The rise of the super automatic espresso machine

The world of espresso machines has undergone a dramatic transformation. Today, the super automatic espresso machine stands at the center of this change. This new category of equipment promises café-quality drinks at the push of a button. But this shift did not happen by accident. It reflects rising labor costs, changing customer expectations for consistency, and the pressure businesses face to serve great coffee quickly and reliably.

Understanding what a super automatic espresso machine is, how it differs from traditional commercial machines, and what leading brands like Thermoplan, Eversys, and Caye offer is essential if you own or plan to open a café, hotel, restaurant, or convenience store. A machine capable of consistently producing excellent drinks without constant oversight is no longer a luxury. It has become a necessity in today’s competitive coffee market.

This guide explains what makes a super automatic espresso machine unique, who benefits most from using one, how top brands differ, and what you should consider before investing.

What actually happens in traditional espresso preparation

A traditional commercial espresso machine demands a skilled barista. The process begins with grinding beans to the right size, dosing the correct amount into the portafilter, tamping evenly, and locking it into the group head. The barista then pulls the shot at precise temperatures and pressures.

If milk drinks are ordered, steaming is done separately. This step requires careful attention to achieve the right texture and temperature, which varies with dairy and alternative milks.

Every step depends on human judgment. Even a small mistake in grind size, tamping pressure, or milk frothing can drastically alter the taste of the drink. This hands-on process defines traditional espresso and is celebrated in specialty cafés around the world. However, it also leads to inconsistency, especially when staff turnover is high or baristas have different skill levels.

Training baristas to perform these tasks well takes weeks or months. Even experienced baristas can have off days. For business owners, this reliance on human skill can become a bottleneck that slows service and impacts quality.

How super automatic espresso machines changed the game

The super automatic espresso machine breaks down each step of the traditional process and automates it. These machines grind, dose, tamp, brew, and steam milk with minimal human intervention. An operator simply selects a drink on a touchscreen, and the machine completes the process with precision.

This automation turns a complex workflow into a consistent, efficient routine. Staff with little or no coffee experience can learn to operate the machine in minutes. Recipes can be programmed so every drink tastes the same, whether it’s during the morning rush or a quiet afternoon.

Because consistency protects your brand, super automatic espresso machines reduce the risk of errors. They also speed up service, allowing operators to focus on customer interaction or other business needs. This shift is even more important today, with rising wages and staff shortages affecting hospitality.

Why some call super automatic espresso machines “super traditional”

In the coffee industry, the term super automatic espresso machine refers to equipment that automates nearly all steps of preparation. However, Eversys has popularized the term super traditional in its marketing. They use this label to highlight how their machines blend traditional espresso control with advanced automation.

This distinction emphasizes Eversys’ commitment to quality and flexibility. Even so, most of the industry continues to use the term super automatic espresso machine, because the idea remains the same: a machine that makes high-quality coffee with minimal skill required.

Who needs a super automatic espresso machine

Super automatic espresso machines are ideal for businesses that prioritize speed, consistency, and efficiency. These include corporate offices, hotel breakfast buffets, airport lounges, chain cafés, convenience stores, and restaurants that need reliable coffee service without skilled baristas.

Even specialty cafés sometimes use super automatic espresso machines. For example, a satellite location or drive-thru can benefit from automation when experienced baristas are unavailable. In markets where wages are rising or baristas are scarce, super automatics help maintain drink quality without ongoing training.

Because your business goals matter, ask yourself if you value barista-driven experiences or operational efficiency more. This decision will guide your equipment choice.

Thermoplan: Precision from Switzerland

Thermoplan is a benchmark brand in the super automatic espresso machine industry. Headquartered in Weggis, Switzerland, Thermoplan employs over 500 people and partners with more than 200 certified sales and service providers worldwide. Known for Swiss precision engineering, their machines are durable and reliable.

Thermoplan’s commitment to automation extends beyond coffee equipment. Its production facility features fully automated warehouses with kilometers of conveyor belts and robotic systems to move components efficiently. Photovoltaic systems supply renewable energy to power their warehouses.

Partnerships with brands like Starbucks have cemented Thermoplan’s reputation. Starbucks uses Thermoplan machines worldwide to ensure every latte or cappuccino meets the same standard, regardless of location. This level of consistency is nearly impossible to achieve with traditional machines, especially across thousands of stores.

Learn more on Thermoplan’s official website

Eversys: Combining automation with control

Eversys was founded in Switzerland in 2009 with a mission to blend automation with traditional espresso craftsmanship. While Eversys machines automate preparation, they allow operators to control key brewing variables such as grind size, water temperature, brew ratios, and milk texture.

Since 2017, Eversys has been supported by the De’Longhi Group, which first acquired a 40% stake and later took full ownership in 2021. This partnership expanded Eversys’ production and distribution capabilities, bringing their machines to a global market.

Eversys machines appeal to cafés and restaurants that want the efficiency of automation but still value the ability to fine-tune recipes. This makes Eversys a compelling choice for businesses unwilling to compromise on quality or consistency.

Learn more on Eversys’s official website

Caye: The new contender

Caye Technology entered the super automatic espresso machine market in 2022, making it a fresh challenger among established brands. Founded to produce commercial-grade fully automatic machines for high-volume service, Caye’s team includes R&D experts with over a decade of industry experience.

In 2024, Caye opened a factory with annual capacity exceeding 10,000 machines. They also partnered with manufacturers in Kunshan capable of scaling production to 100,000 units annually. This aggressive expansion is backed by nearly 200 patent applications.

Caye focuses on delivering reliable, energy-efficient machines at competitive prices. Their products suit retail takeaway shops, convenience stores, chain cafés, and boutique coffee businesses. Demand for affordable, automated solutions is rising in China and beyond, and Caye is positioned to meet that need.

Learn more on Caye’s official website

Choosing the right super automatic espresso machine: Factors to consider

Selecting a super automatic espresso machine is a significant investment. Here are the factors to guide your decision:

Ease of cleaning and maintenance

Look for machines with automatic cleaning cycles, removable parts, and clear maintenance alerts. These features save time and keep drinks tasting fresh.

Service network and spare parts

Access to certified technicians and parts reduces downtime. Thermoplan and Eversys offer global service networks, while Caye’s network is expanding.

Customization

Some machines allow control over coffee strength, temperature, milk texture, and drink size. Others have preset options with limited flexibility. If your café offers signature drinks, choose a machine with customizable settings.

Milk performance

Test integrated milk systems with dairy and alternative milks like oat or almond. Some machines struggle to produce good foam with non-dairy options.

Interface design

Machines with intuitive touchscreens or controls reduce training time and mistakes, especially during busy periods.

Energy consumption

Features such as standby modes and efficient boilers lower electricity costs over time.

Build quality

Commercial-grade stainless steel machines withstand heavy use better than those built with plastic components.

Drink range

Some machines prepare espresso and milk drinks only, while others offer hot chocolate, tea, or custom beverages.

Brand reputation

Research each brand’s local performance and support. Thermoplan’s track record with major chains shows reliability. Eversys’s balance of control and automation appeals to specialty operators. Caye’s growing presence makes it a promising choice for cost-conscious businesses.

For advice on starting a profitable café, read our guide on how to survive as a coffee shop owner

Why super automatic espresso machines matter now more than ever

Super automatic espresso machines help businesses overcome rising wages, labor shortages, and customer demands for speed and consistency. By simplifying training and minimizing errors, these machines allow cafés and restaurants to maintain high standards during peak hours or in locations with limited skilled labor.

They do not replace the craft of coffee entirely. Many cafés will continue to celebrate traditional barista skills. However, the super automatic espresso machine offers a powerful option for businesses that need scalability, speed, and consistent quality.