automatic, cos then you don't have to do anything, except press a button.
Doesn't really make any difference to the coffee, it's the beans that matter.
i wouldn't bother iv'e had two and can never get ter grind right twice dont rely on the machines settings either if it's for esspresso just by the best in ready ground which is "illy",from tescos and other stores but dont get it from harvey nichs it �2 more than tescos