What is an Automatic Espresso Machine and Are There Different Types

There are three varieties of automatic espresso machine, the semi automatic, the full automatic and the super automatic espresso machine. 

When using a semi automatic espresso machine it requires the partial participation of the user, whilst  a full automatic or super automatic does not require any operator to use it.  The automatic espresso machines are often much larger and pricer  because of their heightened complexity. 

These machines will brew the espresso completely on its own using a co-ordinating system of water, grinders and extractors.  Below we look a little more in depth at these machines.

1.  Semi Automatic
These machines are automatic in the sense that water is delivered by a pump rather than by manual force and the remaining brew pressure is then dissipated with a 3 way valve.  With this machine you will need to grind the coffee, dose and tamper the filter basket manually and you will also control the brew volume manually as well which is why these machines are known as semi-automatic espresso machines.

2.  Automatic
These machines are very similar to a semi-automatic but they have a flowmeter installed inline with the grouphead and so when the programmed amount of water has flowed through the flowmeter the pump is automatically turned off and any brew pressure will be released through a three way solenoid valve.

3.  Super Automatic
These machines are completely automatic as they grind the coffee, tamp it down and extract the espresso in much the same way as an automatic machine does, but the difference between the two automatic machines is that this one is completely self contained and all you need to do with it is fill the bean hopper and water reservoir.  But there are some super automatic espresso machines which are fully plumbed in and draw their water into the machine from this source so there is no need to have a water reservoir.  After the machine has finished brewing it will automatically dispose of the spent grinds into a collection container.  Many of these machines now come with coffee dosing, water flow and shot temperature adjustability and many models now also come with an automated milk frothing device.  These super automatic models are now becoming increasingly popular for the home but because of the automated nature they may produce a lower quality coffee than that which is produced by a skilled coffee operator.

Some comes how now produced an automatic espresso machine which can be built in to your kitchen and are fast becoming a firm favorite for people who want an espresso machine but don't want it sitting on a work top taking up value space.