Complete Overview & A Helpful Guide
In the following article, you will be introduced to 9 of the best fully automatic espresso machines in 2020. I intend to give you a comprehensive overview of the best fully automatic espresso machines available on the market right now. That way, hopefully, you can find just that fully automatic espresso machine that meets your needs and preferences. I will introduce you to nine different espresso machines that differ in terms of price, size, and number of features, and I have also included a wide variety of brands, so the range is wider and more nuanced. Among other things, you will be presented with fully automatic espresso machines from reputable brands such as Philips, DeLonghi, Melitta, and Siemens.
If you are too busy to go through the entire article, let me get right to the point, and let you know that by far the best option you have when interested in a fully automated espresso machine, is the DeLonghi Ecam.
Top 16 Best Small Espresso Machine Options
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Ill never forget my first espresso machine.
It was awesome. Mind you, it wasnt a small espresso machine. It was huge, but this was back in the 1990s so the technology hadnt advanced like it has now. Moreover, that first one was quite the automated unit.
These days, counterspace is a premium so small appliances are much sought after, including small coffee makers and small espresso machines.
After extensive research we put together this comprehensive guide to small espresso machine options organized by different categories.
Whenever you need that sudden boost of energy, a reliable espresso machine to keep you going. For coffee enthusiasts like me, coffee is great but espresso is a sweet bonus. Espresso is like the dark double-choco of the chocolates, the one with sprinkles and cherries among the ice creams, you get it.
Espresso machines are common in the office to give employees energy and to keep them awake during late night shifts. Wouldnt it be nice to have your own espresso machine and brew your own espresso whenever you want?
Having an espresso machine is a delight and probably, you already have one! If you have been thinking of getting one, dont delay it any longer. Here, let us help you out by giving you a list of the best espresso machines as reported by most consumer reviews.
Brand Overview: All Super Automatic Espresso Machines Sorted By Brand
So many espresso machines. So much confusion.
At Coffeeness, we know all too well that navigating this huge market is no easy task. Understanding the better- and lesser-known manufacturers is just the beginning.
Then you have to pick through model series and machine subcategories. My head hurts just thinking about it, so Im going to keep it nice and simple for you.
Youd think that price would correlate with quality, but think again. It never ceases to surprise me how shoddy the build quality can be on astonishingly expensive machines. By the same token, there are very affordable appliances that are incredibly well-designed and built. Go figure.
Im all about completeness. Plus, I want to give you another perspective on the machines Ive reviewed most highly. With that in mind, Im going to run through all the key manufacturers and special features below. Wherever possible, Ill also shine a light on the more cryptic model names and offer tips on what to look for with each brand:
- Saeco PicoBaristo review no longer available
- Saeco Xelsis review the high-end model with a lot of high notes
Aside from the prospect of a great bargain, I have to say I think that by ditching Saeco, Philips may be killing the goose that lays the golden eggs. After all, the ad-hoc brand allows the manufacturer to play in the same league as the big names in espresso machines, including Jura.
The bottom line: if you see one of these great all-rounders at a good price, get it while you can.
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Melitta Solo & Perfect Milk Espresso Machine
Melitta Solo & Perfect Milk is one of the smallest fully automatic espresso machines on the market.
It is the ideal choice for the consumer who does not have much space in his kitchen and is, therefore, looking for a small and compact model.
It is also known for delivering perfect coffee with skimmed milk and whole beans time and time again, which is possible due to the new Cappuccinatore tubes.
They provide the best quality milk foam, and they can also heat the milk for you.
It should be mentioned that these Cappuccinatore tubes are easy to operate, and they also allow you to get the amount of milk foam that you prefer on your cappuccino.
When choosing this fully automatic Melitta espresso machine, you never have to compromise on your individual desires and preferences.
You can choose both the temperature and the strength of your coffee, and you can do just that by turning the knob on the machine.
It should also be mentioned that you can even adjust the amount to suit the coffee cup you prefer to drink.
Something else special about Solo & Perfect Milk from Melitta is that it soaks the beans with water before the actual brewing process is started.
In this way, the machine releases the maximum of the aromas of the beans, giving you, as a consumer, a more unique and rich coffee experience.
It should also be mentioned that you can quickly clean and maintain the machine as the brewing unit can be easily removed.
Benefits of Melitta Solo & Perfect Milk:
Can You Use Automatic Espresso Machines To Make Iced Coffee
Technically, you can use automatic coffee machines to brew iced coffee. The coffee drinks are made by pouring piping hot espresso over the ice.
However, the art of creating authentic iced coffee is either perfect by using iced brews or rapidly cooling hot espresso over ice.
Most machines that are used to make iced coffee water down the flavor since the espresso does not mix well and becomes bland.
The Spinn automatic espresso machine introduced the world’s first tech for producing authentic, smooth, and full-bodied iced coffee drinks.
It also self-advertises as the world’s first and only fully automatic espresso and coffee machine with an iced coffee feature.
Therefore, while you can use any automatic espresso machine to make iced coffee drinks, it’s not always a good idea because you might end up getting something bland, lacking flavor, and simply poor in quality.
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What Should I Look For In The Best Automatic Espresso Machine
Espresso machines dont come cheap some cost as much as $2,500. You could buy a decent option, but still, it might not be the right choice for your needs. How do you avoid that? Its simple!
Go shopping armed with information that will help you narrow down your available options to one thats most suitable for you. Heres what to consider:
A Mini Espresso Machines
With small espresso cups, small espresso machines are logical and practical. It is also easy to use. Why need a large, bulky and space-occupying espresso machine when you can have all the same features in a smaller and more portable one? Take a look at this video:
When it comes to reliable mini espresso machines with the best reputation in customer satisfaction, heres a list of the best brands that you should eye on:
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Which Fully Automatic Espresso Machine Is Best In Test
There are a wide variety of models and variants available today for fully automatic espresso machines.
Of course, it gives you as a consumer the advantage that there are many different things to choose from, which is why you will also be able to find exactly the model that meets your needs and desires.
Conversely, it can be difficult to determine which model is right for you about your individual preferences due to the many options available.
Here at CoffeeSamurai.Com, I want to introduce you to some of the best fully automatic espresso machines on the market.
A fully automatic espresso machine is an obvious choice for those who want as little manual work as possible, while also wanting various coffee drinks with milk to choose from.
Weve assembled the best fully automatic espresso machines,
Im an affiliate. I hope you love the products I recommend! Just so you know, I may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. Thank you if you use my links, I really appreciate it!
How To Use Automatic Espresso Machine
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Nuova Simonelli Appia Ii Compact Volumetric
If your counter is limited on space, the Nuova Simonelli Appia II Compact Volumetric can definitely fit right in.
Measuring at 21 inches tall, 22 inches wide, and 22 inches deep, you can ensure you have extra room to work with.
Just because its small, though, doesnt mean the Appia II Compact Volumetric doesnt offer a variety of features that will bolster your business.
Its push-pull steam, soft infusion system, and automated cleaning are just a few of the features youll get to enjoy with this machine.
- Machine Type: Automatic + manual dosing
- Majesty Coffee Price: $6,030
Presets And Customization Options
Depending on how devoted you are to having your espresso a certain way, the preset and customization options on an espresso machine can make or break that model for you. Some of the most advanced super-automatic espresso machines weâve seen, like the Saeco Xelsis, DeâLonghi Dinamica Plus, and Breville Oracle, offer customizable recipes and settings so that you can easily define your perfect espresso drink.
Many other espresso machines come with a variety of presets, which take less work but canât be customized. If you do opt for a machine with just presets, make sure that the presets available fit your tastes.
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La Pavoni Commercial Volumetric 2 Group Bar
If youre an especially busy shop with lines of customers, the La Pavoni Commercial Volumetric 2 Group Bar-Star 2V will be a worthy option.
Having two groups means you can make even more drinks at a time, serving customers more quickly and keeping them happy.
In addition to its two groups, the Bar-Star 2V is built with a giant 14-liter copper boiler. You wont need to worry about your steam supply needing a recharge with a boiler that size. As an added bonus, the boiler is naturally antimicrobial because of the copper construction.
It may be one of the more expensive options on this list, but it is well worth the price.
- Machine Type: Automatic + manual dosing
- Majesty Coffee Price: $6,500
Espresso Machines 15 Bar With Adjustable Milk Frother Wand Expresso Coffee Machine
This 2-in-one produces excellent espressos, as well as lattes, macchiatos, and cappuccinos. The machine uses a 15-bar imported Italian pump and high pressure to extract coffee to optimize the flavor.
What a lot of people really like about this espresso maker is the professional-grade frothing wand that rotates and adjusts the steam to bring milk to a smooth consistency that tastes great in their favorite beverages.
Another helpful feature is the double temperature system to heat coffee and milk to the appropriate settings so they blend seamlessly in a way that enhances their flavors. . The machines double-volume boiler is capable of producing greater quantities of steam and hot water than a traditional single boiler.
A double layer filter and double cup splitter give this machine the much-appreciated ability to brew 2 cups of espresso, making this appliance great for the office or any household with at least two espresso drinkers. The water reservoir holds 1.5 liters or a little more than 6 cups. Easy-to-use features make this appliance ideal for a brewing beginner and a seasoned barista alike.
Pros:
- Can make 2 cups of espresso at once.
Cons:
- A few complaints about receiving the wrong model after ordering, but buyers reported positive experiences with customer service when that happened.
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Setting Up The Smeg Fully
Before first use, I had to give the removable components water tank, grounds container, brewing group and drip tray a quick rinse to clean off any dust that may have settled in transit. I then put everything back together and plugged it in.
While the Smeg BCC02 Bean to Cup is fairly intuitive to use, it is worth reading through the instruction book before you start, otherwise, youll miss key steps, like setting the water hardness level. We live in a soft water area, and the machine is supplied set to hard. The adjustment was a simple matter of pressing a couple of buttons in a particular order .
Its worth setting the grinding knob adjuster before you add beans. You can also adjust it while the machine is grinding but never with the grinder stopped and beans inside or you may cause damage. I played around with different settings before settling on halfway, neither too coarse nor too fine. I found the coarse setting was too weak, while the very fine setting seemed bitter.
One very handy feature thats worth setting up at the start is the customization of the quantity. Like many coffee machines I have tested, the Smeg BCC02s idea of a long coffee falls far short of mine. I like a mug of black coffee that is full to the top, like a cup of tea!
Nuova Simonelli Oscar Ii
For those concerned about budget who also want access to more advanced features, the Nuova Simonelli Oscar II is a solid choice.
Its well-suited for small shops or those who dont have a high volume of espresso sales.
It comes with extra features like soft infusion, which gently saturates espresso before extraction, settling the grounds and eliminating errors from tamping.
Additionally, it has programmable buttons, so you can guarantee your standard is met even with your newer baristas.
Keep in mind it doesnt have a separate outlet for hot water, so you will want to have a hot water tank close by. If necessary, hot water also can be used from the steam wand.
- Machine Type: Semiautomatic, which offers your seasoned employees room to personalize drinks.
- Majesty Coffee Price: $1,295
- Plumbing: Pour-over
- Certification: NSF
- Cup Warmer: Keep your drinks warm for as long as possible with the ability to warm cups prior to use.
- Extended Articulating Steam Arm: A rotating steam arm makes it so you can position the milk pitcher for frothing more comfortably.
- Programmable Dosing: Time espresso extraction so shots maintain a specific level of quality.
- Push-Steam: Your wrists wont be strained by having to turn a valve instead, all youll need to do is push a switch to steam.
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Philips 3200 Lattego: Best Budget Buy
There are plenty of budget super automatic espresso machines to choose from. However, in my opinion, the Philips 3200 LatteGo stands head and shoulders above the crowd. Seeing as Ive named this machine Best Budget Buy, lets take a look at what $799.00 gets you.
To begin with, the 3200 comes equipped with a ceramic flat burr grinder with 12 adjustment levels. By itself, that is enough to get pretty excited about. The fun doesnt stop there, though. The LatteGo automatic milk frother is simple, well-designed and easy to use. Plus, its easy to clean the thing, which is always good news. Sure, Ive had better milk foam from a super automatic, but at this price I cant complain.
Finally, the Philips 3200s user interface is straightforward and easy to navigate. Everything you need is right there, and adjusting espresso parameters via three-step scale icons couldnt be more simple. In short, if youre on a budget, the Philips 3200 LatteGo represents the ideal package.
Upon its release in 2021, the Jura Z10 instantly redefined what a fully automatic espresso machine could be. As youd expect from a Jura coffee maker, the Z10 is gorgeous to look at and would seriously elevate the aesthetics of any kitchen.
However, this machine is far from just a pretty face. In my Jura Z10 review I was blown away by the Product Recognizing Grinder . Not only is this grinder super quiet, it can be set to adapt electronically according to the beverage being prepared.
What Is The Smallest Automatic Coffee Machine
If youre looking for a super-portable espresso machine, look no further than the Nespresso Avanza.
The Avanza is a fully automatic espresso machine that weighs just over two pounds and can fit into your pocket.
The device has two buttons: one to turn it on and another to change between brew modes.
The Nespresso Inissia has the same capacity of 40 grams of ground coffee as its bigger cousin, but weighs in at only 1 pound 10 ounces .
The next step up would be to look at smaller manual steam wands like those used by Aeropress or chemex brewers .
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Delonghi Ec680m Espresso Stainless Steel Metallic
With this compact machine, you can bring the coffee shop right into your kitchen. The removable water reservoir makes for easy filling and cleaning. If you want to make different-sized drinks, no problem the tray is adjustable to accommodate tall cups as well as smaller-sized ones.
The filter holder thats included with the machine gives you even more versatility. It has a holder for one espresso shot or two espresso shots, plus another for an easy-serve espresso pod.
If you like lattes, cappuccinos, and other milk-infused beverages, you can use this mini brewer to bring your drinks to a smooth, rich, creamy consistency.
In a hurry for that espresso shot? The machine heats up in an impressive 35 seconds. And you can stop the flow during brewing if you want to pour a shot and get a jump on your caffeine fix before the extraction process is complete.
Caution: Make sure the water tank is placed properly, or it will leak. Also, be sure to clean the nozzle before you hit the steam button, or you may end up with a milk clog.
Pros:
- The water tank can leak if not secured correctly