Automatic coffee makers: popular models for effortless coffee
I am sure that even the most technologically advanced automatic coffee makers will not be able to impress connoisseurs of hand-brewed coffee. After all, for the latter, it is a whole ritual in which there is no place for a machine. It is an opportunity to get away from the daily routine, a kind of comfort zone where you can enjoy a cup of fragrant coffee, experiment with the nuances of taste, discover something new for yourself.
However, coffee machines should not be underestimated. They are created not only for those who value speed, but also consistent taste, variety and comfort. In a world where every morning is a small challenge, having a barista at home who never sleeps and is always ready to prepare your favorite drink is not a luxury, but a pleasant reality.
Today, the market for automatic coffee machines in Ukraine is quite diverse: from compact models for small kitchens to real coffee combines for large families or offices - everyone will find something for themselves. I am not a barista with many years of experience who will teach you how to properly roast beans. I just love delicious coffee and understand that there is not always time and inspiration for long rituals. So, let's figure out which automatic coffee machines are the most popular today and what you should pay attention to if you decide to join the club of "one-button coffee" lovers.
Compact automatic coffee machines: Ideal for small spaces
These are real "workhorses" for those who value minimalism and do not have extra space in the kitchen. They will not take up much space, but at the same time they will offer decent quality of drinks.
Features and what to pay attention to:
Size: Their main advantage is their compact size, making them easy to fit into even the smallest kitchen or a great option for an office with limited space.
Functionality: Usually offers espresso and Americano preparation. Some models may have a manual cappuccinatore (panarello) for lovers of milk drinks.
Simplicity: Extremely easy to operate, ideal for those who just want to press a button and get coffee.
Price range: Usually from 10,000 to 18,000 UAH.
Popular models:
De'Longhi Magnifica S: Often found among the bestsellers. It offers a built-in coffee grinder, the ability to adjust strength and volume, as well as a manual cappuccino maker. It is a classic that has proven its reliability over the years.
Pros: Reliability, ease of care, good espresso quality, affordable price.
Cons: No automatic cappuccino maker (you have to froth the milk manually), relatively small volume of water and bean containers.
Who is it for: If you drink mostly black coffee (espresso, Americano) and occasionally want to make a cappuccino by hand, and space in the kitchen is limited - this is your option.
Philips Series 2200: Also a very popular series. Offers similar functionality with the ability to prepare multiple types of coffee and a manual/automatic cappuccino maker depending on the model (EP2230/10 has LatteGo). Has a more modern design with touch controls.
Pros: Intuitive controls, ceramic grinders, automatic cleaning system. The version with LatteGo makes preparing milk drinks as easy as possible.
Cons: Some users note that the coffee machine is a bit noisy.
Who is it for: For those who are looking for a simple way to make coffee with milk without unnecessary complications, and also appreciate the ease of care for the milk system.
Beko CEG7304X: An entry-level automatic coffee machine from a Turkish brand. The functionality is similar to previous models, but the design is more similar to Philips due to the presence of a touch panel with drinks.
Pros: Easy to use, easy to clean, automatic cappuccino maker, cup warmer on the top panel.
Cons: No coffee grounds sensor (because of this, you have to remove the tray after every 10th cup of coffee)
Who is it for: A good choice for those on a budget but want a fully automatic coffee maker for black coffee.
Universal automatic coffee makers: the golden mean for the home
This segment is the broadest and includes models that combine relatively compact dimensions with additional functionality, especially for milk drinks. This is the optimal choice for most families and small offices.
Features and what to pay attention to:
Variety of drinks: In addition to espresso and Americano, most have automatic or semi-automatic systems for making cappuccino, latte, macchiato at the touch of a button.
Convenience: Larger containers for water, grains and waste, allowing you to fill/empty them less often.
Settings: Advanced options for individual adjustment of strength, volume, and temperature of the drink.
Price range: Usually from 18,000 to 35,000 UAH.
Popular models:
De'Longhi Dinamica Plus: This model is an improved version of the Dinamica series, offering even more features and comfort. It is equipped with the LatteCrema System automatic cappuccino maker.
Pros: Four user profiles, large selection of coffee recipes, perfect milk foam, easy cleaning.
Cons: Price is higher than the regular Dinamica, can be a bit noisy when cooking.
Who is it for: If you are looking for additional functionality, intuitive control, and the ability to experiment with different coffee drinks, including milk ones, with maximum comfort.
Philips Series 3200/4300/5500: These Philips series compete actively in the mid-range segment, offering a larger number of drinks and improved LatteGo systems.
Pros: Wide selection of drinks, very easy-to-care-for LatteGo milk system (no tubes), durable ceramic grinders. Elegant, often black design that fits most kitchens.
Cons: The price increases with the number of features, some models may seem a bit bulky.
Who is it for: Ideal for a family or small office where everyone has their own coffee preferences and ease of use and maintenance is important.
Siemens EQ.6 Plus: This model is a strong representative of the middle and upper middle class, offering extensive functionality.
Pros: Large selection of drinks, intuitive controls, insulated milk container, OneTouch DoubleCup function for making two cups of coffee at the same time, as well as an automatic milk system cleaning system (autoMilk Clean).
Cons: Can be quite large.
Who is it for: Those looking for convenience, quality, and variety in dairy beverages, with minimal intervention in the cleaning process.
Premium class: maximum comfort and innovation
These coffee machines are no longer just appliances, but true home barista stations. They offer maximum functionality, a wide selection of drinks, advanced technology and often more premium body materials.
Features and what to pay attention to:
Advanced functionality: A large number of programmed drinks (often more than 15), the ability to create individual profiles for each user.
Ease of control: Large touch displays, sometimes with the ability to control via a smartphone app.
Quality of materials: Top-quality materials, often stainless steel, which gives them durability and a premium look.
Beverage perfection: Better grinding system, more precise temperature and pressure control for perfect taste.
Price range: From 35,000 UAH and above (often 50,000+ UAH).
Popular models:
Jura ENA / E-series: A Swiss brand known for its innovation and product durability. These are coffee machines that will serve you flawlessly for years.
Pros: Intuitive control, one-button milk system cleaning function, stylish minimalist design, high quality materials.
Cons: High price, expensive accessories and care products, the milk system requires special care.
Who is it for: For true coffee connoisseurs who are ready to invest in quality, reliability, and impeccable taste.
Siemens EQ700: A more advanced model from the EQ series that supports smartphone control (Home Connect) and offers an even greater number of drinks with cold brew technology.
Pros: Modern design, multifunctionality, automatic milk system cleaning system (autoMilk Clean), wide selection of drinks, OneTouch DoubleCup function for preparing two milk drinks at the same time, remote control option.
Cons: Can be quite large, price is above average.
Who is it for: If you are looking for a coffee maker with intelligent functions and maximum automation of milk system care.
Saeco GranAroma: Models in this series offer a wide selection of drinks, convenient control and automatic cleaning of the milk system, which makes them a worthy representative of the premium segment.
Pros: Large selection of drinks, multiple user profiles, LatteDuo system for preparing two milk drinks at the same time, automatic HygieSteam milk system cleaning system after each use, ceramic millstones, built-in Wi-Fi in more expensive versions.
Cons: Still mostly plastic body, although high quality, high price.
Who is it for: For those who value beverage customization, convenience for the whole family, and ease of care for a premium-level dairy system.
De'Longhi Primadonna Class: Flagship models from De'Longhi offering maximum features.
Pros: Large selection of drinks (including iced coffee), ability to control from a smartphone via an app, six user profiles, LatteCrema System milk system with automatic cleaning, premium materials and modern design.
Cons: High price, large dimensions.
Who is it for: For those who seek maximum comfort, a variety of drinks, and want to control the coffee maker from the couch.
Choosing an automatic coffee maker is always a compromise between price, functionality, size and, of course, personal preferences. You shouldn't chase after the most expensive model if you only need a quality espresso every morning. Just as you shouldn't save money if you are a fan of lattes and cappuccinos and don't want to froth milk manually every time.
There are so many options on the market today that everyone will be able to find their perfect device. The main thing is to determine your priorities: whether it is compactness, a wide selection of drinks, or maximum comfort and control from a smartphone. And your new automatic coffee maker will take care of the rest.