Fully automatic coffee machines grind the beans, brew and pour the cup at the touch of a button. They suit households and small offices that want fresh espresso and coffee without a manual routine. Our range covers bean-to-cup machines from De'Longhi, Siemens, Electrolux, Saeco and Gorenje.
How to choose a fully automatic coffee machine
Bean or ground coffee. Every machine in our range grinds whole beans, but only some also have a separate chute for ground coffee. That chute is useful if you want to switch to decaf for an evening cup without emptying the bean hopper.
Milk drinks. Decide whether you want cappuccino and latte macchiato at one touch or are happy to froth milk yourself. Machines with an automatic milk system save time but need regular rinsing, while a manual steam wand gives more control and is simpler to clean.
Water tank size. Tanks in our range run from about 1.4 L to 2.4 L, and many hold 1.8 L. A larger tank means fewer refills in a busy household or office, but it also takes up more space and needs fresh water more often if the machine is used rarely.
Controls. Most machines here use a touch display, which makes it easier to pick a drink and adjust strength or volume. A few combine buttons with touch or a rotary dial, which some people find quicker to use without looking.
Power and mains supply. The machines in our range are rated at roughly 1300 to 1500 W and run on 220 to 240 V, in line with the 230 V, 50 Hz supply used in South Africa. A higher wattage generally means a faster heat-up, though brew quality depends more on the grinder and brewing unit.
Fully automatic coffee machine brands we carry
- De'Longhi: Italian manufacturer known for a large family of bean-to-cup machines, and the biggest brand in this category in our range.
- Siemens: German brand whose EQ series of built-in grinder machines is aimed at everyday home use, with touch displays on many models.
- Saeco: Italian name with a long history in automatic espresso machines for the home, a segment it helped to establish.
Also in our range: Electrolux and Gorenje.
Frequently asked questions about fully automatic coffee machines
What is a fully automatic coffee machine?
A fully automatic coffee machine is a bean-to-cup machine that grinds, tamps, brews and dispenses coffee without manual steps. You fill the bean hopper and the water tank, then choose a drink from the display. Most models also empty the used grounds into an internal container.
Is a fully automatic machine better than a capsule machine?
It depends on what you value. A fully automatic machine uses whole beans, which gives you control over the coffee you buy and usually costs less per cup over time. A capsule machine is quicker to set up and needs less cleaning, but you are tied to capsules.
Can I use ground coffee in a bean-to-cup machine?
Only if the machine has a ground coffee chute. Some models in our range accept both beans and ground coffee, while others take beans only. Check the product specification before buying if you plan to use pre-ground or decaffeinated coffee.
How often should I clean and descale it?
Rinse the milk system after every use if the machine has one, and empty the drip tray and grounds container every few days. Descale when the machine prompts you, or more often if your tap water is hard. Following the maker's descaling schedule protects the heating element and keeps the coffee tasting clean.
