How to Choose Your Bean-to-Cup Coffee Machine?

Why choose a bean-to-cup coffee machine ?

Regardless of your budget, opting for a bean-to-cup coffee machine ensures several key benefits, the most notable being high-quality extraction and freshly ground coffee with maximum flavor in every cup.

The aromas of coffee are preserved within the bean. By storing your beans properly (ideally in an airtight container for no more than 30 days), you can enjoy a richer flavour experience compared to pre-ground coffee that has been sitting for days.

Additionally, there’s the ecological aspect. With coffee beans and a machine equipped with a grinder, your only waste will be the coffee bag and the coffee grounds. The grounds can easily be reused or composted, reducing environmental impact.

Another advantage of choosing an automatic coffee machine and whole beans is cost efficiency! While a bean-to-cup coffee machine may be more expensive upfront, it quickly becomes cost-effective due to the lower price of coffee beans. Prices will vary depending on the type of coffee you choose, but generally, coffee beans are less expensive per cup than pods or capsules.

Lastly, and most importantly: the ease of use of bean-to-cup espresso machines.

Many automatic coffee machines allow you to prepare a wide variety of personalised beverages with simplicity and often intuitive controls.

As for maintenance, there’s no need to worry: these machines often provide guidance to help you maintain them effortlessly, ensuring their longevity without unnecessary complications.

WHAT ARE THE CRITERIA FOR CHOOSING YOUR MACHINE?

WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF A BEAN-TO-CUP COFFEE MACHINE?

The advantages

• Freshly ground coffee: Delivers more aromas in your cup.
• More economical: Lower cost per cup compared to capsules.
• Ease of use: No expertise needed to achieve a great cup.
• Wide variety of beverages: Enjoy multiple options without barista-level skills.
• Cleaner operation: Less mess than a manual espresso machine.

The disadvantages

• High initial cost: Requires a significant upfront investment.
• Overcapacity risk: If only a few people use it but advanced options are desired, you might end up with a large machine whose capacity doesn’t match your needs (larger machines typically mean bigger tanks and more features).
• Mandatory maintenance: Regular cleaning and upkeep are essential (common to all coffee machines).
• Limited coffee variety switching: Switching beans can be challenging unless the machine has dual bean hoppers or a chute for pre-ground coffee.

WHICH BEAN-TO-CUP COFFEE MACHINE FOR A SMALL BUDGET ? 

If you have a small budget for your bean-to-cup coffee machine, focus on essential features and avoid aiming for overly advanced functionalities.

Entry-Level Machines

• Compact and small: Perfect for one or two users, as they typically have smaller tanks and capacities.
• Limited features: Budget machines often lack a milk system or steam wand but excel at preparing delicious espressos from freshly ground beans.

These machines are ideal if your primary expectation is a quality espresso without unnecessary extras.

For more details, check out our complete buying guide on Our Best Affordable Bean-to-Cup Coffee Machines.

Key Strengths

• Affordable purchase price
• Compact format

Key Weaknesses

• Limited beverage options
• Fewer features compared to high-end machines

WHICH BEAN-TO-CUP COFFEE MACHINE FOR A MEDIUM BUDGET?

If you have a medium budget for your bean-to-cup coffee machine, you can benefit from more features.

What a Medium Budget Offers

• Larger capacity: Machines with bigger tanks (water, beans, etc.) suited for couples or families.
• Improved milk systems: Mid-range models often include enhanced steam wands for a better milk froth or even One Touch systems for cappuccinos and lattes.
• More settings: Greater customisation options compared to entry-level models, allowing you to fine-tune your coffee to your preferences.

Key Strengths

• Ability to prepare more beverages
• More modern and intuitive interface

Key Weaknesses

• Slightly higher budget required
• Variable material quality depending on the model

WHICH BEAN-TO-CUP COFFEE MACHINE FOR A HIGH BUDGET?

If you’re ready to invest in a bean-to-cup coffee machine, you’ll gain access to models offering a much broader range of features. These machines, built with high-quality materials (such as steel instead of ABS, or ceramic grinders instead of steel for the bean grinder), allow you to create customised coffees thanks to their extensive settings.

Advantages of High-End Machines

• Quieter operation: These machines are generally much quieter compared to entry-level models.
• Family-friendly features: High-end machines often cater to families with multiple user profiles, large-capacity tanks, a wide selection of recipes, touch interfaces, and connectivity.
• Versatility: Some models even offer the ability to prepare cold beverages or hot chocolates.

Key Strengths

• Highly customisable beverage preparation
• Elegant and modern design
• Numerous options and features

Key Weaknesses

• High purchase price
• Larger size, which may not fit smaller spaces

WHICH BEAN-TO-CUP COFFEE MACHINE SHOULD YOU CHOOSE IF YOU DRINK A LOT OF COFFEE?

If you’re a heavy coffee drinker, the key factor to consider is the size of the machine’s containers.

For instance, if the model you’re considering has a bean hopper with a capacity of less than 250 g (not even a standard coffee pack), then the machine won’t meet your needs. Machines with a capacity exceeding 250 g are typically higher-end, more expensive, and therefore larger.

Additionally, for the other containers, look for a water tank with a capacity of 2 liters and a coffee grounds container that can hold at least 9 pucks to ensure convenient daily use.

WHICH BEAN-TO-CUP COFFEE MACHINE IS BEST FOR A LARGE FAMILY?

If multiple people will be using the coffee machine, here are the key features to consider:

• Variety and types of beverages offered: Does the machine prepare hot chocolate in addition to coffee? Can it make cold drinks or even tea?
• Container sizes: For easier daily use in a larger household, opt for a machine with high-capacity containers (e.g., 2 liters for the water tank).
• User profiles: To allow everyone to save their preferences, choose a machine that supports multiple user profiles.
• Connectivity: While some may see it as a gimmick, others find it very practical. A connected machine lets you select your coffee preferences directly from an app.

WHICH BEAN-TO-CUP COFFEE MACHINE WHEN YOU WANT TO SPEND LESS ON MAINTENANCE?

While an automatic coffee machine is easy to clean, it will still require some investment for its maintenance.

No matter what, you’ll need:

• Grinder cleaner
• Descaler
• Filter cartridge

But beyond that, the requirements differ.

For example, machines with a removable brewing group can be cleaned easily with water. In contrast, those with a non-removable brewing group require cleaning tablets, which can be more expensive. However, using tablets ensures a higher level of cleanliness.

Additionally, the presence of a milk system and/or a milk carafe will also increase maintenance costs, as they require specialised cleaning products.

WHICH BEAN-TO-CUP COFFEE MACHINE WHEN YOU WANT CONNECTIVITY?

Tempted by a smart coffee machine? Tech enthusiasts will love the many features offered by connected bean-to-cup coffee machines.

The Concept

A Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connection links the machine to an app on your smartphone or tablet, providing access to numerous features that enhance your coffee experience.

Choosing a connected coffee machine means opting for even greater ease of use and expanding the possibilities for creating your favorite hot beverages.

For example, with De’Longhi, a leading brand in the coffee machine market, you can configure your machine directly from your smartphone. Even better, you can start the machine’s maintenance cycle without leaving your couch.

Additionally, the brand Jura offers a wide range of high-end connected bean-to-cup coffee machines. Over the years, most major brands have introduced at least one connected machine, typically positioned at the top of their range.

Things to Keep in Mind

If you want connectivity, you’ll need to be prepared to pay a premium. Connected coffee machines are high-end products and tend to be more expensive.

Final Thoughts

As you’ve seen, choosing a coffee machine is a highly personal decision that depends on your specific needs and preferences. With the insights we’ve shared, you now know what to look for to choose the right automatic coffee machine.

Finally, you’ve got it: criteria for choosing a coffee machine are very personal it depends on your needs and desires. In fact, with all the tips we’ve just shared with you, you now know what you need to look out for when choosing your automatic coffee machine. MaxiCoffee offers a wide selection of machines, so you’re sure to find the perfect one for you!