If you make espresso regularly and want to go from bean to cup without handling a portafilter, a bean-to-cup machine is worth considering. Bear in mind, though, that it takes up worktop space, makes noise while grinding and needs regular maintenance. Pods make preparation simpler, a portafilter machine involves more hands-on steps, and a filter coffee maker is designed for a different kind of drink.
You often make an espresso or a longer coffee, and prefer an automated process using beans rather than a pre-portioned dose. The machine types identified by Que Choisir make it easier to compare this preference with using pods or a portafilter machine.
You’d also like to make cappuccinos. Check the milk system on each model and the cleaning steps it requires: the drinks available and the systems used vary by model, as the Philips 2200 Series models illustrate.
You’re considering a simpler option because the machine needs to fit in your kitchen and be easy to clean. Que Choisir notes that grinding adds noise and that maintenance is an important part of using a bean-to-cup machine.
Worth considering: if you want to make espresso regularly from beans, with an automated process.
Bear in mind: the noise from grinding, the extra space it takes up and the need to clean the machine’s components regularly, as noted by Que Choisir.
Worth considering: if you prefer pre-portioned coffee and minimal preparation.
Bear in mind: you’ll need to use a pod or capsule format that’s compatible with your chosen machine.
Worth considering: if you want to be involved in preparing each espresso.
Bear in mind: you’ll need to do more yourself, including measuring and tamping the coffee, than with a bean-to-cup machine.
Worth considering: if you’re mainly after filter coffee, especially for serving several cups.
Bear in mind: it makes a different drink from espresso. An integrated grinder, available on some Melitta coffee makers, doesn’t change the filter coffee brewing method.
| What matters to you | What to check | Best suited to |
|---|---|---|
| Espresso made from beans | Compare the drinks available and the model’s settings; check the instructions for details of the preparation steps. | If I make espresso regularly, I want to use beans without measuring and tamping each cup. Around 36% of consumers would put this need first. |
| Ease of use and space | Measure the space available and check that you can access the containers; take into account the noise while grinding, as noted by Que Choisir. | In a small kitchen, I’d prefer a machine that’s easy to fit and use every day, even if that means going without a grinder. This would be the priority for around 29% of consumers. |
| Milk drinks | Check which drinks are available, how the milk system works and how to clean it. | If I make cappuccinos regularly, I want to include milk in my routine without overlooking cleaning. Around 21% of consumers would prioritise this option. |
| Larger quantities of filter coffee | Check the carafe capacity, the type of filter and whether there’s an integrated grinder. | When serving several cups of filter coffee, I want a suitable brewing method rather than a single espresso. Around 14% of consumers would have this priority. |
Choosing a system also means buying coffee or pods regularly and, depending on the machine, using filters and cleaning products.
Make a list of the consumables and maintenance tasks specified for each model, then consider how they fit with how often you make coffee.
A bean-to-cup machine may fit on your worktop but leave too little room to remove a water tank or open the bean hopper. Que Choisir also highlights the noise and size of this type of machine.
Measure the depth and available height, check that you can reach all removable parts, and look for a noise rating if the machine will be used near a quiet space.
A machine designed for milk drinks adds rinsing and cleaning steps specific to its milk system. JURA’s maintenance instructions explain that the milk circuit needs dedicated products and cleaning steps.
Read the instructions for the model you’re considering to find out what needs cleaning after use and which parts can be removed.
De’Longhi’s bean-to-cup coffee machines include the Magnifica, Dinamica, Eletta and PrimaDonna ranges.
The 2200 Series includes automatic machines with different features depending on the model.
Melitta offers bean-to-cup machines designed for black coffee, as well as filter coffee makers with an integrated grinder.
JURA highlights rinsing and cleaning programmes on its automatic machines.
Saeco’s bean-to-cup machines include Xelsis models, and the brand provides support resources.
These models are suited to making espresso automatically from beans. If you’re still deciding between pods, a portafilter machine or filter coffee, first choose the brewing method that suits you. Then, for each machine, check the space you have and the maintenance it requires.
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Worth considering if you’d like to make coffee from beans and use the LatteGo system for milk drinks. Check the EP2230/10 instructions to see which drinks are available and how to clean the milk system and brew group.
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Worth a look if you’re after a Dinamica automatic machine for your everyday coffee. If you’re making milk drinks, check which system the ECAM350.15.B has and what steps it requires.
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Worth a look if you’d like to choose between several drinks on an automatic machine. The EM550E name indicates four options; check which ones suit the drinks you usually have, and read the maintenance instructions.
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Worth a look if you’d like a Magnifica machine bundled with Lavazza coffee. This is a bundle, so check exactly what’s included in the two packs, as well as the cleaning instructions for the ECAM250.23.SB.
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Worth considering if you want to make espresso regularly from beans with an automatic machine. Measure the space you have and check which drinks the ECAM22.140.B makes, along with its maintenance requirements.
Measure the width, depth and available height, then allow enough room to access the tanks and containers on your chosen model. If you make coffee near a quiet room, bear in mind the noise from grinding too: Que Choisir notes that a bean-to-cup machine is larger and noisier than a pod system or filter coffee maker.
No, descaling is only one part of maintenance. You may also need to clean the containers, brew group and, if the machine makes milk drinks, the milk system. Follow the instructions for your chosen model.
Search for parts using the machine’s full model reference and ask the retailer what availability information they have. The DGCCRF explains the information requirements for spare parts; a manufacturer’s support section doesn’t, on its own, guarantee that a particular part is available for your model.
Yes. According to the French Ministry for the Economy, the legal guarantee of conformity also applies to second-hand and refurbished goods sold by a business to an individual in France. It covers cases where the product doesn’t conform to its description. Keep your proof of purchase and the description provided by the seller.