A bean-to-cup machine is a good choice if you make coffee regularly, want to choose your own beans and are happy to put up with the noise of grinding and regular maintenance. If space or ease of use matters more, consider capsules or a filter coffee machine instead; an espresso machine with a portafilter involves more steps each time you make a coffee.
If you make coffee often and want to adjust its strength or size without being tied to a capsule format, a bean-to-cup machine is worth considering. Just bear in mind that you’ll need to refill the compartments and maintain the machine.
If you regularly make cappuccinos or similar drinks with minimal effort, compare the automatic milk systems on the models you’re considering. Cleaning the system is part of the decision, not just the list of recipes.
If you make coffee early or have a small kitchen, check the space available before choosing a grinder. UFC-Que Choisir says these machines take up more room and make more noise than capsule systems or filter coffee machines.
Start with the drink you make most often, then check how much space you have and how much maintenance you’re willing to do.
Worth considering: if you regularly make espresso with your choice of beans and want easy-to-use settings on the machine.
Bear in mind: the noise of grinding, the space it takes up and the need to clean the trays and circuits.
Worth considering: if you want to be hands-on when making espresso.
Bear in mind: dosing, tamping and cleaning after use involve more steps than with an automatic bean-to-cup machine.
Worth considering: if you want a compact machine and a simple way to make coffee.
Bear in mind: your choice of capsules depends on which format is compatible with the machine.
Worth considering: if you mostly make filter coffee rather than espresso.
Bear in mind: it doesn’t make espresso by extracting coffee under pressure; a model with a built-in grinder still comes with the considerations that grinding involves.
| Factor | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Beans and settings | Check the strength, drink size and grind settings on the model you’re considering. | I like to switch between beans or adjust the size of my coffee without changing systems. Around 31% of consumers put this freedom to customise their coffee first. |
| Maintenance | Check the instructions for access to the trays and details of rinsing, cleaning and descaling. | If I make coffee every day, I want a cleaning routine I can stick to over time. For around 25% of consumers, minimising these tasks is the main priority. |
| Milk-based drinks | Compare the drinks that can actually be made automatically and the cleaning required for the milk system. | Several people use the machine, or I often make drinks with milk, so I care more about how easy these are to prepare. This is the top priority for around 25% of consumers. |
| Space and noise | Measure the space available, including the clearance needed to fill or remove parts; also check the information about noise. | In a small kitchen, or if I make coffee early, a machine that’s awkward to fit or noisy would be a daily nuisance. These factors come first for around 19% of consumers. |
According to UFC-Que Choisir, bean-to-cup machines are noisier and take up more space than capsule systems or filter coffee machines. A machine may fit on your worktop without leaving enough room to access its compartments.
Also measure the clearance needed for filling and cleaning. If you make coffee early, check the noise information for the exact model, and don’t assume that a promise of reduced noise means it will be silent.
Rinsing doesn’t replace cleaning the trays, descaling or, where applicable, maintaining the milk circuit. UFC-Que Choisir warns that neglecting to descale the machine can cause the system to become blocked.
Read the instructions for the model you’re considering and choose a milk system with a cleaning routine that suits you.
Depending on the machine, maintenance may also require filters, descaler or products designed for the milk circuit.
A milk carafe is another part to clean. For the Barista SE, Melitta says that some of the previous beans may remain in the grinder after you switch varieties.
Choose an automatic carafe if you really do make milk-based drinks regularly. If you switch between bean varieties, check the instructions to see how changing varieties works.
De'Longhi’s bean-to-cup range includes machines with different controls and drink options, making it easy to compare models.
Some Philips series combine automatic recipes with the LatteGo milk system.
According to Melitta France, Purista is designed for black coffee, while Barista SE offers a wider choice of drinks and two bean chambers.
These models are automatic bean-to-cup machines for making coffee at home with whole beans. To compare their milk systems and controls, start with the drinks you regularly make, then check the maintenance instructions for the model you choose.
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Worth considering if you’d also like to make milk-based drinks with the LatteGo system. Before choosing this model, compare the drinks it offers and the steps involved in cleaning it with your usual routine.
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The LatteCrema system makes this model a good fit for households that enjoy milk-based drinks. Check the recipes available on the ECAM290.61.B version and read the instructions for cleaning the carafe.
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Worth considering if you mainly drink coffee made from whole beans and make milk-based drinks less often. Check how milk is prepared and how much room you’ll need to remove the parts for cleaning.
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This model is advertised as offering six coffee varieties and a milk system. If you plan to try several recipes, check which ones are available on the H16 and how to clean its milk system.
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Worth considering if you mainly make coffee from whole beans, with milk-based drinks now and then. Check the instructions to see what’s involved in preparing those drinks and maintaining the machine.
No. The trays, the milk circuit where there is one, and descaling all need attention in addition to automatic rinsing. UFC-Que Choisir warns that neglecting to descale the machine can cause the system to become blocked, so follow the instructions for your model.
Measure the space where you plan to put it, then check how much room you’ll need to fill it with water and beans and remove the trays. A machine that fits under a cupboard may still be awkward if you have to move it every time you maintain it. UFC-Que Choisir also says that grinders take up more space than capsule systems or filter coffee machines.
Yes, if you buy it as a private individual from a professional seller. The Directorate General for Competition Policy, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Control states that this compulsory guarantee covers new, second-hand and refurbished goods. Keep your proof of purchase and the product description so you can tell the seller about any lack of conformity.
Yes, if there’s a collection scheme near you that accepts their material. ADEME says that capsules taken to a collection point can be processed to separate the coffee grounds and aluminium; check your local scheme’s instructions before dropping them off.