When was the automatic coffee machine first invented?

It's difficult to pinpoint the exact first invention of an automatic coffee machine, as the development of coffee brewing technology has been gradual.

However, we can identify key milestones:

* 17th Century: The earliest known precursors to automatic coffee makers were likely simple "coffee pots" with a valve system for dispensing coffee. These were manually operated and likely used in coffee houses.

* 1818: François de Balzac is credited with designing a coffee maker with a water heating chamber and a filter for brewing coffee.

* 1840s: Jean-Baptiste de Belloy developed a device similar to a modern percolator, incorporating a boiling water chamber and a filter.

* 1900s: The drip coffee maker was invented, with water being heated and dripped over coffee grounds.

* 1950s - 1960s: The first electric coffee makers with automatic functions, such as brewing and keeping coffee hot, were introduced.

* 1970s: The first programmable coffee makers were developed, allowing users to set the brewing time in advance.

* 1980s - 1990s: Capsule coffee makers emerged, simplifying the brewing process with pre-packaged coffee capsules.

* 2000s - Present: Technology continues to advance with the introduction of features like automatic cleaning, app connectivity, and personalized brewing settings.

It's important to note that the invention of the automatic coffee machine wasn't a single event. It was a gradual process of refinement and innovation that led to the wide range of automatic coffee makers we have today.