Automatic Espresso Machine

If you love espresso, but don’t trust your own skill – or if you just enjoy beautiful machinery that serves a wonderful purpose, and automatic espresso machine may be the perfect purchase. Automatic espresso machines take all the guesswork out of making the perfect shot of espresso every time – given good coffee, that is. There are many different models and makes of automatic espresso machines, but in general, they all fit into three basic types.

Semi Automatic Espresso Machine

Semi-automatic espresso machines are the most common type of home espresso machines sold. Based on the type of machine originally patented by Achille Gaggia in 1938, semi-automatic espresso machines use a pump to create the water pressure needed to make true espresso – that heavenly dream of a beverage with a full, frothy head of crema.



A semi automatic espresso machine still relies a great deal on the skill of the barista to extract a great shot of espresso. The barista is responsible for grinding the coffee to the right consistency, filling and tamping the filter basket, adding the right amount of water, and deciding when to turn on – and off – the pump to force the water through the grounds.

The major parts of a semi automatic espresso machine are the pump, the boiler, the water reservoir(s), the portafilter and the group head. Nearly all of them also include a steam wand for steaming milk for cappuccino drinks. Things to look for in a quality semi automatic espresso machine include:

- chrome plated marine brass portafilter and group head
- thermometer to tell you the temperature of water in the boiler
- high quality marine brass boiler
- viewable water level in the water reservoir

Advantages of a semi automatic espresso machine:

- allows a great deal of control in the hands of the barista

Disadvantages:

- puts a great deal of control in the hands of the barista

Fully Automatic Espresso Machine



The next step up on the automation chain for automatic espresso machines is the fully automatic espresso maker. These machines add the refinement of a thermostat and switch to automatically start the electric pump when the water is at the precisely the right temperature. Since the temperature of the water is one of the prime factors in creating an excellent shot of espresso, this modification is a huge one for those that want to ensure a consistently good shot.

With a fully automatic espresso machine, the barista must still grind the coffee, and fill and tamp the filter properly. The water reservoir holds enough water for many cups of espresso – or has a plumbed in line to automatically refill the reservoir when it runs low. The machine takes it from there, though. Once the portafilter is in place, the barista only has to push one button to start the process. The machine will heat the water to the proper temperature, and a thermostat switch will turn on the pump at the right time to force a premeasured amount of water through the ground coffee.

In addition to the parts found in a semi-automatic machine, a fully automatic espresso maker also has a thermostat switch. The sensitivity of that switch makes a great deal of difference in how consistent the quality of the espresso made in the machine is.

Advantages of fully automatic espresso machines:

- Takes the guesswork out of judging when to start the pump

Disadvantages of fully automatic espresso machines:

- the barista must still be skilled in grinding, filling and tamping the coffee for espresso in order to consistently make a good shot of espresso

Super Automatic Espresso Machine



A super automatic espresso machine eliminates just about every place where something could spoil a wonderful shot of espresso. The only choice left to the barista – once the settings are decided upon – is the coffee to use. Super automatic espresso makers have a hopper for coffee beans, one or two reservoirs for water, a coffee grinder, a pump, the portafilter and group head and an automatic steam wand. Nearly all also allow you to draw off hot water for making chocolate, tea and other hot drinks.

With a super automatic machine, the barista simply pushes a button to turn the machine on. The water is heated to the proper temperature and held there until someone wants a coffee beverage. A push of the button will start the machine in motion. The espresso machine will measure the right amount of coffee beans, grind them to the right consistency, fill the filter, tamp it perfectly, turn on the pump to start the water flowing through the ground coffee, turn it off at the right time – and in the most high end machines, automatically froth the milk for cappuccino and dispense it, then empty the portafilter so that the machine is ready to start all over again – usually within a minute or two.

Advantages of a super automatic espresso machine:

- Consistent shots of espresso every single time
- Minimum of mess from coffee grounds and frothed milk

The biggest disadvantage of a super automatic espresso machine, some would tell you, is that it takes all the ‘fun’ out of making espresso. Still, if your fun lies in having perfectly extracted espresso in moments every time you want a shot, then a super automatic espresso machine is a worthwhile investment.