If you make several coffees a day and want to avoid capsules, a bean-to-cup machine could suit you, provided you’re happy to give it worktop space, put up with the noise and keep on top of regular maintenance. A capsule machine is still the simpler option. If you’d rather be more hands-on with your coffee or make several cups at once, consider a portafilter espresso machine or a filter coffee maker too.
If you want to choose your own beans and regularly make individual coffees, a bean-to-cup machine is worth considering. You’ll also need to be ready to rinse the trays and follow the machine’s recommended maintenance routine.
A bean-to-cup machine lets you switch to beans without having to measure and tamp each drink as you would with a portafilter machine. However, UFC-Que Choisir notes that these machines take up more space and make more noise than capsule machines or filter coffee makers.
If space and easy cleaning are your priorities, compare the dimensions and the steps involved carefully. UFC-Que Choisir describes capsule machines as easy to maintain; also check that the system accepts the capsules you want to use.
Start by thinking about how many cups you make at once and how much you want to do yourself. Then consider how each machine will fit into your kitchen and maintenance routine.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Preparation | Compare the steps needed to make a cup: a pre-measured capsule, an automatic bean-to-cup machine or a portafilter machine. Check the model’s manual for details. | I want to switch to beans, but I’d rather start a drink without measuring or tamping the coffee every time. |
| Number of cups | Check whether the machine makes individual drinks one after another or several cups in a single brew. For a filter coffee maker with a grinder, check the exact capacity and the type of filter it requires. | When several people have coffee together, making a batch in one go matters more to me than making espressos one after another. |
| Maintenance | Check how easy it is to reach the trays, and read the instructions for rinsing, cleaning and descaling. For milk-based drinks, check the model-specific cleaning process. | I’m happy to spend time on the regular maintenance a grinder requires, or I’d rather minimise the steps needed after each drink. |
| Space and noise | Measure your worktop and allow enough room to access the tanks. UFC-Que Choisir notes that bean-to-cup machines are generally larger and noisier than capsule machines or filter coffee makers. If noise is a key factor, check the specific model. | My kitchen is small, or I make coffee early and don’t want to disturb the rest of the household. |
| Consumables | Check which capsules are compatible or, for other formats, which filters and maintenance products you’ll need. For aluminium or plastic capsules, follow your local recycling guidance, as recommended by ADEME. | I want to be able to find the right consumables for my machine and know where to take used capsules if I use them. |
| Support | Look for the manual, support options and parts for the exact model number. A parts catalogue for a product range doesn’t guarantee that every part is available for every model. | Before choosing, I want to know who to contact for machine maintenance and where to find compatible parts. |
UFC-Que Choisir notes that an automatic bean-to-cup machine takes up more space and makes more noise than a capsule machine or filter coffee maker. A noise-reduction claim for one model doesn’t necessarily apply to the whole range.
Measure your worktop, remembering to leave room to access the tanks. If you make coffee early, look for sound comparisons between the models you’re considering or listen to them in action.
The coffee grounds and drip trays need regular rinsing. UFC-Que Choisir also warns that putting off a machine’s recommended descaling can lead to blockages.
Read the manual before you choose: check which parts need cleaning, how to descale the machine and, if applicable, how to maintain the milk system.
How you recycle a capsule depends on its material and the local guidance. ADEME explains that capsules thrown away with household rubbish may be incinerated or sent to landfill.
Check your local council’s guidance and whether there are collection points for the capsule system you choose.
Worth a look if you’re comparing several ranges of bean-to-cup machines from the same brand.
Worth a look if you want pre-programmed drinks and would like to compare the features of a specific model.
Worth a look if you’re deciding between a bean-to-cup espresso machine and a filter coffee maker with a grinder for making several cups.
These models are designed to make coffee from beans. They include automatic bean-to-cup espresso machines and machines with grinders where you’ll need to check the steps involved. Compare them based on the space you have and how hands-on you’re happy to be.
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This automatic espresso machine with grinder is for anyone who wants to make coffee from beans without grinding each dose separately. Check how much space you’ll need to access the tanks, and read the manual for the maintenance routine.
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This fully automatic machine offers four coffee options at the touch of a button. If you’re after a simple routine, check the manual to see which steps are automatic and which parts you’ll need to clean yourself.
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This espresso machine with grinder is designed for portafilter-style preparation rather than fully automatic drinks. Its product title lists 30 grind settings. Check the manual for the steps involved in dosing and tamping, and make sure you have enough room around the machine.
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This model combines a grinder with an espresso machine, and its product title specifies a 20 Bar pump. If you’re choosing it for a quick routine, check the manual to see what happens after grinding, including how to dose the coffee and start extraction.
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This automatic espresso machine with grinder is worth comparing if you make coffee from beans every day. Check its dimensions and access to the tanks, then consult the manual for the cleaning and descaling routine.
You’ll need to rinse the coffee grounds and drip trays regularly, and follow the model’s cleaning and descaling instructions. UFC-Que Choisir warns that putting off recommended descaling can lead to a blockage in the system.
Not necessarily: ADEME says aluminium or plastic capsules may be included with paper and packaging for recycling. Check your local council’s guidance and whether there are collection points for the capsules you use.
Look for the manual, compatible consumables, support contact details and parts for the exact model number. Philips offers support and accessories for its coffee machines, while Melitta lists parts by product range. These catalogues don’t guarantee that every part is available for every model.