remove the milk carafe to store it in your fridge if necessary. It takes only a few minutes to start up, and it can consistently produce tasty drinks all day long. All of that in one stainless steel, stylish package.

We recommend this machine for people that want super-auto convenience at a reasonable price. Made in Italy, used around the world by coffee lovers. One thing to consider is parts and maintenance, which may become an issue if something breaks (just to remind you, this model is discontinued).

Jura Impressa XS90 One Touch Automatic Coffee Center

• Auto milk frother
• Coffee capacity: 25.75 oz
• Water capacity: 192.7 oz
• Dimensions: 16.25 x 15.0 x 19.0 inches

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You’re probably thinking, how did this not win the “Best Capacity” award? This is another discontinued model, which we felt disqualified it from being called “Best Capacity.: However, the factory refurbished units work just as well as the new units and are half the price.

Customize to your heart’s content by adjusting the brew settings to dial in your coffee. The Impressa also has a built-in grinder with six grind settings to choose from. All you have to do is feed it non-oily, high-quality coffee beans, and the machine does the rest. Low water and coffee warnings are displayed on the graphic display, so you never have to worry about running out.

This machine Impressa-ed us with its modern design, an abundance of features, and quality that we feel is worth the $1,500 (refurbished) price tag. Made in Switzerland. If you need an ultra-large capacity machine and you’re on a budget of about $1,500, this is the one for you.

What to Look for in a Super-Automatic Espresso Machine

Choosing from the myriad of superautomatic espresso coffee machines can be difficult because some features might not fit your lifestyle. For example, you read a bunch of reviews, and you finally settle on your choice, only to discover that the maximum cup height is 4 inches, smaller than the mugs you drink from. You can get around that, but pouring your morning latte into a taller mug can ruin the milk texture. Not a good way to start your day.

Here’s a list of things to look for that we put together. How important are they to you?

Bean Grinder

Super-auto machines usually come with a built-in grinder. It would take some digging to see exactly what type of burrs it uses (conical, flat, etc.), but from the reviews, we read on dozens of machines, the grinders work well in all of them. Granted, you shouldn’t use oily beans with any super-auto machine. Oily beans leave a residue on the burrs, which over time, can result in poor performance and even unintended consequences.

LED/LCD Screen

A screen is a great feature because it shows you notifications and expands the available programmable settings. Top-of-the-line super-autos come with a touchscreen, but regular buttons in cheaper units work just as well. Importantly, screens offer the possibility of displaying specific error codes, which is a great asset if you ever encounter a problem.

Single and Double Shot

The point of buying an espresso machine is to pull crema-rich espresso. Most superautomatic espresso machines and coffee makers can brew single and double-shot espresso. Some have it available as a button, while for others, you’ll either have to program it in so that it does two cycles of espresso. Or, just press the espresso button twice.

Portafilter

The portafilter is where the water is pushed under pressure through coffee grounds. It’s the filter that holds the coffee. Superautomatic espresso makers come with a pressurized portafilter, so you don’t have to tamp the coffee (compress it). The machine handles the loading, cleaning, and dumps the used grounds in a separate container.

Filter Basket

The volume of a filter basket determines how much coffee can be used to pull a shot. For example, if you want to pull a double shot of espresso, you’d need a larger filter basket. Depending on the machine some have one, two, or three filter baskets,

Bar Pressure

A bar is a unit of measurement for pressure, and great espresso is made with at least 9 bars (all the superautomatic machines we looked at have well over 9 bars). The reason so much pressure is required is because it takes an incredible force to push water through tightly tamped, fine coffee grounds.

Water Reservoir

Not everyone needs a large water capacity, especially if you have a small household and don’t drink a lot of coffee. Superautomatic espresso machines that are high capacity give you the advantage of refilling less often. A 50-60 oz water reservoir should be enough for the average family’s coffee drinking habits. However, if you’re buying an espresso machine for a large family or office setting (maybe not post-2020), you’ll want to look for a larger capacity.

Milk Reservoir

Apart from the #1 and #6 picks on our list, the rest have a milk reservoir. Removable milk reservoirs are a great feature, in our opinion. No milk goes to waste because you can remove and store the container in your fridge. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for how to keep everything clean, you don’t want rancid milk in your machine.

Tamper

You may not know what this is, but you’ve 100% seen one in action. Tampers are devices that compress coffee grounds. Machines with manual portafilters have separate tampers. Super-automatics are simplified (and more complex at the same time) because they use an automatic pressurized tamper.

Boiler System

When shopping for a superautomatic espresso maker, the boiler system is important. There are single and dual boiler systems. Dual boilers allow you to make milky coffee drinks faster since there’s a separate boiler for the steam that powers the steam wand.

Steam Wand or Milk Frother

People often get confused when they see one or the other. Most likely, you want both — because drinks like lattes and cappuccinos have distinct textures. Some have more foam, some less. The amount of steam and foam depends on the drink, and not all espresso machines have a steam wand, so pay attention to the wording in the description.

Cup Warmer

Cup warmers are usually located on the top surface of the machine. Their function is to keep cups warm (duh!). This isn’t a make or break feature, so we consider it more of a perk than something you should look for.

Additional Features

How much customization do you need? Are you picky about coffee strength and getting the best espresso? Look for a machine with programmable options and adjustment settings. Some higher-end machines give you the option of creating your own unique recipes, which you can then program to a specific button.

Also, look at what comes in the box. You’d be surprised how often that’s skipped over. For example, some units include a milk jug and other accessories like cleaning tablets.

And the last feature (you might need) is a hot water dispenser. This comes standard in most machines and is convenient if you like tea or want to have oatmeal with your coffee.

FAQ

• Are superautomatic espresso machines worth it?

  Superautomatic espresso machines are worth it if you want barista quality in your home or office. They also save your precious time for other, more important things and take the guesswork out of making a good latte or cappuccino.

• What is the best lubricant grease for superautomatic espresso machines?

  We would recommend consulting the manufacturer of your machine. If you’re trying to service a superautomatic espresso machine by yourself, there are YouTube videos online for how to lubricate espresso machines.

• What’s the best coffee for superautomatic espresso machines?

  Use any beans as long as they’re not oily. Excess oil on the bean’s exterior accumulates on the grinder’s burrs and may cause the machine to malfunction.