What exactly is a ‘fully automatic’ – sometimes referred to as ‘super automatic’ – espresso machine? How can we differentiate these state-of-the-art appliances from their bare-bones cousins with less advanced features? Also known as ‘bean to cup’, fully automatic espresso machines are coffee and espresso makers with built-in coffee grinders, that will produce coffee drinks at the push of a button. All the operator needs to do is fill the bean hopper and add water to the reservoir. At the beginning of the process, the beans are ground fresh, perfectly tamped, brewed, and dispensed in seconds. Not only that, the options for strength, volume, temperature and more tend to be comprehensive. The milk frothers on these appliances are also automatic, allowing the barista (whether pro or amateur) to easily whip up lattes, cappuccinos, and macchiatos at the drop of a hat.
Next question – are they worth it? Without a doubt, these machines ring in at the top of the price range – no, bells and whistles do not come cheap. That said, these high-end appliances promise a lot for the price: dump in the beans of choice, add water and brew up a cup of flawless espresso with one touch. With a less equipped espresso machine, that shot is far from a slam dunk. You’ll have to grind your own beans (or buy them ground), measure and pack the right amount into a portafilter, in some cases heat your water to the optimum temperature...and that’s just for one shot. Each subsequent brew requires a rinse and repeat. It also begs the question: who has the time – or the mental energy? For those mornings when measuring, tamping and frothing sounds like an impossible task, a fully automatic espresso machine sounds rather appealing.
Established in 1998, Quality Coffee Systems is based out of Burnaby BC and is one of the leading distributors of high-quality coffee solutions for both residential and commercial use – and yes, that includes fully automatic espresso machines. We are the official service centre for the cutting-edge Swiss brand Jura and represent some of the world’s finest coffee appliances including Schaerer, WMF, Conti, Zumex, Bunn, and Macap. QCS was founded as a father-son partnership and operates today with the same family-oriented principles. We consider a sale to be the beginning of a strong, ongoing client relationship – our core business has been built on 100% satisfied (and repeat) customers. What QCS brings to the table are technologically advanced, feature-rich products from reputable European brands, highly trained and technically competent staff, and unparalleled after-sales support and service.
Whether you’re looking for a traditional – or fully automatic – espresso machine; whether your needs are to install a gleaming espresso workhorse in your downtown café or treat yourself to the luxury of brewing specialty shots from the comfort of your own home, QCS has the product range, and our specialists have the expertise, to match you with the perfect espresso machine.
Stop by our showroom on Boundary Road or reach out to QCS for more information.
