Is an integrated fully automatic coffee machine recommended?

Wow, I didn’t know that it takes quite a long time to preheat. We just turn on the KVA in the morning and then the cappuccino is ready right away. Usually, it's just the one per day, my husband would like to have an espresso later. From your description, it sounds like it wouldn’t really be worth it for us. What bothers me about built-in appliances is that the selection is smaller and the devices are much more expensive. Visually, it looks good, but only if all built-in appliances are from the same series, so basically no choice if, for example, the oven is already fixed.

My beans come from Florence, I've never found better.

You have to clean and descale it regularly, of course. Like any other coffee machine.

Can you describe the cleaning?
How often and how thoroughly? Does someone have to come once a year?

[*]Descale every x cups and run the cleaning cycle every y cups, roughly once a month with about 5-10 cups a day
[*]Regularly remove the drip tray and put it in the dishwasher
[*]Regularly remove the brewing unit and wash it

There are now very good portafilter machines that almost completely take over the preparation for you. Such combo devices grind, tamp, and froth the perfect milk. You basically only have to switch once. Cleaning is much less work than with the KVA.

The only disadvantage is the investment of about 1500 euros and you need good beans, at least 20 to 30 euros per kg. My beans come from Florence, I've never found better.