App Control Is a Convenience, Not a Requirement, for Fully Automatic Coffee Machines
Recent comparisons show strong machines at every price tier and advise buyers to pick by milk system, bean-handling and cleaning ease rather than smartphone features.
Overview
- Recent reviews published on Oct. 31 and Nov. 1, 2026, across German outlets reviewed dozens of models and concluded that app control changes convenience but not core coffee quality.
- There are capable machines under €500 from Philips, De'Longhi, Krups, Tchibo and Ninja, with the Philips 5400 singled out as a testsieger in the under-€500 class for its drink range and LatteGo milk system.
- Mid-range picks center on Siemens models that balance cost and features, with the EQ6 family presented as the price-performance choice and specific EQ6 variants offered around €465–€600 depending on model and promotions.
- Flagship machines add app control, larger touchscreens, dual-bean hoppers and far wider drink menus; examples include the Siemens EQ900 with a 6.8-inch display, two bean containers and up to 36 hot and cold specialties, and the De'Longhi PrimaDonna Soul with Coffee Link app and a Prime offer at about €891.
- Practical advice from the coverage stresses that buyers should match features to household needs—choose automatic milk tanks for heavy milk use, dual hoppers for frequent bean switching, and watch retail price volatility and short-term Prime/Amazon deals when deciding.