10 best automatic coffee machines

Buying guide

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.

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.

• 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.

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 Purista F230-102 at £239 whereas the most expensive model costs £2943.5.

You can see the distribution in price across the various automatic coffee machines in the chart below:

If you are looking for a budget-friendly automatic coffee machine, take a look at the following 5 cheapest models:

You can learn more about cheap automatic coffee machines here.

• 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.

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.

• 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.

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.

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.

• 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.