New year, new espresso machine. (Or maybe not so much.) As involved espresso machines owners, we like to periodically take a look at the market and see if there has been any significant shift in the more or less established power balance in coffee machines.
An increasing number of brands are subjecting their machines to higher standards. In the past, it might have been enough to provide customers with a machine that could: One, make espresso and two, froth milk.
But things have changed. We treat our coffee with extreme care, and want to get the most out of it. We expect coffee machines to be complex, have dedicated functions and even fancy, unique brewing features.
And that’s the biggest reason to stay updated on what the best machines on the market are: To be aware of what are the latest technologies and features with coffee. You never know what great things you might be missing on.
Anyway, here’s our list for this year’s best automatic espresso machines:
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1. Breville BES880BSS Barista Touch Espresso Maker
The Barista Touch is, without a doubt, the most luxurious -and convenient- machine for consumers they have. Its high-definition touch display makes it super easy to choose from preexisting drinks or to experiment and save your creations.
Combined in this machine, you’ll find all the best features of other Breville espresso makers in one:
Dose control. The Barista Touch has both an automatic and a manual way of dosing. For the automatic dose, there are already presets which you can adjust to your preferences and for the manual dose you push, much like you would with a manual commercial grinder, until you have the right amount of grounds.
Digital temperature control. Getting the temperature of the water is not an easy task. Many machines fail to deliver an above-average espresso, and nobody seems to know why – the problem is usually with the water temperature, which can under-extract or over-extract your coffee.
The Barista Touch is constantly self-monitoring is temperature – both the water tank’s temperature and the general temperature of the machine, to make sure everything is right as it should be, giving you a higher quality espresso than other machines.
Other features
- Up to 8 slots to save new drink presets.
- 3-second heat up time.
- Powerful steam wand capable of creating rich microfoam.
Specs
- Bean Hopper: ½ lb.
- Water tank: 67 oz.
2. DeLonghi ECAM23210B Compact Magnifica S Super-Automatic Espresso Machine Beverage Center
DeLonghi is one of the most famous brands in the world of household espresso machines. This machine, the Magnifica S, is among one of the best creations to date. Let’s talk about why we think so highly of this coffee maker.
Elegant user interface. Combining buttons with a small digital display, -all in a very elegant way with a mix of silver and black that really leaves an impression upon seeing it- this machine interface is really easy to operate and navigate.
Automatic cappuccino. The biggest selling point of this machine is its dedicated cappuccino system. The Magnifica S has a very efficient milk frother designed to do all the work for you: After you have adjusted the foam setting, according to your preferences, the cappuccino system will quickly froth and then pour the milk and foam into your cup without you having to lift a finger.
There’s even a big shiny cappuccino button on the machine; that’s how important cappuccino is for the Magnifica S.
Other features
- Steel burr conical grinder.
- Tubeless system.
- Makes two shots simultaneously.
3. Philips 3200 Series Fully Automatic Espresso Machine w/ LatteGo
There are two things that make this machine a great choice for practically any type of coffee lover. First, we have the LatteGo system: an incredibly effective way to froth milk. Then, there is the aroma extract system -which works by keeping water temperatures in a sweet spot so as to not lose any of the aromatic properties of the coffee grounds.
A ceramic burr grinder. A high-quality grinder for a high-quality coffee machine, this ceramic grinder is superior to most coffee grinders on the market, which are made of stainless steel. Ceramic grinders not only last longer but will also do a better job of preserving all the coffee’s taste and aroma.
Intuitive touch display. To put it simply, this coffee maker’s digital display is amazing. It offers a wide range of customizable options, both for coffee strength and water volume, as well as having convenient one-touch coffee options which can make complicated drinks such as a latte macchiato by simply touching one button.
Other features
- One-touch coffee drinks.
- 12 different grinder settings.
- Included aquaclean water filter.
4. Mr. Coffee One-Touch CoffeeHouse Espresso Maker and Cappuccino Machine
We are big fans of Mr. Coffee’s coffee machines. Why? Well, because, somehow, Mr. Coffee always finds a way to give consumers an outstanding machine at a much lower price than any other brand out there.
Analog user interface. There are too many screens in our lives anyway, so you don’t really need one for making coffee; You will find this analog user interface surprisingly easy to use. You can choose from pre-set coffee options and also program your own coffee.
Cappuccino machine. The cappuccino system serves two purposes: it will turn your milk into the perfect companion, whether you want a latte or a cappuccino, and it will also pour said milk directly into your coffee cup.
Other features
- Makes double shots of espresso.
- Thermocouple heating system.
- 19 bar of pressure.
Specs
- Weight: 15.21 pounds.
- Milk tank capacity: 650ml.
- Cleaning cycle button.
5. DeLonghi Dinamica Automatic Coffee & Espresso Machine TrueBrew
There is something unique going on with the Dinamica’s brewing process: it features a function called TrueBrew. This is a method of brewing that works by brewing your coffee at a lower temperature and compensates for this with pre-infusion of coffee grounds.
Ideal for iced coffee. The TrueBrew’s real strong point lies here. Normally, you wouldn’t pour ice on coffee because it would end up watered down. With the iced coffee function of this coffee maker, you can brew directly into a cup full of ice and get the best iced coffee you could ever hope for.
Easy to clean. Thanks to its removable brew unit and drip tray – which, by the way, are both dishwasher safe – the Dinamica is not hard to clean and maintain at all.
Other features
- 15 bar pressure system.
- 40-second heat up time.
- Integrated grinder.
Specs
- Weight: 20 lbs.
- Bean container capacity: 10.6 ounces
6. Jura 13626 ENA 1 Automatic Coffee Machine
Impressive, minimalistic and compact: These words come to mind upon seeing the Jura for the first time. It is a machine that obviously strives to set itself apart from other coffee makers of its kind, and it really does stand out.
Intelligent Pre-Brew Aroma System. This patented feature has been implemented to take extra care of your coffee’s aroma. Instead of relying solely on pressure to extract coffee, this system infuses coffee grounds at low temperatures to achieve a nice, even extraction that stands out as more aromatic than others.
3 simple coffee sizes. The Jura is a simple machine – you will barely find any buttons, much-less, dials and switches – to get to know. Instead, it puts its money into simplicity, by offering you the three most basic espresso drinks: Ristretto, Espresso, and Lungo.
Other features
- Self-rinsing, cleaning, and descaling.
- High-quality water filter.
- An adjustable burr grinder.
Specs
- Water tank: 36.8 oz.
- Bean container capacity: 4.4 oz.
- Weight: 19.4 lbs.
7. De’Longhi ESAM04110S Magnifica Fully Automatic Espresso Machine with Manual Cappuccino System
We’ve already talked about the wonders of the Magnifica before on this list – and it bears repeating. This variant of the Magnifica is less digitally-oriented than others of the same line, but it still produces a completely magnificent coffee – at a lower price.
This coffee maker has a very elegant, silver design that rivals most modern machines with their use of black and other colors to stand out in an effort to be modern. Instead, the design here is a much more subtle and elegant one that fits right in no matter what kind of environment.
Programmable coffee. With the help of the Magnifica’s programmable buttons, you can input several settings for a specific coffee, and the machine will remember it next time, programming that specific button to make a type of coffee that is suited to your tastes.
Rotary controls. Some of us might still be in the closet about finding coffee machines with digital displays hard to operate – and that’s exactly why it’s so important to have alternatives like these. Rotary controls are very easy to use with the help of illustrations next to them so you can tell exactly what you’re adjusting with each dial and/or button.
Other features
- Grinder with 13 different settings.
- Cappuccino system for perfect foam.
Specs
- Weight: 20 lbs.
- Silent grinder.
8. Gaggia Anima Prestige Automatic Coffee Machine
As far as convenient designs go, we love this one. The bean hopper and the water tank are next to each other, both accessed at either side on top of the machine – this makes the hassle of checking coffee and water levels before making yourself a coffee way more convenient.
Temperature adjustment. It’s hard to find someone who likes their coffee exactly the same way you do. The little things matter – that’s why Gaggia implements a manual temperature adjustment for your brewing water. You get three different settings, which further personalize your cup of coffee. Temperature affects taste, aroma– and some simply don’t like their coffee scalding hot.
Cappuccinatore. They could have named it cappuccino system, just like De’Longhi does with their Magnifica line – but no. The Cappucinatore sounds mighty and fancy – and we assure you that it makes amazing foam which will ignite a passion for cappuccino that you didn’t know you had in you.
Other features
- Removable milk carafe, reveals manual steam wand.
- Programmable options.
- Adjustable grinder.
Specs
- Weight: 8,7 KG.
- Ceramic grinder.
- OptiAroma.
9. Saeco Incanto Plus Super-Automatic Espresso Machine w/Built-In Grinder – HD8911/67
If you’ve ever heard of Seattle Coffee Gear, then you will be very excited about this one; It’s been super praised by them and sponsored like no other machine. The reason being that the Saeco Incanto Plus is an outstanding machine that is widely loved even by baristas – despite the risk of them losing their job to the Incanto!
Anti-escale AquaClean water filter. With this premium filter for your machine’s water tank, you don’t need to worry about descaling your machine anymore. Descaling can be quite bothersome – with tracking when was the last time you descaled and doing checks on your machine’s performance, etc. But with this incredible filter, all of the minerals and chemicals that form escale are trapped before they can all get together and vandalize the interior of your espresso machine.
Quick Heat Boiler. When it comes to tracking time, there are very few who can live up to the Saeco’s standards. Its Quick Heat Boiler system can heat up water for your coffee in an instant. The same goes for its steam wand – some machines can take up to ten minutes to create enough steam, but the Saeco does this in seconds
Other features
- Programmable options.
- Removable brew unit for easy cleaning.
Specs
- A ceramic burr grinder.
- Water tank: 60 oz.
- Bean container capacity: 10 oz.
10. Jura 15145 Automatic Coffee Machine WE8
Experience a true premium quality coffee with the elegant Jura. A machine that’s designed to be the most fashionable one in the room, the Jura inevitably attracts everyone’s looks with its beautiful design which includes shiny chrome and of course a digital display that’s small but convenient.
Pulse Extraction Process. Although they are secretive about exactly what it entails— and for good reason, we know that the PEP feature results in a better-tasting coffee with a richer, more intense aroma. It also shortens extraction time.
Designed for maximum hygiene. Hands-down the best thing about the Jura is its self-rinsing and self-cleaning features. Instead of you having to do any work, the Jura offers these cleaning features at the touch of a button. One press and hot water and steam will run through the machine to get anything that might still be stuck in there out – leaving your machine as clean as a glove.
Intelligent Water System. The Jura comes with a CLARIS water filter. This is a very high-quality filter that removes 99% of all foreign substances from water, from anything that might mess with the flavor of your coffee to minerals that could threaten to build up inside your coffee machine. The Intelligent Water System automatically detects whether or not there is a CLARIS filter in place, and sets itself up to work accordingly.
Other features
- 12 different one-touch drink options.
- Aroma G3 ceramic grinder.
- 15 bar pressure system.
Specs
- Water tank capacity: 1.9L.
- Bean container capacity: 280 grams.
- Weight: 9.8 KG.
11. Breville BES810BSSUSC Duo Temp Pro Espresso Machine
Last but not least, our budget option. No list is complete without a serious budget option, and that’s exactly what this machine is. Here, Breville has packed a considerably compact machine with a lot of the features of their most expensive machines – while keeping costs low by scaling down on things like digital displays, and etc.
Auto Purge System. This feature runs very hot water through your machine after each shot of espresso to make sure that each espresso feels like the first one. It’s not news that frequent use can lead to espresso machines churning out overly bitter coffee: The Auto Purge System is here to avoid precisely that.
Powerful Milk Texturing. The combination of an efficiently designed steam wand with Breville’s overpowered heating system, this coffee maker delivers arguably the best-frothed milk experience. It makes excellent microfoam that’ll up your latte game in no time.
Includes helpful tools. Among all of the accessories that come with this coffee maker, our favorite is The Razor. This is a tool for all those who are wary of touching coffee grounds with their fingers – instead, there is this razor-looking tool that helps you even coffee grounds on the portafilter with great precision. Ready to tamp! (which, by the way, also included)
Other features
- Maintenance indicators.
- Power saving function.
- Pre-infusion function.
Specs
- 15 bar pressure system.
- Water tank: 61 oz.
Even if you already own an espresso machine, you might have noticed an insidious impulse to go out and buy one of these. We can’t blame you: Some of them are too tempting…
But don’t give in! Buying an espresso machine should not be done without giving it a lot of thought. However, we highly recommend any of the machines on the list. Be sure to thoroughly check each and every one of them and make sure that the one you choose suits you perfectly.
Good luck with your shopping!
