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An automatic machine can make good-quality coffee, but it is not cafe quality. To achieve coffee at the level of your favourite cafe, you will need a good manual machine and some barista training.

An automatic machine can prepare coffee in just 60 seconds after being turned on. In contrast, a manual machine takes between 5 and 25 minutes to heat up, depending on the type of machine.

An automatic machine will make a milk coffee in 60 seconds at the press of a button; however, a coffee from a manual machine takes 2 to 3 minutes, depending on the machine and the user's expertise.

As long as the machine is maintained correctly, coffee from an automatic machine is consistent regardless of who makes it. The quality produced by a manual machine depends on the skills of the person making the coffee.

All the components involved in making coffee with an automatic machine can be customized to your preference and even modified during the brewing process. In contrast, the coffee amount (dose) used in a manual machine is fixed and determined by the basket size, such as single, double, or specific weights like 7, 14, 18, 20, or 22 grams. The grinder is adjusted for your chosen basket, and you continue using that basket. Switching to a different basket will require an adjustment of the grinder.

Some automatic machines allow you to program the temperature of the milk. If you like an extra-hot coffee, check for this feature. The milk temperature from a manual machine is entirely in your control; however, the ideal milk temperature is between 60 and 65 degrees, and milk burns at 70 degrees.

After preparing coffee with an automatic machine, it will automatically rinse the milk and coffee systems. You need to clean the milk system at the end of the day, which takes 1 minute to initiate and is then fully automatic. Cleaning the coffee system is also automatic when prompted by the machine. With a manual machine, the steam wand must be cleared with steam and wiped down after each use. Additionally, the machine must be backflushed, and the portafilter and baskets should be soaked every 2 weeks, which takes approximately 5 minutes. All machines should be fitted with a water filter. Automatic machines will prompt you when to change the filter; however, manual machines will not.

Bench space is an important consideration. Automatic machines take up as little as 27cm of bench space. Small single-boiler manual machines with a built-in grinder are also available. However, these machines are at least 32cm wide.

An automatic machine includes a manual with all the information required to program, use, and maintain the machine. A manual machine requires barista training to produce cafe-quality coffee.