Best Fully Automatic Espresso Machines
By Annabelle Evans
| Updated 3 Days Ago
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Espresso machines are becoming a favorite for coffee enthusiasts who want café-quality drinks at home, and fully automatic espresso machines offer the ultimate convenience and consistency. These machines take care of everything—from grinding beans to frothing milk—allowing you to make your favorite espresso-based beverages with just the push of a button. Available in various sizes and styles, some models prioritize simplicity, while others offer customization options for those who like to fine-tune their brew. Though they can be a significant investment, they can save money over time compared to daily café visits. When selecting a fully automatic espresso machine, consider factors like drink options, milk frothing abilities, and ease of cleaning, along with the size of the water tank and bean hopper for households with multiple coffee drinkers. We tested several top-rated machines to find the best options for different needs and budgets.
De’Longhi Magnifica Start
We think this machine is a great choice for beginners and coffee lovers who want tasty espresso drinks at home without much fuss.
We think this machine is a great choice for beginners and coffee lovers who want tasty espresso drinks at home without much fuss.
The Magnifica Start lived up to its name when we tested it. We found it super simple to get started making espresso drinks right out of the box. The touchscreen controls are clear and easy to figure out. We liked having 5 preset drink options to choose from.
This machine grinds fresh beans for each drink. The grinder has 13 settings so we could adjust the grind to our liking. We played around with different settings to get our ideal espresso. The LatteCrema system did a nice job frothing both regular milk and alternatives like oat milk.
Clean-up was a breeze thanks to the removable parts. We just popped them in the dishwasher after use. While not the fanciest looking machine, we think the Magnifica Start hits a nice balance of features and ease of use for the price. It’s a solid pick for someone new to making espresso at home.
Philips 3300 Series Espresso Machine
We think this versatile espresso machine is a great choice for coffee lovers who want simplicity and variety in their home brewing.
We think this versatile espresso machine is a great choice for coffee lovers who want simplicity and variety in their home brewing.
The Philips 3300 Series impressed us with its user-friendly design. We found the touch screen display clear and simple to navigate. It let us quickly select from five drink options, including espresso, coffee, and even iced coffee.
We loved how quiet this machine was. The SilentBrew technology really made a difference, especially for early morning brews. We didn’t have to worry about waking up the whole house while making our first cup.
The My Coffee Choice feature was a nice touch. We could adjust the strength, amount, and milk froth level to get our drinks just right. The classic milk frother took a bit of practice, but once we got the hang of it, we made decent cappuccinos and lattes.
We appreciated the low-maintenance design. The AquaClean filter meant we didn’t have to descale as often. Plus, the ceramic grinder felt sturdy and produced consistent grounds.
While we enjoyed using this machine, it does take up a fair amount of counter space. The milk frothing system is also basic compared to some other models we’ve tried. But for those who want a reliable, easy-to-use espresso machine with some customization options, the Philips 3300 Series is worth considering.
De’Longhi Eletta Explore
We think the Eletta Explore is a top-notch choice for coffee lovers who want a versatile machine that can make both hot and cold drinks with ease.
We think the Eletta Explore is a top-notch choice for coffee lovers who want a versatile machine that can make both hot and cold drinks with ease.
The Eletta Explore impressed us with its ability to make a wide range of drinks. We loved how we could switch from a hot latte to an iced cappuccino with just a few taps on the screen. The built-in grinder let us experiment with different coffee beans, and we found the 13 grind settings gave us plenty of options to dial in our perfect brew.
One feature that stood out was the LatteCrema system. It made both hot and cold foam that was silky smooth. We were surprised by how well it handled non-dairy milks too. The cold brew function was a game-changer for us. It made a tasty cold brew in just 3 minutes, which is much faster than traditional methods.
Cleaning the machine was pretty simple. Many parts are dishwasher-safe, which saved us time. We did need to run the auto-clean function often, but it wasn’t too much of a hassle. While the Eletta Explore is pricey, we think it’s worth it for serious coffee drinkers who want cafe-quality drinks at home without the fuss.
Breville Barista Touch
We think the Breville Barista Touch is a top choice for home baristas who want great espresso with minimal fuss.
We think the Breville Barista Touch is a top choice for home baristas who want great espresso with minimal fuss.
The Barista Touch impressed us with its sleek design and intuitive controls. We found the touchscreen easy to navigate, letting us choose from preset drinks or create custom recipes. The machine heated up in seconds, which was great for busy mornings.
Grinding and tamping were a breeze. The built-in grinder worked well, and we liked how it automatically dosed the right amount of coffee. Pulling shots was simple, and the results were tasty. The espresso had a nice crema and rich flavor.
We loved the automatic milk frother. It took the guesswork out of steaming milk and created silky microfoam perfect for lattes and cappuccinos. Clean-up was pretty easy too, though we had to stay on top of it to keep the machine in top shape. While it’s not cheap, we think it’s a solid investment for coffee lovers who want cafe-quality drinks at home.
Philips 3200 Espresso Machine
We think the Philips 3200 is a top choice for most coffee lovers looking for a reliable, easy-to-use automatic espresso machine.
We think the Philips 3200 is a top choice for most coffee lovers looking for a reliable, easy-to-use automatic espresso machine.
We’ve been using the Philips 3200 for a few weeks now, and it’s quickly become our go-to machine for morning coffee. The touchscreen is a breeze to use – just tap what you want, and it starts brewing. We love that we can make everything from espresso to latte macchiatos with one touch.
The LatteGo milk system makes creamy foam for cappuccinos and lattes. It takes some practice to get the perfect milk texture, but once you get the hang of it, the results are great. Clean-up is pretty simple too. The milk container comes apart easily for rinsing.
One of our favorite features is the AquaClean filter. It means we don’t have to descale the machine for up to 5000 cups. That’s a big time-saver. The grinder is a bit loud, but the coffee it produces is rich and flavorful. While it doesn’t offer as many customization options as pricier machines, we find the preset drinks satisfy most of our cravings.
Gaggia Magenta Plus
We think the Gaggia Magenta Plus is a top choice for home espresso lovers who want great drinks without the fuss.
We think the Gaggia Magenta Plus is a top choice for home espresso lovers who want great drinks without the fuss.
The Magenta Plus impressed us with its sleek design and user-friendly interface. We found the color display simple to navigate, making it a breeze to brew our favorite drinks. The machine’s slim profile fit nicely on our counter without hogging space.
We loved the commercial steam wand for making creamy lattes and cappuccinos. It took some practice, but we soon got the hang of frothing milk like pros. The one-touch americano feature was a nice bonus for those mornings when we craved a longer coffee.
Customizing drinks was fun and easy. We tweaked settings on the fly and saved our perfect recipes for next time. The adjustable spout height was handy, fitting both small espresso cups and tall travel mugs. While it’s not cheap, we think the Magenta Plus offers great value for serious coffee fans who want barista-quality drinks at home.
Breville Barista Express
We think the Breville Barista Express is a top choice for home espresso enthusiasts who want cafe-quality drinks without the learning curve.
We think the Breville Barista Express is a top choice for home espresso enthusiasts who want cafe-quality drinks without the learning curve.
We’ve been using the Breville Barista Express for months now, and it’s truly changed our morning routine. The built-in grinder is a game-changer. We love how it grinds beans fresh for each shot, ensuring the most flavorful espresso possible.
The machine’s temperature control is spot-on. Our shots come out consistently balanced and full-bodied. We’ve noticed a big difference compared to our old machine, where shots could be hit-or-miss.
We’re also big fans of the steam wand. It’s powerful enough to create silky microfoam for latte art. Our cappuccinos now look and taste like they’re from a high-end cafe. The learning curve was shorter than we expected, too.
Cleaning is straightforward but needs to be done often. We do a quick wipe-down after each use and a deeper clean weekly. It’s not a big deal, but it’s something to keep in mind if you’re short on time.
While it’s pricey, we think it’s worth it for the quality of drinks it produces. If you’re serious about espresso, this machine will save you money on cafe visits in the long run. Just make sure you have enough counter space – it’s not small!
De’Longhi La Specialista Arte Evo
We think the La Specialista Arte Evo is a top choice for home baristas who want cafe-quality espresso and cold brew without the fuss.
We think the La Specialista Arte Evo is a top choice for home baristas who want cafe-quality espresso and cold brew without the fuss.
We’ve been using the La Specialista Arte Evo for a few weeks now, and we’re impressed by its versatility. The built-in grinder is a game-changer, letting us experiment with different beans and grind sizes. We found the 8 grind settings gave us plenty of options to dial in the perfect shot.
One feature that really stands out is the cold brew function. We were skeptical at first, but it actually produces a smooth, full-bodied cold brew in just 5 minutes. It’s perfect for hot summer days when we don’t want to wait 12+ hours for our cold coffee fix.
The steam wand is another highlight. It heats up quickly and produces silky microfoam that’s ideal for latte art. We’re not pros, but we’ve managed to create some pretty decent designs with a bit of practice. The included barista kit with tamper and dosing funnel makes the whole process neater and more consistent.
While we love this machine, it’s not without its quirks. There’s definitely a learning curve, especially if you’re new to espresso making. We had to play around with the grind size, dose, and temperature settings to get our ideal shot. The machine also takes up a fair bit of counter space, so it might not be ideal for smaller kitchens.
Overall, we think the La Specialista Arte Evo is a solid choice for coffee enthusiasts who want to explore different brewing methods at home. Its combination of features, especially the cold brew function, sets it apart from many other espresso machines we’ve tried.
De’Longhi Dedica Maestro Plus
We think this compact, user-friendly espresso machine is a great choice for beginners and experienced users alike.
We think this compact, user-friendly espresso machine is a great choice for beginners and experienced users alike.
The De’Longhi Dedica Maestro Plus impressed us with its sleek design and automatic steam wand. We found it simple to use, even for those new to making espresso at home. The machine heats up quickly, so we didn’t have to wait long for our morning coffee.
We loved the customizable temperature settings. It let us experiment with different beans to find the perfect extraction. The 15-bar pump gave us rich, flavorful shots with a nice crema. We also appreciated the included accessories, like the professional tamper and stainless steel milk jug.
Clean-up was a breeze thanks to the detachable parts. While it’s not the smallest machine, we think its compact size is a good compromise for the features it offers. It took some practice to get the best results, but we found the learning process fun and rewarding. For those who want cafe-quality drinks at home, we think this machine is worth considering.
Jura E6 Espresso Machine
We think the Jura E6 is a top choice for those seeking a high-end, fully automatic espresso machine with customizable options.
We think the Jura E6 is a top choice for those seeking a high-end, fully automatic espresso machine with customizable options.
We tested the Jura E6 and were impressed by its sleek design and range of features. The color display made it simple to select our preferred drinks, from espressos to cappuccinos. We liked that we could adjust the strength, temperature, and milk foam amount to suit our tastes.
The built-in grinder was a standout feature. It ground the beans just before brewing, giving us noticeably fresher-tasting coffee than pre-ground options. The machine was also quick, taking less than a minute to make a drink from start to finish.
We found the self-cleaning function handy, as it kept maintenance simple. The Jura E6 isn’t cheap, but for coffee lovers who want barista-quality drinks at home without the fuss, we think it’s worth considering. Its mix of ease of use and customization options make it a solid choice for both beginners and experienced users.
Buying Guide
When shopping for a fully automatic espresso machine, there are several key factors to consider:
Grinder Quality
The built-in grinder is crucial for great espresso. Look for:
- Burr grinders (not blade)
- Multiple grind settings
- Ceramic burrs (more durable than steel)
Milk Frothing
For cappuccinos and lattes, evaluate the milk system:
- Automatic frothing vs manual steam wand
- One-touch milk drinks
- Ease of cleaning
Customization Options
We recommend machines that let you adjust:
- Coffee strength
- Temperature
- Shot volume
Water Tank & Bean Hopper
Larger capacities mean less refilling. Consider:
- Water tank size (typically 1-2 liters)
- Bean hopper capacity (4-10 oz)
- Ease of refilling
Ease of Cleaning
Look for:
- Removable brew group
- Automatic cleaning cycles
- Dishwasher-safe parts
Display & Controls
A clear interface makes operation simpler:
- Digital vs LCD display
- One-touch drink options
- Intuitive menus
Size & Design
Measure your counter space. Consider:
- Machine dimensions
- Water tank location (top or side-loading)
- Aesthetic appeal
By focusing on these features, we can find a machine that fits our needs and budget.