A bean-to-cup espresso machine is a good choice if you drink coffee regularly, want to choose your own beans and are happy to make room for the machine and spend time maintaining it. UFC-Que Choisir notes that it is noisier and takes up more space than a pod system or filter coffee machine. Pods require fewer steps, while a portafilter lets you make espresso without an automatic grinder but needs to be handled for every cup.
Your choice largely depends on the kind of coffee you make and how much you want to do each day.
If you often make coffee at home and want to switch between beans without being tied to a particular pod format, an automatic grinder could suit you. You’ll still need to find a spot for it and keep up with regular maintenance.
Pods make preparation simpler when saving space and minimising steps matter more than choosing your beans. Check which formats are compatible with the machine you’re considering. UFC-Que Choisir notes that a bean-to-cup espresso machine takes up more space and makes more noise than a pod system.
A portafilter lets you use ground coffee without pods or an automatic grinder. You’ll need to prepare and empty the portafilter every time you make a coffee, as UFC-Que Choisir points out.
Start with the drinks you want to make, then consider how each option fits your available space and the maintenance you’re willing to do.
Worth considering if: you regularly make espresso and want to choose your beans using an integrated grinder.
Bear in mind: it takes up more space, makes more noise and needs maintenance, according to UFC-Que Choisir.
Worth considering if: you want to make espresso with ground coffee and be involved in every extraction.
Bear in mind: you’ll need to prepare and empty the portafilter for every coffee, as UFC-Que Choisir points out.
Worth considering if: you want a simple way to make coffee and have limited space.
Bear in mind: each drink uses a pre-packaged portion. Check which formats are compatible before choosing a machine.
Worth considering if: you mainly make filter coffee, especially several cups at a time.
Bear in mind: it won’t make espresso or grind beans fresh on demand without a separate piece of equipment.
| Criteria | What to check | What I need |
|---|---|---|
| Choice of coffee | Types of coffee it accepts; grind settings on a bean-to-cup model; compatible pod formats. | I want to switch between beans without being tied to a particular pod format. If I also want to use ground coffee, I’ll check that the machine I choose accepts it. |
| Maintenance | Access to the used coffee grounds container, drip tray and brew unit; descaling process; cleaning the milk system, if there is one. | An automatic machine suits me, as long as the rinsing, emptying and cleaning described in the manual fit into my routine. |
| Space and noise | Height, depth and width; clearance to fill the tanks and remove parts; whether it has a grinder. | The machine needs to fit in its usual spot, including beneath wall units if necessary. I’ll also consider the noise from grinding when making coffee in the morning. |
| Drinks and preparation | Espresso or filter coffee; the drinks actually available; manual steps for preparing the coffee and, where relevant, the milk. | If I mainly drink filter coffee, I’ll have different needs from someone who mainly drinks espresso. For espresso, I may prefer to use a portafilter myself or let the machine measure and grind the coffee. |
| Packaging | Whether each drink uses an individually packaged portion; how much coffee suits the household’s consumption; local recycling guidance. | I want to cut down on individual packaging without buying more beans than I can use. If I keep using pods, I’ll follow the relevant recycling guidance. |
UFC-Que Choisir notes that a bean-to-cup espresso machine takes up more space than a pod system or filter coffee machine. You’ll also need room to fill the tanks and remove the containers.
Measure the available height, depth and width, then check the specific model to see how you access the water, beans and parts that need cleaning.
Alerts won’t empty the containers, and cleaning programmes don’t remove the need to clean accessible parts. The maintenance required varies depending on how the machine is designed.
Check the manual for the model you’re considering. Look for the regular cleaning steps, the descaling process and, if you make milk-based drinks, the cleaning needed after use.
A pod is still individual packaging, even if its material is accepted for recycling.
If you use pods, ADEME advises putting aluminium or plastic ones in the recycling bin, bag or container for paper and packaging. You should also buy an amount of coffee that matches what your household uses.
These range examples show why it’s important to check the exact model, particularly when it comes to milk-based drinks and access to parts that need cleaning.
The Magnifica range includes bean-to-cup espresso machines, with recipes and milk systems that vary by model.
Some Philips automatic machines combine coffee preparation with a LatteGo system for milk-based drinks.
The EQ500 range includes bean-to-cup machines whose preparation and maintenance features should be checked model by model.
These five models are bean-to-cup espresso machines that make coffee from beans. They’re worth considering if you’d like to move away from pods. To choose between them, focus on the recipes, the space available and the maintenance required for each model.
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This bean-to-cup espresso machine is aimed at households that want to use beans and are also considering milk-based drinks with the LatteGo system. Check which recipes are available on the EP2230/10 and read the full maintenance instructions before choosing.
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The Cuisinart EM550E product information lists four ways to prepare coffee from beans: Espresso, Double Espresso, Americano and Cold Brew. It specifies a 1.5 l water tank and a 150 g bean container. Check that you have enough room to fill and clean the machine where you plan to keep it.
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This model combines a grinder with automatic espresso preparation. For the ECAM22.140.B, De’Longhi lists a 1.8 l water tank and dimensions of 236 × 429 × 348 mm, in height, depth and width order. The brand also says that descaling takes around 45 minutes. Check that the maintenance and access requirements work for your kitchen.
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This automatic bean-to-cup machine is another option for making espresso without pods. To compare it with the Magnifica S, check the ECAM220.21.WW product information for the recipes you want, its dimensions and the parts you’ll need to access for maintenance.
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The H16 combines a grinder and milk system with a touchscreen, and its product description lists six coffee varieties. If you plan to use the milk functions regularly, check the manual for this model to find out which parts need cleaning and what to do after making a drink.
Be prepared to empty and clean the containers, maintain the brew unit as directed for your machine and descale it when prompted. If you make milk-based drinks, follow the instructions for cleaning the steam wand or milk system after use. The manual for your chosen model explains what to do and how often.
This setting helps tailor descaling alerts to the water you use. Siemens says that harder water needs more frequent descaling. Check your model’s manual for instructions on setting up the machine and following the recommended process.
ADEME advises putting aluminium or plastic pods in the recycling bin, bag or container for paper and packaging. Check your local authority’s guidance too, so you can sort your waste correctly at home.
No. Cleaning the milk system doesn’t replace cleaning the containers, the brew unit if it’s accessible on your model, or descaling. Philips says the LatteGo carafe on its Series 2200 EP2235/47 can be cleaned quickly, but this doesn’t cover maintenance for the whole machine or for other models.