An automatic bean-to-cup espresso machine is a good choice if you regularly want to make a range of drinks from coffee beans using easy-to-access settings. A portafilter gives you more scope to prepare coffee by hand; capsules and soft coffee pods offer pre-measured portions, while filter coffee makers are designed for a different kind of drink. Compare costs over the same period, and look separately at how to clean the milk and coffee systems and descale the machine.
You want to use coffee beans and switch between black coffee, espresso and cappuccino without having to prepare everything by hand each time. Check the specific recipes and settings available on the model rather than relying on the number of drinks advertised. Philips and Krups offer different options across their models.
You want to know which parts to remove, rinse and replace. Pay particular attention to the design of the milk system, especially whether it uses a tube, if you often make milk-based drinks. Philips and Krups provide model-specific instructions.
You’re deciding between getting hands-on with espresso preparation and serving filter coffee. These preferences may point you towards a portafilter machine or a filter coffee maker rather than an automatic bean-to-cup machine. Sage explains how its Bambino Plus works, while Melitta offers filter coffee makers.
Choose this if: you want to make a range of drinks from coffee beans using easy-to-access settings.
Bear in mind: the number of recipes doesn’t tell you everything about maintaining the coffee and milk systems or dealing with limescale.
Choose this if: you prefer individual servings, such as an espresso or lungo from the Essenza Mini Original, as described by Nespresso France.
Bear in mind: check which capsule range is compatible and compare the cost of the portions you actually buy.
Choose this if: pre-measured black coffee, either long or strong, suits your routine better than an espresso made from beans with adjustable settings.
Bear in mind: soft coffee pods aren’t interchangeable with capsules; the documented SENSEO Original Plus model is refurbished.
Choose this if: you want to measure out the coffee and take a more hands-on role in making espresso.
Bear in mind: allow time for the preparation steps and cleaning after extraction.
Choose this if: you want filter coffee served from a jug and don’t need espresso.
Bear in mind: a built-in grinder doesn’t turn a filter coffee maker into an espresso machine.
| What matters | What to check before buying | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Drinks and settings | Check which recipes are actually available, the options for adjusting drink size and strength, and how the milk system works. | If you switch between several drinks, look for recipes that suit your routine; around 29% of consumers prioritise this choice and control. |
| Long-term cost | Compare the purchase price, coffee per serving and consumables over the same period, based on your usual dose and number of drinks. | If you make coffee regularly, you’ll want to know whether the higher purchase price is offset by your actual spending; around 29% of consumers put the total cost first. |
| Maintenance | Consider rinsing, cleaning the coffee and milk systems, and descaling separately; check the instructions for the exact model. | If you often make milk-based drinks, you’ll want to know what cleaning and replacements to expect; around 24% of consumers prioritise a manageable maintenance routine. |
| Noise | For a sound comparison, check the exact model, the measurement protocol and which stages were assessed. | If you make coffee early or near an occupied room, you’ll want to take noise into account as part of your routine; around 12% of consumers count it among their main concerns. |
| Installation and parts | Check the space required, access to the tanks and whether parts are compatible with the exact model. | If you have limited kitchen space or want to be able to replace a suitable component, check the installation requirements and part numbers; around 6% of consumers prioritise these factors. |
The coffee system, milk system and descaling all require different steps. A cleaning programme won’t necessarily replace every maintenance task.
Compare the instructions and consumables for the exact model, rather than just checking whether it has a cleaning button.
Factor in cleaning products, filters or replacement tubes if the model’s instructions call for them.
Comparing pack prices or servings of different sizes won’t give you a consistent way to assess the cost of the drinks you make.
Work out the cost per drink you actually make, then compare the systems over the same period, taking your consumables and usage habits into account.
A filter coffee maker may have a built-in grinder and still make filter coffee, not espresso.
Check the extraction method and the type of drink you want before comparing features.
A relative claim about noise doesn’t, on its own, give you an absolute sound level or compare the machine with other systems.
Check the model and test protocol in question; don’t take a noise-reduction claim as a guarantee that nobody will be woken up.
The Series 2300 EP2330/10 is an example of a bean-to-cup machine with cappuccino and a LatteGo carafe.
The Evidence range, including model EA890810, lets you explore bean-to-cup machines with pre-sets and a tube-based milk system.
The Essenza Mini Original is a capsule option focused on espresso and lungo.
The Bambino Plus SES500BSS4EEU1 is a portafilter machine with automatic or manual milk frothing.
The French range includes filter coffee makers, filter models with grinders and automatic espresso machines.
These automatic grinder models are suited to households looking to make espressos and a variety of drinks from coffee beans. Check the functions and maintenance requirements for each model.
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Make espressos from coffee beans and try different drinks, including milk-based options made with the steam wand.
Grinder with 13 settings and removable brewing unit.
The bundle includes Lavazza Tales of Napoli & Roma coffee beans: 450 g in total, in 2 packs.
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Worth considering if you want a machine with a grinder that makes espresso and filter coffee, and are happy to froth milk by hand.
2-in-1 espresso and filter coffee machine with a manual milk frother.
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Make coffee from beans and switch between espresso, coffee and cappuccino, depending on the functions listed for this model.
Grinder with 12 settings; adjustable strength and volume.
The description lists a removable coffee unit and a detachable LatteGo carafe.
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Make espresso from coffee beans and choose from a range of drinks, with a steam wand for milk-based options.
Grinder with 13 settings; adjustable strength and volume.
The description lists the ability to make two coffees at once and a removable 1.8 L tank.
White version.
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Worth considering for making espressos from coffee beans and two cups at once, with a steam wand for milk-based drinks.
The description lists an adjustable grinder, a built-in water filter and a descaling programme.
Black version.
There’s no daily threshold that applies to everyone: it depends on the extra purchase cost, the coffee and dose you use, and the consumables. Compare your spending over the same period. If the net annual saving is zero or negative, the initial extra cost isn’t offset in this calculation.
No. For the EP2330/10, Philips says you can make up to 5,000 cups before descaling, provided you replace the filter when prompted by the machine. This applies to this model and doesn’t mean you’ll never need to descale it.
For the models in question, Krups recommends replacing the milk tube every three months and the Claris cartridge every two months, among other things. Check the exact model before following these recommendations or placing an order.
Not necessarily. The documented SENSEO Original Plus makes long or strong black coffee; this description doesn’t show that it extracts coffee in the same way as a portafilter machine. Choose the option that makes the kind of drink you want.
Note the full model number and check the relevant installation and maintenance instructions. Krups organises its Evidence tutorials by model range, while Sage provides a cleaning cycle for the Bambino Plus. Don’t apply instructions from a different model.