Super Automatic espresso machines are complete coffee centres. They perform all functions automatically from bean to cup including grinding, tamping and extraction. Many Super Automatic machines also feature automatic milk frothing.
Semi Automatic or traditional machines are pump driven. You grind your coffee into a portafilter and tamp it and engage the pump for extraction. Fully automatic machines which are also grouped in this category feature volumetric or electronic dosing.
Freshly ground coffee is a key to great cup of coffee. There are two basic types of grinders: Blade Grinder and Burr Grinders. Blade grinders are inexpensive but for specialty coffee it is generally accepted that a burr grinder is best.