The best espresso machines grind, brew and foam up cafe-style deliciousness at the touch of a button.
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For folks who covet their crema, nothing beats the feeling of pulling a perfect shot in an espresso machine. However, the entire process—from prep to production—requires time and patience. Or does it? Enter automatic espresso machines, the best-kept secret of home baristas. These machines handle almost everything, including grinding espresso beans, shot pulling, and sometimes even milk foaming! Just add your preferred type of bean and enjoy a cafe-style drink in minutes.
While some automatic espresso machines are simple, there are many machines out there that are capable of almost any cafe-style drink. Some even let you choose the strength and size of your shots and offer custom settings for a custom cuppa! With hundreds of options, it’s difficult to know which espresso machine to choose. Our Editors tested seven machines to find the best automatic espresso machine for every need and budget—here are our top picks.
Best Overall
Breville Oracle Jet
Pros:
- Beautiful and sturdy build
- Automatic frothing modes
- Ability to save custom drinks
- Capable of cold drinks
- Gorgeous, useful touchscreen
- Manual grind size settings
Cons:
- Pricey
- Beans sometimes get stuck in the hopper
- Involved setup
No matter what drink you’re craving—cold, hot, espresso-based or just foamed milk for hot cocoa—the Breville Oracle Jet can make it. This automatic espresso machine is loaded with features, from cold shots to one-touch lattes, all with deep customization options. It even remembers custom settings, so you can make your favorite drinks just the way you want them at the touch of a button.
“The setup was very involved and included testing the water hardness and installing a firmware update, but it took only 30 minutes. What impressed me most was the touchscreen. Initially, I scoffed at it, but its graphics rival those on my latest-generation iPad, and the step-by-step instructions made setup seamless,” says Nicole Doster in her full review. “An option during setup was to browse an interactive diagram, which gave me the ability to press on different parts of the machine to learn their functions via quick videos.”
Whether you’re a bonafide beginner or a budding barista, you’ll find that the machine can make almost any coffee drink. It tackles the entire process, from grinding the beans to tamping to pulling the shot. There’s even a whole host of settings for frothing milk, which the machine does automatically when the user selects a foamed milk drink. And this isn’t your average foamed milk—it makes the same silky microfoam you find in professional cafes.
“I have continued to use the espresso maker daily (one to two shots per day) and it’s been working great,” says Nicole after using the machine for almost a year. “I created a custom drink for hot chocolate that’s set to my steam wand preferences. It’s nice that you can customize the name, icon and drink settings for any drink you’d like.”
Most Customizable
KitchenAid KF8 Fully Automatic Espresso Machine
Pros:
- Incredibly intuitive design
- Extensive menu of espresso-based drinks
- Wheels on bottom for easy movement
- Very intuitive cleaning cycles
- Includes options for regular milk and plant milk
- Very quiet
- Sturdy build
Cons:
- Expensive
- Replacement accessories (water filter, cleaning tabs, etc.) are pricey
- Takes up quite a bit of space
Take the guesswork out of fancy cafe drinks when you splurge on the KitchenAid KF8. This do-it-all machine changed Deputy Editor Katie Bandurski from a manual-only person to a dedicated automatic espresso machine user. With over 40 drink recipes (plus a plethora of customization options), this home barista makes cafe-style drinks quickly and expertly.
“After my inaugural latte, I made it my mission to try every recipe listed on the machine,” says Katie in her full review. “I enjoyed plenty of coffee shop favorites, like macchiatos and flat whites. But there were some new-to-me drinks to try, too, like an espresso lungo and ristretto.”
Apart from the sheer number of drink offerings available, the KF8 is incredibly simple to operate. Everything—from cleaning alerts to drink selection—appears right on the built-in, full color screen. This touchscreen drink menu is also where users choose from many different custom options, including strength, milk type and number of ounces desired.
“I am very pleased to say that after a year of consistent use, the KitchenAid KF8 still performs like a dream. It has quickly become our favorite (and most used) kitchen appliance,” says Katie. “One of my favorite features of this machine is that it tells you when (and how) it needs to be cleaned. Previous coffeemakers I’ve owned built up hard water stains and stuck grounds.”
On Sale
Most Speedy
De'Longhi Rivelia Fully Automatic Espresso Machine
Pros:
- Very simple, one-touch operation
- Custom profiles available
- Simple setup
- Speedy
- Consistent results
- Extensive menu featuring many espresso drinks
- Helpful touchscreen
Cons:
- Requires separate kit for cold brew
The prospect of one-touch drinks may sound like something out of a science fiction novel. However, the De’Longhi Rivelia delivers this exact experience to dedicated java junkies—and it’s simple enough for anyone to operate. Add to that the fact that it’s incredibly speedy, and you have a certified superhero for caffeine fiends.
“As soon as you turn it on, the touch screen walks you through all the steps,” says tester Melany Love in her full review. “I tried to prep myself with the user manual, but honestly, it’s easier to let it tell you the process. It even reminds you to clean the carafe after every use. As someone with chronic memory failure, that’s a huge plus in my book.”
Melany notes that, surprisingly, this machine isn’t nearly as large as a full espresso bar. It takes up only about a third of her coffee cart and fits snugly front to back. Because it’s so slim, it’s a fine option for apartment dwellers and those with limited counter space. The De’Longhi machine also features interchangeable carafes, so it’s easy to switch from cold to hot drinks in seconds.
“That one button can make cappuccinos, espresso, cortados, lattes, iced coffees, flat whites and other coffee drinks,” says Melany. “You can even set up a profile and pre-customize the drinks exactly how you like them. It comes with a hot carafe attachment for hot drinks, and you can also purchase a separate LatteCrema Cool Upgrade set for cold drinks, including cold foam.”
Best for Beginners
Philips Series 3200 LatteGo
Pros:
- Easy to set up and use
- Relatively inexpensive
- Capable of five drink varieties, including regular coffee
- Cups are customizable
- Includes a milk frother
- Adjustable spout
- Uses grounds or beans
Cons:
- Rather small water tank
- No alert when beans run low
- Cleaning and maintaining is a bit of a learning curve
As someone who is used to pulling her own shots using her manual machine, I was initially skeptical of the Philips 3200. However, it surpassed all my expectations—and then some. After using it for three months, I’ve become completely dependent on it. In a house of five (!!!) different coffee and espresso makers, it’s the one I reach for every day. It offers espresso, coffee, americanos, latte macchiatos, cappuccinos, and hot water, which is perfect for my purposes. For the coffee, espresso, cappuccino and Americano settings, you can choose between two sizes—single or double.
There’s a removable tank on the front for milk frothing, which the machine automatically takes care of for latte and cappuccinos. For each setting, there’s an option to select the volume, amount of milk (if applicable) and strength for each cup. By default, it grinds and uses fresh beans poured into the top chamber, though some settings allow you to select readily ground coffee, which you dump by spoonful into a special little hatch on the top.
The espresso this machine delivers is pretty darn good. There’s a nice crema on top of each cup, and the shots are nice and strong. However, where this machine really blew me away is with its coffee, which I find even better than that from my beloved pour over! It comes out dark, strong and with crema on top. I used this to make a cup for a friend who drinks several cups throughout the day, and even he commented on how good it was.
This is a big machine, and it means business. While it’s not the ideal pick for limited counter space or apartment dwellers, it does deliver a mean cuppa. After learning the basics, operating it is a breeze—which is ideal for morning folk who aren’t quite awake before their first jolt of java!
Best Budget
Terra Kaffe Demi
Pros:
- The most inexpensive option we tried
- Grinds fresh coffee beans with each drink
- Super speedy operation
- Not too noisy
- Customizable settings
- Digital display
- Not too bulky on the countertop
- Pour light provides added visibility
Cons:
- Waste bin has to be emptied and cleaned regularly
- Regular coffee not super strong
The Terra Kaffee Demi takes all the guesswork out of making espresso at home. You don’t have to be an expert to pour fresh, great-tasting shots. And, given its sub-$800 price point, it’s also much more wallet-friendly than the other options on this list. From the get-go, editor Mary Henn appreciated the sleek and compact look. It’s simple to operate, with one power button on the side, a water tank and a bean hopper on top. There’s also a control knob on the right side that lets you scroll between different drinks, settings and more.
“I love that there’s no plastic pods involved in this single-serve brewing machine. You can use whatever beans you want, and this little countertop gadget can make everything you need from a double shot to a cup of plain drip coffee,” says Mary. “It’s the only coffee machine I’ve experienced that could potentially replace the need for any other coffee machines or espresso makers.”
The menu consists of espresso, lungo, americano, drip coffee or hot water. Each cup is adjustable using the side knob, which controls strength, volume and number of shots. There are also general settings for rinsing, cleaning and descaling. You can set a display time, turn sound on and off, and enable auto wake to go into sleep mode.
“I made (several) shots of espresso when I first started using the machine,” says Mary. “Each time I made espresso, it was rich, creamy, perfectly hot (not scalding), and consistently tasty. While I make espresso most mornings, I’ve also made a handful of drip coffees. My only complaint so far is that the preset settings yield a cup that’s slightly on the weaker side. I’m someone who likes very dark, bold coffee. I think I just need to tinker with the drink settings a bit more to find the best strength level for me.”
Best Compact
Jura ENA 8
Pros:
- Sleek, compact design
- Brews consistently good coffee
- Offers rich, creamy foam
- Easy to use
- Excellent customer service
Cons:
- Machine, accessories and cleaning products are expensiv
- Small water tank
- High repair costs when warranty is up
The Jura ENA8 was our tester Marisa Hillman’s first fully automatic espresso machine, and she’ll never be able to go back to a regular coffee maker. Every drink is customizable, meaning she enjoys the perfect coffeehouse drink with just the push of a button. Marisa tested an earlier version of the ENA8, which has since been updated and now has a touchscreen, two cup function and more drink options.
“Let’s address the elephant in the room. At $2,000, this machine is expensive,” says Marisa. “However, if you’re an avid coffee drinker like I am, then you’ll find that it’s worth the cost. I can’t tell you the last time I visited a Starbucks. It’s been a good, long while but I remember thinking that I preferred my homemade flat white. I haven’t been back (or thrown away $6) since.”
“I’ve used coffee makers with built-in frothers as well as handheld milk frothers but nothing beats the milk foam that comes out of the Jura, says Marisa. “It is so smooth and creamy and doesn’t require anything more than hooking up the milk system and pressing a button.” Drink options include coffee, espresso, ristretto, espresso doppio, espresso macchiato, latte macchiato, cappuccino and flat white. There are also options for hot water and milk foam.
Eventually, Marisa started getting a “system filling” error. Customer service walked her through a few troubleshooting options, but unfortunately it’s probably a leak somewhere inside the machine. Since her machine is out of warranty, it would cost her $350 to send it in for repair. That said, she got four good years out of it, which feels appropriate for the price.
What to Consider When Shopping for an Automatic Espresso Maker
There are a few considerations to think about before making the switch to an automatic espresso machine. First, think about the price point. Automatic espresso machines range in price from as little as $300 to as much as $2,000—or more. While a $2,000 machine might make sense for a coffee fanatic who entertains often, or for a home barista, it may be too much machine for espresso newbies.
Next, consider settings. While some automatic espresso machines simply cover espresso, others offer additional settings for milk-based lattes and cappuccinos. Some even offer hot water, Americanos and coffee at the touch of a button. Lastly, think about size. While a big, robust machine may make great drinks, it won’t work properly without the requisite counter space—and some of these machines get pretty big.
And when it comes to finding the perfect espresso beans? Don’t rule out your favorite coffee bean. “Most people think you need espresso beans to make espresso, which isn’t necessarily the case,” says tester and former barista Sydney Manning. “What makes espresso is the amount of pressure that is being applied in the machine (usually around 30 pounds), so you can use either regular coffee beans or espresso beans for both types of brews.”
According to Tom Valentine, Wholesale/Quality Assurance Manager at Crema Coffee Roasters, look at user reviews and certifications before making the plunge.
“User reviews, industry certifications and personal preference are all major considerations when shopping for an espresso machine,” he says. “Being certified by the Specialty Coffee Association is usually a good sign. Having high praise from professional baristas is another great indication of the machine’s quality. Personal reviews by other users can be helpful if not always authoritative.”
He also notes that, while budget machines may be a good first step for new espresso enthusiasts, it eventually pays to upgrade.
“The old adage of ‘you get what you pay for’ is especially true for espresso equipment,” says Tom. “A machine that’s $500 cheaper than others in its category is likely so for a reason, and it’s rarely a good one.”
How We Found the Best Automatic Espresso Machines
To find the best automatic espresso machines, the shopping team began by researching the most popular brands and models. We also considered any models we currently use or have used in the past. From there, we thoroughly tested each top-rated machine for at least several weeks, making sure to use as many different settings as possible in that time. Since our editors already owned the Jura, KitchenAid, Breville and De’Longhi machines, we were able to test those for much longer—they’ve seen anywhere from six months to several years of use.
For both the old and new machines, we took notes as we brewed our coffees, making sure to jot down any pain points or quirks we ran into during testing. While we enjoyed dozens of drinks from each machine, we paid particular attention to any settings that would incur daily use. These were mostly normal coffee and espresso settings. We also took notes on how well each machine handled specialty drinks, especially those incorporating foamed milk.
Along with general performance, we also looked at areas like maintenance, build quality, longevity, simplicity, water tank size and controls. We even scored areas that didn’t have anything to do with the actual coffee making process, including appearance, noise level, speed and any included accessories. After all that scrutiny, we’re confident that we uncovered the very best automatic espresso machines for the at-home barista and casual coffee lover alike.
Others We Tested
- Jura S8: When Marisa’s Jura ENA8 finally died after several years of service, she decided to try the Jura S8. Unfortunately, this machine had issues beginning after a few months of use. Luckily, she was still within the warranty and able to troubleshoot the issues with customer service. If you’re between the two machines, we recommend the Jura ENA8.
FAQ
What is a semi-automatic espresso machine?
“Semi-automatic machines perform some function of the brewing process for the barista,” says Tom Valentine, Wholesale/Quality Assurance Manager at Crema Coffee Roasters. He goes on to explain that you generally see this in volumetric brewing machines, wherein the machine starts and stops the brewing process after a predetermined amount of water has been used.
“There are lots of variations in this category, but the main benefit is that they offer convenience while still giving the user control over some of the brewing parameters so they can continually evaluate and improve the process,” he goes on to say. “Think of these machines as your standard drip coffee makers. They do a lot of the work for you, but still require some input from the user.”
Are automatic espresso machines worth it?
“Get an automatic machine for the person who likes espresso and isn’t too picky, the person who loves espresso but rarely has the time to pop by a coffee shop before work, the new parent who needs caffeine fast and may not have the bandwidth to quality control their brew or the barista in your life who’s trying to get better at pouring latte art,” says Wholesale/Quality Assurance Manager at Crema Coffee Roasters Tom Valentine.
Why You Should Trust Us
I’m not a certified coffee expert. However, I do know quite a bit about brewing as a casual coffee fan. Between my experience reviewing the De’Longhi Dedica Duo and creating concentrates with my OXO Rapid Brewer, I’ve learned a lot about what makes a good cuppa. I’ve also been crafting my own specialty coffees with an Aeropress, French press, pour over and other brewing methods for over 12 years.
For this piece, we also spoke to Tom Valentine, Wholesale/Quality Assurance Manager at Crema Coffee Roasters. Tom provided guidance as to what we should look for in these appliances as well as information on the appliances as a whole.
