A bean-to-cup machine is best suited to a household that makes coffee regularly, wants to choose its own beans and is happy to make room for the machine, put up with the noise of grinding and carry out regular maintenance. For a simpler way to brew, consider capsules or pods, checking that they’re compatible with your machine; a portafilter machine is better suited to people who are happy to measure and prepare their coffee more manually. Your choice also depends on which milk-based drinks you actually make and the extra cleaning they involve.
If you make several coffees at home on a regular basis, compare your usual routine with the preparation steps and maintenance involved for each type. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes between bean-to-cup, capsule, soft pod and portafilter machines.
If you often make cappuccinos, check whether the model you’re considering uses a steam wand, a milk carafe or another milk system. The way the drinks are made and the cleaning involved matter just as much as whether a recipe appears on the drinks list.
Measure your worktop and make sure you can easily access the reservoirs. If you share your kitchen, also consider the noise of the grinder and the rinsing involved. UFC-Que Choisir notes that a bean-to-cup machine takes up more space and makes more noise than a capsule system.
Start by considering how many coffees and what kinds of drinks you make at home, then check the maintenance involved and how much space you can spare for the machine. An easy-to-use option won’t necessarily give you the same choice of beans or involve the same preparation steps.
| Criteria | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| How often you make coffee and your choice of coffee | Count the drinks you usually make and decide whether you want to choose your own beans or use capsules or pods. | If I make coffee often, I want to know whether choosing my own beans and using a grinder fit into my routine. Around 31% of consumers put how often they make coffee and the freedom to choose their beans first when deciding. |
| Maintenance | Check the manual for the model you’re considering to find out about rinsing, descaling and, where applicable, cleaning the milk system. | If I can’t spare much time for cleaning, the routine after each milk-based drink could affect my choice. For around 25% of consumers, minimising maintenance is the top priority. |
| Space, noise and ease of use | Measure the space available, allowing room to fill the reservoirs. Also check the preparation steps and the noise information for the specific model. | In a small shared kitchen, I need a machine that fits in and doesn’t make everyday coffee preparation more complicated. Easy installation and use would be the main priority for around 25% of consumers. |
| Drinks and settings | Identify the drinks you actually make, then check the milk system and settings for the specific model. | If several people want different coffees or I often make milk-based drinks, useful recipes matter more than the number listed. Around 19% of consumers prioritise variety and personalisation. |
A carafe or steam wand can make it easier to prepare the drinks you want, but it means extra parts or a circuit to rinse. UFC-Que Choisir recommends rinsing the steam wand after use, for example.
Check the model’s manual to see which parts can be removed and what to do after making a milk-based drink. If you rarely make them, consider whether a manual steam wand would be enough for you.
Recipes, user profiles and milk systems vary from model to model. Philips, for example, lists six recipes for its 3300 Series and 20 drinks and four profiles for its 5500 Series. These features don’t apply to all its bean-to-cup machines.
Make a note of the full model name and check its product information and manual before relying on a particular feature.
Nespresso has separate Original and Vertuo systems. Don’t assume that a capsule made for one system will work with the other.
Check the exact system name given for both the machine and the capsules before choosing a format.
The Magnifica range includes bean-to-cup machines with different controls and milk functions, depending on the model.
Philips offers bean-to-cup machines with different recipes, user profiles and milk functions across its ranges.
JURA offers automatic coffee machines and products to help maintain them.
The Melitta range includes machines focused on black coffee and others that offer a wider choice of speciality drinks.
Nespresso is a capsule option for households that don’t want an integrated grinder.
These bean-to-cup models are suited to making coffee regularly at home. Compare how they prepare milk-based drinks, their controls and the maintenance you’re willing to do. Capsules, pods and portafilter machines remain distinct alternatives.
Image unavailable
Worth considering if you’re looking for a bean-to-cup machine with the LatteGo system for making coffee at home.
The EP2230/10 model number sets this machine apart from other Philips models. Check the drinks it offers and the cleaning instructions for this exact model.
Image unavailable
Consider this model if you’re looking for touchscreen controls and coffee or milk-based drinks from a machine with a grinder.
The model name lists six types of coffee and a milk system. Check the H16 manual to find out what cleaning is involved.
Image unavailable
This model is suited to households looking to make coffee from beans regularly with an automatic machine.
Check the dimensions and clearance needed around the machine before setting it up. If you make milk-based drinks, also check the milk system on this model.
Image unavailable
Worth considering if you’re looking for an automatic machine with a grinder to make espresso at home.
The ECAM22.140.B model number distinguishes this version from the Magnifica S Smart. Measure the space available and check the manual for access to the reservoirs and maintenance instructions.
Image unavailable
This automatic bean-to-cup machine is worth considering if you regularly make coffee at home.
Before choosing it for milk-based drinks, check the milk system on the ECAM220.21.WW and the cleaning involved.
It makes this option worth considering, but it won’t be the right choice for every household. If you want to choose your own beans, also check that you have enough space and are happy with the grinding noise and maintenance. Otherwise, compare the convenience of capsules or pods with the manual preparation involved in using a portafilter.
Rinse the trays and, when the manual says to, the brew unit. Descale the machine according to its instructions. After making a milk-based drink, clean the steam wand or milk system as directed in your model’s manual.
Check the exact model number and its manual, as not all products are suitable for every machine. JURA, for example, offers separate filter cartridges, cleaning tablets, descalers and milk system products.
In France, ADEME advises putting them in the recycling bin, bag or container for paper and packaging. Check the recycling guidance for your local area.