Best Beans for Automatic Espresso: Top Picks Reviewed

Lavazza Super Crema Whole Bean Coffee – Good size bag for regular espresso drinkers (2.2 lbs)

The Lavazza Super Crema whole bean coffee is marketed as an espresso blend, presenting a medium roast intended for a bold and creamy finish. The 2.2 lb bag is a decent size for regular espresso drinkers. The blend consists of both Arabica and Robusta beans sourced globally from 15 different coffee-growing regions, offering a diverse profile.

Lavazza recommends a specific grind amount (0.28 oz) for a standard 1 oz espresso shot, which is helpful for achieving consistent results. As advertised, the ingredient list is straightforward, containing only coffee, and is processed in coffee-only facilities. While not the most complex or unique flavor profile, it seems a solid choice for everyday espresso.

Philips Baristina Espresso Machine – Easy to use one-swipe operation.

The Baristina espresso machine aims to simplify the process of making espresso at home. Its key selling point is its ease of use: a simple swipe-and-brew system that grinds, tamps, and brews in under a minute. The compact design is suitable for smaller kitchens, and the promise of freshly ground beans for optimal flavor is appealing.

The machine offers flexibility in brewing style, allowing users to choose between espresso, lungo, and extra intense options. The use of over 50% recycled plastics (excluding parts in contact with water and coffee) is a positive step towards sustainability. However, potential buyers should note that the claim of using less energy is based on Swiss A+ energy label standards, which may differ in other regions.

Overall, the Baristina offers a convenient and relatively eco-conscious way to enjoy espresso at home.

Philips 2200 Series Fully Automatic Espresso Machine – Offers espresso and coffee options with milk frothing capability.

This automatic coffee machine offers a convenient way to enjoy espresso, coffee, and cappuccino-style beverages at home. The machine’s intuitive touch display simplifies the brewing process, making it easy to select your preferred drink. The aroma seal is a welcome feature, designed to help maintain the freshness of coffee beans.

Maintenance appears straightforward, thanks to the removable brew group that can be easily rinsed. The descaling alert system takes the guesswork out of machine upkeep, notifying users when descaling is required. While the machine promises ease of use and maintenance, long-term durability and coffee quality will ultimately determine its value.

Philips 3200 Series Fully Automatic Espresso Machine – Offers a variety of coffee options (espresso, coffee, americano, cappuccino, latte macchiato).

This automatic espresso machine offers a range of popular coffee options, including espresso, coffee, americano, cappuccino, and latte macchiato. The intuitive touch display simplifies the selection process. The Aroma Extract system aims to optimize brewing temperature and aroma extraction.

A notable feature is the two-part, tube-free milk system, designed for quick and easy cleaning, either under the tap or in the dishwasher. The inclusion of an AquaClean filter promises to reduce the need for descaling for up to 5,000 cups, using filtered water. While the machine offers a convenient all-in-one solution for coffee lovers, potential buyers should consider the initial investment cost and the ongoing expense of replacement filters.

Lavazza Espresso Barista Gran Crema Whole Bean Coffee Blend – Full-bodied flavor profile.

The Lavazza Espresso Barista Gran Crema Whole Bean Coffee Blend offers a full-bodied coffee experience with aromatic notes of honey and roasted coffee. The blend of Arabica and Robusta beans, roasted to a dark level with an intensity rating of 7/10, suggests a bolder flavor profile suitable for those who prefer a stronger cup. At 2.2lb, the bag provides a generous supply for regular espresso drinkers.

While marketed for espresso machines, the whole bean format allows for flexibility in grinding and brewing methods. Overall, this blend appears to be a solid option for individuals seeking a robust and aromatic coffee, particularly for espresso-based beverages.

Lavazza Espresso Whole Bean Coffee – Versatile brewing options (espresso, drip, French press).

Lavazza Espresso Whole Bean Coffee offers a convenient option for espresso and drip coffee enthusiasts. The 2.2 lb bag provides a substantial amount of coffee for regular use. Its medium roast with an intensity of 5/10 delivers a balanced flavor profile, described as sweet and aromatic with floral and fruit notes, making it appealing to those who prefer a milder espresso.

The 100% Arabica blend, sourced from South America and Africa, and being naturally caffeinated, caters to health-conscious consumers. It’s versatile enough for various brewing methods, including espresso machines, moka pots, drip coffee machines, and French presses. The brand’s long-standing history since 1895 adds a layer of trust and heritage to the product.

Espresso Machine with Grinder – Built-in grinder with 20 adjustable settings.

This espresso machine offers a range of features aimed at delivering a cafe-quality experience at home. The built-in grinder with 20 settings provides good control over coffee coarseness, while the 20-BAR pressure promises optimal extraction. The inclusion of a milk frother adds versatility for creating lattes and cappuccinos.

The machine’s compact design and removable components, such as the drip tray and water tank, contribute to ease of cleaning and maintenance. Customizable settings for grinding time, coarseness, and cup volume allow users to tailor their espresso to their personal preferences. However, the initial setup might require some experimentation to find the ideal settings, and the noise level during grinding should be considered.

De’Longhi Rivelia Automatic Espresso Machine with Grinder & Milk Frother – All-in-One Coffee Maker – One-touch operation with 18 preset recipes.

The De’Longhi Rivelia offers a convenient way to create coffee shop-style beverages at home. With its one-touch operation and 18 preset recipes, it simplifies the process of making various drinks like lattes, cappuccinos, and espressos. The machine allows for customization of intensity and quantity, and the extra shot function provides further personalization options.

The two removable bean hoppers are a unique feature, enabling users to easily switch between different bean types. The integrated burr grinder with 13 settings ensures fresh grounds for each cup. The automatic milk frother works well, especially with the auto-clean function.

The guided visual walkthrough simplifies setup and helps users optimize the machine for their preferred beans.

Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine BES870XL – Integrated grinder offers convenience and freshness.

The Breville Barista Express aims to bring cafe-quality espresso to the home barista. It features an integrated conical burr grinder that grinds directly into the portafilter, offering dose control and grind size adjustment. The machine utilizes digital temperature control (PID) and low-pressure pre-infusion to ensure optimal extraction and balanced flavor.

A powerful steam wand allows for manual microfoam milk texturing, enabling latte art creation. The included accessories such as the Razor Dose Trimming Tool and various filter baskets provide a comprehensive starting point. With a 1/2 lb bean hopper and 67 oz water tank, it’s suitable for regular use.

A 1-year limited warranty provides some peace of mind.

KitchenAid 9.5 Oz. Removable Bean Hopper with Lid – Simplifies bean switching for KitchenAid espresso machines.

This accessory offers a convenient solution for KitchenAid espresso machine owners looking to streamline their bean management. The additional bean hopper allows for quick switching between different coffee bean varieties, simplifying the process of experimenting with various roasts and flavors. While the 9.5 oz capacity is decent, the description’s claim of up to 22 shots per fill should be taken with a grain of salt, as actual output will depend on the fineness of the grind, coffee type, and chosen settings.

It’s important to note that this is solely an accessory for specific KitchenAid models (KF6, KF7, and KF8) and won’t function as a standalone product. The inclusion of a single hopper and lid is adequate, but purchasing multiple hoppers might be necessary for users with an extensive bean selection.