Best Super Automatic Espresso Machines Under $1000 In 2024

close up of espresso brewing into clear insulated cup from super automatic espresso machine

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If you’ve ever worked in an office with a fancy, one-touch, super automatic espresso machine for customers or employees, you know how impressive they are.

But buying a professional espresso machine for home use isn’t always the most practical or affordable move. Some of the best super automatic espresso machines will cost you well into the thousands and can be a bit labor-intensive to maintain (big yikes).

So what’s an espresso-obsessed, convenience-minded, budget-conscious homebrewer to do?

Fear not. For those of us who desperately need that bean-to-cup effortless dose of caffeine, we’ve rounded up our top picks for the best super automatic espresso machines under $1000.

If $1000 still feels a bit extravagant, we get it. Luckily, we have a fantastic machine on this list that will run you far less.

The Best Super Automatic Espresso Machines Under $1000:

Here is a quick round-up of our picks for the best super automatic espresso machines under $1000:

So, how did we select our picks for the best espresso machine for under 1000 bucks?

There are A LOT of espresso machines on the market. Shopping for the best options for your needs and budget can get a bit confusing.

For this round-up, we focused solely on fully automatic espresso machines versus semi-automatic or manual espresso machines. But if you’re shopping for the best espresso machine for under 1000 bucks and you’re okay with doing a little bit of work, a semi-automatic or manual machine can save you a considerable chunk of change.

So what are the differences between manual vs. semi-automatic vs. super automatic espresso machines?

Espresso brewing close up

Manual vs. Semi-Automatic vs. Super Automatic Espresso Machines

A manual espresso machine is just what it sounds like. It leaves all of the control over pulling a perfect shot of espresso up to the brewer.

To make espresso with a manual espresso machine, you pump a lever to achieve the pressure needed to brew the espresso. If breaking a sweat first thing in the morning isn’t your idea of a good time, a semi-automatic espresso machine might be a better option for you.

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A semi-automatic espresso machine allows you to retain some control over the brewing process but takes the actual grunt work out of it. Many of these machines come with features like manual milk steaming and temperature control but still allow you to grind and tamp the beans yourself.

(And yes, you should always grind your beans yourself vs. buying pre-ground espresso – more on that in a moment)

Barista grinding and tamping espresso into portafilter, Bars of pressure
The best manual espresso machine

A super automatic espresso machine (also referred to as fully automatic) is one that pretty much does all the work for you. It takes the espresso from bean to cup and handles the grinding, tamping, brewing, and, in many cases, milk steaming and cappuccino-creating.

Many super automatic espresso machines are one touch, meaning you press a button or two, and your perfectly crafted latte is ready in just moments. But this convenience comes with a hefty price tag.

Most super automatic espresso machines cost several thousand and are unrealistic for many homebrewers. 

So, while our search for the best super automatic espresso machine under $1000 may have only yielded a few noteworthy results, all are excellent machines worth considering.

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Super Automatic Espresso Machines Selection Criteria

To further narrow the focus, we looked at the following criteria when testing the best fully automatic espresso machine under 1000 bucks:

  • Price (um, duh)
  • Bars of pressure
  • Machine material
  • Ease of use
triple shot of espresso in glass cup on espresso machine tray

Price

For the purpose of this article, we focused on super automatic espresso machines under $1000. However, two of our picks are currently well below this mark

Any of these machines make a solid starting point for a super automatic espresso machine for home use and will afford you enough bells and whistles to make lattes and cappuccinos with ease.

Bars Of Pressure

So, how many bars of pressure are necessary for epic espresso? Anything less than 9 bars won’t produce the high-quality espresso you’re looking for.

Nine bars is the best pressure for espresso, but you’ll notice that several espresso machine manufacturers advertise 15 or more bars of pressure.

Is more pressure better for espresso?

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In a word, no. Remember that machines that advertise 15, 16, or 18 bars of pressure typically feature an internal restricting valve that prevents the machine from brewing at a level higher than 9 bars.

So, why advertise the higher pressure number? A cheap marketing ploy aimed at fooling consumers into falling into the “more is better” trap.

It’s not. Nine bars are perfect; more is not really more.

Material

High-end and commercial espresso machines are made with stainless steel. Many espresso machines for home use are made with plastic, unfortunately.

We tested and reviewed these machines for those built well with sturdy construction and solid parts.

While all of these machines feature some plastic, all are well-made and should hold up very well for the average homebrewer.

portafilter with ground coffee and wooden handle

Ease of use

The best fully automatic espresso machine under 1000 bucks should be relatively easy to operate, with a few buttons and a straightforward control panel. 

We included only those machines that grind, tamp, brew, and steam milk at the touch of a button. Machines without a milk steamer were not included here but are available if drinks with espresso and steamed milk aren’t your jam. 

Eliminating the milk steamer component will, in many cases, save you some dough.

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Pre-Ground Coffee vs. Freshly Ground

If you’re a person who prefers to buy pre-ground coffee, we beg you to consider changing your ways.

There are many reasons to avoid pre-ground coffee, but for the purposes of brewing espresso, here are the top three:

  1. The grind size of pre-ground coffee is too coarse for espresso
  2. Pre-ground coffee becomes stale much faster
  3. Buying pre-ground coffee limits brewers to only 1 or 2 brewing methods

Many super automatic espresso machines include a separate bay for pre-ground espresso. But we did not consider this feature when selecting our top picks for the best super automatic espresso machine under $1000.

We cannot recommend pre-ground espresso as it will never produce a high-quality shot. Always buy whole beans and store them in an airtight container away from sunlight. Grind only what you need just before brewing.

All 3 of the fully automatic espresso machines on our list will automatically grind the beans for you, so there is no need to buy pre-ground.

And if you’re looking for the best coffee beans for super automatic espresso machines, check out some of our favorite espresso beans.

The Best Super Automatic Espresso Machine Under $1000

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Philips 3200 Series Fully Automatic Espresso Machine W/Latte Go

The Philips 3200 Series is a fantastic value. It will brew a coffee, espresso, americano, cappuccino, or latte macchiato in seconds. The Philips 3200 has our favorite milk steamer of all the tested machines.

The milk steamer on this super automatic espresso machine lacks any tube, making it a snap to clean. It may be removed and stored in the refrigerator when unused and cleaned with a quick rinse in the sink or dishwasher.

This feature alone would have earned this machine a spot in our top picks for the best super automatic espresso machine under $1000, but this little beast doesn’t stop there.

The touch display is intuitive; the user may customize the brew strength and the temperature, and there are 12 grind settings. The grinder features ceramic burrs, which are incredibly durable and sure to last a very long time.

This machine is a fantastic choice for any homebrewer who wants convenience without sacrificing performance. The pros definitely outweigh the (very minor) cons. 

And at $799 at the time of writing, it’s a steal. It might just be the best espresso machine for under 1000 bucks, period.

Philips 3200 Series Summary:

Pros:

Cons:

- Intuitive control panel

- Easy to clean
- High-quality grinder
- 12 Grind settings
- Adjustable temperature & strength
- Milk steamer without tube


- Automatic shut off after 10-15 minutes
- Slow to warm up
- Cup holder won’t allow for tall mugs or travel mugs
- Plastic construction 

Gaggia Cadorna Prestige super automatic espresso machine

Gaggia Cadorna Prestige Super Automatic Coffee Machine

The Gaggia Cadorna Prestige is our second pick for the best super automatic espresso machine under $1000, replacing the Jura D6, which is no longer readily available. Coming in just below our $1,000 threshold at $979 (at the time of writing), this is the most expensive machine on the list.

But we’re willing to bet you never thought you could score a machine of this quality for less than $1,000. Gaggia has a stellar reputation for producing high-quality espresso machines; this beauty is no exception.

This Gaggia is the most customizable on our list, and we love that this machine will produce an exceptional espresso at the touch of an intuitive button. With a staggering 14 beverage options and four programmable user profiles, this machine will remember your entire family’s favorite concoctions.

Made in Italy, the Cadorna features flat ceramic burrs (no surprise from Gaggia), stainless steel and ABS construction, and a milk steamer that produces the best quality foam of any machine we tested. (even better than the Jura D6, which we loved) We have been consistently impressed with the ease and quality of the milk steaming function (an area where competitors seem to struggle).

We particularly like the look and feel of this machine on our kitchen counter and enjoy using the bright and intuitive touchscreen. It feels high-end and expensive despite its affordable price point. It is easy to maintain and prompts the user to start a self-cleaning rinse after every brew.

Gaggia even included a pre-ground bypass doser on the Cadorna. As we said earlier, this is of zero importance to us in a super automatic espresso machine, or any espresso machine for under 1000 bucks, but worth mentioning for those who desire the option of using ground coffee in lieu of whole-bean.

Gaggia Cadorna Prestige Summary:

Pros:

Cons:

- Partial stainless steel construction
- Bright, intuitive controls
- Exceptional milk foam
- Flat ceramic burrs
- Warms up quickly
- Automatic Pre-Infusion

- Bypass doser for pre-ground coffee can clog 
- Grinder slightly difficult to adjust

Delonghi Magnifica Evo with LatteCrema system

DeLonghi Magnifica Evo with LatteCrema System

Our final pick for the best super automatic espresso machine under $1000 is the DeLonghi Magnifica Evo with LatteCrema system. This impressive machine is also the least expensive option on our list.

But don’t let the lower price tag ($743 at the time of writing) fool you. This machine produces exceptional espresso and is the easiest of the three to clean and maintain (hello, dishwasher-safe parts).

Unlike its predecessor, the Magnifica Evo without the automatic milk system, this machine is a one-touch machine for milk-based beverages. If you prefer to steam the milk yourself and like more of a semi-automatic setup, opt for the Magnifica Evo.

There are seven pre-programmed types of espresso drinks at your disposal with this machine, including latte macchiato and iced coffee. So get creative! Maybe use whole milk for a flat white instead of your usual latte.

This DeLonghi machine features 13 grind settings, an intuitive control panel, and fully customizable settings that may be programmed for future use. Basically, this machine remembers your order and prepares it for you in a snap.

Overall, this is an attractive machine constructed of stainless steel and plastic and feels sturdy. You’d be hard-pressed to find a better machine at this price point.

DeLonghi Magnifica Evo with LatteCrema Summary:

Pros:

Cons:

- Easy to clean
- 13 grind settings
- Customizable / Programmable settings
- Large water tank
- Large bean hopper
- Cup warmer

- The machine is noisier than others
- Using dark roast beans requires regular cleaning to avoid build-up

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Heather Calatrello

Heather Calatrello owner of ShedLight Coffee Roasters