Commercial grade super automatic machines have eliminated these issues. The better machines use more expensive top of the line grinders with oversized motors that prevent the grinder blades from “slowing down“ in the grinding process. These grinders are generally made of cast aluminum and have carbon steel blades. Since they are bolted to the frame of the machine, there is little chance for vibration or grinder movement that would impact the quality of the grind. The grinders are fully adjustable, and because of their overall quality and robustness they can be adjusted to accommodate finer changes in grinding. Once the beverage profile is set, the grinder maintains these settings. When you shop for an automatic machine make sure you buy one with a "substantial" grinder. Spending a little more up-front to get a machine with a great grinder will save time and trouble in the long run.

The second key to making outstanding coffee beverages is perfect pressure and extraction time. In super automatic machines coffee extraction is done in the "brew group". Brew groups have a brewing chamber where the grinders deposit the ground beans. The beans are then automatically tamped and water is infused into the beans. Once the tamped coffee is infused with water the brew group presses or extracts the espresso from the beans and puts the espresso into the customers' cup. The brew group then disposes of the used coffee or “puck“. The brew group pressure, timing, water quantity etc. are fully adjustable so that espresso can be made to a standard taste profile. Once set, the brew group maintains this profile providing consistency of beverage. The Concordia machines actually monitor activity in the brew group and will “self-adjust“ if a previous beverage does not meet the specified profile. Again, commercial grade machines use very substantial brew groups with metal construction and the best machines have oversized steam tanks or separate tanks for the brew group. In commercial applications, it is wise to avoid brew groups constructed of plastic or other materials, and machines with very small steam tanks.

Besides adjustability and the preciseness of grind and brewing, the biggest advantage that a super automatic machine provides is the ability to combine the milk preparation and espresso extraction in one step, at the touch of a button. The best machines have an integrated milk cooler that is a part of the basic machine. The operator puts milk in the cooler and the machine maintains freshness by managing milk temperature. That's the last time the operator touches the milk. When the operator presses the button to make a latte or cappuccino, the super automatic machine immediately grinds fresh beans, places the ground coffee into the brew group, and begins the brewing process. At the same time, the machine draws milk from the cooler and “superheats“ the milk to a preset temperature based on the type of beverage chosen. Commercial grade machines also froth milk to the proper consistency for various types of beverages. The heated milk is immediately dispensed into the customers' cup, and the coffee is added without having to move the cup. That's what makes self-serve possible. The best machines have a separate steam tank for steaming the milk. Again, you should avoid machines with smaller tanks. Instead of integrating the milk cooler in the machine, some automatic machines offer “add-on“ or sidecar milk coolers. Many of these add-on configurations require the user to remove the milk overnight to avoid freezing, and require disassembly of parts or milk tubes which increases the cleaning time. Milk can be left overnight in machines with integrated milk coolers and temperature control systems.