We found the best automatic coffee machines based on 279,073 user reviews. We compared 45 automatic coffee machines and ranked them from best to worst.
Do you want to learn which automatic coffee machine is the best for you? Our buying guide can help you learn more about what to look for when purchasing an automatic coffee machine.
1
Size
Measure the space where you want to place the coffee machine. Make sure the coffee machine you choose fits comfortably in the selected location, as automatic coffee machines can vary greatly in size.
2
Water tank capacity
Water tank size: A larger water tank will allow you to make more cups of coffee before needing to refill it. Consider your daily coffee consumption when selecting a coffee machine with an appropriate tank size.
Removable water tank: A removable water tank is easier to clean and refill with water.
3
Budget
Automatic coffee machines vary widely in price. Determine how much you’re willing to spend. Remember that higher-end models often come with more features and better build quality.
The cheapest automatic coffee machine is the Melitta Caffeo Solo at £140 whereas the most expensive model costs £2944.
You can see the distribution in price across the various automatic coffee machines in the chart below:
Updated November 1, 2024
If you are looking for a budget-friendly automatic coffee machine, take a look at the following 5 cheapest models:
Size: The size of the coffee bean hopper determines how many beans you can load in one go. Consider how often you plan to use the coffee machine and choose a hopper size accordingly.
The coffee bean hopper size varies from 125 grams to 580 grams across the models.
Dual bean hoppers: Some automatic coffee machines are built with dual bean hoppers. This type of coffee machine has two separate compartments for storing different types of coffee beans. A dual bean hopper allows users to switch between two types of coffee beans, including regular and decaffeinated, without emptying and refilling the hopper. Two separate compartments are a convenient feature for households with multiple coffee preferences or for those who like to experiment with different bean varieties.
5
Types of displays
Coffee machines can feature different types of displays, including:
LCD (Liquid Crystal Display): These displays are common and provide clear text and icons for easy navigation.
LED (Light Emitting Diode) Display: LED displays are often used for basic models, and they can show information using illuminated segments.
Touchscreen display: Higher-end automatic coffee machines typically come with touchscreen displays, which provide an intuitive and interactive interface for users.
6
Types of grinders
Flat burr grinders: Consist of two ring-shaped burrs that are horizontally parallel to each other and have angled teeth. They rotate and grind the beans while pushing the grinds outwards. The distance between the two blades determines the size of the grind. Flat burr grinders are noisier in operation.
Conical burr grinders: Grind the beans vertically using a circular hollow ring with angled teeth on the outer burr. The inside burr looks like an inverted cone that has angled teeth. With the help of gravity, they move the grounds through the gap at the bottom to dispense them. Conical burr grinders give more control of the grinding process and work with minimal heat and sound. Additionally, they are cheaper than flat burr grinders.
7
Automatic milk frother
You will need an automatic milk frother to make cappuccinos, lattes, and flat whites. There are two types of automatic milk frothers:
Automatic milk pipe system; A plug-in milk system that uses a detachable tube connected to the machine spout mechanism while the other end is placed in an independent milk box. All you have to do is choose your milk recipe, and the machine will automatically fill your cup according to your preferred settings. You will need to dismantle it after each use for cleaning and activate the rinsing program.
Integrated milk tank system Uses a milk carafe with a built-in frothing mechanism and a nozzle for dispensing milk. You can easily insert it into the machine using the designated connecting port and select your beverage by pressing a button. It is important to run the automatic rinsing function after every use to clean the milk system. Some machines also offer a “clean-me” function which is integrated into the milk tank cover and can be activated with the knob.
8
Cleaning and maintenance
When looking for an automatic coffee machine, here are some key factors to consider regarding cleaning and maintenance:
Removable parts: Choose a machine with removable components, such as the drip tray, coffee grounds container, and water reservoir, as these make it easier to clean and maintain.
Self-cleaning function: Look for machines with self-cleaning functions. These can automatically rinse and clean internal components, like the coffee spouts and milk frother, reducing the need for manual cleaning.
Descaling: Check if the machine has a descaling program. Descaling removes mineral deposits that can build up over time, affecting the coffee machine’s performance. Regular descaling is essential to keep your machine in good condition.
Cleaning alerts: Some machines have cleaning alerts or indicators that notify you when it’s time to clean or perform maintenance tasks. This ensures you don’t forget crucial maintenance steps.
9
Other considerations
Hot water function: The hot water function is a separate spout or dispenser on the coffee machine designed to dispense hot water, typically at a temperature suitable for tea or other hot beverages. This function is handy if you enjoy a variety of hot drinks besides coffee, such as tea, hot chocolate, or instant soups. It eliminates the need for a separate kettle and provides hot water on demand, adding versatility to your coffee machine.
Height-adjustable coffee spout: A height-adjustable coffee spout is a practical feature that allows you to customize the clearance between the coffee spout and your cup. This flexibility accommodates various cup sizes, from small espresso cups to large mugs. By adjusting the spout’s height, you can prevent coffee splashes and ensure your coffee fills the cup without spillage.
Wi-fi connection: Wi-Fi connection is a feature that enables your coffee machine to connect to your home’s Wi-Fi network. Wi-Fi connectivity allows you to control the coffee machine remotely through a dedicated smartphone app or other smart devices. With this feature, you can brew your coffee from a distance, schedule brewing times, receive maintenance alerts, and even download new coffee recipes or updates. It offers convenience and flexibility in managing your coffee-making experience.
Memory function: Memory function in an automatic coffee machine allows you to save and recall your preferred coffee settings. It is useful for users who enjoy a particular coffee recipe and want to replicate it without manually adjusting the settings each time. Typically, you can customize variables like coffee strength, cup size, and temperature, then save these settings under a user profile or preset. This feature streamlines the brewing process, making it more convenient and consistent.
Which fully automatic coffee machine brand is the best?
There are many popular brands of automatic coffee machines, such as Siemens, Jura, DeLonghi, etc.
Here is a list of the top-rated brands based on our comparison scores:
Rank
Brand
Score
1
DeLonghi
91
2
Siemens
90
3
Jura
88
4
Melitta
85
5
Philips
84
Only brands with at least 3 products in our comparison are included in the list.
Which budget-friendly fully automatic coffee machine is the best?
A budget-friendly fully automatic coffee machine provides essential features for brewing fresh coffee at the touch of a button, ensuring convenience without compromise.
These are the top 3 cheap fully automatic coffee machines under £400:
Rank
Image
Fully automatic coffee machine
Score
Verdict
Price
1
DeLonghi Magnifica Evo ECAM 290.21.B
92
Good
£329
2
DeLonghi ECAM 22.110.B
90
Good
£299
3
DeLonghi Magnifica S ECAM 21.117.B
90
Good
£384
What does “fully automatic coffee machine” mean?
A fully automatic coffee machine is a coffee machine that performs the entire brewing process with a single press of a button. It grinds the coffee beans, doses the right amount of coffee, and brews the coffee without manual intervention, often with the option to prepare various coffee drinks such as cappuccinos and lattes.
Which fully automatic coffee machine with two bean containers is the best?
A fully automatic coffee machine with two bean containers allows you to switch between two different types of coffee beans, letting you vary your coffee experience.
These are the top 3 fully automatic coffee machines with two bean containers:
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