7 Best Super-Automatic Espresso Machines Under $1,000 in 2024

This is an overview of the best super-automatic espresso machines under $1,000. Keep reading to learn more.

I’ve grown to love super-automatic espresso makers and want one for myself. However, they usually cost over $1,000. That inspired me to create this list of more affordable makers of this type.

I chose the De’Longhi Dinamica as the best choice because it brews great coffee and espresso. Making it the best choice for anyone who wants variety with their caffeine fix.

De’Longhi Dinamica: Best Overall

• Price: $$$
• Dimensions: 9.3 × 16.9 × 13.7 in (D, W, H)
• Water Reservoir Size: 60.87 fl oz = 40 solo shots
• Boiler type: Thermoblock
• Warranty: 2 years
• Material: Stainless steel & plastic
• Milk: Steam wand

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I’ll compare all the best fully-automatic makers’ specs, pros and cons, and other information to help you determine whether they’re worth getting.

Read on to learn more.

Best Super-Automatic Espresso Machine Under $1,000 for Home & Business Use

1. De’Longhi Dinamica: Best overall
2. De’Longhi ECAM221: Most affordable
3. Gaggia Velasca Prestige One: Includes grinder
4. Gaggia Brera: Under $500
5. Philips 3200: Includes automatic milk frother
6. JURA ENA 4: Best splurge
7. Philips 4300 Series: Best machine, UK

Top Best Super-Automatic Espresso Machine Under $1,000

The following sections will cover each device’s specifications, advantages and disadvantages, who they’re best for, and other tidbits that help them stand out.

You’ll find a buying guide upon finishing this section. Use it to help determine whether you’re making the right purchasing decision. It covers every aspect you must consider when shopping for a fully-automatic (also super-automatic) espresso machine under $1,000.

If you’re looking for commercial models, you can find all our super-automatic espresso machines here.

Let’s get to it.

1. De’Longhi Dinamica: Best Overall

Price *	$$$
Dimensions	9.3 × 16.9 × 13.7 in (D, W, H)
Water Reservoir Size	60.87 fl oz = 40 solo shots
Boiler Type	Thermoblock
Warranty	2 years
Material	Stainless steel & plastic
Milk Frother or Steam Wand	Steam wand

The De’Longhi Dinamica (ECAM35020B) is the best choice for anyone who wants a robust machine that’ll heat quickly and a device to brew iced coffee.

Like almost all options on this list, it uses a thermoblock boiling system. Meaning your machine will heat in nearly 40 seconds [1]. However, you can’t brew drinks and froth milk simultaneously. Since thermoblock heaters won’t heat the brewing and steam units simultaneously.

You’d need a machine with a dual boiler for that. A feature that no automatic machine under $1,000 will include.

Despite my complaint about its high cost, it’s worth the money. You can’t beat all the features and its ability to brew coffee and espresso.

It uses a built-in stainless steel conical burr for grinding. And unlike most grinders, it does a great job at not retaining bean grinds inside the burrs. A pro for anyone who doesn’t want to clean their grinders as much.

The Dinamica is loud. I wouldn’t operate it when you have family or a roommate sleeping in the next room. It may also take a while to descale and clean your machine fully. As with most devices of this type.

I mentioned this thing also brews coffee. An excellent choice for anyone who gets sick of drinking espresso all the time.

Do you want iced coffee also? You chose the perfect machine. Press the “Over Ice” button, and it’ll brew a small amount of concentrated coffee. This coffee will retain its flavor even when diluted with melted ice.

This concentrated coffee allows you to place ice cubes over it without having a diluted drink.

Think of this machine as a 2-in-1 coffee and espresso maker with a built-in grinder. No other machines on this list will offer such a combination of features.

This device isn’t the most affordable pick. However, the next option may prove better for those on a budget.

2. De’Longhi Magnifica S: Most Affordable

Price *	$
Dimensions	9.4 × 17 × 13.8 in (D, W, H)
Water Reservoir Size	60.8 fl oz = 40 solo shots
Boiler Type	Thermoblock
Warranty	2 years
Material	Stainless steel & plastic
Milk Frother or Steam Wand	Steam wand

The De’Longhi Magnifica S (ECAM22110SB) is the best choice for anyone who wants an affordable super-automatic machine with easy-to-understand buttons.

It uses a thermoblock like most of the other machines. This boiler type heats fast (60 seconds) and can’t froth and brew simultaneously.

You won’t get pre-infusion, flat burrs, or other nifty features, but you’ll have something affordable. If you get it used or refurbished, which is what I included in the link. Even when buying new, it’s cheaper than many of the picks on this list.

The affordable price comes at a cost, though. The cheap-feeling plastic housing can’t withstand much wear and tear. However, that shouldn’t be an issue. So long as you don’t smack your espresso machines around.

It has no pre-programmed drink options (e.g., cappuccino). You can’t press a button, and it’ll automatically froth an ideal milk consistency and amount based on the drink chosen. You must do all this manually.

It has a typical stainless steel conical burr grinder. It’ll grind beans better than any blade grinder, but it won’t have as consistent grinds as flat burr grinders. The steel burrs will also last much longer than ceramic burrs. But they could heat up and cause flavor loss in your beans.

Speaking of the grinder, upon first glance, you may notice there’s no way to adjust your bean grind. You have to access that inside the bean hopper. If you have this device under a wall cabinet, it’ll prove painful to access.

I recommend keeping this on a table until you find an ideal bean grind consistency. From there, you won’t ever have to access this setting. Making it safe to keep under a cabinet. But what about the water reservoir?

The machine’s front-loading, which means you access the water tank and drip tray from the front. No need to reach behind your device to grab it like with most espresso makers. However, there’s no window that’ll show you the remaining water in your tank from the front.

The programmable timer is also a welcomed feature if you’re in need of a device that’ll brew before you wake up.

Do you want a machine with a better grinder? Check out the following recommendation.

3. Gaggia Velasca Prestige One: Best Super-Automatic Machine Under $1,000 With Grinder

Price *	$$
Dimensions	17 × 10.25 × 13.5 (D, W, H)
Water Reservoir Size	54 fl oz = 36 solo shots
Boiler Type	Thermoblock
Warranty	2 years
Material	Plastic
Milk Frother or Steam Wand	Frother

The Gaggia Velasca Prestige One is ideal for anyone who wants great-tasting espresso, where every aspect of the operation is automated.

Again, it uses a thermoblock heater. It heats quickly and cannot froth milk and brew coffee simultaneously.

The machine offers excellent value with its reasonable price point and inclusion of high-end features.

For instance, it uses flat ceramic burrs instead of stainless steel conical ones. Flat burrs result in a more even grind, which leads to better-tasting coffee. Ceramic burrs won’t overheat and cause flavor loss like stainless steel ones.

However, they’re a bit weaker.

If, for instance, a pebble gets into your beans, it could cause the ceramic burr to crack and require a replacement. Ensure you thoroughly inspect your beans for debris that could damage your burrs.

It also includes pre-infusion. A rare feature to see in machines around this price point. Pre-infusion will gently wet your beans before brewing to maximize flavor extraction.

Does it make a difference? Yeah. One of my family members has a Gaggia, and it produces some of the best espresso I’ve had from a super-automatic maker.

I’m not too fond of the lack of pre-programmed drink options. There’s espresso, lungo, and cappuccino. No lattes, macchiatos, or flat whites. However, at this price point, I wouldn’t expect too much.

This machine uses an automatic milk frother instead of a steam wand. Based on the button pressed, it’ll automatically froth and dispense milk into your drink. For instance, choosing the cappuccino button will dispense the right amount of milk commonly found in this drink type.

An excellent feature for anyone in a hurry who wants a milk-based espresso drink.

But it’s a terrible “perk” for anyone who wants control over their milk’s texture. You are choosing a super-automatic machine, though. The name states you’re sacrificing control for automation.

Lastly, the machine is front-loading. You access the water tank, espresso puck bin, and drip tray from the front. A perfect addition to any kitchen with wall cabinets. Since you won’t need to reach over your machine to refill your water tank.

But you’ll still need to open the coffee bean hopper lid, which requires several inches of vertical clearance.

Do you need a cheaper machine? Check out the next pick.

4. Gaggia Brera: Best Super-Automatic Machine Under $500

Price *	$
Dimensions	10.08 × 12.4 × 17.6 in (D, W, H)
Water Reservoir Size	40 fl oz = 26 solo shots
Boiler Type	Thermoblock
Warranty	1 year
Material	Plastic
Milk Frother or Steam Wand	Steam wand

The Gaggia Brera is best for anyone with ample kitchen space searching for an affordable super-automatic espresso maker.

It uses a thermoblock heating system that heats in 60 or fewer seconds, yet can’t froth milk and brew coffee simultaneously.

It’s worth the money, considering you’re getting a fully-automatic espresso machine for less than $500. A machine that’s not a knockoff.

Part of the lower price point comes from Gaggia’s decision to use a cheap-feeling plastic as the machine’s casing. Don’t smack your machine, and it shouldn’t have any issues.

However:

There’s not much you can do about the machine’s loud operation. Since, like almost all low-end and intermediate machines, it uses a vibration pump, not a rotary one. Don’t operate it in the early hours unless folks in your home are heavy sleepers.

Though this machine’s under $500, it includes flat ceramic burrs. That’s awesome, since these burrs produce better-tasting coffee than their conical steel counterparts. Thanks to its ability to grind beans to a more even consistency.

It also includes pre-infusion, a feature that’ll wet beans with low pressure before brewing. This allows the machine to extract more flavor. Resulting in a better-tasting drink.

I should have placed this one as the best, but it’s not as robust as my number 1 choice.

It includes a steam wand, which gives you more control over your milk’s texture. However, it won’t automatically froth it for you. The next pick will, though.

5. Philips 3200: Best Super-Automatic Machine Under $1,000 With Automatic Milk Frother

Price *	$$
Dimensions	10 × 14 × 17 in (D, W, H)
Water Reservoir Size	12 cups
Boiler Type	Single
Warranty	1 year
Material	Plastic
Milk Frother or Steam Wand	Frother

The Philips 3200 is best for anyone who wants a somewhat affordable super-automatic espresso maker that’ll automatically froth milk.

It uses a single boiler, which means it’ll take several minutes to boil. This heating type also cannot froth milk and brew coffee simultaneously. You’d need a dual boiler or a single boiler with a heat exchanger.

Both heating unit types would make these machines cost much more.

Otherwise, you’re getting a good deal, considering all the machine’s features.

For instance, it includes pre-infusion. If you haven’t read the prior sections, it’ll gently wet coffee beans to improve flavor extraction. The same goes for the choice of ceramic burrs over stainless steel ones.

Ceramic burrs won’t heat beans to such high temperatures that could result in flavor loss. Giving you a more flavorful drink. I hate that they placed the grind consistency adjuster inside the hopper.

If you have a wall cabinet, there’s no way you will adjust this thing on a countertop. I recommend placing it on a coffee cart or a table and testing different consistencies until you find one. From there, you’ll never need to adjust it again. Then you could keep it on a countertop.

The machine’s narrow width and depth allow it to fit in most small kitchens, studio apartments, and maybe motorhomes.

My other complaint comes from the automatic milk frother’s “automatic” feature. It gives you no manual control over your milk’s texture. However, if you want this specific machine, you’re not getting it to manually texture your milk.

You’ll enjoy the next pick if you don’t care about frothing milk.

6. JURA ENA 4: Best High-End Super-Automatic Machine Under $1,000

Price *	$$$
Dimensions	17.5 × 10.7 × 12.7 in (D, W, H)
Water Reservoir Size	36.8 fl oz = 24 solo shots
Boiler Type	Thermoblock
Warranty	2 years
Material	Plastic
Milk Frother or Steam Wand	Neither

The JURA ENA 4 is best for Americano lovers or folks with separate milk frothers.

It uses a thermoblock water heater, which’ll heat your machine in less than a minute.

Despite its high price point and lack of a milk frother, it’s an excellent value for espresso lovers since it optimizes flavor extraction.

That’s thanks to its Pulse Extraction Process (P.E.P). It optimizes extraction conditions and times for each drink to give you the best-tasting espresso possible. The Aroma G3 grinder will funnel beans through your machine quickly to reduce flavor loss caused by steel burrs.

Steel burrs typically heat up to high temperatures and can burn your beans. But that’s not the case with this machine due to the aforementioned feature. Speaking of grinders, it’s a conical grinder.

I expected flat burrs for this price point, which result in more consistent grinds, but this is fine.

Speaking from experience, I don’t like the way they designed their water reservoir. It’s a bit of a pain to remove since it’s sticky at the bottom. Maybe after you’ve had the machine for a year or 2 it’ll become easier to remove.

While a nice feature, the automatic shut-off could prove inconvenient for anyone who wants to make espresso later in the day and doesn’t want to wait for their machine to heat up again. But it’ll save you money on your power bill.

The machine’s narrow width makes it an ideal candidate for small kitchens. The ability to access its water reservoir, pucks bin, and drip tray from the front makes it perfect to place under cabinets.

And it has a straightforward user interface. Select your brew strength, cup size, and power on/off. That’s all.

Want something more complex? Or do you want a milk frother? Check out the final pick.

7. Philips 4300 Series: Best Super-Automatic Machine Under $1,000, UK

Price *	$$$
Dimensions	‎43.31 × 24.59 × 37.21 cm (D, W, H)
Water Reservoir Size	1.8 l = 40 solo shots
Boiler Type	Single
Warranty	2 years
Material	Plastic
Milk Frother or Steam Wand	Frother

The Philips 4300 LatteGo is best for anyone in the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and other countries because of Philips’ wide-reaching warranty policy.

It uses a single boiler, which means it’ll take a while to heat (several minutes). It also can’t brew coffee and froth milk at the same time. Since it has a single heating element.

Despite the lack of a double boiler, this machine’s worth the cost due to all the included features and how it improves upon the 3200 model I mentioned.

For starters, it makes 7 drinks, versus the 5 drinks the 3200 makes. If you’re looking for something that’ll brew coffee and espresso, get this model.

The milk frother will automatically dispense the amount you’d need per each drink chosen. Here’s an example. Cappuccinos have a 1:1:1 ratio of steamed milk, frothed milk, and espresso. Then, macchiatos have a 1:2 milk-coffee ratio.

The frother will automatically deal these amounts to your cup.

While admirable, the machine’s a bit of a pain to clean, thanks to all the extra components. After cleaning, milk will spill through the bottom if you don’t press the parts against each other tightly enough.

I welcome the ceramic burr grinder because it won’t result in the flavor loss that often comes with stainless steel burr grinders. As they tend to burn coffee beans.

Like with many machines on this list, the grind consistency knob lies inside the hopper. A pain to access if you’re placing this machine under wall cabinets.

Lastly, this machine doesn’t offer precise temperature adjustments. There’s high, medium, and low. Not ideal if you want more control over your drink.

That’s it for machine reviews. Learn whether you’re making the right choice with our buyer’s guide.

How to Choose the Best Super-Automatic Espresso Machine (Buying Guide)

Consider the following factors when shopping for a fully-automatic espresso machine under $1,000:

The following sections will dive further into each criterion mentioned in the table above. I’ll provide examples when possible and specific numbers if applicable. For instance, with espresso machine pressure, I’ll cover ideal numbers to look out for.

Read on to learn more.

1. Features

Keep an eye out for these features when shopping for a super-automatic espresso maker under $1,000:

Using any of these added features will make your life easier by reducing the time it takes to clean, maintain, and operate your espresso machine. For instance, adjustable strength and temperature will impact your espresso’s taste.

Most fully-automatic espresso machines under the $1,000 point will include one-button brewing, removable components, and built-in grinders. From what we’ve seen on this list, many will also include automatic milk frothers.

If you find a machine that includes pre-infusion, you have a winner. This feature sprays water over your beans at a low pressure to help extract more flavors. A critical feature in determining your coffee’s taste.

Many super-automatic machines in this price range won’t include pre-infusion. But it’s something to keep an eye out for.

What kind of drinks can super-automatic espresso makers brew? Let’s find out in the next section.

2. Drinks It Can Make & Flavor

Super-automatic espresso machines under $1,000 will brew these drinks:

For the most part. If the machine doesn’t include a milk frother, then you’re limited to Americanos, doppio, ristretto, and lungo.

Most machines in this price point will include milk frothers or steam wands, which’ll allow you to brew any of the above drinks.

Once you brew these drinks, you may need to refill your machine’s water tank. Let’s talk about that more.

3. Water Tank Size

Water capacity is a critical feature when shopping for a super-automatic espresso maker under $1,000. Since it affects the machine’s size and the number of drinks you can brew before needing to refill.

Super-automatic espresso makers with larger water tanks are larger than machines with smaller ones. This is because they need more space to accommodate the larger tank.

However:

A larger water tank means you can brew more drinks before refilling it. Convenient if you have a large family or entertain often.

Machines with smaller reservoirs will usually lead to smaller machines, which fit better in small spaces. That’s not always the case, though. You’ll sometimes find large devices with many components and small reservoirs built in.

Your ideal water capacity will depend on your needs and preferences. If you have a large family or entertain often, get a machine with a larger water tank. You may want a machine with a smaller water tank if you have a small kitchen.

This next factor is more important than the rest. As it’ll affect your espresso’s taste.

4. Pump Pressure

9 bars of pressure is what you want for any espresso machine [2]. All super-automatic espresso machines under $1,000 should use at least 9 bars of pressure.

What’s the difference between 9 bars and 19 bars? Here’s a chart to clear things up:

• <7 bars: under-extracted; super sour
• 7–9 bars: Mild flavor & a bit sour
• 9 bars: sweet spot; balanced flavor & excellent starting point
• 15 bars: stronger-tasting drink, but not too bitter
• >15 bars: over-extracted drink; excessively bitter

Go below 7 bars, and you’ll under-extract your coffee [3]. More than 15 bars, and you’ll over-extract it.

Super-automatic machines will automatically apply pressure, unlike their manual counterparts. Making this factor not the most critical to consider, but it’s worth knowing.

You’ll sometimes find fully-automatic machines advertised at “19 bars.” These produce stronger-tasting drinks and often revert to using 9 bars.

Here’s a factor that will make a difference.

5. Price

Most super-automatic machines under $1,000 will start at a price point of $450. These devices will provide the essentials with fully-automatic brewing and usually include milk frothers or steam wands.

However:

You must consider these additional costs when shopping for machines:

• Filter replacements: Could skimp on this if you use filtered water.
• Electricity: More wattage equals higher electricity bill.
• Sales tax: Unescapable.
• Replacement parts: Manufacturers typically sell these on their sites.
• Coffee beans: You’ll always need these.
• Descaling materials: Vinegar or descaling solution.

Getting into espresso making isn’t cheap and requires a lot of additional expenses. For instance, you must descale your machine monthly or bi-monthly to prevent it from building up scale. Failure to do this will result in a damaged machine.

Here’s another factor that may impact your machine’s price.

6. Brand & Warranty

Machine brand choice is important because different brands offer different features, warranty lengths, and price points. Some brands may offer a wider range of features than others, while others may offer more affordable machines.

Here are examples of brands that make super-automatic espresso machines:

Varying warranty lengths are a vast difference among brands. For instance, Philips typically offers a 2-year warranty on their products. While Gaggia provides a 1 year.

What does a warranty do?

They typically cover manufacturer defects in materials and workmanship. This means that if the machine malfunctions due to a defect in the above, the manufacturer will repair or replace it for free.

The average warranty length for super-automatic espresso machines is 1 year. However, some brands offer more extended warranties. Up to 5 years in some cases. Your machines should outlive these warranties.

When searching for a brand, compare their warranty policies and what they cover. Afterward, scavenge reviews to see how reputable each brand is and whether they produce quality products.

Alongside quality, you’ll need a machine that’s easy to use and maintain. Let’s learn what’ll make it so.

7. Maintenance & Ease of Use

Maintenance and ease of use are critical factors to consider when shopping for a super-automatic espresso machine under $1,000 because they can impact your overall experience with the machine.

Super-automatic espresso machines have a lot of moving parts. This means they require regular maintenance to keep them running smoothly and produce high-quality coffee.

If a machine is difficult to maintain, you’re more likely to neglect it, which can lead to problems down the road.

If a machine is difficult to use, you’re less likely to use it regularly. This is especially true if you’re busy in the morning and have a little time to make a coffee drink.

Features or design choices that can make maintenance and ease of use easier:

• Removable brewing unit: Makes it easy to clean & inspect the machine.
• Automatic cleaning programs: Saves you time & effort by cleaning the machine automatically.
• Descaling alerts: Notifies you when the machine needs to be descaled, which helps to prevent limescale buildup & keep the machine running smoothly.
• Clear & concise controls: Makes it easy to operate the machine & make your desired coffee drink.
• Intuitive user interface: Makes it easy to learn how to use the machine & customize your settings.

Look for machines with features or design choices that make maintenance and ease of use easier. This will help you get the most out of your machine and enjoy your coffee more.

On top of having a machine that’s easy to use, you must ensure it’ll fit in your kitchen. That’s when this next factor comes into play.

8. Size

The best size for you will depend on your needs and preferences. If you have limited counter space or require a machine that is easy to move around, a smaller machine works better.

A larger machine may be a better choice if you want a machine with more features and can brew more drinks before refilling.

Larger super-automatic espresso makers often have more features than smaller machines. For example, they may have multiple boilers, built-in grinders with more grind settings, and more programmable settings.

They’re not ideal for buyers with limited space or low-hanging wall cabinets.

Smaller super-automatic espresso makers are a good choice for buyers with limited counter space. They are also easier to move around, which can be helpful if you need to store your machine.

Their compact nature comes at the cost of fewer features and smaller water reservoirs. Meaning, you must refill your water tank more regularly.

You’ll also need to consider the space between your countertop and the bottom of your wall cabinet. Most of the machines mentioned on this list are front-loading. Allowing you to access the water reservoir from the machine’s front.

However:

You’ll still need to access the bean hopper if your machine has a grinder, and the grinder adjustment knob if it’s inside the hopper. Many machines are at least 15” tall. Meanwhile, most wall cabinets have 18” clearance below them.

Opening the bean hopper lid will require several inches of vertical clearance to access, which may require moving the machine. I recommend placing the device on a table or coffee cart if possible. Otherwise, you’ll have trouble accessing it from the top.

That’s all for our buyer’s guide. Keep reading to see all the top choices compared one more time.

Our Verdict

Let’s review our top picks:

1. De’Longhi Dinamica: Brews coffee & espresso.
2. De’Longhi Magnifica S: Heats fast & has simple operation.
3. Gaggia Velasca Prestige: Uses flat ceramic burrs.

I chose the De’Longhi Dinamica as the best because it’s one of the few machines on this list that allows you to brew coffee and espresso drinks. Making it a perfect addition to any household who drinks various coffee beverages.

Footnotes:

* Machine prices may change at any time.

De’Longhi Dinamica: Best Overall

• Price: $$$
• Dimensions: 9.3 × 16.9 × 13.7 in (D, W, H)
• Water Reservoir Size: 60.87 fl oz = 40 solo shots
• Boiler type: Thermoblock
• Warranty: 2 years
• Material: Stainless steel & plastic
• Milk: Steam wand

Check Current Price