If you make espresso regularly at home, a bean-to-cup machine is worth considering if choosing your own beans and keeping the cost per cup down matter more to you than saving space, reducing noise and avoiding regular maintenance. A portafilter machine suits those happy to prepare coffee by hand, while capsules and pods offer pre-measured portions and convenience. Compare the total cost based on the number of cups you actually make and your maintenance habits, rather than assuming that changing machine will save you money.
When you make cup after cup, the cost of coffee becomes a bigger factor in your decision. To find out whether switching to a bean-to-cup machine is worthwhile, compare it with your usual portions, taking the machine and its maintenance into account too.
A manual steam wand and an automatic milk system involve different steps. Check how the model prepares the milk, then find out how to clean its components after use.
A bean-to-cup machine means managing the coffee grounds, trays and descaling. Que Choisir also highlights its noise and larger footprint compared with a capsule system. These factors are particularly important in a shared kitchen.
First, choose a preparation method your household will be happy to use every day. Then compare the costs and tasks involved over the same period.
Consider it if: you want to use whole beans for frequent coffee-making without measuring and tamping each cup by hand.
Be prepared for: a larger, noisier machine than a capsule system, as well as managing the coffee grounds and maintenance cycles, according to Que Choisir.
Consider it if: you want the hands-on experience of preparing each coffee yourself.
Be prepared for: adding and tamping the coffee, then emptying the portafilter after use, as described by Que Choisir.
Consider them if: pre-measured portions and minimal handling of the coffee are your priorities.
Be prepared to: keep an eye on the cost of capsules over time and deal with their packaging.
Consider them if: you’d also like to make coffee using pre-measured portions.
Be prepared to: compare the cost of the pods you’ll actually use with the cost of whole beans or ground coffee, rather than assuming there’s a fixed difference.
| Factor | What to check | Think about your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Running costs | Over the same period, compare the price of the machine, the coffee used per drink and maintenance consumables. Recalculate for your current routine and for a busier one. | I make enough cups to want to look at the long-term cost, but I don’t want to confuse cheaper coffee per cup with guaranteed overall savings. Que Choisir distinguishes between these two factors for bean-to-cup machines. |
| Maintenance | Check how easy it is to access the grounds container, drip tray and parts that need cleaning, then look at the descaling steps for the exact model. With a portafilter machine, remember to empty it after use too. | The machine will be used often, so I’d rather know which tasks I’ll need to repeat than choose based only on the drinks it can make. |
| Noise and space | For a bean-to-cup machine, look for a review of the exact model that covers grinding, rinsing and pouring. Check its dimensions and how much room you’ll need to fill and empty the tanks. | In an open-plan kitchen or early in the morning, noise can influence your choice. Que Choisir assesses different noise phases, vibrations and stability in its tests of bean-to-cup machines. |
| Milk-based drinks | Check whether the model you’re considering has a manual steam wand or an automatic milk system. Compare the steps involved and the cleaning needed after use. | If we regularly make cappuccinos, I want a milk-preparation method that’s easy to fit into our routine when it comes to cleaning. |
| Waste | Compare the waste produced by whole beans, ground coffee and pre-measured portions. In France, follow the local recycling guidance for aluminium or plastic capsules. | I’d like to cut down on individual packaging where possible. ADEME recommends this approach and says aluminium or plastic capsules should be put in with paper and packaging for recycling. |
The cost per cup doesn’t cover the price of the machine or its maintenance. Whether a bean-to-cup machine is worthwhile depends in part on how many drinks you make and which coffee you choose.
Compare the options over the same period, first based on your current routine, then on a higher level of consumption.
Remember to factor in any filters, descaler and other consumables required by the model you choose.
Automatically preparing milk doesn’t mean you can skip cleaning the system’s components. A steam wand also needs attention after use.
If you only make milk-based drinks occasionally, consider whether a manual wand will suit you. If you make them often, compare the cleaning steps for the specific system.
Grinding is just one stage of the process: Que Choisir also looks at rinsing, pouring and vibrations.
Look for a review of the exact model that covers these different stages rather than guessing how noisy it is from the manufacturer’s description.
Choosing a capsule system means thinking about what you’ll do with each portion after use.
In France, ADEME says aluminium or plastic capsules should go in the recycling bin, bag or container for paper and packaging. Check what collection options are available where you live too.
These ranges illustrate different ways of making coffee. Check the features of each individual model.
De'Longhi offers several bean-to-cup ranges, including Magnifica and Dinamica, with different drink options depending on the model.
Depending on the model, Philips bean-to-cup machines come with the LatteGo milk system or SilentBrew technology.
Sage offers manual and automatic espresso machines, including options for those interested in making coffee with a portafilter.
These models offer a bean-to-cup option for households that make espresso regularly. The choice between a bean-to-cup machine, a portafilter and pre-measured portions also depends on the factors discussed above.
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This bean-to-cup model is for households that want to use whole beans and are also considering milk-based drinks made with LatteGo. Compare the cleaning steps for the milk system, and check how noisy this specific model is if you’ll be using it early in the morning.
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The LatteCrema system is worth considering if your household often makes milk-based drinks and you’d rather not use a manual steam wand. Check the rinsing and descaling steps for this model.
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This bean-to-cup machine could suit a household happy to prepare milk by hand using a steam wand. This means frothing the milk and cleaning the wand as part of your routine, so consider whether those steps will work for you if you often make milk-based drinks.
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This model has a touchscreen and milk system, making it an option for households that want to try different drinks using whole beans. If you use milk often, check how the milk system works and how to clean it on the H16 before making your choice.
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This bean-to-cup machine with a steam wand is worth comparing if you mostly drink espresso and are happy to prepare milk by hand. Remember to clean the wand after making milk-based drinks, as well as carrying out the usual maintenance for a bean-to-cup machine.
Over the same period, add together the cost of the machine, the coffee used per drink and the maintenance consumables required for each option. Adjust the number of cups and the amount of coffee you use: the cost per cup alone won’t tell you whether switching machines will work out better for your household.
It depends on the model and when you use it. Que Choisir says a bean-to-cup machine is noisier than a capsule system and, as part of its testing, looks at rinsing, grinding, pouring and vibrations. Look for a review of the model you’re considering rather than relying on a marketing name.
You’ll need to empty the grounds container and drip tray, clean the accessible parts and descale the machine as instructed. After making a milk-based drink, follow the cleaning instructions for the wand or milk system too. Compare these steps before choosing a model.
ADEME says aluminium or plastic capsules should go in the recycling bin, bag or container for paper and packaging. If you have an old electrical appliance, look into take-back options: the Ministry for the Ecological Transition, for example, explains that retailers can take back an old appliance of the same type when you buy a new one.