Semi-Automatic vs. Automatic vs. Super-Automatic Coffee Machines
You are on the market for a coffee machine. You have seen all the different brands, options, styles, and modifications and they have left you clueless, wondering which one is the right fit for you.
Each machine is capable of making a decent cup of coffee, yet the cost, maintenance, functions, and convenience vary (often drastically) from one machine to the next.
But what is the fundamental difference between these coffee machines?
3 Types of Coffee Machines:
When you are shopping for a coffee machine, you will see plenty of different options to choose from. However, in actuality, there are 3 types of coffee machines on the market.
Namely, the semi-automatic coffee machine, the automatic coffee machine, and the super-automatic coffee machine.
Semi-Automatic Coffee Machines:
This is the least automated coffee machine in the range as it requires the most manual work.
How so?
With a semi-automatic coffee machine, you will have to load the porta-filter ( the component of the espresso maker that holds the ground espresso beans), as well as the tamp (which is used to compact the ground coffee in the porta-filter prior to brewing).
You will then have to press a button which starts the shot, together with pressing a button to stop the shot once your beverage is made.
This kind of coffee machine is very commonly used in specialty coffee shops as they leave a few variables for you (the coffee maker) to decide on.
Variables such as grind size, how much coffee to use and when to start and stop the shot. (All these variables will impact the taste and flavor of your coffee.)
Automatic Coffee Machines:
Automatic coffee machines are very similar to semi-automatic coffee machines.
Just like you have to with a semi-automatic machine, with an automatic machine you will first need to load the porta-filter and the tamp, as well as press the button to start the brewing process. However, with an automatic machine, you do not have to press the button to stop the shot as this is automatically done for you.
It doesn’t sound like much of a difference, yet it allows you to do as you please while your coffee is brewed, without having to worry about your coffee spilling or having to stop the shot at the correct time.
Super-Automatic Coffee Machines:
Super-Automatic coffee machines really do the most.
- They grind the coffee for you.
- They set up the porta-filter and tamp.
- It pulls the shot for you and stops it automatically.
- It steams the milk.
This type of coffee machine pretty much does everything for you, making it hard to beat.
It pulls the same shot every single time into your cup, requiring no manual work besides the single push of a button.
The super-automatic coffee machines highlight convenience and consistency
In totality, after reviewing these three types of coffee machines, it is fair to say that each coffee machine offers different functions that appeal to different coffee drinkers.
If you are looking for a more hands-on approach, lean in the direction of a semi-automatic or automatic coffee machine that allows for a bit more control in terms of how your coffee turns out.
If you want to feel convenience in every cup, the super-automatic coffee machine is the machine for you.
Happy buying!