I’m aware that many of you are on the lookout for the best self-cleaning coffee maker. But I have some bad news: there are no true self-cleaning fully automatic coffee machines. At least not in the way we’d like.
Admittedly, many models in my guide to the best fully automatic espresso machines take care of significant cleaning functions. However, simple rinsing and proper cleaning are two entirely different things.
There are some machines that come close to realizing the dream of a self-cleaning coffee maker. With that in mind, I’ve compiled a list of 10 machines offering clever automation for simple cleaning tasks or simply a great cleaning workflow.
Of course, cleaning and hygiene functions are not (quite) as important as the selection of drinks, intuitive operation or coffee quality. But if you want to drink the best coffee, you have to clean your machine. And thoroughly. That’s why any automated cleaning function is a bonus.
Keep reading to learn what this all means and what to look out for.
Coffeeness Medium Roast Espresso
Well-balanced with chocolate & hazelnut notes
Freshly roasted in Brooklyn
Very low acidity
Table of Contents
Best Self-Cleaning Coffee Makers at a Glance
SMEG Fully Automatic Coffee Machine
Makes good espresso
Easy to clean
Looks great
DeLonghi Rivelia
Compact and affordable
Easy to use
Many adjustable settings
KitchenAid KF7
High-quality construction
Intuitive operation
Top-class drinks
Bosch 800 Series VeroCafe
Large touchscreen display
Huge drink menu
Efficient cleaning
DeLonghi Magnifica Plus
Compact footprint
Makes great specialty drinks
Straightforward cleaning
Miele CM 7750
Three bean hoppers
Outstanding electronic grinder
Automatic descaling function
Best Self-Cleaning Fully Automatic Coffee Machines: Comparing Features
| Coffeeness Rating | Best Cleaning Feature | Biggest Advantage | Biggest Disadvantage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Terra Kaffe TK-02 | Almost makes cleaning fun | Guided descaling | Intuitive operation & app | Flimsy milk container |
| Philips 2300 LatteGo | Great value, easy to clean | Simple milk system | Incredible value for money | Innacurate volume control |
| SMEG Fully Automatic Coffee Machine | No milk system, no worries | Automatic rinsing | Makes great espresso | Limited functions |
| Jura S8 | Classic Jura functionality | Self-rinsing brew unit | Sweet foam function | Very expensive |
| DeLonghi Rivelia | Clever bean hopper system | Interchangeable bean hoppers | Easy to switch beans | Changing beans wastes coffee |
| KitchenAid KF 7 | Very high quality | Removable bean container | High-quality build | Small water tank |
| Bosch 800 Series VeroCafe | A beautiful screen to guide you | Guided cleaning via display | Huge drink menu | Rather expensive |
| DeLonghi Magnifica Plus | Compact and powerful | Simple cleaning programs | Compact and effective | Loud grinder |
| Jura Z10 | A luxury experience | Adjustable cleaning programs | High-end everything | Very expensive |
| Miele CM 7750 | Very high-end machine | Automatic descaling | Three bean hoppers | Overkill for many |
Terra Kaffe TK-02: Best Overall Self-Cleaning Coffee Maker
A thoroughly modern super automatic
Terra Kaffe TK-02
A premium machine offering superb value
Looks great
Easy to use
Fantastic app
Tons of adjustable settings
Great value
Cheap milk container
| Terra Kaffe TK-02 | |
| Manufacturer | Terra Kaffe |
|---|---|
| Model number | TK-02 |
| Product category | Super automatic espresso machine |
| Removable brew group | |
| Housing material | Plastic with stainless steel parts |
| Color options | Black, White |
| Milk frother | Cappuccinatore |
| User interface | Touchscreen |
| App | |
| User profiles | 1 |
| Removable water reservoir | |
| Water reservoir capacity | 74.4 fl oz / 2.2 l |
| Number of boilers | 2 |
| Pump pressure | 9 bar |
| Maximum cup height | 5.5 in / 14.0 cm |
| Minimum cup height | 1.9 in / 4.8 cm |
| Grinder | Stainless steel conical burr grinder |
| Grind adjustment levels | 5 |
| Bean hopper capacity | 15.9 oz / 450.0 g |
| Pre-ground coffee bypass | |
| Grounds discard container capacity | 10 |
| Specialty drinks | 12 |
| Pre-infusion | |
| Adjustable coffee temperature | |
| Adjustable milk foam temperature | |
| Adjustable milk temperature | |
| 2-cup function | Yes (non-milk drinks only) |
| Pot function | |
| Hot water function | |
| Hot milk function | |
| Milk foam only option | |
| Water filter | |
| Power consumption | 1400 W |
| Weight | 29.5 lb / 13.4 kg |
| Dimensions | 14.3 x 10.4 x 17.5 in |
| Warranty | 2 years |
| Notes | Included Accessories: User manual, milk carafe, app download |
| Current price on Amazon | $1,995.00 |
| All specifications | |
Featuring clean lines and an elegant, straightforward design, the Terra Kaffe TK-02 is an understated beauty. What’s more, it’s incredibly easy to clean and maintain.
During my hands-on testing, I was particularly impressed by the Terra Kaffe’s modern and intuitive touchscreen interface. What’s more, the app actually works like a charm, making it easy to control the machine from your phone. With all that in mind, it’s easy to see why the TK-02 takes the top spot in my guide to the best self-cleaning coffee makers.
This is one of the few non-Jura machines with a fixed brew unit. Still, the manufacturer includes special cleaning tablets for the brew group. Plus, the machine notifies you when it’s time to run a descaling cycle and walks you through the entire process. Elsewhere, the TK-02 does a fabulous job of keeping you up to date on what needs to be cleaned. It offers prompts for milk system rinsing after each use, and regularly flushes and rinses the coffee circuit.
Overall, this sleek, modern fully automatic machine is about as close as you can get to a real self-cleaning coffee maker right now. And for $1,995.00, it offers very good value for money.
See Also: Terra Kaffe TK-02 Review
Philips 2300 Series: Easy Milk System Cleaning
Incredible value
Philips 2300 LatteGo
A top performer at a great price
Exceptional value
Easy to use
Makes superb espresso
Quiet grinder
Some cumbersome programming
| Philips 2300 LatteGo | |
| Manufacturer | Philips |
|---|---|
| Model number | EP2330/10 |
| Product category | Super automatic espresso machine |
| Removable brew group | |
| Housing material | Plastic with stainless steel parts |
| Color options | Matte Black |
| Milk frother | Integrated carafe |
| User interface | Buttons and dials |
| App | |
| User profiles | Memo function only |
| Removable water reservoir | |
| Water reservoir capacity | 60.9 fl oz / 1.8 l |
| Number of boilers | 1 |
| Pump pressure | 15 bar |
| Maximum cup height | 5.7 in / 14.5 cm |
| Minimum cup height | 3.4 in / 8.6 cm |
| Grinder | Ceramic flat burr grinder |
| Grind adjustment levels | 12 |
| Bean hopper capacity | 9.9 oz / 280.0 g |
| Pre-ground coffee bypass | |
| Grounds discard container capacity | 12 |
| Specialty drinks | 4 |
| Pre-infusion | |
| Adjustable coffee temperature | |
| Adjustable milk foam temperature | |
| Adjustable milk temperature | |
| 2-cup function | Yes (non-milk drinks only) |
| Pot function | |
| Hot water function | |
| Hot milk function | |
| Milk foam only option | |
| Water filter | |
| Power consumption | 1500 W |
| Weight | 17.7 lb / 8.0 kg |
| Dimensions | 17.0 x 9.7 x 14.6 in |
| Warranty | 2 years |
| Notes | Included Accessories: User manual, measuring scoop, water hardness test strip, LatteGo storage lid |
| Current price on Amazon | $499.99 |
| All specifications | |
The folks responsible for designing Philips espresso machines have been thinking about how we can clean the milk system in the easiest way possible. With the LatteGo frothing system, they have found an answer that is as simple as it is ingenious.
There are no pipes or valves here – just three simple parts that you can take apart and reassemble in a flash. Then you simply rinse everything by hand and put it back together.
While earlier LatteGo machines were easy to clean, they left a lot to be desired when it came to milk foam, espresso and noise levels.
The Philips 2300 LatteGo, on the other hand, is an absolute banger. It’s not only one of the quietest fully automatic coffee machines out there, it’s currently one of my favorite machines overall.
Because for a downright ridiculous price of $499.99, you get exceptional cup results, a super-intuitive user interface and an automatic milk system that delivers the goods and is very easy to clean.
If you want the same basic principle with a few more beverage options, I’m almost as enthusiastic about the Philips 3300 LatteGo.
See Also: Philips 2300 LatteGo Review
SMEG Fully Automatic Coffee Machine: No Milk Cleanup
Nothing to write home about
SMEG Fully Automatic Coffee Machine
Back to the Future
Looks super stylish
Intuitive user interface
Rugged and sturdy
Easy to clean
Makes good espresso
Expensive for what you get
Not many customization options
| SMEG Fully Automatic Coffee Machine | |
| Manufacturer | SMEG |
|---|---|
| Model number | BCC02 |
| Product category | Super automatic espresso machine |
| Removable brew group | |
| Housing material | Plastic with stainless steel parts |
| Color options | Black, Red, Taupe |
| Milk frother | None |
| User interface | Buttons and dials |
| App | |
| User profiles | Memo function only |
| Removable water reservoir | |
| Water reservoir capacity | 33.8 fl oz / 1.0 l |
| Number of boilers | 1 |
| Pump pressure | 19 bar |
| Maximum cup height | 5.3 in / 13.5 cm |
| Minimum cup height | 3.5 in / 8.9 cm |
| Grinder | Stainless steel conical burr grinder |
| Grind adjustment levels | 5 |
| Bean hopper capacity | 5.3 oz / 150.0 g |
| Pre-ground coffee bypass | |
| Grounds discard container capacity | 8 |
| Specialty drinks | 3 |
| Pre-infusion | |
| Adjustable coffee temperature | |
| Adjustable milk foam temperature | |
| Adjustable milk temperature | |
| 2-cup function | No |
| Pot function | |
| Hot water function | |
| Hot milk function | |
| Milk foam only option | |
| Water filter | |
| Power consumption | 1350 W |
| Weight | 25.1 lb / 11.4 kg |
| Dimensions | 13.3 x 7.1 x 17.0 in |
| Warranty | 1 year |
| Notes | Included Accessories: Cleaning brush, water hardness test strip, instruction manual. Optional: Water filter. |
| Current price on Amazon | $649.95 |
| All specifications | |
I’ve reviewed a few fully automatic espresso machines without milk frothers, and I’m always on the fence about whether they’re worth buying. I guess I worry that you’ll have buyer’s remorse when you realize you can’t make cappuccinos for your friends. Still, one huge bonus is that you’ll never have to worry about disassembling a milk system and cleaning it.
As it happens, the SMEG Fully Automatic Coffee Machine makes really good coffee and is very easy to use. Still, not everyone will consider spending $649.95 on a machine with such limited functionality.
If you do buy the SMEG Fully Automatic Coffee Machine, it’ll look great in your kitchen. And while you’ll have to clean the brew group by hand, the machine does perform its fair share of automatic rinsing cycles.
See Also: SMEG Fully Automatic Coffee Machine Review
Jura S8: Best With a Self-Cleaning Brew Unit
A successful update
Jura S8
Enhanced functions and even higher quality, but more expensive
Outstanding functionality
Makes excellent espresso
Sweet Foam function
Easy to clean
Dual outlets can be confusing
| Jura S8 | |
| Manufacturer | Jura |
|---|---|
| Model number | 15212/15210/15358 |
| Product category | Super automatic espresso machine |
| Removable brew group | |
| Housing material | Plastic with stainless steel parts |
| Color options | Chrome, Moonlight Silver, Piano Black |
| Milk frother | Cappuccinatore |
| User interface | Touchscreen |
| App | |
| User profiles | Memo function only |
| Removable water reservoir | |
| Water reservoir capacity | 64.2 fl oz / 1.9 l |
| Number of boilers | 1 |
| Pump pressure | 15 bar |
| Maximum cup height | 4.6 in / 11.7 cm |
| Minimum cup height | 2.8 in / 7.1 cm |
| Grinder | Stainless steel conical burr grinder |
| Grind adjustment levels | Infinitely variable |
| Bean hopper capacity | 10.2 oz / 290.0 g |
| Pre-ground coffee bypass | |
| Grounds discard container capacity | 16 |
| Specialty drinks | 8 |
| Pre-infusion | |
| Adjustable coffee temperature | |
| Adjustable milk foam temperature | |
| Adjustable milk temperature | |
| 2-cup function | Yes (non-milk drinks only) |
| Pot function | |
| Hot water function | |
| Hot milk function | |
| Milk foam only option | |
| Water filter | |
| Power consumption | 1450 W |
| Weight | 22.0 lb / 10.0 kg |
| Dimensions | 13.8 x 11.0 x 17.3 in |
| Warranty | 2 years |
| Notes | Included Accessories: Instruction booklet, Container for milk system cleaning, Measuring spoon, Hot water nozzle. App connectivity with optional Jura Smart Connect (not included). |
| Current price on Amazon | $2,999.00 |
| All specifications | |
It really doesn’t matter which Jura fully automatic coffee machine I include on this list. After all, every one of the Swiss manufacturer’s machines has a permanently installed brew unit that’s rinsed automatically.
From our long-term mold test, we know that this machine works exceptionally well as long as you follow all the instructions for using cleaning agents, descalers, etc.
Costing $2,999.00, the Jura S8 is nothing out of the ordinary, but it was recently treated to a significant update. During my testing, this premium machine impressed me with its wide range of features, signature Jura beverage quality and a wonderful touchscreen user interface.
With all that said, these findings also apply to other Jura machines. To be honest, you really can’t go wrong with this brand. As long as you can afford it, that is.
See Also: Jura S8 Review
DeLonghi Rivelia: Best With Two Bean Hoppers
Great Idea
DeLonghi Rivelia
A solution to the bean change problem
Switchable bean hopper
Tons of adjustable settings
Easy to use
Makes very “modern” espresso
Beans are wasted when switching hoppers
| DeLonghi Rivelia | |
| Manufacturer | De’Longhi |
|---|---|
| Model number | EXAM44055 |
| Product category | Super automatic espresso machine |
| Removable brew group | |
| Housing material | Plastic |
| Color options | Arctic White, Onyx Black, Pebble Grey |
| Milk frother | Integrated carafe |
| User interface | Touchscreen |
| App | |
| User profiles | 4 |
| Removable water reservoir | |
| Water reservoir capacity | 47.3 fl oz / 1.4 l |
| Number of boilers | 1 |
| Pump pressure | 15 bar |
| Maximum cup height | 5.5 in / 14.0 cm |
| Minimum cup height | |
| Grinder | Stainless steel conical burr grinder |
| Grind adjustment levels | 13 |
| Bean hopper capacity | 8.8 oz / 250.0 g |
| Pre-ground coffee bypass | |
| Grounds discard container capacity | 10 |
| Specialty drinks | 16 |
| Pre-infusion | |
| Adjustable coffee temperature | |
| Adjustable milk foam temperature | |
| Adjustable milk temperature | |
| 2-cup function | Yes (non-milk drinks only) |
| Pot function | |
| Hot water function | |
| Hot milk function | |
| Milk foam only option | |
| Water filter | |
| Power consumption | 1450 W |
| Weight | 21.3 lb / 9.7 kg |
| Dimensions | 15.2 x 9.6 x 17.3 in |
| Warranty | 2 years |
| Notes | |
| Current price on Amazon | $1,499.95 |
| All specifications | |
People often overlook the bean hopper during cleaning, yet this is where a significant amount of coffee oils and dust accumulate. At $1,499.95, the DeLonghi Rivelia doesn’t just solve this problem, it takes things a step further.
With a removable bean hopper and an included spare hopper, it makes it easy for us to switch between different roasts and to wipe the hopper down and clean it in between uses.
Visually, the machine’s design may not appeal to everyone, but under the hood lies a lot of modern fully automatic technology that assists in preparing delicious beverages. There are also a wide range of settings, and the machine impressed me with its straightforward operation. Then again, I wouldn’t expect anything less from a DeLonghi espresso machine.
There is only one drawback to the interchangeable bean hopper idea: the beans always fall into the same grinder chamber, so there will still be coffee from the previous hopper in there once you’ve switched.
Those who frequently switch between caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee might want to consider a fully automatic coffee machine with two grinders. Those who simply enjoy experimenting with beans will be more than satisfied with the Rivelia at this great price.
See Also: DeLonghi Rivelia Review
More Buying Recommendations
It’s been a long time since I’ve come across a fully automatic coffee machine that didn’t rinse itself properly. After all, manufacturers know how much we hate cleaning. That’s why they do everything they can to make it easy on us. The same goes for these five models:
If you want to spend a little more money and you’re into the idea of a removable bean container, I can highly recommend the KitchenAid KF 7. Although this noble machine doesn’t come with an additional hopper, it does offer robust stainless steel housing and intuitive operation, which almost inevitably leads to first-class results in the cup.
Thanks to its huge touchscreen display, the Bosch 800 Series VeroCafe always gives clear instructions on what you should do during a specific cleaning step – including colorful pictures and everything.
The DeLonghi Magnifica Plus is a typically compact automatic coffee machine from the Italian brand, designed with cleaning in mind. For example, the water tank can be easily removed from the front, and the brewing unit is located directly behind it. This allows you to conveniently complete two important cleaning tasks in one go at the end of the day.
Easily one of the best Jura coffee machines, the Jura Z10 features a ton of automated cleaning functions that you can adjust to your heart’s content. Plus, the large touchscreen display makes it easy to follow instructions.
The Miele CM 7750 is still the only fully automatic coffee machine in the consumer segment that offers automatic descaling. However, you still have to insert a descaling cartridge and the machine will perform the function too often. Plus, the CM 7750 is very expensive.
Automation vs Manual Labor Fact Check: What Does “Self-Cleaning” Really Mean?
I didn’t come up with the term “self-cleaning coffee maker.” It’s been a popular search query for years and appears in marketing materials for fully automatic coffee machines. As always in marketing lingo, the line between truth, exaggeration and nonsense is fluid.
The fact remains that no machine can clean itself completely without help. If only because we have to refill the water tank and add descaling solution. Even fully automatic coffee machines with fixed water connections need to have their used grounds containers emptied and their bean hoppers wiped down.
The self-cleaning functions refer exclusively to four things:
Automatic rinsing when switching on or off
Automatic rinsing of the coffee and milk systems after use
Automatic control of descaling
Automatic rinsing of the brew unit
So a fully automatic coffee machine with a self-cleaning function is basically just a fully automatic coffee machine with a self-rinsing function. I don’t think that’s a big deal – you just need to be aware of it.
If we interpret the term a little more generously, (detailed) cleaning instructions on the display are also a kind of self-cleaning function.
If a fully automatic machine tells us when and how it wants to be deep cleaned, this is more convenient than having to determine the schedule ourselves.
But how does a fully automatic machine know when it’s time to clean or descale? It doesn’t. It’s programmed to prompt you to run the cleaning cycle after a predetermined number of drinks.
What Cleaning Tasks Do I Have To Do Myself?
You’ll find a thorough explanation of everything you need to take care of in my coffee maker cleaning and descaling guide.
You’ll notice that I make no distinction between self-cleaning and manual tasks. Because I am of the opinion that it’s best to clean everything yourself.
Daily cleaning should be mostly done by hand. Ultimately, the only important thing is that the coffee machine is easy to clean. Here is a general checklist:
| Cleaning Task | Frequency | |
|---|---|---|
| Empty & rinse grounds container | Daily or as needed | |
| Empty & rinse water tank | Daily or as needed | |
| Wipe out bean container | Weekly | |
| Clean brew unit | Daily | |
| Clean grinder | Bi-weekly | |
| Wipe down the exterior | Daily |
You should rinse the brew unit and milk system daily or after each use, and thoroughly clean them weekly. For this you can use cleaning tablets and milk system cleaners. Depending on the model, you’ll see instructions displayed on the screen.
Cleaning Checklist: What Should I Look for When Buying a Fully Automatic Coffee Machine?
I’d say it’s unlikely that anyone chooses a fully automatic machine based on how easy it is to clean. After all, the number of coffee drinks or special functions is way more persuasive.
Nevertheless, it is worth taking a closer look at a few cleaning aspects when comparing fully automatic coffee machines. Because only a clean coffee maker can serve really good drinks. Here are a few things to look out for:
Brew unit: If it’s removable, it should be easy to do so. You’ll usually need to turn off the main power switch. Where is it? You should also check on which side the brew unit is located and how it comes out. Will this work with your kitchen setup?
Milk system: How easy is it to take apart, and how many small parts does it have? What cleaning programs are available? Do you have to switch hoses or flip a switch to rinse? How are the automatic rinse cycles timed? Can you adjust them?
Automatic features: How does the machine alert you, and how clearly? Does it provide clear instructions on a display, or do you have to consult the user manual? Can the cleaning intervals be adjusted or reprogrammed? Does it rinse automatically every time it is turned on or off?
Water tank & used grounds container: How are they mounted on the machine and can they be easily removed and emptied without spills? How large are they?
Preground coffee chute: Is there one? We seldom use this feature, but it’s often where you’ll add cleaning tablets.
Descaling: Does the machine guide you through the process and clearly explain what to do?
Maintenance & spare parts: Can you repair or replace important components? Does the manufacturer offer replacement parts? How long is the warranty and what do you have to do if something is faulty?
Common Mistakes & Problems: Troubleshooting for Cleaning
Just because a fully automatic coffee machine is easy to clean doesn’t mean it will always come out perfectly spick and span.
Automatic functions have their limits; they don’t always catch all the coffee residue. The consequences usually become apparent quickly – when the coffee doesn’t taste right, the milk doesn’t froth or the machine makes strange noises.
Instead of getting bogged down in a detailed analysis, I’d recommend giving it a thorough cleaning in this case – following all the steps and using the right cleaning products.
To prevent this from becoming necessary, here are a few expert tips you should keep in mind during your daily routine:
Don’t use dish soap. At least not for things like the brew unit or the water tank. This can negatively affect the taste of your coffee.
Descale more frequently. Most fully automatic coffee machines ask you to input your water’s hardness during setup. The descaling intervals are based on this. In most areas, tap water is hard and therefore contains a high level of calcium. So it’s best to use a slightly higher hardness value. The same applies to the rinsing cycles and all automatic cleaning intervals.
“Air out” the machine. Most people reassemble their fully automatic machines right after their daily cleaning routine. However, it’s incredibly important to let everything dry properly. So leave all the parts out overnight and keep the service door open.
Don’t store milk in the milk container. Even if manufacturers advertise that you can keep the milk container in the refrigerator, I wouldn’t do so. Milk that has spent the day in a warm machine is already starting to turn.
Check small parts: It’s not always a major component that causes problems. Often a gasket is simply worn out, a valve is jammed or a nozzle is clogged. If you don’t want to check all this yourself, professional maintenance is a great investment, especially for expensive fully automatic machines.
Ultimately, the most important practical tip is quite simple: Do what the machine or the operating instructions request. Manufacturers know most of the problems with their devices and like to tell us how to prevent them. However, we’re all in the habit of ignoring good advice.
Bottom Line: Is a True Self-Cleaning Coffee Maker Coming?
I firmly believe that there will soon be an authentic self-cleaning fully automatic coffee machine. In my opinion, It’s the logical next step in the evolution of consumer models.
Until then, my spotless Top 10 shows that we can tackle coffee grounds and the like even with limited automatic assistance.
This applies to high- and mid-priced models as well as to the top-rated entry-level models I’ve reviewed. We just have to roll up our sleeves and do it.
What’s the best self-cleaning coffee maker in your opinion? Is there a model I’ve overlooked that deserves attention? Tell me all about it in the comments section
