Is an integrated fully automatic coffee machine recommended?

has to stay warm

Does it have to stay warm for you, or is it generally done that the machine stays on?
I'm also considering switching from a fully automatic machine to a portafilter. But I fear that making coffee will then become too complicated for me.

Does it have to stay warm for you or is it generally done this way, that the machine stays turned on?
I am also considering switching from a fully automatic machine to a portafilter. But I fear that making coffee will then become too complicated for me.

Most machines need about 10 minutes to reach the correct temperature.
At our place, the machine is connected to a timer switch and turns on automatically in the morning.

It depends on the machine. There are small machines, which have a pretty short heat-up time, usually single-boiler systems. The downside is that you cannot prepare espresso and milk foam at the same time. My Rocket is a dual-boiler with an E61 group head. There it can easily take 30 to 40 minutes until everything is really up to temperature. These machines are basically designed for continuous use. I also removed the jumper for the standby automatic. I was fed up with the machine turning off after 1.5 hours.

Regarding all that mess: I got a funnel from Tidaka, which I place on the portafilter before grinding. That way almost no grounds fall beside it.

For me, the portafilter machine is fine. Especially the extra effort compared to a fully automatic in terms of cleaning I cannot understand. I rinse the portafilter after each shot, clean the shower screen, and occasionally wipe it with a cloth. It has become such a routine that it just goes automatically. When I look at the cleaning orgies with our former fully automatic machine, it really is quite manageable. The huge advantage of a portafilter machine is that there are no coffee grounds including oils inside the machine itself, so the mold problem cannot occur in the first place. Additionally, there are the cleaning intervals of the machine and grinder.

my method: Every approximately 5 years buy a slightly better-preserved fully refurbished machine (this has worked very well for about 25 years!). In the office we now have a fairly high throughput. At home I usually had a similar / same machine, which is currently unfortunately broken (and I currently don't need one either). But as always, I would buy such a machine again. I like the machines that are often a good 15 years old best.

This one was an optical knockout, I couldn't say no. It simply also matched our office refrigerator (red Bosch nostalgic fridge).

(I have now finally found a local dealer who repairs the machines (a retiree who has time and enjoys it)

The cleaning effort every week = about 15 minutes (there are only real coffee drinkers here, no mixed drinks = without milk!)

In my opinion, an integrated automatic machine is only something for "clean" kitchens. That might fit, but it doesn't get better or cheaper because of it, but certainly comes with all the previously mentioned disadvantages: more expensive, less choice does not mean being able to buy better machines, cleaning effort.

We have a Gaggenau as a built-in appliance in the tall cabinet. I like it extraordinarily well. We don’t have much countertop space anyway, so that was the main reason for choosing a built-in appliance.

Spare parts and assembly are like those of Siemens devices. For cleaning and filling, you pull the device out using a drawer. Prices are actually quite outrageous - about three times those of otherwise identical freestanding machines, but that applies to all manufacturers. The quantities are much smaller and the audience is willing to pay a premium, so this is being exploited.

As an alternative, like at my parents’ place, the machine in the tall cabinet is an option, hidden with a roller shutter. Or a lift fitting for wall cabinets (front folds up). Then of course the cheaper freestanding ones fit and it still looks tidy without taking up space on the countertop.

I suggest that for black coffee drinkers the hand filter is sufficient and the combination of beans - grind size - water provides a pleasurable experience for little money. Even after two hours from the thermos.

*duckandrun*

No, so it would have to be a machine, for taste also a portafilter.