Not everyone enjoys or has time to be part of the step-by-step process of making coffee and that’s completely understandable. Espresso machine manufacturers try to respond to this each in their own way and with their own super-automatic espresso machines. Thanks to that and to the differences in opinion about what a super-automatic should be like, today we have a high number of different super-automatic espresso machines.
But what is the best super-automatic espresso machine?
Not all of these machines will meet everyone’s demands, however, and only few machines really ‘get’ the needs of someone who likes impeccable coffee, but who, for some reason, wants to avoid making it. We, from the Morning Call Coffee Stand team, understand you and want to share with you our list of best super-automatic espresso machines, the ones that make coffee like from a specialty café.
#1 Jura Giga 6
Perfect for entertaining, the Giga 6 by Jura has fascinating, high-end features that are rarely seen on other super-automatics. Such features include making two milk-based drinks of any kind at the same time, brewing a large jug of coffee, combining coffee beans from two enormous hoppers, and more.
Grinding coffee is completely automatic on the Giga 6 because of the two electronically-adjustable ceramic grinders. The machine does, however, allow you to play with the milk texture, even if the milk goes to a single coffee cup— a feature that is as convenient as it is rare.
Intelligent and trendy, the Giga 6 easily connects with phones, tablets, and computers via the JOE app, where you can customize the machine’s settings, program the many drinks, and even shop.
Key features:
- Programmable amount and temperature of milk, water, and foam
- Programmable coffee strength
- Adjustable in-cup bean ratio between grinders
- Two bean hoppers
- Jura technologies (Intelligent Water System, Pulse Extraction Process, Intelligent Pre-Brew Aroma System)
- Two grinders with automatic grinder adjustment
- Compatible with JOE
- Integrated programs for descaling, cleaning, and rinsing of the Giga 6
Pros
Prepares 28 incredible, flavorful products
Makes two milk-based drinks at the same time
Combines differently-textured steamed milk and milk foam at the same coffee cup for a true, multi-texture of the coffee drink
Different coffee beans from the two grinders can be combined or used separately to make a cup of coffee
Makes a jug of coffee, with as much as 80 ounces of coffee in it
Cons
Impressive and unique as it is, the Jura Giga 6 leaves no room for criticism
#2 Jura Z8
Similar to the Jura Giga 6, but smaller, the Jura Z8 too brings some of the most scarce and high-end features to your home. The machine can add coffee, milk, and foam in your cup, all in the exact same order seen in different coffee recipes, meaning, in all orders possible. If you want, you can also program everything that’s in your cup for amount and temperature, and, when it comes to the coffee, you can also program its strength. Use the touch display or connect the Z8 to your phone or tablet and enjoy 21 products tweaked to your taste or preset for barista-quality.
Key features:
- 21 products with programmable coffee strength and dose
- Programmable milk, water, and foam temperature and amount
- One bean hopper
- Different grind settings
- JOE-compatible
- Monitored filter, drip tray, and coffee presence
- Pre-infusion
- Integrated programs for rinsing, cleaning, and descaling of the machine
Pros
Coffee-making elaborated to the finest detail
Incredibly versatile
Incomparable programmability
Monitors itself to inform you about its state
Cons
Doesn’t make two milk-based drinks at the same time
#3 Jura W3 Professional
Professional and high-volume, the Jura W3 can be the most elite supplier of enormous specialty coffee quantities at any workplace, conference, or other smaller events. With a design as attractive as the 43 spectacular products that it offers, this largely-customizable best super-automatic will prepare the perfectly-personalized coffee for everyone in the room.
Key features:
- High-volume (31 specialty, 125 drinks per day)
- 12 barista recipes
- 5-liter water tank
- 35.3-ounce bean hopper
- Alerts you to change the filter, add water to the tank, add beans, and empty the drip tray
- Programs for rinsing, cleaning, and descaling are integrated into the machine
- Controlled with rotary switch and display or with the JOE app
Pros
One or two milk-based drinks always at your disposal at the touch of a button
Differently-prepared milk for different-style specialty coffees
Programmable temperature of the hot water spout for the tea lovers
Easy to clean, and comes with many cleaning tablets and a large bottle of milk cleaner to make cleaning even easier
Cons
Costly
#4 Jura E8
An old timer that keeps selling and selling, the Jura E8 makes a small specialty café out of any household. With many specialty drinks, some with milk and others with coffee, and on-the-fly programmability that is highly in tune with the finest technologies from Jura, the E8 will make every cup of coffee a memorable one.
Key features:
- 15 products
- Adjustable froth texture, coffee strength and volume
- Adjustable brewing and hot water temperature
- Pulse Extraction Process
- Intelligent Pre-Brew Aroma System
- Intelligent Water System
- 6-level Aroma G3 grinder
Pros
On-the-fly programmability for even better results
An amazing option to increase or decrease the time between the dispensing of the milk and the espresso
As much as 16 brew cycles before the grounds collector needs to be emptied
Buttons paired with the display for a more tactile controlling
Cons
Patience to understand how to troubleshoot the machine might be necessary
#5 Gaggia Accademia
With an intelligent design that guarantees premium steaming of the milk, the Gaggia Accademia will let you have any coffee drink at the touch of a button. Cleaning and maintenance of the machine are made easy with, again, the machine’s intelligent design which helps many crucial components to be easily accessible and taken care of. These and other highly-desirable features, like the in-depth programmability of the coffees, make the Accademia an exquisite choice.
Key features:
- One-touch
- Programmable coffee dose and temperature
- Programmable water and milk amount
- Adjustable milk foam texture
- Programmable pre-infusion
- Two boilers
- Automated self-cleaning carafe
- Steam wand
- Ceramic grinder with 8 grind settings
- Color LCD display
Pros
The automated and self-cleaning carafe is designed with a handle that functions as a milk spout so that no milk enters the machine; the steam wand, on the other hand, gives everyone a chance to become great in latte art
Two boilers inside the machine for no frustrating waiting time between steaming and brewing
Coffee spouts with a smart design make the accommodation of taller cups and mugs a piece of cake
Accessible water tank and drip tray
Cons
Some consider the drip tray to be a little bit small
#6 Saeco Xelsis SM7684
The Saeco Xelsis SM7684 is a super-automatic espresso machine that will bring programmability and make the coffee experience personal for every member of the family. The multiple user profiles feature eliminates any fuss of having to re-program your favorite version of the fabulous 15 drinks available. In the meanwhile, the automatic milk carafe with milk texture control won’t let you down when you’re on the look for some quick, well-textured milk-based drink.
Key features:
- Over 15 drinks
- Programmable coffee dose
- Programmable water amount and temperature
- Adjustable milk amount and texture
- Programmable pre-infusion
- Multiple user profiles
- Monitored filtration
- HygieSteam system
- Automatic milk carafe
Pros
The large choice of drinks makes even the most boring days more exciting
Programmability options that leave no customer unsatisfied
Multiple user profiles for the fastest and most highly-personalized coffee experience
The HygieSteam system purges and cleans the carafe automatically, while you’re left to enjoy your favorite coffee at peace
Cons
The footprint of the machine is a bit big
#7 Philips 3200 Series espresso machine w/LatteGo
By designing the Philips 3200, Phillips shows us that innovation and beauty can start with even the most affordable of products. This super-automatic is remarkably beautiful and features a milk carafe that is unique, easy to use, and incredibly easy to clean. Some other features like programmability and monitored filtration make the experience with this machine fun, desirable, and effortless.
Key features:
- Programmable coffee strength
- Programmable milk amount and water amount, even on the fly
- 10-ounce bean hopper
- 12 grind adjustments
- Automatic milk carafe
- AquaClean
- Lid with UV-protection design
- Pre-infusion
Pros
Features one of the most intuitive control panels in the class of super-automatics
Impressive milk carafe that is easily disassembled and reassembled for easy cleaning and uses no hoses to transfer the milk to your cup
The AquaClean feature means that the machine monitors the filter and tells you when it’s time to change it
Interesting design of the hopper lid that protects the coffee beans from the UV rays, helping them stay fresh
Cons
It might be a bit of a struggle to fit two cups under the coffee spouts of this machine
#8 Philips Carina
The Philips Carina really breaks the rule that says that affordable semi-automatics don’t bring a lot of value. When it comes to the Carina, this rule is an uttermost lie. Featuring programmable settings, filtration technologies, and the positively acknowledged Panarello steam wand, this espresso machine is a low-priced rare gem.
Key features:
- Programmable coffee dose and volume
- 10-ounce bean hopper
- 12 grind settings
- Panarello steam wand
- Stop-and-go brew function
- Cup warmer
- AquaClean
Pros
Very affordable, but packed with interesting features
The programmable settings for the coffee are available through the intelligently-designed control panel on the front of the machine, which makes it very easy to access them
Like the Phillips 3200, the Carina too has 12 grind settings, which is a lot of grind settings for a super-automatic espresso machine to have
The stop-and-go brew function is very handy when we change our mind on how to make the coffee last second
Cons
Some might find there to not be enough programmable settings on this machine
#9 De’Longhi Magnifica ESAM3300
The Magnifica ESAM3300 by De’Longhi is a super-automatic machine that isn’t planning to leave the market soon. Better said, it is the many satisfied customers that have been propelling the interest for this machine for years now. Honestly, with two capable boilers, programmable options, and a fairly large reservoir capacities, we don’t see how this machine won’t be the favorite of many in the following years as well.
Key features:
- Programmable dose and volume of the coffee
- Two boilers
- Panarello steam wand
- Bypass doser
- 8-ounce bean hopper
- 60-ounce water tank
- 7 grind settings
Pros
The Panarello steam wand can not only steam but dispense hot water as well
A very large water tank for hours of effortless coffee
The two boilers eliminate any chance of you waiting to steam the milk after the machine has finished brewing
Programmable coffee dose and volume give enough satisfaction when it comes to drink personalization
Cons
The machine is a bit loud
FAQ
Is Breville the Oracle Touch a super-automatic machine?
No, the Oracle Touch by Breville is a semi-automatic espresso machine. For more information on semi-automatics, please read our article on best semi-automatic espresso machines.
What makes a super-automatic espresso machine super-automatic?
There are a few things that make some espresso machines super-automatic:
1. The grinder – every super-automatic espresso machine has a grinder;
2. Brewing process – a super-automatic espresso machine will not only grind the coffee beans but make the espresso automatically and extract it in your cup;
3. Milk frothing – super-automatics have automatic milk carafes, steam wands, or both to steam and froth milk;
4. Controls – the controls on super-automatic espresso machines will let coffee after pressing one or just a few buttons
Things to consider when buying a super-automatic espresso machine
Use
Are you looking for a commercial or a home-use-only super-automatic espresso machine? Think about this before you make your purchase.
Programmability
Do you want a super-automatic that will let you program anything and everything, or are you looking for a simpler model that will just get the coffee job done for you professionally? Decide what kind of machine you need because this will have a huge effect on your satisfaction as a customer.
Price
The better the semi-automatic espresso machine gets, the higher its price is going to be. However, we recommend you pick a machine that will be gentle on both your coffee and your budget. As you can see from our list, even low-cost machines can sometimes come packed with beautiful features.
Features
Entry-level semi-automatics have some nice and even beautiful features, but never will they have all the features of a high-end machine. Still, it all goes down to your personal preferences, and there is nothing wrong with picking a machine that has the features you need.
Cleaning and maintenance is also important, so do some research about your machine and see how easy it is to clean and maintain it.
Think about how far up and down you want the coffee spout on your machine to go. This will determine what size cups and glasses you’ll be able to put under the machine.
Steel burr grinders create more heat when grinding and transfer it to the coffee, which can sometimes result in burnt coffee. Ceramic grinders might be a better option because of this, although we believe you’ll have a good experience with steel burr grinders as well.
Some machines have removable brew groups, while other do not. If you feel like you’ll have an easier time cleaning the brew group of your machine from time to time, pick a machine with a removable brew group, and if not, let the machine clean its brew group itself and pick a model that doesn’t come with a removable brew group.
Think about milk-based drinks. Decide whether you want the milk to be frothed automatically or whether you want to froth it manually. Decide if you want a machine that won’t make you wait before you start steaming after the machine has finished brewing the coffee. Also, think whether you want to be able to adjust the texture of the milk, whether you want to move your cup from one spout to the other to get milk in it, and how easy it is for you to clean the milk system on your machine.
Conclusion
The Jura Giga 6 definitely marks our list of best semi-automatic espresso machines as its winner. Like many other, we too couldn’t help but get completely mesmerized by the luxurious features of this espresso machine. Rare and programmable to the bone, this phenomenal high-end super-automatic is perfect for anyone who wants to take the ordinary out of coffee and make coffee drinking a sophisticated practice.
The Giga 6 might be the best of the best, but we acknowledge the quality of every other machine on this list as well.
We love the Z8 and call it a ‘smaller Giga 6.’ We are fascinated by the enormous capacity of the Jura W3 and we are impressed by the abilities of the E8. The Saeco Xelsis wins our hearts with its multiple user-friendly features, and the two models by Phillips lead us into a world of espresso machine innovations. Ultimately, the Gaggia Accademia and the Magnifica by De’Longhi show us how good quality can survive harsh competition for years.
We hope that our list of best semi-automatic espresso machines helps you find an espresso machine that you’ll like. Thank you for being here and thank you for reading this article.