Many of us need our morning cup of coffee to get the day off to a flying start. But of course, an ordinary coffee does not cover the entire spectrum of coffee enjoyment.
If you want to enjoy as many variations as possible, it’s hard to get around a fully automatic coffee machine. Here you can, for example, set several coffee strengths and the degree of grinding. You also don’t want to do without fully automatic milk foam, and you don’t mind a hot chocolate? See for yourself in our product table which machine offers all the functions that are right for you.
Coffee machine recommendations
Siemens EQ.6 plus s700
De’longhi magnifica S ECAM 22.110.B
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Buying advice: how to find the right product in our fully automatic coffee maker comparison 2022
- A fully automatic coffee machine allows you to enjoy all kinds of coffee in the shortest possible time.
- This means that a fully automatic coffee maker can do much more than an ordinary coffee maker, but depending on the quality, it can also offer more than 1.000 euro cost.
- The various fully automatic coffee machines differ primarily in terms of aroma, design and capacity.
In 2013, the German Coffee Association announced that an average of 149 liters of coffee were consumed in Germany. The trend is away from the classic filter coffee from the coffee machine to more complex forms of coffee consumption such as coffee pods or fully automatic coffee machines.
So that you don’t lose sight of the big picture, we explain in our fully automatic coffee machine comparison 2021 / 2022 on BILD.What’s in favor of buying a fully automatic coffee maker and what to look out for when buying one.
1. How fully automatic coffee machines work?
A fully automatic coffee maker allows you to prepare coffee fully automatically. This means that a grinder is used to grind coffee beans to the desired grind and in the required quantity. This allows you to make not only regular coffee, but also creations such as espresso, latte macchiato or cappuccino.
After grinding, high pressure (about 7.5 to 9 bar) mixes hot water with the powdered beans in the fully automatic coffee maker. In contrast to a conventional coffee machine, the brewing process is only a few seconds short, this has a positive effect on the taste, as the pressure allows more aromas and fewer bitter substances to unfold.
2. What are the differences between a fully automatic coffee maker, a pad machine or a coffee maker?
Fully automatic coffee machines are mainly used in coffee houses.
So that you do not lose the overview, we have provided you with the following information on PICTURE.De different machines listed to make clear the difference between a fully automatic coffee machine and, for example, capsule machines.
2.1. Filter coffee maker
The classic coffee machine is still found in most German households, although the trend is decreasing. Especially in offices it still enjoys enormous popularity, as filter coffee can be brewed in larger quantities. While the coffee machine can brew a whole pot, the fully automatic coffee machine in the office can only brew one or two cups at a time.
However, the taste of the filter coffee machine is inferior to the fully automatic coffee machine, because the longer contact with the coffee powder during the brewing process results in the development of more bitter substances. The coffee of the fully automatic machine, on the other hand, has a more intense aroma, as less bitter substances are formed due to the shorter brewing process and the pressure.
The integrated grinder also ensures that the beans are freshly ground, which also benefits the taste.
As far as the brewing process is concerned, the procedure is more reminiscent of espresso production. As a result, the fully automatic machine is also called a fully automatic espresso machine.
We have summarized the advantages of fully automatic coffee machines compared to filter coffee machines:
-
advantages
- Mostly with milk frother
- Mostly with integrated coffee grinder
- Intense aroma
- Few bitter substances
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disadvantages
- Only for one to two cups, whereas with the filter coffee machine larger quantities can be brewed at once
- Must be cleaned after repeated use
2.2. Pad machine or. Capsule machine
Capsule machines produce a particularly large amount of waste.
Since fully automatic coffee machines can only brew about one to two cups of coffee at a time, they, like coffee pod machines and coffee capsule machines, belong to the portion machine type. This means that coffee is prepared in pad and capsule machines at a similar speed to that of a fully automatic coffee machine.
However, those capsules or pods do not contain fresh coffee powder, which is detrimental to the aroma. The fully automatic coffee machine always uses fresh coffee powder, which also consists of the beans of your choice, making you independent of the pads or capsules offered by manufacturers.
Both capsule machines and pad machines are therefore more suitable for occasional coffee drinkers, since the price per cup is 15 to 20 cents, and can even be double that for more expensive models. If you drink a lot of coffee, the investment is also worthwhile because of the different ways of preparing it.
We have summarized the advantages and disadvantages of fully automatic coffee machines compared to pad machines or capsule machines:
-
advantages
- Better taste due to more intense aroma
- Lower price per cup
- Also suitable for high coffee consumption
- Many settings: grinding degree, filling quantity, etc.
- Less waste is produced
-
disadvantages
- High purchase costs
- Must be cleaned after repeated use
3. Which coffee maker for which coffee drinker?
To give you an idea of which machine you should prefer, if you find yourself in a certain category of coffee drinkers, we have listed all the types:
It is priced in the range of 250 to 350 euros. the price per cup is about 0.08 euro for a cheap type of bean.
If the aroma is not so important to you, you can switch to a cheaper capsule or pad machine, which has a lower purchase price (50 to 100 euros), but adds to the price per cup (0.10 to 0.38 euros).
This is necessary to satisfy each and every customer and at the same time to be able to brew a large quantity of coffee.
An alternative such as a capsule, pad or filter coffee machine is not an option here either.
Tip: make sure that the coffee machine resp. The fully automatic coffee machine is adapted to your needs. If you only drink coffee occasionally, but don’t want to sacrifice taste, buy a small fully automatic coffee maker for beginners. If you drink a lot of coffee and taste is very important to you, it is advisable to buy at least a mid-range coffee machine. If you drink a lot of coffee, as in a restaurant or office, it is advisable to invest in a professional fully automatic coffee machine.
Since coffee beans are usually freshly ground in a fully automatic coffee machine, the aroma of the finished coffee specialties is particularly full-bodied.
various fully automatic coffee machines from de’longhi and other manufacturers as well as coffee makers from jura score with numerous additional features. This allows you not only to make cappuccino, espresso or latte macchiato at the touch of a button, but also to prepare hot water for tea, for example.
For this you use the appropriate hot water function. Some fully automatic coffee machines with cocoa selection have an extra compartment for the cocoa powder.
Other machines only produce hot milk via the milk frother and the cocoa powder must be added afterwards. Therefore, a fully automatic coffee machine with cocoa selection saves time.
If you want to digitally network your kitchen appliances, you can already start preparing various coffee specialties. There are one or two fully automatic coffee machines that can be controlled via app. Here, look for smart-home compatibility and enjoy your coffee controlled by the app and your fully automatic coffee maker.
4. Buying advice for fully automatic coffee machines: what to look out for?
In addition to the classification in terms of drinking behavior, there are other criteria that need to be taken into account if you want to buy the best fully automatic coffee machine for you at a reasonable price. One of the most famous manufacturers of fully automatic coffee machines is de’longhi, the black model dinamica is also suitable for users with little experience due to its simple operation.
4.1. Cleaning
Since the fully automatic coffee machine has to be cleaned regularly, cleaning should also be particularly easy with the built-in fully automatic coffee machine. This is especially the case if all the components to be cleaned, such as the brew group, the milk container of the fully automatic coffee machine (if there is a milk frother), the water tank or the drip tray, are easy to reach or clean. To be taken from this.
Many devices from the higher price range have a self-cleaning function. If you have a coffee machine with milk frother or a coffee machine without milk frother and you do not want to clean it, it is advisable to buy a latte macchiato machine with the self-cleaning function.
It is best to clean a fully automatic coffee maker with milk container daily. Otherwise, even the winner of the fully automatic coffee maker test clearly loses quality. You regular cleaning prevents bacteria from developing and milk residues from hardening.
These are difficult to remove, especially in the corners. For cleaning it is best to use a small brush that removes milk residues even in hard-to-reach crevices or corners reliable solves.
4.2. Bean hopper and water tank capacity
again, it depends on your drinking habits: if you only want to drink a cup of coffee occasionally, only a small capacity of the water tank (up to 1 liter) and bean container (about 200 g) is necessary.
The more coffee you want to drink in a short time, the larger the capacity should be. This ensures that you do not have to refill the water tank or bean hopper during the brewing process.
4.3. Grinding degree
If the aroma is particularly important to you, the degree of grinding is decisive: finely ground coffee powder develops its aromas better than coarsely ground coffee powder. Depending on how intense you want the aroma to be, it is important that your coffee machine with grinder also has the possibility of regulating the grind.
4.4. Which fully automatic coffee machines with grinder are there??
regular, thorough cleaning of your fully automatic coffee machine is particularly important in order to prepare your coffee hygienically and safely and to be able to enjoy the best coffee taste.
The coffee bean is ground before it is brewed. This process takes place inside the coffee machine. It there are coffee machines with cone grinders, beater grinders and disc grinders.
Various coffee machine tests show that all three variants for fully automatic coffee machines with ceramic grinder and steel grinder achieve good results.
- Fully automatic coffee machines with percussion grinder: the percussion blade is the heart of this fully automatic coffee machine with grinder. It works similar to a blender. The blade grinds the beans and thus produces coffee powder. In general, it is hardly possible to vary the distance between the blades. Therefore, with these grinders, you cannot influence the fineness of the coffee powder.
- Fully automatic coffee machines with disc grinder: Fully automatic coffee machines and coffee grinders often have a disc grinder. Inside there are two discs that rotate in opposite directions. The beans are ground particularly quickly in these coffee mills, according to various tests. Often it is possible to vary the distance between the two discs. This has an effect on the fineness of the coffee powder.
- Automatic coffee machines with cone grinder: the cone-shaped grinding unit rotates and thus grinds the coffee beans. The operating principle is the same as for a disc grinder.
Make sure that your automatic coffee maker with grinder does not grind so loudly. The more expensive fully automatic coffee machines are quieter than the cheaper variants, because in the more expensive fully automatic coffee machines, for example, a ceramic grinder is installed.
4.5. Water filter
Coffee machines test of the foundation warentest?
In 2016, the largest German testing institute subjected ten coffee machines to a fully automatic coffee machine test. Coffee maker test winner was the delonghi autentica cappucino etam coffee maker.
To get the best taste, you should choose a fully automatic coffee machine with an integrated water filter. In built-in coffee machines with water filters, the chlorine and lime content of the water is reduced, which also protects the machine from calcification.
Water filters have a limited lifetime. Therefore, you need to replace them at regular intervals. Among the best known manufacturers is the company britta, which offers water filters for various coffee machines and vending machines of well-known brands. When buying should make sure you purchase a water filter that is 100% compatible with your machine fits.
In the product description, you will usually find an indication of how many cycles you can use the water filter for before you should replace it. In addition, various water filters offer a so-called aromaring, with which the water hardness can be optimally adjusted.
4.6. Milk frother
If you do not want to froth the milk yourself, we recommend a fully automatic coffee machine with integrated milk frother. Although this has to be cleaned regularly, it makes it possible to adjust the consistency of the milk foam individually according to taste, especially in the case of professional or gastro fully automatic coffee machines.
Notice: if your automatic coffee maker has a milk container, it should be removable so you don’t have to throw away the unused milk. If the container is removable, the milk can easily be stored in the refrigerator for some time.
5. Which cleaning tablets are suitable for fully automatic coffee machines??
The best coffee maker will reach its limits if you don’t clean it regularly. Various fully automatic coffee machines with and without milk container have an integrated cleaning program. Therefore, the cleaning of the de’longhi or any other brand of automatic coffee maker must always be carried out according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
For fully automatic coffee machines made of stainless steel or other high-quality materials, there are special cleaning tablets for fully automatic coffee machines that are integrated into the preset cleaning process. The substances remove limescale and coffee residues. This also includes the oil that occurs naturally in the coffee bean. The stainless steel parts of the fully automatic coffee maker are more robust than the plastic hoses.
Stiftung warentest emphasizes that the decalcification interval of the machine depends on the water quality and the respective device. In various tests of fully automatic coffee machines, for example, some machines had to be decalcified after only 80 cups.
6. Settings for fully automatic coffee machines – which settings are convincing in fully automatic coffee machine tests??
Especially in the office, a fully automatic coffee maker should work as quietly as possible.
You can buy an automatic coffee maker with pre-set functions. Therefore, you do not have to search for the grind or the coffee strength. In addition, you can select certain coffee preparation categories can also be customized to meet your individual needs. Among other things, this changes the intensity of the flavor or the respective beverage volume.
With various fully automatic coffee machines, settings once found to be good can also be saved. On PICTURE.We will inform you in detail about the things you should pay attention to when changing certain settings:
- coffee strength: this setting is used to determine the amount of coffee powder to be used. Per more coffee passes through the brewing device, the more the hot beverage will end up. For espresso, you therefore need more powder than for a normal coffee. With the strength of the coffee you determine the intensity. In the BILD.In the product table, you can see that most coffee machines have 4 to 5 selectable coffee strengths.
- Grind: many manufacturers select the medium grind for the pre-setting of the fully automatic coffee machine at the factory. In addition, many machines are able to grind extra fine or coarse powder. With very fine powder, the aroma develops very intensively. Especially for mixed drinks, such as cappuccino, the finer powder is therefore worthwhile. Various coffee machine tests show that coarser ground coffee creates a lighter crema. However, an espresso of this grind variant tastes less intense. In the comparison of fully automatic coffee machines, it became clear that the machines either offer a step system (up to 13 steps) or continuously regulate the degree of grinding.
- Beverage volume: with both large and small fully automatic coffee machines, you can usually determine the cup volume. If, for example, you would like to drink an espresso with 50 ml instead of the preset 40 ml, a corresponding selection can be made in the menu of the machine. Generally speaking, a change in volume also has an effect on the intensity of the flavor.
7. What are the characteristics of an automatic coffee maker with a fixed water connection??
Many fully automatic coffee machines for domestic use have an integrated water tank. Checking the fill level and refilling the tank with water is therefore one of the regularly recurring tasks. Finally, the capacity of the water tank is relatively limited.
In addition, there are fully automatic coffee machines with a fixed water connection. For a long time, this useful option was reserved exclusively for fully automatic coffee machines for the catering sector, which cost a lot of money accordingly. However, this has changed in the meantime.
Producer like siemens, saeco or jura also have fully automatic coffee machines with integrated water connection in the range, which can also be used at home.
7.1. Advantages and disadvantages of a fixed water connection
-
advantages
- Water does not need to be refilled manually
- Constantly flowing water reduces germ contamination
- Fixed water connection fully automatic coffee machines are perfect for offices and other establishments that need to brew large quantities of coffee or coffee-based beverages every day. Preparing coffee specialties
-
disadvantages
- High purchase price
- Higher maintenance costs
- Space with water connection required
7.2. Fully automatic coffee machine with 2 bean hoppers and flask function – perfect for the office
Fully automatic coffee machines for commercial use from jura or other well-known manufacturers work particularly efficiently. Particularly highlighted here are fully automatic coffee machines that have 2 bean hoppers. Thus automatically reduces the refill frequency.
Fully automatic office coffee machines should also operate quietly and be installed in a fixed location that is easy to reach. There are special built-in coffee machines that meet this characteristic. You can also find fully automatic coffee machines with a flavour function online or in electrical stores. The machines brew several cups of coffee at once, which makes the fully automatic coffee machine with a can function also suitable for the office.
8. Coffee machine beans: what are the differences??
coffee knowledge
The triumph of the coffee bean began in europe at the end of the 16th century. Century. to this day, coffee in all its variations is one of the most popular beverages. There are different types of coffee beans. Mostly the arabica or robusta varieties end up in the bean container. Both beans are suitable for fully automatic coffee machines and portafilter machines.
In our fully automatic coffee maker guide 2021 / 2022, you have already received various information on the features and functions (for example, fully automatic coffee maker with milk frother). In addition, you will find in the product table fully automatic coffee machines from de’longhi and other manufacturers. At this point in our buying guide, we would like to take a look at the real star, to which the hot beverage owes its aroma: the coffee bean.
You can buy whole beans at your local coffee shop. Discounters like aldi or lidl also have whole coffee beans in good quality on offer. The most important features of arabica and robusta are shown in the PICTURE.De summarized in the following table:
- 1.1% to 1.7% caffeine content
- Lower acid content than robusta
- Considered gentle on the stomach
- Smooth and harmonious taste
- Often more expensive than robusta
- Partly earthy, bitter taste
- Higher acidity than arabica
- 2% to 4.5% caffeine content
- beans are often used for espresso blends
- Often cheaper than arabica
9. What are the interesting questions and answers on the subject of fully automatic coffee machines??
9.1. What can be brewed with a fully automatic coffee machine??
If you have an integrated milk frother, you only have to refill beans, water and milk and let the fully automatic machine work by pressing the button for espresso, cappuccino or latte macchiato.
You can easily serve, for example, a cappuccino or a latte macchiato within a very short time.
For a good cappuccino or. Latte macchiato you should preheat the cappuccino cup or latte macchiato glass, to get the best taste.
You can also make a delicious espresso with a portafilter machine instead of a fully automatic coffee machine.
9.2. When to switch to a fully automatic coffee maker?
If you drink a lot of coffee and don’t want to sacrifice taste, you should invest in a fully automatic coffee machine, as the cost per cup is much lower than with a coffee pod machine or capsule machine. Due to the many possibilities of making different coffee creations, a fully automatic coffee maker is also suitable for larger wgs, office or families.
9.3. Which fully automatic coffee maker is quiet??
Robusta beans contain more caffeine and are somewhat more tart and bitter than arabica coffee beans, which is why they are often used to make espresso in a fully automatic coffee maker.
Various tests of fully automatic coffee machines show that there are differences in the noise level. This applies to grinding as well as milk frothing or cleaning. The noise development can be perceived as annoying.
With a fully automatic coffee machine in the commercial sector, this may be less disturbing. At home, such a device proves to be a real noisemaker. So pay attention to the corresponding db specifications of the manufacturer.
You will find this information in the manufacturer’s specifications and in the technical data of the user manual for automatic coffee machines from siemens, WMF, seaco, krups, philips and bosch.
9.4. Small coffee machines for singles – is it worth it??
For a single person, there are also inexpensive fully automatic coffee machines that offer a good price-performance ratio, especially in terms of maintenance. But beware: small fully automatic coffee machines usually have a smaller capacity.
This applies to the water tank as well as the bean compartment. Only advantage: singles only ever brew as much coffee as they need with the coffee maker.
9.5. How to finance a fully automatic coffee machine?
In particular, high-quality fully automatic coffee machines with integrated milk frother (including fully automatic coffee machines from jura or other more exclusive providers) and those for professional use can cost several thousand euros.
These are often built-in coffee machines. This is also made clear by one or the other fully automatic coffee maker test on the internet. Fully automatic coffee machines can also be purchased privately, with providers such as amazon you can purchase the fully automatic coffee machine on account.
It is difficult even for restaurateurs to pay for such high-quality coffee machines on account and in one go. There are therefore extensive financing models, such as installment payments or leasing, which you can take advantage of. So you can also buy your coffee machine through the trade.
9.6. How much bar should a fully automatic coffee machine have??
The output pressure of many devices is around 15 bar. During the brewing process, the coffee powder is pressed with pressure in the brewing chamber. However, the fully automatic coffee machine loses pressure within the piping system.
For different coffee specialties, baristas always recommend a certain pressure. At espresso, for example, should be made at around 9 bar lie.
For optimal coffee enjoyment and the subsequent quality of the coffee, the initial pressure is therefore not important. This applies equally to fully automatic coffee machines with and without a flask function. Pay attention to the pressure with which the coffee powder is pressed into the brewing chamber.
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currently available from 469,99 € » to the amazon offer" to the ebay offer |
| water tank capacity | 1,8 l |
| touch display | yes |
| how many cups can be made with the coffee maker before the grinder is defective?? | The philips EP4321/50 impresses with a disc grinder made of 100 percent ceramic, which provides a long-lasting output of 20.000 cups promises. |
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currently from 1.169,00 € available » to the amazon offer" to the ebay offer |
| water tank capacity | 2 l |
| touch display | yes |
| why this fully automatic coffee maker has no visible buttons? | The de’longhi primadonna elite ECAM 656.55.MS is operated via a 4.3-inch color TFT with touchscreen technology and therefore has no buttons. |
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currently available from 810,74 € » to the amazon offer" to the ebay offer |
| water tank capacity | 2,0 l |
| touch display | yes |
| which coffee specialties can be prepared with the de’longhi eletta evo ECAM 46.860.B fully automatic coffee machines can be prepared? | With the de’longhi eletta evo ECAM 46.860.B fully automatic coffee machines can prepare 6 coffee specialties at the touch of a button: espresso, coffee, long coffee, cappuccino, latte macchiato and hot milk. |
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currently available from 443,85 € » go to amazon offer" to the ebay offer |
| water tank capacity | 1,8 l |
| touch display | yes |
| which coffee specialties can be made with the philips EP2232/40 fully automatic coffee maker? | The philips EP2232/40 fully automatic coffee machine can make three different coffee specialties: espresso, cafe and latte macchiato. Three preset coffee strengths are selectable. |
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currently available from 665,00 € » go to amazon offer to the ebay offer |
| water tank capacity | 1,8 l |
| touchdisplay | no |
| the melitta caffeo CI E970-103 fully automatic coffee maker with milk tank can also be used to froth plant-based drinks? | When you buy a fully automatic coffee maker, you buy a high-quality coffee maker with the melitta caffeo CI E970-103 fully automatic coffee maker, with which you can also froth milk of various types, such as cow’s milk, soy milk, almond milk or oat milk, without any problems. This model has a removable milk system with a separate milk container. |
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currently available from 299,00 € » to the amazon offer" to the ebay offer |
| water tank capacity | 1,2 l |
| touch display | no |
| what is the capacity of the bean container of the melitta caffeo solo E 950-103? | Customers who have had experience with this coffee machine say that it has a relatively small bean hopper capacity compared to conventional machines. The capacity of the bean hopper of this machine is 125 grams. |
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currently available from 849,00 € » to the amazon offer" to the ebay offer |
| water tank capacity | 1,7 l |
| touch display | yes |
| what is the capacity of the bean hopper of the siemens EQ fully automatic coffee machine?.6 plus s700? | At 300 g, the bean hopper of the fully automatic coffee maker does not have the largest capacity. Customers who have already had experience with the siemens EQ.6 plus s700 coffee maker also complained that it can even make coffee for two cups at the same time. But the capacity of the bean hopper is very small, so that often coffee beans must be refilled. |
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currently from 1.049,00 € available » to the amazon offer" to the ebay offer |
| water tank capacity | 1,7 l |
| touchdisplay | yes |
| how to clean the milk system of the saeco SM7683/10 xelsis? | With the saeco SM7683/10 xelsis, the milk system is automatically hygienically cleaned with hot steam after each preparation. each steam blast removes 99.99 % of milk residues. This keeps the milk system hygienically clean in a natural way. |
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currently available from 279,00 € » to the amazon offer" to the ebay offer |
| water tank capacity | 1,8 l |
| touch display | no |
| how to adjust the coffee strength of the fully automatic coffee maker de’longhi ECAM 22.110.B can be set? | If you want to buy the coffee machine de’longhi ECAM 22.110.B, you will discover a selector knob for the coffee strength. You can turn this knob to set the desired strength. The more you turn to the right, the greater the amount of coffee beans ground by the machine and the stronger the coffee will be. When the knob is set to the minimum position, a very mild coffee is prepared, while when the knob is set to the maximum position, a very strong coffee is prepared. |
How many different manufacturers does the fully automatic coffee machine comparison refer to??
Our aim is to include as many different manufacturers and products as possible in our comparison of fully automatic coffee machines in order to provide an optimum overview of the range on offer. That is why 8 different manufacturers are represented in our comparison. More information"
What average price should you expect when you are interested in a fully automatic coffee machine??
If you are interested in a fully automatic coffee machine, you should expect a price of approx. 647 euro calculation. For example, the price-performance winner de’longhi magnifica S ECAM 22 offers a good balance between low price and good quality.110.B from our comparison, which costs 279,00 euro. More information"
Which coffee maker from the comparison other customers liked most?
Other customers especially appreciate the nivona NICR caferomatica 779 . This is expressed in a customer rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars for the coffee machine. More information"
Which manufacturers have made a particularly good impression on our editorial team with their fully automatic coffee machine model??
4 fully automatic coffee machines from the product comparison made a very good impression on our editors and were accordingly awarded the top mark "VERY GOOD" rated: siemens EQ.6 plus s700 , de’longhi primadonna elite ECAM 656.55.MS , saeco SM7683/10 xelsis and de’longhi magnifica S ECAM 22.110.B . More information"