- Buying Guide
Buying a fully automatic coffee machine: grinder, milk, and cleaning
Three components determine how good the coffee turns out and how much work the device requires. What to look for when buying.
See us more on GoogleKey takeaways
- A removable brewing unit saves expensive maintenance and can be cleaned under running water.
- With the milk system, it's not the foam that matters, but how easily the milk-carrying parts can be rinsed.
- The water hardness must be set – otherwise the device descales too rarely or unnecessarily often.
Fully automatic coffee machines vary greatly in the number of programs, but far less in the result in the cup. If you narrow the choice down to three components – grinder, brewing unit, and milk system – you'll find a device faster that still makes good coffee after two years.
Typical key values
9 bar
Brewing pressure for espresso
7–11 g
Ground coffee per cup
approx. 92 °C
Average brewing temperature
1,2–1,8 l
Water tank capacity
The three components that matter
What makes the difference
Removable brew group
It can be rinsed once a week under running water. Permanently installed brew groups can only be cleaned with tablets and must be taken to a specialty store for maintenance.
Grinder
Conical burrs made of steel or ceramic work slowly and hardly heat the grounds. More important than the material is a grind setting that can be adjusted in fine steps.
Milk system
Whether a tube into the carton or a dedicated carafe: the key is that all milk-contacting parts can be removed and rinsed. An automatic rinsing program does not fully replace this.
Everyday accessibility
The water tank, grounds container, and drip tray should be removable from the front. If the device is placed under a wall cabinet, a tank with a lid on top quickly becomes unusable.
Setting water hardness – the most overlooked point
Almost every device asks for wasserhärte during initial setup, and almost everyone skips the setting. It controls how often the device prompts you to descale. If the value is set too low, limescale will build up in the device unnoticed; if it is too high, you will descale unnecessarily often and wear out seals. You can find out the actual hardness level from your local water supplier or with a test strip included in the delivery.
Frequently asked questions
What is the advantage of a removable brewing unit?
It can be cleaned once a week under running water, without chemicals. In permanently installed systems, a cleaning program with tablets takes over; for maintenance, the device must be sent in.
How often does a fully automatic coffee machine need to be descaled?
It depends on the water hardness and the number of cups. With medium hardness and daily use, the device typically prompts every two to three months. You should not delay the prompt.
Is a device with a milk carafe worth it?
If you regularly prepare milk drinks, yes – the carafe can be put in the fridge with its contents after use. Those who only occasionally drink cappuccino will be better off with a hose system.
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About the author
Home & garden editor
Miriam looks after the home and garden guides at cybermag – from robot vacuums and washing machines to lawn mowers. She is less interested in spec sheets than in what still works after two years of everyday use.
Facts checked and approved for publication by Miriam Kohl · as of August 27, 2026 · How our texts are written →