Bean-to-cup coffee machines have revolutionised the way we enjoy our daily cup of coffee. With just a touch of a button, these appliances prepare aromatic and delicious drinks, grinding beans freshly for each cup. Whether you prefer a strong espresso or a creamy cappuccino, a bean-to-cup coffee machine can cater to all of your coffee cravings.
When it comes to choosing a bean-to-cup coffee machine, there are around 150 models for you to select your favourite one from, including those produced by some of the world’s best-known brands as well as appliances made by niche manufacturers. When picking the right coffee machine for you, you’ll have to consider several factors, so let’s delve into the key aspects that will help you make an informed decision.
One of the main advantages of automatic bean-to-cup coffee machines is their integrated grinder. The type of grinder used can significantly impact the flavour and aroma of your coffee. In our range, you can find espresso or filter coffee machines that grind beans freshly for each cup too, by the way. Look for them in the general category of coffee machines with grinders. If you’ve settled on a bean-to-cup coffee machine though, the way your beans will be ground is something you’ll definitely want to pay attention to:
Burr vs. blade grinders. Burr grinders are known for their precision and consistency, ensuring a uniform particle size and a richer taste in your cup. In contrast, blade grinders are more budget-friendly, yet these may result in uneven grounds, affecting the overall coffee quality.
The material the grinder is made of plays an important role as well:
Ceramic grinding systems are particularly durable and consistent. Ceramic burrs are harder than steel burrs, which means they stay sharp for longer. This results in a more consistent grind size, leading to better extraction of flavours. When it comes to ceramic grinders, Siemens bean-to-cup machines offer the widest array of choices.
Steel grinding systems, on the other hand, are known for their versatility and affordability. Steel burrs are easier to manufacture and replace, making them a popular choice for bean-to-cup coffee machines. While steel burrs may not provide the same level of consistency as ceramic burrs, they still produce a satisfactory grind for most coffee enthusiasts. If you’re interested in this sort of grinder, take a look at De’Longhi bean-to-cup machines.
If you enjoy milk-based beverages, such as lattes or cappuccinos, opting for a coffee machine with a milk frother is definitely the right choice for you. There are two main types of milk frothers on the market: automatic milk frothers and steam wands.
Automatic milk frothers take the guesswork out of the frothing process. With just a push of a button, the machine froths and pours milk directly into your cup. The milk systems found in automatic coffee machines vary though: some of them boast removable milk containers (check out Gaggia bean-to-cup coffee machines, for example), while others are equipped with milk tubes that can be immersed in a milk carton or container. All in all, automatic milk frothers are perfect for those who appreciate convenience and repeatability.
On the other hand, steam wands provide a more hands-on approach to frothing milk. By manually placing the wand in the milk and releasing steam, you can create velvety milk foam that boasts your preferred texture and thickness. If you’re an aspiring home barista who enjoys the art of brewing, a coffee machine with a steam wand is absolutely worth a closer look.
For those who prefer a seamless and integrated look in their kitchen, a built-in coffee machine is the way to go. These machines are designed to be installed directly into your kitchen cabinetry, providing a clean and cohesive look. While they may require you to plan ahead a bit more, the end result is a coffee machine that blends perfectly with the rest of your kitchen appliances. In our assortment, you can find various built-in machines made by different brands and boasting a wide range of features. Check out our selection of Bosch built-in models, or the built-in coffee machines from Electrolux or Neff. All of them offer the features found in free-standing coffee machines (some even boast additional functions!), with the added advantage of saving space and providing a modern look. This is particularly useful if your kitchen is on the small side or if you prefer clutter-free countertops.
Bean-to-cup coffee machines are suited great for both home use and offices. These machines can cater to the needs of smaller and larger office spaces. For smaller offices, compact models from Siemens or Saeco are available, providing a convenient and efficient solution for your team. Larger offices can opt for Dr. Coffee or Franke commercial bean-to-cup coffee machines: these offer larger containers and are capable of preparing a larger number of servings throughout the day.
In addition to core functionalities, automatic coffee machines often come with additional features that enhance the overall brewing experience. Here are a few notable features to consider:
One of the major advantages of bean-to-cup coffee machines is their ability to prepare a wide variety of coffee beverages. From classic espresso and black coffee to indulgent lattes and cappuccinos, these machines can cater to all of your coffee needs. For example, some advanced Melitta bean-to-cup coffee machines offer more than 17 different recipes, allowing you to explore various flavours and experiment with different brewing methods.
Personalisation is key when it comes to enjoying your coffee. Bean-to-cup coffee machines offer maximum flexibility by letting you adjust various brewing parameters to your taste. You can customise the strength of your coffee, the grind size of your beans, the amount of milk foam, and even water temperature. This level of customisation ensures that every cup of coffee is tailored to your unique preferences.
If you’re a true coffee connoisseur who loves to experiment with different beans, you may want to consider getting a dual hopper bean-to-cup coffee machine. For example, some Melitta and Siemens bean-to-cup coffee machines come with dual hopper systems. This means that you can use two different types of coffee beans in the same appliance, switching effortlessly between flavours and aromas.
If you like enjoying your cup of coffee in the company of a friend or family member, or if you want to serve multiple guests faster, consider getting a bean-to-cup coffee machine that can prepare two drinks simultaneously. This feature eliminates the need to brew multiple cups one after another, helping you save some time in the process. Some models even allow you to prepare two milk-based beverages at once, making it ideal for entertaining guests.
Smart technologies now allow some bean-to-cup coffee machines to be operated via a dedicated mobile app. Using an app like that, you can create and program recipes, save them on multiple profiles, and even monitor maintenance programs remotely. This level of convenience and control ensures you’ll be able to enjoy coffee brewed exactly the way you like it—and with just a few taps on your smartphone or tablet too! This feature is especially popular amongst Nivona and Miele coffee machines, but it can also be found in other smart models. To look through them, use the filter at the top of the page.
Coffee machines should not only deliver excellent coffee but also adorn your kitchen or office. Bean-to-cup coffee machines come in a variety of designs and colours, guaranteeing you’ll be able to find the one that suits the style of your kitchen. From sleek, modern shapes to vibrant and colourful options, our range of products is bound to include the coffee machine that best matches your interior. You can use the filters at the top of the page to view the machines that match your preferences. Take a look at SMEG bean-to-cup machines of numerous different colours, for example, or go for a more classic look and examine the black and silver Krups bean-to-cup machines.
Bean-to-cup machines are available at a variety of prices, each catering to different budgets and preferences. Here are some options falling into different price ranges:
For those on a budget, there are affordable bean-to-cup coffee machines that deliver excellent performance without breaking the bank. These machines offer basic features, such as an integrated grinder, a milk frother and customisable drink settings. While there may not be as many models to choose from in this category, you can still find excellent machines or catch a promotion enabling you to purchase something special at a very competitive price.
If you’re willing to invest a larger sum of money, you can find fully automatic coffee machines with advanced features and greater customisation options. These machines often boast more robust grinding systems, intuitive control panels and additional drink recipes. The price range includes a variety of innovative models (you can check out the Philips bean-to-cup machines under £500). If you catch a discount, you may even be able to get a particularly smart model with up to 19 different recipes to choose from!
For those seeking a premium coffee experience, bean-to-cup coffee machines priced under £1000 offer top-of-the-line features and exceptional build quality. These machines often come with high-quality ceramic grinders, automatic milk systems, smart app integration, and a wide array of recipes. The category in question includes some semi-professional, or even fully professional, automatic machines designed to brew a large number of servings every day: take a look at the Saeco Royal OTC coffee machine or the slightly more expensive, yet office-friendly Dr. Coffee F10.
To view the coffee machines that fall within your preferred price range, use the filters located at the top of the page.
Proper maintenance are essential when it comes to keeping your bean-to-cup coffee machine running smoothly and producing delicious coffee. One of the most common issues is limescale build-up: it can affect the taste of your coffee and the performance of your machine. Luckily, most bean-to-cup coffee machines come with an integrated descaling program. These machines even prompt you to run it when the time to descale your appliance rolls around. It’s recommended to use descaling products designed specially for coffee machines, by the way, as using vinegar or other substances can end up damaging your appliance. You can find a range of coffee machine cleaning products on our website.
If your machine is equipped with an automatic milk frother, it’s important to rinse the milk system regularly too. To do that, follow the instructions in the user manual of your appliance. Some machines even boast automatic milk system rinsing programs, which makes the whole process completely hassle-free.
With so many options available, choosing the right bean-to-cup coffee machine can be a daunting task. Luckily, Coffee Friend’s consultants are here to assist you in finding the perfect brewing companion. If you have any questions regarding size, installation, design or different types of coffee machines, our experts are always ready to provide you with advice and help you make an informed decision.
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