Super Automatic Brewer
Super-Automatic machines are the most convenient way to get good coffee. They require the least work to make coffee, and the least clean-up (you eventually need to empty the grounds and refill the water). There can also be a bit of maintenance to keep them running smoothly, but good Super-Autos take a lot of the work (and skill) out of delivering quality drinks.
The biggest downsides are reliability and cost, which go hand-in hand. The challenge of these machines is that you are combining two functions that need to be dry (storing and grinding beans) with a very warm, wet process (brewing). In order to brew, there are also issues of moving the grounds into and out of the brewing chamber. Generally, there are a lot of moving parts, so reliability is important. Finally, since you have everything in one package, you are married to the whole thing. So if you don’t like the grinder, or it breaks, you have to replace the whole thing, or go without the whole thing, while it gets fixed. This can add expense and inconvenience in the long run.
As such, I don’t recommend any cheap grind-and-brew systems. The leap in low-effort coffee really is from cheap (pod machines) to expensive (Jura).
Super-Auto Recommendations:
Jura A1 - This is the entry-level Jura, a company which is known for quality and durability. The A1 is designed to produce espresso drinks, but the Americano setting will produce tasty drip-like coffee.
Jura Z8 - This machine will do everything you need it to, including serving up cafe-style beverages and drinks for large groups of people or an office. It doesn’t get much better in the Super-Auto world.
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