One thing is definitely true about the modern world of coffee - there’s so many ways to get your morning cup! We love the incredible range of different machines and brewers out there that you can use to get everyone’s favorite caffeinated beverage. Today we’ve got a look at one of our favorite kinds of coffee makers - superautomatic espresso machines. So what is it that makes them so super?
Simplicity and Performance
For many coffee drinkers, espresso is the holy grail of the coffee experience. Part of this is because of how difficult it has been historically to craft a great shot at home. You used to need cafe-style equipment that was expensive and took a lot of practice to learn to use. While that method of espresso brewing is still alive and well (and and excellent choice for coffee hobbyists and those who want maximum control) there is another, simpler, easier way to get your favorite cafe coffee drinks.
Superautomatic espresso machines typically combine grinder, brew unit, and milk steaming into one unit. While there are many form factors and options out there the philosophy is generally the same: provide espresso and milk drinks with minimal input from the user. The downside to this is that in some cases you do lose a bit of the fine tuning and control you get with more traditional espresso brewing methods, but this also means that you don’t need to be a brewing expert to get your drinks!
How Superautomatic Espresso Machines Work
Most superautomatic espresso machines have a hopper at the top of the machine that you add beans to. The beans are released into a grind chamber, which feeds into a brew unit where the grounds are tamped and the machine brews your shot. Different machines offer different milk steam options with varying levels of automation and control, from carafes, to wands, to siphon systems.
This is all usually controlled by a simple interface, often only requiring a button or two to order your drink. Many machines will also feature hot water spouts so that you can get americanos in addition to shots, lattes, cappuccinos, and more. Perhaps the best part of a superautomatic espresso machine is that all of these different parts are designed to work together. This makes it much easier to dial in and get great drinks from the machine over using several disconnected pieces of gear that aren’t designed to work with each other.
Finally, superautomatic espresso machines are usually designed with maintenance in mind. With easy to use cleaning products, reminders, and (in many cases) guided processes, these machines are very easy to keep running.
Where to Start
Another great aspect of superautomatic espresso machines is that there are so many great starting points, and upgrade paths really come down to picking out a new unit to swap to, rather than needing to make sure different pieces of gear will work together.
Philips’ line of superautomatics is a really excellent starting point for new users. With options that range from simpler and more affordable, to premium machines that provide more control and creature comfort, there’s a Philips brewer for most budgets and needs. We recommend taking a look at the Philips Carina 1200 for brand new users considering their very first superautomatic machine.
Another great brand to consider is Miele, a manufacturer that we’ve loved for a long time. Miele machines offer some unique benefits, like carafe brewing and their signature carafe and siphon milk system. The CM5300 is an excellent way to get started with Miele.
There are also some great offerings from brands like DeLonghi and Jura, and even exciting new options like Terra Kaffe. It really is a great time to get into this style of coffee maker!
If you’d like to see some of these smart espresso machines in action you can check out the video below. Let us know in the comments which superauto has caught your eye!