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From Manual to Automatic: Discover the Best Coffee Machine for Your Home

Discover the differences between manual and automatic coffee machines, with premium models from brands like Breville & De’Longhi.

Choosing the right coffee machine for your home can seem like a daunting task, especially with so many options on the market. But whether you’re a coffee novice or an experienced barista, finding the machine that fits your needs, style, and budget is crucial for elevating your at-home coffee experience.

Today, we’re comparing three standout options for coffee lovers:

  1. Jura’s S8 Fully Automatic Coffee Machine – Chrome (15651)
  2. Breville’s The Barista Express™ Impress Espresso Coffee Machine – Black Truffle (BES876BTR2JAN1)
  3. De’Longhi’s Magnifica Plus Fully Automatic Coffee Machine – Silver Black (ECAM32070SB)

We’ll review these machines based on capacity and functionality, ease of use, control types and personalisation, as well as cleaning and maintenance, so you can decide which one is your best match.

1. Extensive Options with Smart Connectivity: Jura’s S8 Fully Automatic Coffee Machine – Chrome (15651)

 

Jura’s S8 Fully Automatic Coffee Machine

Capacity and Functionality

The Jura S8 is designed for the premium coffee drinker. With a Professional Aroma Grinder and 27 beverage options, it delivers top-tier coffee variety and an unmatched brewing experience. The large water tank (1.9L) and bean hopper (280g) make it ideal for frequent coffee drinkers or entertaining guests.

Ease of Use

With its 4.3” touchscreen control, the Jura S8 is incredibly intuitive to operate. Additionally, its smart connectivity through the J.O.E.® app lets you control the machine, customise settings, and order coffee straight from your smartphone.

Control Types and Personalisation

The Jura S8 offers extensive personalisation options, from the tasting notes and coffee strength to milk textures on their signature sweet foam lattes. It’s a machine tailored for aficionados seeking café-style beverages at the touch of a button.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Jura simplifies cleaning with its automatic cleaning programs. The milk system self-cleans after every use, streamlining maintenance. However, the price point reflects its premium technology and features, making it a high-end investment.

Key Takeaway about Jura’s S8 Automatic Coffee Machine:

Ideal for coffee enthusiasts who value extensive personalisation and want high-quality, barista-level coffee at home.

Automatic Cleaning Programs in Jura Coffee Machine
Features of Jura S8 Fully Automatic Coffee Machine

 

2. Experience Coffee Making Personalisation: Breville’s The Barista Express™ Impress Espresso Coffee Machine – Black Truffle (BES876BTR2JAN1)

 

 Breville’s Espresso Coffee Machine

Capacity and Functionality

This manual espresso machine is perfect for those who enjoy hands-on coffee preparation. It features a Thermocoil heating system for fast, consistent coffee brewing and an integrated conical burr grinder for freshly-ground coffee each time.

Ease of Use

While it’s made for manual brewing, the intuitive interface and straightforward controls make it beginner-friendly. If you’re new to espresso machines, Breville’s assisted tamping system ensures precision with every shot.

Control Types and Personalisation

The Barista Express strikes an excellent balance between manual and digital controls. Users can customise shot volumes and master the steam wand for creating barista-quality microfoam for lattes and cappuccinos.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Breville keeps things relatively simple, with a removable drip tray and grinder that are easy to clean. However, as a manual machine, some parts require regular attention, giving it a slightly higher maintenance load compared to automatic machines.

Key Takeaway about Breville’s The Barista Express™ Impress Espresso Coffee Machine:

Perfect for beginners who want to dip their toes into barista-style coffee making without spending a fortune.

Coffee Making Personalisation with Breville

 

3. Automatically Simple for One-Touch Coffees: De’Longhi Magnifica Plus Fully Automatic Coffee Machine – Silver Black (ECAM32070SB)

 

De’Longhi Fully Automatic Coffee Machine

Capacity and Functionality

Compact yet capable, the Magnifica Plus packs a punch with 18 customisable coffee recipes and 4 user profiles. Its LatteCrema Hot Technology system ensures the perfect froth, making it ideal for milk-based beverages.

Ease of Use

This machine stands out with its 3.5” touch control panel, offering a highly intuitive experience. With just a few taps, you can access its wide variety of beverage options quickly and easily.

Control Types and Personalisation

While its personalisation options aren’t as extensive as the Jura S8, the Magnifica Plus allows for adjustments to coffee strength, temperature, and milk froth levels. Plus, the user profiles ensure everyone in your household can save their preferences.

Cleaning and Maintenance

The Magnifica Plus is tailored for busy households, with automatic cleaning cycles and dishwasher-safe parts. Regular maintenance is simple, and its compact design ensures it doesn’t take up too much counter space.

Key Takeaway about De’Longhi’s Magnifica Plus Fully Automatic Coffee Machine:

Perfect for daily coffee drinkers looking for a hassle-free machine with customisable options and straightforward cleaning.

De’Longhi One-Touch Coffee

At a Glance: Coffee Machine Comparison Table

Coffee Machine Capacity & Functionality Ease of Use Personalisation Cleaning & Maintenance
Jura S8 Fully Automatic (15651)

27 coffee options, large capacity, advanced grinder

Highly intuitive 4.3” touchscreen, smartphone connectivity

Extensive customisation for beverages

Automatic cleaning systems, self-cleaning milk system

Breville Barista Express™ Impress (BES876BTR2JAN1)

Manual espresso machine, grind and brew control

User-friendly interface; beginner-friendly features

Customisable shot volumes and milk frothing

Requires manual cleaning for parts

De’Longhi Magnifica Plus Fully Automatic (ECAM32070SB)

Compact machine, 18 coffee recipes, 4 user profiles

3.5” touch control panel for ease of use

Adjustable strength, temp, and froth options

Automatic cleaning cycles, dishwasher-safe parts

Which Coffee Machine is Right for You?

  • Choose the Jura S8 if you’re a coffee connoisseur seeking premium quality with high customisation and full automation.
  • Choose the Breville Barista Express Impress if you’re a beginner who wants to learn the art of espresso making at home.
  • Choose the De’Longhi Magnifica Plus if you’re looking for an affordable, easy-to-use coffee machine that’s perfect for family use and milk-based drinks.

No matter which machine you choose, each one brings the café experience to your kitchen. If you’re still unsure, consider your priorities (budget, automation, personalisation) and how you want to explore the art of coffee at home. Don’t forget to sign up to our newsletters to get the latest coffee machine inspo to help make coffee enjoyment at home, simple!

Happy brewing! ☕

FAQs

If you're new to espresso making, the De’Longhi Magnifica Plus Fully Automatic Coffee Machine (ECAM32070SB) is an excellent choice as it offers an automated system with some customisable options to ensure the ideal cup of coffee suited to your needs. For a user-friendly option that will help you master the basics of manual coffee making, the Breville Barista Express™ Impress (BES876BTR2JAN1) will be a great fit. 

Manual coffee machines require you to control all aspects of the brewing process, offering more customisation, while automatic coffee machines handle much of the work, making them more convenient and beginner-friendly.

Most machines support the use of pre-ground coffee, though using freshly ground beans from a grinder will provide the best flavour and aroma. Always check the specifications of your chosen coffee machine to confirm compatibility.

The De’Longhi Magnifica Plus Fully Automatic (ECAM32070SB) and Jura S8 Fully Automatic (15651) are ideal for milk-based drinks as it includes a built-in milk frother and is designed for easy preparation of cappuccinos and lattes.

Yes, regular cleaning is essential for all coffee machines to maintain their performance and ensure the best quality coffee. Descaling and cleaning your machine as per the manufacturer’s instructions is highly recommended.

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