If you make espresso regularly and want the freedom to choose your beans, a bean-to-cup machine could suit you, as long as you’re happy with the space it takes up, the noise and the maintenance. A capsule machine prioritises simplicity and a compact design; a portafilter machine involves more hands-on preparation, while a filter coffee machine is better suited to serving several large cups.
If you regularly make short or long coffees and want to choose your beans, a bean-to-cup machine gives you that freedom without having to measure and grind the beans by hand for every cup. You’ll also need to make room for the machine and keep up with its maintenance, as UFC-Que Choisir points out.
If milky drinks are part of your daily routine, check whether the machine has a steam wand, which you operate by hand, or an integrated milk system, as found on some automatic models. Once you’ve made your drink, you’ll still need to clean the milk system according to the instructions.
A capsule machine could be a good choice if you’re looking for something compact and easy to use. However, check which capsule or pod format it takes before giving up the freedom to choose your own beans.
If you make coffee at home regularly, start with the drinks you actually enjoy and the type of coffee you want to make. Then consider how much space you have and what’s involved in cleaning and maintenance.
Choose this if: you want to make espresso regularly using your choice of beans, with most of the preparation taken care of automatically.
Bear in mind: UFC-Que Choisir notes that these machines take up more space and make more noise than capsule machines or filter coffee machines, and require regular maintenance.
Choose this if: a compact machine and straightforward preparation matter more to you than choosing your own beans.
Bear in mind: you’ll need to use a format that’s compatible with your chosen machine.
Choose this if: you want to make espresso without capsules and be involved in the preparation.
Bear in mind: measuring, tamping and cleaning involve more hands-on steps than with an automatic bean-to-cup machine.
Choose this if: you mainly serve several cups of long coffee.
Bear in mind: it’s designed for a different purpose from a machine made for espresso.
| What matters to you | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Choice of beans | Check that it has a built-in grinder and find out which types of coffee it can make. | When I make coffee regularly, I want to choose my beans without being tied to a capsule format; around 36% of consumers say this freedom of choice is their top priority. |
| Ease of use and space | Measure the space available and check that you can easily reach the water tanks and trays. | With a small worktop, I prefer a machine that takes little effort to use; simplicity and size come first for around 29% of consumers. |
| Milky drinks | Check whether the model has a steam wand or a milk system, then read the cleaning instructions. | If I make cappuccinos regularly, how the milk is frothed matters just as much as the drinks on offer; around 21% of consumers prioritise this. |
| Maintenance and water | Check the rinsing and descaling instructions, as well as whether the machine is compatible with a water filter. | I want to know what I’ll need to do after making coffee and when it’s time to descale; maintenance is the top priority for around 14% of consumers. |
Automatic recipes don’t mean you can skip cleaning the milk system. For its LatteSelect, Melitta recommends a quick clean after each milk-based drink.
Before choosing a model, check its instructions to see what you need to do after making a milky drink and which parts need cleaning.
A filter and a descaling programme do different jobs. Philips says descaling is still needed after eight AquaClean filter cycles.
Check which filters are compatible with the machine you’re considering, how to use them and what descaling alerts are specific to that model.
In December 2023, UFC-Que Choisir reported that some manufacturers’ warranty terms included a limit based on the number of coffees or cycles. This varies by model.
If your household uses the machine a lot, read the warranty terms for the exact model and check for any usage limits.
De’Longhi France describes Magnifica as a range focused on making espresso, while Dinamica and Eletta Explore offer a wider choice of drinks.
Philips bean-to-cup machines include models with milk frothers and, depending on the model, compatibility with the AquaClean filter.
Melitta offers bean-to-cup machines for black coffee, as well as models geared towards milk-based recipes, including LatteSelect.
These models are for making coffee from beans. They differ in features such as milk-based drinks and the option to switch between espresso and filter coffee.
Image unavailable
Worth considering if you want to make coffee from beans and are looking at a LatteGo model for milk-based drinks. Check the instructions to see which drinks this variant offers and how to clean the milk system.
Image unavailable
This automatic bean-to-cup machine could suit a household that also wants to make milk-based drinks. Check the instructions for the ECAM290.61.B variant to find out which drinks it can make and how to maintain the LatteCrema system.
Image unavailable
This variant has a steam wand, so you can make espresso with the built-in grinder and froth milk by hand. Check how much space you’ll need and read the wand’s cleaning instructions before setting it up.
Image unavailable
Worth a look if you want to choose your beans and use the touch controls listed for the H16. For everyday use, check the instructions on filling the tanks and cleaning the machine after making milk-based drinks.
Image unavailable
This variant has a built-in grinder and is designed for anyone who wants to switch between espresso and filter coffee without using capsules. If you also make milk-based drinks, check the ES301EU’s milk frother and its cleaning instructions before choosing.
Follow the instructions for your model. For its LatteSelect, Melitta recommends a quick clean after every drink made with milk or milk foam. Also check which parts need cleaning and what cleaning programmes are available in your machine’s instructions.
No. Philips says descaling is still needed after eight AquaClean filter cycles. Before using a filter, check that it’s compatible with your model and follow its maintenance alerts.
Read the warranty terms for the model to check for any limits based on the number of coffees or cycles. In December 2023, UFC-Que Choisir reported that some manufacturers had this type of condition, but it may not apply to the machine you’re considering.