The 10 Best Automatic Espresso Machines of 2021
Photo: Saeco
For the many coffee-lovers, enthusiasts, or even occasional coffee drinkers that aspire to make barista-quality brews from the comfort of their home, an automatic espresso machine will always be a great buy.
Having the best automatic espresso machines makes it easy and quick to make all your favorite brews from single shot espressos to lattes, Americanos, mochas, and many other brews.
These coffee makers also take less effort to use than the traditional manual espresso machines, and they are also designed to provide more consistent brews and shot sizes.
Although the term automatic is often used to describe fully automatic espresso machines, there are still other categories of automatic espresso machines which are semi-automatic and super automatic.
Automatic espresso machines are some of the most popular types for both novices and pro baristas, and so you can be certain that there will be a variety of brands to pick from when shopping for one.
But, with this detailed guide, shopping for one should be an effortless task as we not only review 10 top-rated automatic espresso machines but also explain the factors to consider when picking one.
10 Best Automatic Espresso Machines – Review
IMAGE | PRODUCT | FEATURES | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | 1. DeLonghi ESAM3300 (High-Performing) | ||
 | 2. Breville BES880BSS1BUS1 (Intuitive & Hands-Free) | ||
 | 3. DeLonghi ECAM22110SB (Compact & Space Saving) | ||
 | 4. Saeco HD8954/47 (Best for Multiple Users) | ||
 | 5. Gaggia RI8762 (Best for the Milk-Based Brew Lovers) | ||
 | 6. Saeco HD8645/47 (Sleek, Compact & Affordable) | ||
 | 7. Breville BES870XL (Sturdy & Well-Built) | ||
 | 8. Nuova Simonelli MOP1400104 (High-End & High Performer) | ||
 | 9. Mr.Coffee BVMC-ECMP1000-RB (Versatility Meets Affordability) | ||
 | 10. Gaggia 14101 (High Capacity Entry-Level) |
PRODUCT |
|---|
1. DeLonghi ESAM3300 ( High-Performing) |
2. Breville BES880BSS1BUS1 (Intuitive & Hands-Free) |
3. DeLonghi ECAM22110SB (Compact & Space Saving) |
4. Saeco HD8954/47 (Best for Multiple Users) |
5. Gaggia RI8762 (Best for the Milk-Based Brew Lovers) |
6. Saeco HD8645/47 (Sleek, Compact & Affordable) |
7. Breville BES870XL (Sturdy & Well-Built) |
8. Nuova Simonelli MOP1400104 (High-End & High Performer) |
9. Mr.Coffee BVMC-ECMP1000-RB (Versatility Meets Affordability) |
10. Gaggia 14101 (High Capacity Entry-Level) |
Super-Automatic Espresso Machines
1. DeLonghi ESAM3300 – An Incredibly High-Performing Espresso Machine
Photo: DeLonghi
- Bar Pressure: 15 bar
- Capacity: 1.8 Liters / 60 ounces
- Grind Settings: 13
- Material: Plastic
DeLonghi ESAM300 is a high performing espresso machine that has been designed to make brewing a quick and effortless task for you, and you can have all your favorite brews in minutes if not seconds.
This top quality machine uses an exclusive brew group that is more compact than others in the same class and both its 60-ounce water reservoir and bean container are removable for more convenience and ease of cleaning.
With the adjustable manual cappuccino system, making cappuccinos and other brews like lattes and flat whites is also quick and easy. This versatility helps to cements its position as one of the best super automatic espresso machines out there.
The double Thermoblock design makes the inside super easy to maintain, and the easy to use control panel ensures that almost anyone can use this machine.
Also, the quiet automatic burr grinder allows you to choose from 13 grind settings, and the machine will always be ready to make another cup of coffee thanks to the Instant Reheat feature.
While this is a relatively louder machine, this is typical of DeLonghi espresso machines, but given the excellent brew quality and overall performance of the unit, this is a minor issue you can live with.
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2. Breville BES880BSS – The Intuitive and Hands-Free Coffee Maker
Photo: Breville
- Bar Pressure: 15 bar
- Capacity: 2 Liters / 67 ounces
- Grind Settings: 15
- Material: Brushed stainless steel
With the highly innovative heating system on this Breville espresso machine, it will heat up in an impressive 3 seconds which is way much better than what many others in the same class can offer.
Besides the super fast heat up, the intuitive full-color touchscreen also helps to make this one of the best fully automatic espresso machines out there as it will be a breeze to use.
Also, it comes with a high-performing built-in grinder with an innovative cradle to allow users to grind directly into the portafilter for a hands-free operation. The grinder also allows you to choose from 15 grind settings which are more than most others in our list.
There is also an automatic steam wand on this coffee maker that will make it easy to adjust the milk texture and temperature to suits your preferences. And with the digital temperature control, you will always get water at the precise temperature required for excellent extraction.
When compared to others in our list, this espresso machine is a little pricier and the water reservoir location is also not the best. However, both are still not deal breakers for most coffee lovers.
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3. DeLonghi ECAM22110SB – Compact and Space Saving
Photo: DeLonghi
- Bar Pressure: 15 bar
- Capacity: 1.8 Liters / 60 ounces
- Grind Settings: 13
- Material: Stainless steel
Because space is always an issue in many homes, the compact and space-saving design of the DeLonghi ECAM22110SB makes it an excellent buy.
But, besides being one of the smallest units among our automatic espresso machine reviews, this is still a top-quality model that will work as good as the larger ones.
It is a 15-bar model that provides more than enough pressure for brewing and with a decent water capacity of 60 ounces.
Also, like most other super automatic espresso machines, it has a built-in grinder that will allow you to choose from 13 different setting. And you can always be confident of more consistent and custom brewing when using this coffee machine.
Maintenance is also relatively easier and quicker as it will require only half the cleaning time of other models. The energy saving switch and single boiler design also ensure that you save some cost with this espresso machine.
Steam wand takes more effort to clean up as you need to take it apart and wash the individual parts, but this should be a simple task once you get used to it.
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4. Saeco HD8954/47 – The Perfect Buy for Multiple Users
Photo: Saeco
- Bar Pressure: 15 bar
- Capacity: 1.6 Liters / 54 ounces
- Grind Settings: 8
- Material: Stainless steel
For most households, the espresso machine is meant for use by multiple people. If this is the situation for you, Saeco HD8954/47 is the best automatic espresso machine for you. And this is because it allows for 6 personalized user profiles.
Also, many coffee lovers will be amazed by the fact that this machine includes both a conventional steam wand and an automatic-frother to ensure you get to use what you prefer.
The double boiler system ensures that you always get fast and professional results every time, and the dual chamber milk carafe will guarantee a perfect froth every time.
Cleaning and descaling are also made quick and effortless thanks to the automatic system and one-click removable brew group.
Although the grinder adjustment knob on this 15-bar espresso machine seems smaller and harder to use, it only takes some getting used to.
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5. Gaggia RI8762 – The Best for the Milk-Based Brew Lovers
Photo: Gaggia
- Bar Pressure: 15 bar
- Capacity: 1.8 Liters / 60 ounces
- Grind Settings: 5
- Material: Stainless steel/ABS
While for some coffee lovers, a traditional espresso is just perfect, for many others only milk-based brews will do. Although this model by Gaggia will cater to both groups, the milk coffee lovers will like it most.
With its automatic cappuccino system and integrated milk carafe, making everything from regular cappuccinos to lattes and macchiatos is both super fast and easy.
And to make it even better, it allows for easily programmable brewing options, and you also get to choose from 3 temperature settings using a simple to use interface.
Both the water reservoir and bean container are designed to be easily accessible for more user convenience. With this espresso machine, you can also use either whole beans or pre-ground coffee.
The machine also has the unique Gaggia adapting system that learns from your brewing habits to accommodate your preferences and an energy saving mode.
While the instructions manual would do with some improvement and the 5 grind settings are fewer than what others in our list have to offer, this is still a great coffee maker for both home and office use.
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6. Saeco HD8645/47 – Sleek, Compact and More Affordable
Photo: Saeco
- Bar Pressure: 15 bar
- Capacity: 1 Liter / 33 ounces
- Grind Settings: 5
- Material: Plastic/ stainless-steel lined aluminum
The sleek-looking, compact and relatively more affordable X-Small by Saeco is one of the best automatic espresso machines for office use as it takes up little room and still makes great coffee.
You also never have to wait for long before you have some hot and tasty espresso in your cup as it uses a quick heat boiler that eliminates wait between cups.
For the milk brew lovers, this machine will also work well for you as it includes a classic milk frother to make it possible to make lattes, cappuccinos and many other brews.
The removable brew group makes cleaning and maintenance easy, and there is also a hassle-free auto cleaning cycle for more convenient maintenance.
Being one of the cheapest models on our list, the X-Small will also be an excellent choice when shopping on a budget.
33 ounces may look relatively small for a water reservoir capacity, but this should not be a big problem because refilling the tank is quick and easy.
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Semi-Automatic Espresso Machines
7. Breville BES870XL – Sturdy and Well-Built
Photo: Breville
- Bar Pressure: 15 bar
- Capacity: 2 Liters / 67 ounces
- Grind Settings: 15
- Material: Brushed stainless steel
The sturdy and well-built Breville BES870XL is designed to ensure it will be many years before you need to replace it. But, there is still way more to it than a highly durable construction.
Being one of the best semi-automatic espresso machines out there, it will provide up to 15 bars of pressure for optimal extraction. And it features a built-in burr grinder that will allow you to choose from an impressive 15 grind settings.
Also, with its digital temperature control technology, you can be certain of getting a more precise brew temperature. And you do not have to wait for long to use it or between cups as it has a super fast heat up time.
With the handy manual steam wand, you can easily alter the milk temperature and texture for lattes and cappuccinos.
Like many other things on this semi-automatic espresso machine, the steam wand has a learning curve, and it is tough to get consistent brews. However, both are typical of semi-automatic espresso machines and once you master the machine you will make some incredible brews.
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8. Nuova Simonelli MOP1400104 – High-End and High Performer
Photo: Nuova Simonelli
- Capacity: 3 Liters / 101 ounces
- Material: Steel/ABS
If you are on the market for the best automatic espresso machine for home use and prefer the control offered by a semi-automatic model, Oscar II by Nuova Simonelli is as good as it can get.
This high-end model has the largest capacity in our list as it can hold up to 3 liters of water which is great as it means fewer refills for you.
Also, there is a convenient auto-refill boiler feature designed to refill the boiler automatically to prevent overheating and heating element damage.
The machine features a durable overall construction and everything from the brew groups to the housing is designed to offer many years of service.
Cleaning it should also be an effortless task thanks to the convenient drip tray that can also be easily flipped to accommodate both small and large cups.
Despite this being the priciest model in our list, you can be sure that it is worth every buck you will pay for it and that you will get the best value for your cash.
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9. Mr.Coffee BVMC-ECMP1000-RB – Versatility Meets Affordability
Photo: Mr.Coffee
- Bar Pressure: 15 bar
- Material: Stainless steel/plastic
You do not always need to spend a lot of cash to get a highly versatile semi-automatic espresso machine because Mr. Coffee's 3-in-1 Café Baristas is versatile enough and still highly affordable.
This coffee maker is the cheapest in our list, and it is designed to make it easy to make some great tasting espresso, lattes, and cappuccinos. There is also a hassle-free automatic milk frother for all your milk brews.
The semi-automatic espresso machine uses a simple to use and convenient one-touch control panel designed to make it super easy to operate.
And with the removable and easy to refill milk and water reservoirs, this will be an even more convenient machine to own. To help you make barista-quality brews, the manufacturer will also provide a free recipe book.
The frothing arm is relatively shorter when compared to what other models have, but it still works fine and will only require some getting used to.
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10. Gaggia 14101 – High Capacity Entry-Level Espresso Machine
Photo: Gaggia
- Bar Pressure: 17-1/2 bar
- Capacity: 2.1 Liters / 72 ounces
- Material: Stainless steel
With a water reservoir capacity of 72 ounces, the Gaggia 14101 is designed to eliminate the need to keep refilling your coffee machine after every few cups.
Also, its 17-1/2-bar pressure is the highest among our automatic espresso machine reviews and will ensure you always get quick and perfect extraction every time.
This is also a sturdy and well-built machine that features a stainless steel housing and commercial grade components to ensure many years of service.
It has a 3-way solenoid valve that is typically found in commercial machines and it helps to relieve the pressure of the coffee and with dual heating elements designed for fast heat up.
The heavy-duty rocker switches will make this an easy-to-operate machine, and there is also a pressurized portafilter basket for easy brewing and turbo-frother steam wand attachment to make frothing milk quick and easy.
Although some users might find the plastic wand cheap and the smaller tamper not very useful, both are easy to get and highly affordable parts that you can conveniently replace.
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How to Buy the Best Automatic Espresso Machines
Photo: Breville
When it comes to buying an automatic espresso machine, you will not only need to choose from several top brands but also pick a good model from the dozens if not hundreds available.
Even coffee lovers that have many years of experience with these machines can still find it tedious to pick an ideal espresso machine.
But, whether you are buying your first one or replacing an old model, you can be confident of getting something top quality if you consider the following points when shopping.
1. Semi-Automatic vs. Super-Automatic Espresso Machines
You will basically have two broad types of automatic espresso machines to pick from which are semi-automatic and super automatic.
Although a good model of either type will still make some amazing brews, they will differ in various aspects, and this means that each type will be ideal for different situations.
Semi-Automatic Espresso Machines: They are designed to make it easier and faster for you to make espressos and other brews exactly how you love them.
Unlike the super-automatic machines, the semi-automatic ones will not do everything for you. With these machines, you get more control over brewing elements like the strength, brew time and temperature.
These machines will also require you to grind and tamp your own coffee grounds which can be a daunting task for a novice. But, they are still many coffee lovers' preferred choice as they strike a perfect balance between ease of use and personal touch.
Super-Automatic Espresso Machines: They are some of the most advanced types, and they are the kinds that are designed to do most if not all the work for you.
With the best super automatic espresso machines, you get built-in coffee grinding, automatic water filling and even automatic milk steaming/frothing and dispensing. And so with these machines, you only need to push a button and your espresso, latte or cappuccino will be ready in seconds.
Super automatic espresso machines will eliminate the need to do your own tamping and the advanced models will offer high customization capability.
Buying Advice: If you want to retain some level of control when making espresso for a more custom brew and do not mind a more hands-on approach, a semi-automatic machine is your best pick. Super automatic ones, on the other hand, are the perfect choice when you just want to sit and relax and have your favorite brew at the push of a button.
2. Programmability
A good automatic espresso machine is one that offers flexibility and customization. For the semi-automatic models, some muscle power and lots of practice is what it takes to get the customization and flexibility that you need.
However, with the high-end super automatic models, you will get programmable options that will allow you to make the coffee just how you like it by pushing a few buttons.
But, the level of programmability will differ from one model to the other. Your budget and the kinds of brew you will be making should help you determine whether a particular model is programmable enough for you or not.
3. Steam Wand
If you like taking milk-based brews like lattes and cappuccinos, a steam wand is one of the most crucial factors to watch out for when buying an espresso machine.
Luckily, most automatic espresso machines will come with a steam wand. However, the quality of the steam wand and ease of use differs a lot.
To make sure that the steam wand is ideal for your brews, you should check the number of steam holes and go for something with 2 to 4 holes. Also, it should have a good range of motion and swivel enough.
The manually controlled steam wands will give you the best results once you master using them while the automatic ones are more convenient and easy to use.
4. Portafilter
When it comes to the portafilter, the size is the most important thing to consider as it will determine the size of shot that you can pull.
If you are looking for an espresso machine that will give you a barista-like experience, you should avoid models with small low-end portafilters and instead opt for those with group heads that can accommodate portafilters with a grounds capacity of at least 16 grams.
5. Boiler: Single or Double
The choice between single and double boiler depends on your budget and brewing speeds that you are looking for.
For that perfect shot of espresso, you will need to get to the "sweet spot" which is at a temperature of 195 degrees Fahrenheit and a pressure of around 10 bars. Single boiler units take longer than double boilers to heat up to the sweet spot.
But, single boiler machines are also cheaper than those with double boilers. And so if you are looking to save some cash and do not mind waiting a few extra minutes for the espresso, a single boiler machine is often good enough.
However, if you will be making coffee for many people or are just impatient and do not mind the extra cost provided you get your coffee fast, a double boiler machine will be a great choice.
6. Ease of Use and Cleaning
Automatic espresso machines are generally easier to use than others like the manual ones. However, the ease of use will also depend on the models. Models with easy to locate and simple controls and a detailed user guide are the easiest to follow.
Also, super automatic espresso machines are easier to use than the semi-automatic ones as it is often all about pushing buttons to brew. But, because they are also pricier, you need to strike a balance between convenience, ease of use and cost.
While still at the ease of use, it is worth noting that most top brands like Breville, DeLonghi, Saeco and Gaggia put more emphasize on ease of use than others from less known brands. Hence, most of their automatic espresso machines will not only be high-quality but also easier to use
Cleaning is always part of owning an espresso machine, and so before you settle on any automatic espresso machine, you should make sure that it is easy to clean. Those with removable water tanks and other things like automatic cleaning cycles are the easiest to clean and maintain.
Conclusion
An automatic espresso machine will always make brewing espresso a quicker and almost effortless task for you, and it will not require special skills and a lot of practice like the manual models.
But, like with any other coffee maker type, you need to choose the best automatic espresso machine for you from dozens of models from various brands.
By first deciding whether to go for a semi or super automatic machine and then considering factors like the boiler, programmability, steam wand and ease of use, it should be easy for you to find a good model.
Also, shopping for one should not take up a lot of your precious time as our top 10 automatic espresso machine reviews provide some amazing recommendations.
