A bean-to-cup coffee machine is a good fit for a household that makes coffee regularly, wants to choose its own beans and is happy to make room for an appliance that needs regular maintenance. If space-saving design and simplicity are your priorities, capsules are still an option. A portafilter machine is another way to move away from capsules, but it involves more steps each time you make a coffee.
If you want to give up capsules without losing the convenience of automated coffee-making, a grinder is worth considering. UFC-Que Choisir recommends this type of machine in particular for coffee enthusiasts and frequent drinkers. However, you’ll need to be comfortable with the space it takes up and the maintenance it requires.
A grinder lets you choose your coffee beans without relying on a particular capsule format. It also means taking care of the cleaning tasks required by the machine.
If you have limited worktop space or want to keep daily handling to a minimum, a capsule machine may better suit your priorities. Check which capsule format it accepts and whether you want to continue using single-serve portions.
If you’re moving away from capsules, start by comparing an automatic grinder with a portafilter machine, based on how hands-on you want to be. Like capsules, soft coffee pods are still a single-serve system.
| Criterion | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Consumables to replace | Compare the types of coffee used and the maintenance products specified in the model’s instructions. | I make espresso regularly and want to know what I’ll need to replace over time. Around 36% of consumers would prioritise this. |
| Choice of coffee | Check whether the machine uses beans, ground coffee or a specific type of capsule or coffee pod. | I want to switch between beans without having to look for compatible capsules every time; this freedom would be the main consideration for around 29% of consumers. |
| Space and maintenance | Measure the space available, allowing room to open the compartments. Check the instructions for cleaning and descaling. | Space is limited in my kitchen, so I’d rather choose an appliance with maintenance tasks I’m happy to manage. This would be the priority for around 21% of consumers. |
| Manual preparation | With a portafilter machine, allow for measuring, tamping and cleaning after each use. | I prefer to get involved in making my coffee rather than making an espresso at the touch of a button. Around 14% of consumers would put this level of manual control first. |
Switching from capsules to beans doesn’t remove the need for products to maintain a grinder.
Check the instructions for the model you’re considering to see whether you’ll need descaler, cleaning products or a water filter.
According to UFC-Que Choisir, the coffee grounds and drip trays need to be rinsed regularly. Other tasks depend on the machine and whether it has a milk system.
Before choosing, check that the parts which need cleaning are easy to access, and read the instructions for descaling and, if applicable, cleaning the milk system.
The material a capsule or coffee pod is made from affects how you should dispose of it. Using either also means continuing to produce single-serve portions.
Check what material is used and follow the relevant recycling guidance. If you want to avoid this format, compare bean-to-cup machines with those that use ground coffee.
A parts catalogue or support page alone won’t tell you what’s available for the exact model you’re considering.
Note down the full model number, then ask which parts and repair options are available for that specific model.
De’Longhi offers bean-to-cup espresso machines and maintenance support for selected models, including the Magnifica S ECAM 22.110.
Philips provides model-specific support pages for bean-to-cup espresso machines, including models in the 2200 and 5400 Series.
Melitta offers automatic bean-to-cup machines, as well as parts and maintenance products for selected models.
These models are aimed at anyone choosing an automatic bean-to-cup machine to move away from capsules. Compare the different options and the maintenance tasks involved in using each one.
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Switch to beans while keeping the convenience of automated espresso and milk-based drinks. Check the instructions for maintaining the LatteGo system and see which accessories are included.
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Try making coffee from beans with the two 450 g packs of Lavazza coffee included in this bundle. The steam wand needs to be operated manually and cleaned after use.
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A good choice for a household that wants to make espresso from beans and serve two coffees at once. If you use the steam wand, you’ll need to froth the milk manually. Check the instructions for how to clean it.
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Replace single-serve portions with beans while keeping the convenience of automatically making one or two cups. Check how much space you’ll need around the machine and read the cleaning instructions for the steam wand.
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Use beans every day while keeping the option to make coffee with pre-ground coffee or prepare two cups. Frothing milk with the steam wand is still a manual process, so measure the space available before choosing.
No. A bean-to-cup machine means you no longer need capsules, but you’ll still need to buy coffee and the maintenance products specified for your model. You may also need a water filter, depending on how you use the machine and what the instructions recommend.
Empty and rinse the coffee grounds and drip trays regularly, and follow the instructions for cleaning and descaling. If the machine has a steam wand or milk system, follow its cleaning instructions after use too. De’Longhi notes, for example, that how often you need to descale depends on water hardness.
For aluminium or plastic capsules, ADEME advises putting them in the recycling bin, bag or container for paper and packaging. Check what material your capsules are made from and follow the guidance for your local collection scheme.
Search for the exact model number on the manufacturer’s support page, then check the corresponding manual, parts and repair options. Also ask the retailer which terms apply to the model you’re considering.