Our Kitchen Lab's New Favorite Type of Espresso Machine
Automatic espresso machines grind, brew and make frothy drinks all with the press of a button.
Tested by Jamie UedaContributing Writer and Analyst
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One of the first categories I tested when I started at Good Housekeeping six years ago was espresso machine. We didn't even have a story on our website that I could update at the time — it was completely new! Now, it's one of our top-searched stories and the category has changed tremendously.
At the time, I focused on semi-automatic and automatic options: semi-automatic espresso machines grind and dose the beans for you, and then you press a button to brew it on the other side of the machine with a portafilter, while automatic options brewed it all at once. Now, more and more fully automatic espresso machines, which can even brew a cappuccino or a latte without having to froth the milk separately, have made their way to the market and I. Am. Obsessed.
In the Good Housekeeping Institute's Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab, my team and I have tested more than 60 espresso machines since 2019. In our tests, we assess how well and consistently each machine can brew espresso and froth a variety of milks as well as ease of use and cleanup. Here are the three fully automatic espresso machines I'd recommend the most.
Best for switching between coffee beans
De'Longhi Rivelia Automatic Espresso Machine with Grinder and Milk Frother
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Pros
- Makes full-bodied espresso and coffee
- Has a large, color touchscreen
- Offers many customizable drink options
Cons
- Large
- Drip trays must be emptied often
I used to swear by Nespresso's Vertuo machine. I loved how easy it was to brew a delicious cup of espresso or coffee, consistently achieving great results with minimal cleanup. Then, I tried this machine in an effort to switch to fresh coffee beans, and I was hooked.
Our lead espresso machine tester highlighted the full-bodied taste of the espresso in her reports, as well as the machine's consistency. She also commented on how nice and customizable the screen was. I didn't realize how valuable this feature was until I started using it myself: Not only can you pick from 12 different drink options by just touching the color icon on the screen, but you can also adjust the body, number of shots and type of milk (dairy or plant-based) all on the same menu. If you're particular, you can also adjust the strength of your drink, the temperature, the amount of espresso, the amount of milk and even the order in which the espresso and milk are brewed.
I love the clean, full-bodied taste of the espresso and how easily I've been able to experiment with different types of beans. Multiple family members have also been pleased with it, including my parents, who prefer light coffee, whereas I prefer dark. My dad called his coffee "one of the best" I ever made him.
TAKE NOTE: The downside? These types of machines rinse themselves often, once when they warm up and then right before they shut down. It helps keep your drinks tasting fresh, but it means you need to empty the trays pretty often. (I frequently keep a cup underneath the spout to limit how often I need to empty the whole tray.) You also need to empty the ground frequently to prevent mold growth.
This machine is quieter compared to other grind-and-brews, but note that these types of machines are generally quite loud.
| Dimensions | 18.5" x 10.2" x 14.3" |
| Number of drink options | 12 |
| Special features | Removable hopper, colored touchscreen, Quiet Mark certification |
| Pump pressure | 15–18-BARs |
| Water reservoir capacity | 74 oz |
Pros
- Great price
- Can froth milk right into your cup
- Makes delicious espresso with a nice crema
Cons
- Minimal drink options
Fully automatic espresso machines are expensive across the board — but if you’re willing to put in a little extra work, such as pouring your own milk into your cup for cappuccinos and lattes, the price of the Bosch 300 is worth it.
This model costs over $1,000 less than its competitors, yet still maintains the same look and feel. Plus, we like how the milk frother is built into the center of the machine’s design (versus the side like most other espresso machines), so you can froth your milk right in your cup.
The overall system is a bit slimmer than others. We also appreciate that the front of the machine opens like a door, allowing you to empty the waste container and clean the interior easily.
In our tests, it made consistent amounts of espresso with a good amount of crema that had a dark, golden honey color. You can easily adjust the strength of your drink, and the buttons are responsive.
TAKE NOTE: It features a more limited drink selection than others, but the essentials (espresso, coffee, cappuccino, latte/macchiato and milk) are there. As with most espresso machines we’ve tested, the temperature of the espresso got hotter as we brewed more.
| Dimensions | 16.5" x 9.75" x 14.88" |
| Number of drink options | 5 |
| Special features | In-cup milk frother, touchscreen buttons |
| Pump pressure | 15-BARs |
| Water reservoir capacity | 47.3 oz |
De'Longhi Rivelia Automatic Espresso Machine with Grinder and Milk Frother
De'Longhi Rivelia Automatic Espresso Machine with Grinder and Milk Frother
Pros
- Slim design
- Comes with two espresso bean hoppers
- Has a color touchscreen
Cons
- Changing beans function is hidden in screen's menu
I loved De’Longhi’s Dinamica when I first tested it, and recommended it for ages. Then, De’Longhi just came out with a new one, the Rivelia, at the same price point, which makes great espresso and offers updated features.
This unit is slim, featuring a water reservoir on the side (instead of inside the machine) for easy filling. It has a crisp, color control panel with 18 drink options. Its most unique feature? It comes with two hoppers, allowing you to switch out the beans without wasting any or finding a place to store them (each hopper comes with its own lid). While many machines have a ground coffee setting for those who prefer a different type of coffee, such as decaf or flavored, this feature ensures that no one has to skimp on quality.
It took me barely any time to figure out how to make espresso in this machine, and I quickly appreciated the rich taste and creamy crema. You can easily customize your drink on the touchscreen by selecting the size and strength of your choice. Plus, you can create user profiles so it remembers your settings, and even adjusts them based on the time of day.
I especially like the milk frother on this unit, which is attached to the front and doesn’t take up any extra space. You can store it in the fridge, and it’s easy to clean.
TAKE NOTE: It took me a couple of tries to figure out how to swap out the bean hoppers without spilling them — the function was hidden in the screen's menu.
| Dimensions | 17" x 9.75" x 14.75" |
| Number of drink options | 18 |
| Special features | Comes with two bean hoppers, color touchscreen, can walk you through recipes |
| Pump pressure | 15-BARs |
| Water reservoir capacity | 47 oz |
Others we tested
- In addition to our best value pick, Bosch makes a high-end, fully automatic espresso machine that we've awarded a Coffee & Tea Award to. It's top of the line, featuring a large screen and an extensive selection of drinks, including international options. It's a little wider than the picks on our list.
- Jura was one of the earliest brands to produce fully automatic espresso machines, offering many options to choose from. We’ve tested several that we like, including the EN4 and the E6. The EN4 is slim and makes a good espresso; it has limited drink options. The E6 is larger; the control panel takes just a second to get used to and isn't as advanced as some others on the market. We like that Jura’s machines are compatible with a cooling milk container.
- One of Jura's latest models is the S8, which offers 27 drink options and features a pod that can be used to sweeten the milk foam with syrup. Our testers love it; however, it comes with a hefty price tag.
- Miele’s CM7750 still stands out to me for making the silkiest frothed milk and rich coffee, but it’s super pricey and has basic controls.
- Phillips makes several fully automatic espresso machines at a lower price point than competitors. We’ve touted their LatteGo numerous times for being a great value and easy to clean – all parts of the milk container are dishwasher-safe. It just didn’t make the hottest or strongest espresso. Their newest model offers more drink options and a more advanced display at a higher price point.
- The Terra Kafe delivers a good espresso and has numerous drink functions that are easy to choose from. It’s a bit bulky and boxy, and it randomly emitted steam (likely to clean itself) that could be potentially dangerous to kids and pets.
How we test fully automatic espresso machines
Every time we test a product in the Kitchen Appliances Lab, we consider the performance and ease of use.
To assess the performance:
- We time how long it takes for the machine to heat.
- We test how consistently it brews by making three shots of espresso and recording the time it takes, the temperature and the volume.
- We assess the taste and crema.
- We brew cappuccinos and lattes, paying special attention to the texture of the milk, and froth a variety of milks.
We score ease-of-use features like:
- The control panel
- Whether the removable parts are dishwasher-safe
Overall, it’s important for the machine to not only make a delicious espresso, but for it to be consistent and easy to use.
People often ask what we do with the products after testing: They go to a good home for long-term testing, where we can survey consumers about their experience years later. This is where some of our most valuable feedback comes from!
What to look for when shopping for a fully automatic espresso machine
✔️ Size: Most fully automatic espresso machines have a large footprint. Some are a little slimmer than others, but I recommend checking the dimensions before making a purchase.
✔️ Type of hopper: Some machines have the hopper built into the top for a flush look, while others have a transparent lid or some even stick out on top. These factors can affect the height and how it fits under your countertop. The size of the hopper also affects how many beans your machine can hold at a time.
✔️ Size of water reservoir: A smaller reservoir means more refills, but it also means fresher-tasting coffee.
✔️ Control panel: The type of control panel will influence how much a fully automatic espresso machine costs. One with buttons versus a screen will cost less, but that also means it’ll offer fewer customizable features. A larger, more advanced screen makes the overall experience nicer and more seamless, but it comes at a cost.
✔️ Types of drinks: All espresso machines make espresso, and many have a frothing wand so you can make cappuccinos, lattes, Americanos and more using your own recipe. Basic fully automatic espresso machines can make these with a single touch of a button, while the more advanced ones can make different types of drinks, too, like cortados, macchiatos, flat whites and more using built-in recipes. Some even make true American coffee.
✔️ Milk container: My favorite milk containers are the ones that connect directly to the machine, so you don’t have to worry about using a skinny, flexible straw you can potentially lose. If the machine you want uses a straw system, it’s helpful to know that most machines have a rinsing system, so any residue will have a harder time building up. (And, the Kitchenaid’s straw stores right on the machine!) I also like milk containers that allow you to store milk securely in the fridge.
✔️ Dishwasher-safe parts: The drip trays on fully automatic espresso machines fill up often because they rinse themselves to heat and before turning off. The grounds also gather in the waste container. Being able to toss these parts in the dishwasher has been a lifesaver, helping to eliminate strong odors.
Tips to keep in mind
- Fully automatic espresso machines are pricey, but they do it all — they grind, they brew, they froth milk.
- They’re big, but I think a good one is worth the counter space.
- They can be loud (since they grind beans every time).
- They rinse themselves with water to heat up and before shutting down, which causes the drip tray to fill up pretty often.
- The used grounds can mold in the waste container — remember to empty it often, especially if you don’t plan on using it for a while.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Nicole Papantoniou is the director of the Kitchen Appliances Lab where she oversees all testing and content related to kitchen appliances. She started testing espresso machines at Good Housekeeping in 2019 and worked with them beforehand when she worked at a kitchen appliance brand. She loves good coffee and has converted to only drinking espresso a couple of years ago. Brewing espresso has to be easy for her and the cleanup has to be minimal — or extremely worth it.
Jamie Ueda has been testing espresso machines for Good Housekeeping for at least three years now. She’s taken coffee and espresso courses from the SCA (Specialty Coffee Association) in brewing, barista skills and sensory tasting, and is a returning judge in our Coffee & Tea Awards.
Jamie Ueda (she/her) is a contributing writer and analyst in the Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen & Cooking Lab, where she has tested coffee and espresso machines, baking gadgets, dinnerware, ice cream makers, and other kitchen products since 2021. She has completed Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) coursework to further her expertise in coffee evaluation and brewing science.
With a background in engineering and design, she spent more than a decade developing consumer products in senior roles at both mid-sized companies and global brands before bringing that expertise to product testing and reviews. Her work has appeared in Forbes, CNN, The Wall Street Journal, and USA Today.
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