As luck would have it, six years ago this holiday season I was gifted with an entry-level semi-automatic Breville espresso machine. This meant I did not have to select my own home espresso machine or, as Kat likes to call the process, Choose Your Own Adventure. My little dude is still chugging along with its tiny thermoblock and I am both excited and dreading the day I need to pick out the replacement.
Are you in the same boat? The number of manufacturers, models and variations on variations of home espresso machines can be overwhelming. Pour a cup of coffee, sit back and let’s ponder a few questions to set you on the right path for a successful adventure in espresso. This is an exercise in narrowing down available options until you are left with a manageable few to consider. Set aside budget (for the moment) and let’s think about who will use the espresso machine:
Do you have an interest in hand-crafting espresso?
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Yes, I want to learn to make drinks myself
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No, I just want to drink espresso beverages
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| A semi-automatic espresso machine allows you to decide the dosage and the shot time which you can adjust to enhance the extraction of different styles of coffee. You have the time, counter space and additional equipment (grinder, tools, etc) to do-it-yourself. |
A superautomatic espresso machine makes life easier. There is less customization possible but shot consistency makes up for it. You will save time, space and possibly budget by having an all-in-one home espresso machine. |
Alrighty then! How you approach espresso lands you squarely into one of these two distinct camps: Semi-automatic or superautomatic. Intuitively, this was the easiest espresso question to answer. If only there was a Harry Potter-style Sorting Hat to then announce the right machine for you! Instead, I will separate these two categories by their functionality and you can sort yourself.
Semi-Automatic Espresso Machines
So you want to hand-craft your espresso beverages, eh? Now it's time to consider what style of semi-automatic might best fit your needs.
Do you drink milk-based espressos (like lattes, cappuccinos etc)?
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Yes, Two words...Latte Art
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No, I like espresso and Americanos
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| Single boiler home espresso machines can froth milk. A heat exchanger or a dual boiler will get the job done better and faster, but they can cost more due to more complicated internal systems. |
Even though you won’t need the steam wand to froth milk, you may use it to add hot water to an Americano so make sure it is easily accessible for how you will use the machine. Some machines even have a hot water spigot separate from the steam wand. |
Will you invest in a quality burr grinder?
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Yes, a good espresso grinder is just as important as the espresso machine
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Maybe, I'm not sure
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No, I might use espresso pods, pre-ground espresso and/or a pressurized portafilter
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| The grinder may cost almost as much as the espresso machine you select. A well designed and well built grinder will offer consistent and uniform particle size necessary for a great shot of espresso. |
If you are on the fence about it, consider a semi-auto espresso machine with a built-in grinder for the best of both worlds. |
This will limit your selection to models that can be adapted for espresso pods or compatible with a pressurized portafilter. You will still get to make your own drinks and these options will make it easier for beginners or those pressed for time. |
Recommended Semi-Automatic Machines
Based on your answers to the above questions, here are a few different suggestions for you to start your machine research.
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Bryan uses the red Nuova Simonelli Oscar heat exchanger espresso machine that I want
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Semi-Automatic, with a latte focus and a good grinder
This is where I am now. I have a Baratza grinder and I am ready to find a semi-auto with excellent shots and very good frothing capability. Heat exchanger models and dual boilers both make excellent foam fast. |
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Breville Barista Express BES870XL
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Semi-Automatic with a latte & shot focus, without a separate grinder
Not too many home espresso machines fit the bill but this Breville does! It has a thermoblock and an integrated burr grinder that saves space and economy of motion. It is a programmable semi-auto so it almost acts like a superautomatic machine and is very easy to use once it is set up. |
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A thermoblock style, Breville Infuser BES840XL
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Semi-Automatic with a latte focus and no grinder
This is where it all started for me -- an older Breville model that was a bit smaller than this. It was an easy step into the world of espresso before committing to a costly set-up. Some come with pod adapters, pressurized and non-pressurized portafilter baskets for versatility. |
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The Crossland CC1 with a Baratza Preciso grinder is a great combo |
Semi-automatic with an espresso focus and a good grinder
If your primary focus is quality espresso and you pay attention to tamp, temperature, timing and dosage then find a machine that allows you to control all of these variables. (This PID-controlled machine froths well too.) |
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A small single boiler, Saeco Via Venezia with optional non-pressurized portafilter upgrade (right) and bottomless portafilter upgrade (left)
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Semi-Automatic with an espresso focus and no grinder
Plop a pod in the basket and you’ve got what you need to make a ristretto or a lungo how you like it, when you want it. Quick and easy! Just in case you need a touch of frothy milk once in awhile there is a panarello too. A choice in portafilters helps you build espresso skills. |
Superautomatic Espresso Machines
So ease of use is paramount for you, but you still want to drink great espresso-based drinks? A superauto may be the machine style for you. To determine which of the many versions available will be the best fit, here are a few more questions for you to consider.
Do you drink milk-based espressos (like lattes, cappuccinos etc)?
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Yes, Creamy lattes are what life is all about |
No, I like espresso and Americanos |
| Not every superautomatic is great at frothing milk. Many users find that entry-level superautos don’t get the milk froth hot enough. A superauto that also has a steam wand is a nice touch so you can choose whether to use the machine’s auto-frother or its steam wand. Stand alone milk frothers are also a solution. |
Some superautos do not come with milk frothing capability. If you like espresso and Americanos (and maybe even an occasional Affogato!) this is not a problem. For guests who do like lattes a standalone milk frother is a quick and easy option for frothing milk or making hot chocolate. |
Do you need a bypass doser for pre-ground coffee?
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Yes, having the option for pre-ground coffee allows me to make a decaf sometimes |
No, I like fresh whole bean ground coffee for my espresso shots |
| Some superautos come with a bypass doser. This is a little chute directly to the brew unit so that you can use a different coffee than the beans that are already in the hopper. |
And that’s ok! if you don’t need the bypass doser that will save you some bucks on technology that you won’t use. |
Recommended Superautomatic Machines
After considering the above questions, you should be armed to select which of the below machines speaks to you!
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Bunny froths milk on a Saeco Xsmall superautomatic espresso machine, or as we like to call it, the Little Dude.
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Superautomatic with a latte focus
Your favorite drink features creamy frothy milk, some Monin gourmet syrup and, oh yeah, espresso. If time and counter space are at a premium then a compact superauto can be a great option. |
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Chris in the middle of "making" a one-touch cappuccino on the Saeco Exprelia EVO
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Superautomatic with a latte focus and a bypass doser
For you, or for your guests, it’s great to have the option to make a decaf latte once in awhile. The pannarello wand assists by boosting more air into your steam. Or some models have one touch drink-making capability as a fancy feature. |
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Either/or Teri shows the Saeco Minuto superauto can serve regular coffee or strong espresso at the flip of a lever
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Superautomatic with an espresso focus
Grab and go! Like in a true Italian espresso bar where you stand, converse a bit, have a few sips from your demitasse and continue on your way...Some superautos make quick and easy espresso or Americanos. The new Practically hands-free operation...here's an action shot of the Saeco Syntia (after I made sure the shot glass was placed correctly!)
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Superautomatic with an espresso focus and a bypass doser
Bypass doser capability is not always built into superautomatic espresso machines so make sure to verify its availability. The Saeco Syntia has a bypass doser and a pannarello wand making it a very versatile superauto. |
Now you have thoughtful criteria to evaluate and select the best home espresso machine to meet your caffeinated (or decaf!) needs. The next step is to research our
Learn section with informative articles and YouTube videos, ask questions and read reviews. Will there be a new home espresso machine on your counter in the New Year? There might be on mine!
