Automatic Espresso Machines FAQs & Guideposts
Coffee turns out great (assuming you use the right coffee and water), but the machine is just not that attractive sitting on the counter. It is mostly made of plastic…if you care about how your counter-top looks, then consider looking elsewhere.
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 DeLonghi ESAM3500.N Magnifica Digital Super-Automatic Espresso/Coffee Machine
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USD $1,009.99  Order Now |  |
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Most espresso machines on the market offer a great number of features and deliver delicious tasting espresso. They also have one problem...most espresso machines operate manually. Enter the automatic espresso machine. Automatic espresso machines will grind the coffee beans, put the grounds in the hopper, then fill the reservoir with water, heat the water and then force the heated water through the grounds to produce a perfect cup of espresso every time. Some high-end machines will even dump the used grounds from the hopper when finished so that the machine is ready for the next brewing cycle.
Most automatic espresso machines are used by commercial coffee shops like Starbucks. Commercial coffee shops use the automatic machines to produce a consistent product on a steady basis. Consistency in the commercial market is much more important than quantity when brewing the perfect espresso.
Consistency starts with the basic ingredients and how they are mixed. To make a consistent espresso there automatic espresso machines is very little margin for error. Automatic espresso machines can perform the task of brewing a great espresso with very little margin of error. When the grounds are added manually, there is often an opportunity for error. Too much or too little grounds can make or break a great flavored espresso. By using an automatic espresso machine, the grounds and the water are measured exactly right each time so every cup will have the same flavor and consistency. And when the machine is finished clean up is a snap, you wont have to worry about dumping the grounds from the hopper because it does it on its own. Automatic machines also cut down on the time between cups which in the commercial world can help increase productivity and profits.
Automatic espresso machines are not just for commercial use. If you have been thinking about getting an automatic espresso machine for your home, then you are not alone. Automatic espresso machines for the private sector are becoming more and more popular and sales are increasing each year. Even with the automatic machines growing popularity, some people feel that an automatic espresso machine removes the personal touch when it comes to making their espresso. There will still be those that feel the need to hand grind their own beans and measure everything by hand. Some people will just never trust a great espresso shot to a machine, no matter what the time savings.
But for those who make a lot of coffee at home, the thought of having their very own automatic espresso machine is so enticing that they are not concerned with how much a dent it puts in their budget. To these people, the more automatic machine is the better. But with automation and high quality comes higher prices. Generally, the more automatic the machine is and the better the quality, the higher the price. However, when you consider the ease of making espresso and the quality and consistency of the finished product plus the time savings involved, true espresso lovers will consider the high price a worthwhile expense.
Where can I get a good second-hand pr refurbished Espresso Machine in Singapore?
I have a Krups XP5020 consumer semi-automatic Espresso Machine. It automatic espresso machines has served me well for over a year. But I am toying with the idea of upgrading to a better semi-automatic like a Gaggia or such-like. And yet I balk at paying for a new one. Does anyone know where I can get a good second-hand machine? And maybe a grinder? At an affordable price?Thank you.
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This machine is AWESOME and I use it exclusively now, even for my morning coffee (lungo). I am so impressed with the quality of the coffee and the machine; I would definitely recommend to others. At .55 or .65 per capsule, it may seem expensive, however, I’ve found that it’s a lot more economical than Starbucks whole beans without any waste. I was going to purchase the more expensive, sleeker designed machine, but found the only difference is that the base of the sleeker design holds a taller cup. Thank you Nespresso for an amazing product!Nespresso C100-US-AERO-B Essenza Automatic Single-Serve Espresso Machine with Nespresso Aeroccino Milk Frother, Black
I bought it for my wife and she loves, loves, loves it. It is a huge hit and working beautifully. And the fact that it came as a set (espresso maker and milk frother both) cheaper than buying the inidvudal parts makes this a steal. If you’re in the market, get this!
Highly recommend this product. Our daily trip to Starbucks has officially ended with the arrival of the Nespresso C100 into our home. A great acquistion and addition to the kitchen.
I purchased mine earlier this year (w/the frother) and it’s the best investment I’ve every made!! I was a die-hard Starbuck’s fan at one point, but when you start calculating how much you spend per day versus buying this…..you ar truly coming out on top with this. The coffee is delicious (as comparable if not better) to Starbucks. It’s easy to use, easy to clean and compact enough for smaler kitchens or 1-2-cup drinkers (even though you can make as many individual cups you want fairly quick). I just bought another frother as a Xmas gift…best on the market if you ask me. All and all, this product is well worth it!
Back in the early 80’s it took a 3K rebuilt single handle commercial machine to lay out real crema on the top of my espresso at home. After
that great Rancillio (sp?) went down in flames, i had 12-15 yrs of want-to-be gadgets that had great crema. The problem was, the crema
appeared in box picture not in the cup. This Nespresso Cube produces the finest crema for the money i’ve found. If you’re a real espresso drinker
and can chase up 200 bucks, this is the machine. Coffee cost aprox. .60 cent.
I resisted buying a Nespresso machine because a) I did not want to be limited to buying their capsules and b) the machines were too expensive.. Then they were $100 off and I kept telling my husband they made the best coffee I have ever had in the U.S. Now that we bought one (Cube model)- I am advertising to all my friends. It is really easy to operate (actually my three-year old lovers making coffee for me), the cleaning is minimal (by comparison to all other methods), and the coffee is fabulous. We are lucky in that we live within walking distance of Bloomingdales that sells the Nespresso coffee pods. Life is too short to drink bad coffee. I am only envious of colleagues who have one at the office (but then I would overdose). Not sold on the milk frothing machine- whioch only seems to work with REALLY fresh milk (1-2 day old)
I have used both the Nespresso Citiz machine and the C100 Essensa machines at the home of friends. In the case of both machines, I am impressed with the quality of the coffee and the ease of use of each machine. When it came time for me to buy my own machine, I headed to the Nespresso Boutique to check them all out in person.
After seeing – and trying – all the different machines, I settled on a LeCube in Arctic White. While the LeCube shape is boxier than the other styles and has a rather more imposing presence, it works well in my tiny NYC kitchen because the water reservoir is on the left side, not the back, so the machine can be snugged up to a tight space without having to be moved to fill up with water. It’s nice to have the tray that warms the cups, but I don’t consider that a major selling point because you can easily heat a cup by running water through the machine when no coffee capsule is in place. I consider it merely a nice touch and would not personally choose the machine for that feature.
There is nothing like getting up in the morning, going into the kitchen and having delicious coffee made in what seems like two seconds.
I also got the Aeroccino so I can make myself an Americano or a latte or a cappuccino at whim.
I highly recommend this machine if not having to move the machine to fill the water tank matters to you and also highly recommend the Aeroccino, which to me is easier to use than a steam wand that has to be cleaned and unclogged.
There is not much to say other than this: espresso that tastes better than Starbucks, costs only 60 cents per cup and can be made anytime from the convenience of your own kitchen counter is what you get with this machine. It is tidy, small, stylish and perfectly designed. My two year old pushed the brew button a few times and instead of a mess on the counter, all the extra water drains back into an easy-to-clean reservoir.
The pods are delivered quickly, and ordering them through Nespresso’s website is fairly straightforward. And now the machine is only $200.00! I bought it at $250.00 and I still think it was totally worth it.
This is the perfect, low-maintenance machine for casual coffee lovers.
I have used this coffee maker daily for 16 months. I would buy one tomorrow if this unit failed. I do not enjoy “Mr Coffee, coffee any longer”. This unit is very easy to use but is more expensive to operate than I had first thought. The water filter needs changing every month along with a cleaning (with tablet), seems descaling happens every three months also. Filters are $13 + and descale is over $12 each time. Everything is based on the coffee cycles. That being said the coffee is excellent.
The Bosch Benvenuto B30 is an OK espresso maker, although expensive, and is not a particularly good machine for cappucinos. I’ve owned a Saeco, a Jura and now the Bosch: the Saeco made the best coffee but only lasted two years: replaced with a Jura which drove me mad with its washing, rinsing, cleaning cycle requirements, but it made good espresso and cappucino: then I changed countries and voltages so I bought the Bosch in the USA. It too has an annoying rinsing cycle, but unlike the Jura doesn’t seem to rinse the coffee dispenser nozzles, which still drip dark coffee dregs after the rinsing cycle ends. And there doesn’t seem to be a way to remove the klunky aluminium nozzle housing to clean them, so I expect that one day they’ll clog and stay clogged. The steamer takes twenty/thirty seconds to produce steam, without a standby position for steam. (In other words, the steam wand is active as soon as the rotary switch is turned to steam symbol, which means dribbling water condensation before it finally produces steam). The rotary selector hot water position recommends the wand tip be uncovered to dispense hot water and to “foam” milk, but that the wand tip be covered (in the down) position to steam milk. I’ve tried both positions and found no difference in results. The handbook insists that the wand tip be dismantled (with a coin) every time it’s used and all parts be washed in a dishwasher, after running a thin wire through the nozzle to get rid of any encrusted milk. I don’t bother – I just run steam and water through the thing which seems to clean it OK, but wastes alot of water which is being expensively filtered by the recommended $30 filter which lasts eight weeks. The handbook warns that the Bosch can’t handle oily roasted coffee beans – which unfortunately are the type of beans I like. So I have to push the beans down the chute to the grinder or else they stay put on the gentle slope of the hopper. Having done all this, the amount of water for an espresso is pre-determined by Bosch, so if you want your coffee very short (like a Napoli barrista’s version) you’re out of luck. The machine cost $1,200 and it should be better, but it’s what I’ve got so I’ll live with it. But I wish I’d bought another Saeco instead. Even if it only lasts a couple of years, it’s worth it. The Italians know more about making great coffee than the Germans or the Swiss.
I researched espresso makers and purchased the Benvenuto 30 over a year ago. Like with many products, I was full of glee by the simple format change. So here it is, a year and 2 months later and I am still enjoying this purchase. There was the initial getting to know how to achieve my preferred ratio of espresso:steamed milk, but once that was discovered, the Benvenuto 30 has been delivering that perfect l-ahhhhhh-tte every time, ever since. I now find that when I am in town, I drive on by Starbucks or Seattle’s best, etc. Now, some reckon that the water reservoir is not big enough. This is not a problem that interferes with my routine. Perhaps these sweet people are making more single cups of coffee than I do — which by the way, big Ben makes quite nicely as well. The only drawback that I see, is the length of time required to run the cleaning and descaling cycles… But cleaning and descaling can be done when it is convenient to your schedule. You do have to hang around during cleaning and descaling for a few prompts to empty the trays or add a tablet. —minor points – ’cause it’s nice it cleans itself.
Summing up….Big Ben is worth the $$. It’s been 15 months. If we keep going like this, Big Ben will definitely pay for himself.
Best coffee I’ve ever had. Definately worth the money. It’s a big appliance though and takes up quite a bit of counter space, have to say, it’s a commitment! My only complaint is that the coffee doesnt seem to be hot enough. I’m still tweaking though. It may be me. Morning coffee is a beautiful thing now!
I think that the Vision is wonderful. All I do in the morning is push the button, steam my milk, and viola- latte! It saves me time, which I like! The product came promptly in absolute perfect condition and all I had to do is put water in it. Nothing broken or cracked. Definitely a great investment, especially in saving money going to the coffee shop.
I looked a long time, as this is an expensive item. This one is perfect, after a year it still performs perfectly, cleans easy and froths easily. A consistently good espresso, capa, even american coffee. No problems at all.
Have owned it for almost a month. Makes great expresso, capuccino, and coffee at the touch of the screen. Easy cleanup, no fuss. Adjustable settings are a great feature. Refilling water tank and removing spent grounds are very easy.
Pays for itself by not paying at the coffee stores in 1-2 years.
Would highly recommend.
I’ve had this machine for a few days now and I absolutely love it. It by far trumps the quality of local shops and Starbucks (not that they make quality). The options on the machine allow you to create your own drink in your own flavor. The worst thing about this machine is how easy it is and how much you’ll end up drinking. It’s just too easy to press a button and boom, delicious espresso.
From off to espresso in no time flat!
If you want your drink fast, look no further than this machine. Going from completely off to drink ready takes about 1 minute. You can brew in no time so this machine was made for speed.
Touchscreen
I can’t say it’s greatly responsive. Obviously it’s expensive and new so you want to be nice with it but that screen takes some hard pressure. Maybe they built it tough to last but you can’t just tap it. You have to jab it sometimes. Not a complaint really. It seems like a strong screen.
Drinks
There are three drink options: espresso, coffee, and long coffee. You can control the amount of water, temperature, aroma, flavor, and strength. It’s crazy. Once you get down you’re favorite flavor though, it’s just a simple button press. I like a caffe corretto once in a while so I like that you can throw in pre-ground decaf for a one time cup and then just go back to your regular settings.
Steaming
The wand is very articulated and easy to clean. The steam comes quick and stays consistently hot. You can steam milk fast enough to make yourself a cappuccino in under 2 minutes. I haven’t tried the hot water option but I’m sure that works fine.
Drip Tray
It moves! The tray moves up and down via a touch sensitive button on the machine. It will move from the counter to nearly touching the spouts. The cover on the tray appears to be magnetic so it just attaches easily to the tray top. It slides on and off very easily but will not come off accidentally.
Warming tray
It warms decently fast. It doesn’t get too hot or anything. Not much to say about it except it feels a bit small for how big the machine is.
Pure water
This machine has a water purifier included. I’m not sure if it is required to run the machine yet.
Maintenance
It has a lot of maintenance features including keeping track of your descaling schedule. It has you test your water hardness and program it in so it can remind you when you should descale. I haven’t had to run any maintenance on it yet but it seems like everything is basically fully automated for it.
Auto Standby
I can’t say if this goes into a real low power mode or what but it has a standby feature. After 1 or 4 hours it will standby. I think it just turns the heating off. Turning the warming tray off is optional.
Scheduling
It has a scheduling feature to set wake up and power off times for separate days.
Be aware!
The first few shots might suck. My first shot was 90% water with a dirty color to it. It took a few shots before the machine put out good shots. Not sure if this was a fluke or just my machine or just the machine calibrating but after about 3 failed shots they were all good.
I did not buy this product on Amazon but I use amazon a lot and wanted to put a review up. I did not purchase it with the milk island. The milk island was quite unnecessary. I do not recommend buying the machine with the milk island if you can get it without the island for a better price.
My wife & I have had several coffee/espresso makers over 30 years. We were coffee drinkers before it became popular here in the greater Seattle area. However, this is the most I have ever spent on a coffee/espresso maker. We have had this espresso machine now since January 2010, today is June 1, 2010. A period of time with everyday use is the best judge of any product. This product takes very little skill to make a great cup of coffee, easy to use, easy to clean. After the first week, we placed our drip coffee maker in storage. We thought at first we would use both drip/espresso coffee makers. Forget it! Ditch the drip machine! This machine makes as good or better espresso than what we can buy from our local coffee stand. I have made cofffee/espresso for friends & relatives and they like the coffee way better than drip. We never spent over $100 on a machine until we bought this, but if you like coffee it is well worth the expense for the latte’s this machine produces. Use a fine grind for best results.
If you make regular stops for coffee (we never have) you could pay for this in 5 months. That is; 5 coffee stops a week X 20 average a month X $3 a cup = $60. Cost to buy $299 divided by 60 = 5 months. For a single stop for 1 person a day, so double the benifit for 2 people makes the break even point in 2 1/2 months.
I highly recomend this great product.
This machine is a clunky, poorly built, waste of money. I’ve owned it for about a year and a half and am desperately in search of a new machine. The “semi automatic” tamper works only about half the time. The other times it allows the fresh brew to dump into the waste box. The gear on the top rusts after about 6 months or so, causing constant scraping and cleaning to be required. Additionally, the frothing arm is WAY too short to work in a reasonable size frothing cup, and it only heats (to 160 deg.) one cup (8 oz.) of milk at a time; and only AFTER you brew coffee – so forget about making hot chocolate.
I have tried to make this machine work well and ‘tweak’ how I make coffee to have minimal hassle, but this machine is flatly too poorly designed to work well constantly. Don’t waste your money.
Our machine broke four times within the first few months with careful use. Customer service is rude (Mr. Rodriguez, Colleen,…) and refuses to send replacement while the machine is being repaired yet again. If you’re not prepared to go two week stretches without coffeemaker, then do NOT buy this machine.