Espresso machines have a pretty interesting history, going through several innovations before arriving at the modern beauties we see today. They came to provide a sense of control and convenience that just isn’t possible with manual brewing methods of old.
Of course, with these innovations came disputes over what’s the best way to brew your espresso. The main split arose around semi-automatic vs. automatic machines.
We’re here to show you the differences in shot pulling automation and break down which machine would probably work best for you.
| Semi-Automatic Espresso Machines | Automatic Espresso Machines | Super-Automatic Espresso Machines | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | Budget-Friendly | Mid-to-High | High-End |
| Features | Espresso-brewing, some models have steam wands/frothers | Automatic espresso-brewing, otherwise comparable to semi-automatic | Automatic espresso-brewing, grinding, tamping, and some models feature milk dispensing frothers |
| Ease-of-Use | Fairly easy, requires base-knowledge on beans, grinding, and keeping an eye on the brew | Easy, still requires base knowledge, but it will stop the brew on its own | Very easy, since everything is automated, you don't have to do much work at all |
| Control | Full manual control over the brew | Full control with some automatic functions | Many automatic options, though the choice of full control is still there |
In the Beginning…
Espresso machine history begins in the age of steam with a man named Angelo Moriondo. He is credited with creating the first iteration of the modern espresso machine, which used steam, higher pressure, and tightly packed grounds.
Luigi Bezzerra and Desiderio Pavoni each improved upon Moriondo’s design. They perfected many of the key elements of today’s espresso machines, including the portafilter, pressure release valve, and steam wand.
Achille Gaggia (a brand name that still exists today) finally introduced the barista-operated spring-piston lever, which improved pressure control. This is where “pulling a shot” and the crema hype came to life.
The Standards
Regardless of what machine pulls your shot, a good machine will use a similar process and brewing parameters to achieve the best espresso.
To pull a shot, 190°-200° F water is pumped through a “puck” (tightly packed disk) of very finely ground coffee beans. This is done with at least 9 atmospheres of pressure and produces about one ounce of espresso (unless it’s a lungo or ristretto).
Semi-Automatic
Semi-automatic machines were developed as an improvement to Gaggia’s design. In 1961, Ernesto Valente developed a design that used a motorized pump mechanism that eliminated the need for a barista to manually pump the piston to achieve the pressure needed for a shot.
This is the design on which semi-automatic machines are still based. A barista uses a button or lever to start the shot pulling and decides when to stop it.
The second part of that is really what separates semi-automatics from fully and super-automatics. Rather than the machine, the barista decides exactly when the shot is done.
These machines also typically require you to grind and tamp (press the grounds to create the puck we mentioned earlier) your own beans.
Now, semi-automatics are more commonly used in commercial settings and tend to have more group heads to pull several shots at once or in close succession.
Fully-Automatic
Fully-automatic machines are obviously the next step in automated brewing. They eliminate the need to control the brew time manually.
These machines feature what is often referred to as a “flowmeter.” The flowmeter monitors and controls exactly how much water passes through the puck and stops the flow when the appropriate amount has filtered through.
While these machines DO automate the brewing process, they do NOT do all of the work for you. You will still have to grind and tamp your own beans, like with a semi-automatic.
Additionally, many of these machines include semi-automatic redundancy features (the opposite is also true). So the two are often listed in the other’s section on buying sites, and few machines are marketed as “fully-automatic.”
Super-Automatic
Unlike fully-automatics, super-automatic machines CAN do almost everything for you. They have the same capabilities as fully-automatics (the terms are often used interchangeably, actually).
However, super-automatic machines generally have a few “extra” features to make them even more convenient. Most of them tamp your grounds for you, and many even grind the beans.
Some super-automatics also have automatic milk frothers or steamers that add the dairy element directly into your cup. Additionally, many of the higher-end options have a high amount of programmability that you can access through a display on the machine.
How to Choose
Lifestyle
If you have a super busy lifestyle, tamping and grinding your own beans probably isn’t going to work for you. In that case, a super-automatic machine might be the way to go.
On the other hand, if you like to have your espresso brewing as a “moment” in your day, try a semi-automatic. These machines will give you a more intimate connection to your brewing experience since you are more involved.
Looking for something in between? Try a fully-automatic machine with semi-automatic backup features (or vice versa).
Cost
As a baseline, a super-automatic machine will be more expensive than a semi-automatic machine. Machines with more fully-automatic capabilities generally fall somewhere in the middle.
However, you may have to purchase certain accessories, such as a grinder, to go with your machine, especially semi-automatics. So, keep that in mind before you buy.
Regardless of which machine you choose, chances are it’ll pay for itself within a year if you’re a coffee shop regular. It’s definitely worth saving up for, in our opinion.
The Verdict
We personally recommend getting a semi-automatic machine if you have a taste for the nuances in your espresso. They give you the greatest amount of control over your brew.
Plus, if you’re willing to splurge on a high-end semi-automatic machine, you will probably also have fully automatic features to utilize when you are busier.
Happy Caffeinating!
