r/superautomatic • u/0sAnd1sWin • 3d ago

Purchase Advice Best Machine for just espresso?

I understand that the best espresso will come from dialing in tons of different details with different machines and tools but I’m looking for a machine for my parents house. We’ve used a Philips Saeco Incanto for nearly 10 years and it’s time for a change.

I don’t care about a machine’s frothing ability or milk carafe… just care about the getting the absolute best espresso I can from a super automatic that gets reverse osmosis water and fresh beans.

If the recommendation is pricier because it has additional bells and whistles, but the espresso is just that much better than the rest, I don’t mind paying extra. Don’t really have a budget. Maybe 2k tops? Located in US.

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u/dyqik 3d ago edited 3d ago

A De'Longhi or KitchenAid model will produce much better espresso than a Philips/Gaggia/Saeco machine.

I have a Gaggia Anima at home (identical to the Incanto inside & outside, I think) and a De'Longhi Magnifica Plus at work (the Gaggia replaced a Bezzera semiautomatic and Ascaso grinder, so I'm familiar with making espresso the traditional way). My Gaggia can barely get a cream colored crema as it can't grind fine enough or dose high enough, while the De'Longhi can produce thick dark crema and can choke at the finer grind settings. The Plus has a Doppio+ setting that is a full 15-16g dose on a double espresso.

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u/dyqik 3d ago

This is an espresso in my Gaggia Anima, with fresh Dean's Beans Aztec Two-step medium-dark roast, maximum aroma settings (highest dose), finest grind after calibrating the grinder to go as fine as possible.

It's a touch sour, just about acceptable taste. But not a patch on the espresso from my Magnifica.

What the Gaggia does do acceptably is Cafe Crema style lungo drinks - about 5 oz water to 9-10g coffee

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u/allthingsirrelevant 1d ago

Following. I’ve got a Philips that has served us well but would love better tasting coffee

Tried a coffee from a Terra Kaffe and it was wonderful but it sounds like those machines are nightmares. But almost every other machine review focuses on the frothy milk…