Top 5 Super Automatic Espresso Machines over $2000 in 2012

Choosing a new super automatic espresso machine should have some degree of enjoyment to it. Certainly, shopping from your armchair, and choosing a great espresso machine for the money can be as easy as reading a few articles like this where someone has done all the legwork for you, looking for the best reviewed, top rated, and best-selling espresso machines for you to choose from.

The super automatic espresso machines listed today have been ranked from 1-5 based on real customer reviews we have found through hours of research in coffee forums and on merchants’sites. The most important things the actual rank was based on were convenience of use, design, versatility, quality and longevity and value for money. Getting the best bang for your money is important, but just as important is finding a espresso machine that you enjoy using.

So if you want to check out the top 5 super automatic espresso machines over $2000, read on. Enjoy shopping for your new super automatic espresso machine.

#1 Saeco Xelsis Digital ID

The Saeco Xelsis Digital ID is an espresso machine for serious coffee lovers who want to have all of the capabilities of a professional-grade espresso bar in their own kitchen. Like many other high end espresso machines, the Saeco Xelsis can make a variety of coffee drinks. Whether you want to make a regular cup of coffee, espresso, a latte or cappuccino or just hot water for your tea, the Xelsis does it all. The machine features six user customizable user profiles (each of which can include up to six custom drinks); all of which can be controlled through the Xelsis’ easy to use touch screen display.

Cappucino and latte lovers have had especially kind words for the Saeco Xelsis Digital ID; the machine has a separate milk circuit for steaming and frothing milk. Milk is steamed in an external carafe and dispensed directly into your cup automatically. Users report that it’s easy to clean – something which isn’t always the case with home espresso machines. At around $2,800 from many retailers, the Saeco Xelsis isn’t exactly cheap, but its ease of use and maintenance, elegant looks and high performance have made it a favorite with many coffee aficionados.

Why does this super automatic machine edge out its competitors? It’s simple enough; it’s versatility, ease of use and of course, the quality of the coffee that the Xelsis brews place this model firmly at the top of the super automatic espresso machine heap.

CLICK HERE for the Saeco Xelsis Digital ID  sale on Amazon.com

#2 De Longhi ESAM6700 Gran Dama

De Longhi coffee machines are widely known among coffee lovers for their quality and the company’s ESAM6700 model, their latest high end super automatic model won’t disappoint De Longhi fans. The ESAM6700 uses a digital touch screen user interface which makes it easy to program; this model offers 4 different cup sizes, 5 strength settings as well as adjustable temperature, start times and others.

The ESAM6700’s single touch milk steaming system is easy to use (the included 27 ounce milk tank is easy to insert and remove) and an automatic cleaning function reduces maintenance. This is certain to be welcome news to fans of cappuccino, macchiato and lattes; the machine’s drip tray can be flipped up to fit latte cups with ease as well.

One feature which users have raved about is the Direct to Brew system, which includes grinding just enough coffee for your drink, ensuring the freshest possible coffee. The De Longhi ESAM 6700’s adjustable conical burr grinder produces an even grind for full flavor extraction and eliminates the need for a separate grinder while saving users time.

Not only can this model make espresso, cappuccino and other espresso-based coffee drinks; the machine’s long coffee menu option extends the brewing time to produce a drip-style cup. A hot water spout is also included for tea and other hot drinks. The ESAM6700’s removable 60 ounce water tank is quick and easy to fill and its instant reheat function keeps things at just the right temperature, even if it’s been a couple of hours in between cups; many users have noted their appreciation of this thoughtful feature. This model generally retails as close to $3,000, though serious coffee lovers will likely see this super automatic coffee machine as a worthwhile investment in their coffee.

While the ESAM’s Direct to Brew system has earned it a lot of praise from espresso lovers and has a lot to offer the coffee aficionado, its somewhat higher price has kept it from being adopted by some. It’s a great machine, to be sure, as are all of the models on this list, but it was beaten by a nose by the Saeco Xelsis.

CLICK HERE for the De Longhi ESAM6700 Gran Dama sale on Amazon.com

#3 Jura Impressa J9 One Touch Coffee Machine

The Jura Impressa J9 seems to have been designed ground up for ease of use. The machine’s rotary-style selector can be dialed to the desired drink and then it’s literally as easy as pushing a button. However, that’s not all that sets this model apart from other higher end super automatic espresso machines; Jura is known for its light, fine foamed milk and this model doesn’t disappoint. The cappuccino spout is fully adjustable, although some users have reported that they would prefer that it be situated a little higher on the machine. The steaming system includes an insulated milk cup which keeps milk cold for hours (as long as eight hours when full).

While users uniformly report that the Impressa makes excellent coffee, there are some design issues that prospective buyers should be aware of beforehand. The J9’s water carafe is accessible from a compartment on the top of the machine, which means that it might not be the ideal machine for kitchen counters with cabinets mounted above. The water level in the carafe is also not visible during use; there is a low water level indicator, but this does not appear until the water level is less than eight ounces, which may cause problems for some users. Some users also find the large amount of plastic in the unit to be somewhat unappealing, although it’s integrated into what even its detractors admit is a very attractive design.

The Impressa J9 features an automatic cleaning feature, with periodic reminders to users when it’s time for a cleaning. Users simply add a cleaning tablet (also available from Jura) into the coffee funnel and run a cleaning cycle.

With a wealth of useful features, this is a solid choice. However, it’s somewhat annoying (if relatively minor) drawbacks and look have kept this model from making it to the very top of this list.

CLICK HERE for the Jura Impressa J9 sale on Amazon.com

#4 Gaggia Accademia

The Gaggia Accademia is certainly one of the more aesthetically appealing models in the super automatic category, with its stainless steel front panel and thoroughly modern design. However, what coffee lovers will be more interested in are its ease of use and performance. The Accademia includes all of the features that you would expect from a super automatic from one of the leading manufacturers: a built in burr grinder and bean hopper, adjustable dispenser which accommodates cups of up to 6 ½” and programmable one-touch controls for espresso, steamed or frothed milk and hot water.

There are also some features which not every super automatic out there can boast of, such as the Accademia’s pre-brewing system, designed to maximize flavor extraction and its fully adjustable controls for water, milk and coffee in each drink as well as its color screen and sturdy construction. The Accademia also includes an automatic cleaning function which rinses the brewing system and cleans the milk frothing container after every use for exceptionally easy cleaning and maintenance and optimal flavor. The brew group on the Accademia is also easily removable for cleaning. There is also an integrated Mavea water filter which removes off flavors from tap water (like chlorine).

User complaints about the machine have been relatively minor. The Accademia has a small water tank (about 48 ounces) compared to some other super automatics as well as a small grounds drawer, so users may find themselves emptying out spent coffee grounds slightly more often. However, at a cost of around $2,400, lower than many other high end super automatic machines, it performs exceptionally well and makes coffee to rival nearly any other machine available.

The Gaggia Accademia is an excellent machine for its price and it has some very dedicated fans out there. So why isn’t it more highly rated by users? It’s the small water tank and grounds drawer, largely – at least for the serious espresso drinker, this machine requires a little more work on a day to day basis. However, it makes excellent coffee and is well worth considering for the espresso lover on a budget or someone who doesn’t mind refilling the water tank and doing a little extra cleaning.

CLICK HERE for the Gaggia Accademia sale on Amazon.com

#5 Jura Impressa Z7 One-Touch Automatic Coffee Center

Jura has staked out a healthy share of the super automatic market with its machines and like other models in the Impressa range, the Z7 has its share of fans. With an adjustable spout which accommodates cups of up to 6”, a well designed brewing system which creates perhaps the most aromatic crema of any Jura machine, energy saving features and a pre-heating system to ensure optimal temperature for every drink, the Z7 has a lot to offer coffee lovers.

A conical, multi-level integrated burr grinder and 15 bar pump guarantee barista-quality espresso and ristretto and coffee strength, water and temperature are all user-programmable. What many users talk about with this model are its looks; its curved lines and aluminum front panel give this machine a sleek, modern look. There is also a cup illumination feature; hardly a necessity, but definitely a nice touch for what is decidedly a luxurious super automatic machine at a price of over $3,000 at most retailers. Some users have reported that this model required more maintenance than they expected, including major repairs, although these seem to be isolated incidents.

The Jura Impressa Z7 rounds out our list. It may have come in last on this very exclusive list, but it still beats out many other super automatics on the market. It’s easy to use, looks great and offers plenty of customization. However, given the (albeit isolated) reports of maintenance issues and high price tag, it didn’t quite manage to beat out the other four models on this list, as good as it is.

CLICK HERE for the Jura Impressa Z7 sale on Amazon.com

 

Category: articles, Guide to buy