These espresso machines can do it all and they can do it on a budget. We compared our best superautomatic espresso machines under $1,000: the Saeco Xsmall, Saeco Intelia Deluxe and Jura Impressa C90.
Superautomatics are built to make grabbing a morning cup convenient: they grind, they tamp and they brew all at the touch of a button. Heck, even some machines froth for you! In this round, we choose machines with panarello-style steam wands and automatic milk frothers that require little to no technique involved (emphasis on the no). Each of these machines has different levels of brewing customization that is sure to please the casual coffee drinker.
Under $500: Saeco Xsmall
If you’re looking for an espresso machine under $500, it’s time you discovered the Saeco Xsmall. The Xsmall’s small footprint situates into any lifestyle from an apartment countertop to a cozy office setting. It’s also the simplest to learn how to brew, which means anyone learn to make coffee! It features two customizable time-based shots and a big front dial that brews, steams or dispenses hot water. That said, we’re missing brew temperature setting, which would have been nice for aiding our shot flavor. While it lacks some frills, it has an adjustable ceramic burr grinder that gives back some control over your brew. And there’s more control where that came from with the panarello-style steam wand. Froth milk for as long and foamy as you like!
Under $800: Saeco Intelia Deluxe
Exclusive to SCG, the Saeco Intelia Deluxe is an intelligent machine rocking a simple interface. Sleek and clean operation is the Intelia Deluxe’s namesake. The digital display makes it effortless to program the brew temperature, coffee strength or maintenance settings while buttons are quickly accessible. Like the Xsmall, the Intelia Deluxe has two programmable time-based shot buttons and a milk frothing button that you turn on or off manually. It’s easy to master in no time!
Bonus: The Intelia Deluxe comes with a cappuccinatore to instantly froth milk or can be replaced with a panarello attachment to froth milk yourself.
Under $1,000: Jura Impressa C60
Looking for the best superautomatic espresso machines under $1,000? How about this one: the Jura Impressa C60. The C60 is as close as you can get without maxing out your budget. Compared to our other picks, the C60 offers a lot of bang for your buck. Jura’s well-known for their strong shots and the C60 is no exception. You can customize the brew temperature or add more coffee to the shot on the fly! The C60 also features programmable shots and an auto-off function to save energy.
Jura’s Fine Foam Frother automatically froths milk straight into your awaiting cup. Like the Intelia Deluxe’s cappuccinatore, this frother does all the work for you, so you can sit back and enjoy your cup. While it’s not technically a one-touch machine, the attachment swings close enough to froth into your mug.
Conclusion
If you’re searching for the best superautomatic espresso machines under $1,000, then start here with these three totally different machines. The Saeco Xsmall features the simplest programming with a manual frother for more control while the other two bumps up in price and features. The Saeco Intelia Deluxe includes more customizable and more accessories with the interchangeable cappuccinatore and panarello. And lastly, the Jura Impressa C60 can be changed mid-brew to accommodate the last-minute coffee rush. With three great options under $1,000, which one will you choose?
