Top Coffee Beans for Super-Automatic Espresso Machines

Top Coffee Beans for Super-Automatic Espresso Machines

Written by: Kahlel Ho

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Time to read 8 min

Choosing the best espresso beans for automatic machines can be overwhelming, but it's essential to getting the most from your brew. A recent review by IFt confirms that roast level significantly affects flavor, aroma, and extraction, making coffee bean choice essential for getting the best out of your super-automatic espresso machine.

At Pro Coffee Gear, we offer a range of super-automatic machines like the La Cimbali S15 CS10, Eversys Enigma E4s, Egro NEXT TOP MILK & more, all designed to deliver consistent, high-quality espresso with minimal effort. However, even the best machine needs the right beans to perform at its best. 

Espresso is more concentrated than regular coffee, and the beans you choose are crucial for a balanced, flavorful shot. Beans roasted specifically for espresso are designed to withstand the pressurized brewing process, enhancing sweetness and complexity in every cup.

In this blog, we have compiled a list of the best espresso beans for automatic machines that pair perfectly with super-automatic machines. Whether you are an experienced espresso lover or just starting, these selections will help elevate your coffee experience with the best coffee for a super-automatic espresso machine.

Choosing the Right Beans for Your Super-Automatic Espresso Machine

When it comes to selecting the best beans for your super-automatic espresso machine, it’s essential to consider the roast type. Different roasts behave differently in the machine, and choosing the wrong one can damage your grinder or affect the quality of your coffee. 

Here’s everything you need to know about selecting the best espresso beans for automatic machines, from types of roasts to which beans to avoid.

Types of Roasts

 

There are four primary roast types:

  • Blonde (Light Roast): Light roasts preserve the bean’s natural flavors, offering bright, fruity, and floral notes. These roasts are more acidic, providing you a lively cup but often lacking the depth needed for espresso.

  • Medium Roast: Medium roasts strike a balance, with a smooth body and mild acidity. These beans highlight sweetness and rich flavor without being too sharp or bitter, making them perfect for your classic espresso.

  • Medium-Dark Roast: These beans develop deeper flavors with slight caramelization. Medium-dark roasts offer a bold, chocolatey profile with a smooth body and a touch of bitterness, ideal if you want a well-rounded espresso shot.

  • Dark Roast: Dark roasts are bold and smoky, with intense bitterness and low acidity. However, their oily texture makes them unsuitable for automatic brewing.

Remember, if you love dark roast but want to protect your super-automatic machine, look for high-quality, low-oil options. These options let you enjoy the flavor without damaging your machine, ensuring you get the best espresso beans for automatic machines.

Related: Difference between Espresso Beans and Coffee Beans: Roasting and Caffeine Comparison

Next up, let’s explore how the right grind size plays a crucial role in brewing excellence.

Choosing the Right Grind for Your Super-Automatic Espresso Machine

One of the key factors in brewing a perfect espresso is achieving the right grind size.

  • Why Grind Size Matters:
    The grind size directly impacts the extraction process. A grind that’s too coarse can lead to under-extraction, resulting in weak and watery espresso, while a grind that’s too fine can cause over-extraction, making your espresso bitter.

  • Super-Automatic Machines and Built-In Grinders:
    Super-automatic espresso machines are calibrated to deliver the ideal grind for espresso. By using a built-in grinder, you can achieve a uniform grind size with every use, making your espresso process seamless and efficient.

  • Using Regular Beans in Your Super-Automatic Machine:
    While it might be tempting to use regular coffee beans, they may not be ground to the right fineness required for optimal espresso extraction. To achieve the best results, always ensure your beans are ground as finely as possible. 

Some super-automatic machines like Rancilio ZERO+ PURE COFFEE available at Pro Coffee Gear come with adjustable grind settings, allowing you to fine-tune the grind to match the type of beans you’re using.

  • Experiment and Fine-Tune:
    If your machine allows for it, experiment with different grind settings to find the perfect match for your beans. Adjusting the grind size can enhance flavor extraction, giving you the ability to create a personalized espresso experience tailored to your preferences.

By ensuring the right grind size, you will optimize your espresso brewing process and get the most out of your super-automatic machine.

Also read: Basics of Grinding Coffee Beans at Home

Now, we will explore some of the best espresso beans for super-automatic machines, designed for optimal performance.

Top 10 Espresso Beans for Super-Automatic Espresso Machines

When it comes to choosing the best espresso beans for your super-automatic espresso machine, it’s crucial to pick the right blend that complements the machine’s capabilities. 

Below, we have curated a selection of premium espresso beans that work seamlessly with your super-automatic machine, each offering unique flavors and characteristics.

1. Coffeeness Espresso Blend – Best Medium Roast Espresso Beans

 

  • Roast Level: Medium

  • Origin: Mogiana region of Brazil

  • Tasting Notes: Chocolate, Hazelnut

  • Price: $33.24

  • Size: 32 ounces

The Coffeeness Espresso Blend offers a rich and balanced espresso with freshness and low acidity, making it gentle on the stomach. Ideal for super-automatic machines, it’s perfect for both straight espresso and milk-based drinks. A top choice for the best espresso beans for automatic machines.

2. Caffe Ladro – Ladro Espresso

 

  • Roast Level: Medium

  • Origin: Colombia, Brazil, Ethiopia

  • Tasting Notes: Milk Chocolate, Dark Cherry, Caramel

  • Price: $18.75

  • Size: 12 ounces

The Caffe Ladro - Ladro Espresso offers a balanced and sweet espresso. Roasted to perfection, it's ideal for both straight espresso and milk-based drinks, making it a top choice for super-automatic machines.

3. Gaggia Intenso Whole Bean Espresso

 

  • Roast Level: Medium

  • Origin: Blend of African, Central American, Indian, and South American coffees

  • Tasting Notes: Cocoa, Hazelnuts, Spices, Toasted Almonds

  • Price: $23.99

  • Size: 35 ounces (1kg)

Gaggia Intenso offers a bold espresso with a rich body, roasted for low acidity. It’s one of the excellent choices when it comes to the best espresso beans for automatic machines.

4. Maromas Orphea Whole Bean Espresso

 

  • Roast Level: Medium

  • Origin: Blend of fine Arabica and double-washed Robusta from a single plantation

  • Tasting Notes: Refined Chocolate, Persistent Aroma

  • Price: $21.29

  • Size: 35 ounces (1kg)

Maromas Orphea presents an espresso of extraordinary richness with a refined chocolate aftertaste, making it an ideal choice for super-automatic machines and a top contender for the best espresso beans for automatic machines.

5. Carraro Dolci Arabica

 

  • Roast Level: Medium

  • Origin: Blend of eight Arabica coffees from Central and South America, the Horn of Africa, and India

  • Tasting Notes: Jasmine, Rose Petals, Dark Notes, Earthy Tones, Mocha, Chocolate, Cognac

  • Price: $28.00

  • Size: 35 ounces (1kg)

Carraro Dolci Arabica offers a delicate espresso with floral notes that are complemented by dark, earthy tones. It makes its case as a fantastic choice for super-automatic machines.

6. Lavazza Super Crema Whole Bean Espresso Coffee

 

  • Roast Level: Medium

  • Origin: Blend of Brazilian, Indian, Colombian, and Indonesian beans

  • Tasting Notes: Hazelnut, Brown Sugar, Honey, Almond

  • Price: $18.49

  • Size: 22 ounces

Lavazza Super Crema provides a full-bodied espresso with a creamy texture, making it versatile for various espresso-based drinks. It's a great one to go for when choosing from the best espresso beans for automatic machines.

7. Dune Coffee Roasters – Zip Zinger

 

  • Roast Level: Medium

  • Origin: Blend of Latin American beans

  • Tasting Notes: Citrus, Chocolate, Almond

  • Price: $17.50

  • Size: 10 ounces

The Dune Coffee Roasters – Zip Zinger offers a vibrant espresso with its tasting notes. It’s a lively choice for those of you who are seeking a bright espresso experience.

8. Camber Coffee – Big Joy Espresso Blend

 

  • Roast Level: Medium

  • Origin: Guatemala (Atitlán and Huehuetenango regions)

  • Tasting Notes: Caramel, Marmalade, Soft Fruitiness

  • Price: $22.00

  • Size: 12 ounces

Camber Coffee's Big Joy Espresso Blend delivers a sweet brew, making it a considerable choice for milk-based drinks. It's recommended for those of you who are looking to try one of the best coffee for super-automatic espresso machines.

9. Necessary Coffee – Blend

 

  • Roast Level: Medium

  • Origin: Beans sourced from Latin America and East Africa

  • Tasting Notes: Chocolate, Brown Sugar

  • Price: $17.50

  • Size: 325 grams (11.46 ounces)

Necessary Coffee's Blend offers a sweetly smooth espresso, which makes it a delicious and approachable choice if you are a daily espresso enthusiast looking for that savory blend.

10. Joe Coffee – The Daily

 

  • Roast Level: Medium

  • Origin: Blend of Latin American beans

  • Tasting Notes: Chocolate, Caramel, Almond

  • Price: $11.50

  • Size: 6 ounces

Joe Coffee's The Daily provides a balanced espresso with its tasting notes. Versatile for various espresso-based drinks, it makes the list as one of the go-to coffee bean choices for super-automatic machines.

Read: A Coffee Lover's Guide to Better Brew and Accessories

Finally, let’s learn some practical tips that will help you get the most out of your super-automatic espresso machine.

Maximizing Your Super-Automatic Espresso Machine

 

Making the most of your super-automatic espresso machine means it’s not just about focusing on the coffee beans you use, but also how you treat your machine and coffee. 

Let's explore some simple tips that can enhance your coffee experience.

  • Warm Your Cups:
    Keeping your cups warm helps maintain the temperature of your coffee for longer. If your machine doesn’t have a built-in cup warmer, you can easily run your cups under hot water before brewing your espresso.

  • Brew One Coffee at a Time:
    Even with a high-powered super-automatic machine, brewing one espresso shot at a time will yield creamier and more flavorful results. It allows the machine to focus on perfecting each shot instead of rushing through multiple extractions.

If you're seeking high quantity without compromising on quality, the La Cimbali S60 CP10 is engineered for consistent excellence. Capable of delivering 260 espressos per hour and serving up to 600 cups daily, it ensures that even when brewing at high volume, each espresso shot is brewed to perfection.

  • Use Fresh Water:
    For the best results, always use fresh, softened, and filtered water in your espresso machine. While it’s not necessary to keep the water reservoir completely full, filling it enough to brew your coffee ensures optimal performance and taste.

  • Listen to Your Machine:
    Pay attention to maintenance alerts from your machine. Ignoring them can significantly shorten the lifespan of your appliance, preventing it from operating at peak performance and potentially causing costly damage. 

To avoid heavy damage to your machine, conduct occasional deep cleaning to ensure the grinder stays free from oils and other residues. Keeping your machine well-maintained will help preserve its lifespan and ensure consistent, high-quality shots every time.

Conclusion

Choosing the right espresso beans is crucial to enhancing your brewing experience and unlocking the full potential of your super-automatic espresso machine. Whether you are a seasoned espresso lover or just getting started, the right equipment paired with the right coffee beans can make all the difference.

For all your espresso needs, from super-automatic espresso machines to top-notch accessories and more, we are here to help. Visit Pro Coffee Gear today and elevate your coffee experience.

FAQs

Q. What is the best grind size for an automatic espresso machine?

 

A. For optimal results, aim for a grind size similar to table salt, or slightly finer. If your grinder uses a numerical scale, start with a setting between 10 to 20 (with 1 being the finest and 30 the coarsest).

Q. Can a super-automatic machine make good espresso?

 

A. Yes, super-automatic espresso machines are designed to deliver consistent, high-quality espresso with minimal effort, making them an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced coffee enthusiasts.

Q. What kind of beans should be used in an automatic espresso machine?

 

A. For best results, use medium or light roasted coffee beans that are non-oily. Avoid dark roasted beans as they contain more oil, which can clog the machine and require frequent cleaning.

Q. Does Starbucks use a super-automatic espresso machine?

 

A. Yes, Starbucks uses super-automatic espresso machines that are specifically designed for its stores, making the coffee-making process efficient and consistent.