We are often asked difference between manual, semi-automatic, and super automatic espresso machines. We use this table as a first reference for customers in our shop who ask that question.

Reference Table: Manual vs. Semi-automatic vs. Super Automatic Espresso Machine

There are really a spectrum of features and automation that go from 100% manual to 100% automatic at the push of a button. The fuzzy area for features is in the semi-automatic column. Over time, espresso machine manufacturers have made more and more of these semi-automatic features similar to super automatic features.

For example, traditionally semi-automatic machines don’t include a coffee grinder. But now you can find grinders in semi-automatic machines. Similarly, fully automatic machines increasingly offer recipe customizations like semi-automatic machines. So just use the chart above as a as a guideline to features but pay attention to the exact features in any espresso machine you might consider.

What is the difference between manual and semi-automatic espresso machine?

Fundamentally, the difference between a manual espresso machine and semi-automatic or super automatic machines is that each step the manual machine must be manually performed by the operator.

The most obvious difference is that manual espresso machines have a lever that the operator must use to generate pressure to force the water through the coffee grounds.

Semi-automatic and automatic espresso machines use a pump to perform that same process without manual effort.

Further, semi-automatic or fully automatic espresso machines will generally perform major portions of the process of grinding beans, heating water, forcing the hot water under pressure through the coffee, dispensing the result and even adding crema or foamed milk.

You might also like to read: our top 10 highest rated semi-automatic espresso machines.

What’s the difference between super automatic and semi-automatic espresso machines?

While the distinction between super automatic and semi-automatic espresso machines grows fuzzier every day, the differences primarily are that super automatic machines transport the ingredients through all the steps from bean to cup and, importantly, control the flow of water via a timer.

It used to be that semi-automatic machines did not include a built-in grinder or automation of all of the steps in the process of producing espresso. But some newer semi-automatic machines are beginning to look a lot more like super automatic machines.

The main benefit of semi-automatic machines is that the barista has more control over all of the details of the process whereas the process of making fine espresso is controlled programmatically in the super automatic machine.

You might also like to read: our 33 best super automatic espresso machines.

You’ve shown yourself to be in the top few percent of espresso aficionados by purchasing an espresso machine that can make you the perfect cup of espresso anytime you want it. And you’ve spent your time to learn how to make that perfect drink.

But nothing can ruin that drink faster than a poorly maintained or poorly cleaned espresso machine. We find time spent caring for your machine to be very rewarding in the quality of the drinks produced.

Clean your machine regularly

Fortunately, newer espresso machines require less maintenance and have simplified cleaning compared to older machines. Also, your machine almost certainly has a reminder mechanism to tell you when maintenance procedures are required.

Removing the oily residue

Although it may not seem like it, coffee beans have quite a bit of oil in them. While these oils are critical to the taste and body of the coffee you are drinking, those same oils have a propensity for coating the workings of your machine and attracting other impurities. So, it is important to regularly clean the parts of your coffee maker that come in contact with the coffee beans or grounds.

Make sure to consult your owner’s manual for the best method of cleaning, including identification of parts like the brew head that can be removed for easy cleaning.

Cleaning the milk system

Cleaning your milk system of your espresso machine is an obvious no-brainer. You don’t want dry, stale milk to contaminate tomorrow’s drinks. Espresso machines typically have a way to purge the belt system easily with hot water from the espresso machine.

In addition to perjuring the milk system, there are several products for more aggressively cleaning the milk system. We generally use Rinza.

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Cleaning your grinder

First, try to avoid overly oily beans. As previously mentioned, the oil will go to cup your whole machine and most especially the grinder. Make sure you follow the grinder instructions for your machine and consider using a product like Supergrindz periodically to keep your grinder functioning perfectly.

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Descaling

All water contains some dissolved minerals. Over time, those minerals can deposit the scale on the water passages of your machine. One way to minimize scaling is to use distilled water for your drinks, although that can be more expensive and a bit of a hassle. Some filters will also work to reduce the minerals in your water. However, you should expect that some descaling will be required.

Newer machines will have an indicator to show you when descaling is needed. Since the scale is fundamentally limestone, it can actually be removed with vinegar–but it becomes difficult to remove the remaining vinegar odor and after-taste.

Again, read your owner’s manual. There are variety of products, often in the form of tablets, that you can run through your system to remove scale without leaving an aftertaste. For example, we use Cino Cleano tablets to descale our espresso machines.

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A clean machine will produce superb espresso; maintenance doesn’t take much time, but it makes your drink much better!