Imagine the scene:
You get up in the morning, switch on your machine and a few seconds later, at the touch of a button, you have an excellent, freshly-ground coffee in your cup.
Even better, you can choose to suit your mood: strong espresso, long coffee, or why not a small cappuccino or latte?
What used to be unthinkable without going to a coffee shop is now possible at home thanks to bean-to-cup machines.
A few years ago, I was using a pod coffee maker, but the capsule problem was really starting to bother me.
(I get commissions for purchases made through links in this post)
So I turned to what I think is the best alternative: Bean to cup machine . It’s very simple:
- The coffee is ground directly and is therefore excellent
- Choose your coffee according to your taste
- Eco-friendly. I use coffee grounds in my compost. No more pods I didn’t know what to do with.
I tested the super automatic machines , if you’re interested here’s the video ☟
A word of warning before we get to the heart of the matter. Grain processing machines are real concentrates of technology. They are highly efficient and provide personalized coffee quality.
You can choose precisely which coffee you want to drink: espresso or milk beverages. On some top-of-the-range machines, the number of options is impressive.
But this quality comes at a cost. Buying an espresso grinder represents a greater investment than buying the machine itself. Entry-level machines cost between €300 and €350. Which will quickly pay for itself, as we’ll see in the rest of this article.
Another important factor not to be overlooked is maintenance. Unlike pod machines, where there’s almost nothing to do, maintaining your bean-to-cup machine is vital if you want it to produce consistently good coffee and last over time.
Don’t panic though, it’s not complicated and manufacturers have really innovated on recent models to make cleaning very simple. That said, it’s an important point to remember!
Why trust me?
After more than 50 hours of research and testing of different machines, I’ve put together a complete guide to the best automatic machines on the market.
Then I’ll try to answer all your questions and help you solve any problems you may encounter using your machine.
Passionate about the world of coffee for years, I love to share my passion and present the fruits of my research.
Comparison of the best bean-to-cup coffee machines
It’s not really a top 10, a ranking from first to tenth. That wouldn’t make sense, because not all machines are designed for the same audience and the same use. However, each of them is the benchmark in its segment.
Delonghi Dinamica: the best value for money
With its sleek design and top-of-the-range materials and finishes. It’s an eye-catching machine.
The body is in silver ABS with stainless steel contours. On the front, a 3.5″ color touchscreen catches the eye. This is the new version of the Delonghi Dinamica and frankly I like it a lot.
But more than the design, it was obviously the quality of the coffee and the options that caught my eye.
The Dinamica has all the essentials of the Magnifica, but takes each area to the next level. Forget the steam nozzle for a OneTouch system, the Latte Crema System, which makes unrivalled milk foams. It’s not available on all versions, but once you’ve tried it at least once, you’ll love it.
In terms of operation, this is still a very simple machine, but the panel has been modernized by becoming touch-sensitive and featuring a small LED display. It’s nicer, easier to use and more in tune with the times, and above all it’s easier to personalize your drink.
For its price range, the Dinamica is undoubtedly one of the best value for money, if not the best.
With this machine, you can prepare 13 drinks at the touch of a button, including short and long espressos, ristrettos and, thanks to the milk tank, cappuccino, latte macchiato and café latte.
This machine is for you if :
- you’re a big fan of coffee and dairy drinks
- you can make a substantial investment;
- you like to have the choice of many possible beverages
Melita caffeo Solo: the most stylish of all
Here’s a machine I really like, and which for me wins the prize for aesthetics in our comparison.
One of the strong points of this machine, which has been part of its success, is its aesthetics. With its sleek stainless steel front panel, silver control buttons and LCD display, the design is impeccable.
The ultra-solid materials used by this brand make it a robust and durable machine. It’s one of France’s favorite bean-to-cup coffee makers.
Excellent value for money, this machine delivers good-quality coffee – short, medium or long espresso – with an adjustable spout.
Freshly ground coffee is pre-wetted thanks to the aroma extraction system. You can choose from three levels of intensity.
The Solo & Milk version also features a cappuccinatore to simplify milk-froth drinks such as cappuccino. A real success, and a cost you’ll quickly recoup..,
On the other hand, be careful to choose the model with the steam nozzle for milk drink lovers.
This machine is for you if :
- Are you looking for a system that makes cappuccinos easy to prepare?
- You’re looking for a machine that’s easy to use,
- You want excellent extraction
Delonghi Magnifica Start: the best entry-level range
Delonghi’s Magnifica is probably the best-selling machine in France. In fact, it was the first model I bought years ago. Just imagine, she has 30,000 reviews on Amazon, most of them positive. We’ll find out why.
Everything has already been said about the Delonghi Magnifica, the machine that brought coffee beans into our kitchens. Easy to use, with a high-performance 13-position steel grinder, it delivers excellent espresso for an entry-level price in the sector.
If the design of the first models is a little outdated, updating the machine has given it a younger, more attractive style, without sacrificing quality. It’s worth bearing in mind that even the brand’s top-of-the-range machines use the same grinder, differentiating themselves instead on milk beverages, the screen, connectivity and the OneTouch function.
If I had to start with one, it would be the Magnifica, whose espressos are beyond reproach, whose operation is simplified to the extreme, and whose maintenance is facilitated by the extractable group.
Relatively compact, with meticulous finishes and quality materials (high-grade ABS and stainless steel keys), it plays the simplicity and efficiency card, without sacrificing certain options.
The bean container lid is smoked to protect the coffee from light. That said, I don’t necessarily recommend filling it out completely.
The settings offered: cup length, intensity, 13 grind settings like Dinamica, temperature (4 levels) are very reliable. After a few tries, you’ll have the perfect coffee.
The machine displays some interesting information (empty water tank, full grounds collector, empty bean container). Fast, quiet and easy to use, it also offers undeniable value for money.
This machine is for you if :
- Looking for a quality entry-level machine
- You like easy-to-use machines
- You want a steam nozzle to make all kinds of milk drinks
Philips Série 2200: the least expensive
This is still an interesting entry-level machine. Philips has launched one of its most affordable automatic espresso machines: the Philips Series 2200.
The Philips 2200 is the least expensive of all the reliable, high-quality bean mills. More precisely, the cheapest, with direct competition from the Magnifica, which is often offered at the same price.
Does it make sense to buy the first price in this field? In many areas, the answer is no. The first price is synonymous with gadgetry, a short lifespan or medium-term technical problems. Not at all, because the price of a machine is based not just on the quality of espresso extraction, but on a large number of parameters.
The Philips 2200 is a simple model, with a nozzle or Latte Go carafe, designed for espresso. You won’t have the choice of countless milk drinks, but that’s not what we’re looking for with this model. This Philips 2200 is for making a decent espresso, and there’s no reason to be disappointed.
Admittedly, you may find it a little noisy, and its extraction not always the most soptimal, but you’ll love its easy-to-use touch panel.
The top-mounted touchscreen allows you to control several parameters and easily select your favorite coffee.
The machine is equipped with an AquaClean filter that keeps the water filtered and prevents scale build-up. When it needs changing, the machine will inform you.
Descaling is carried out by an automatic program, the frequency of which can be set according to water hardness. The infusion unit is removable for easy rinsing under the tap.
This machine is for you if :
- you have an average budget
- you’re looking for an intuitive, efficient machine
- you want a machine that’s easy to use
Krups Evidence: best mid-range OneTouch system
OneTouch machines are those equipped with an automated milk-processing system to make a latte macchiato-type milk drink with just one touch. It’s the Latte Crema Systeme from Delonghi or the Latte Go from Philips.
The Krups Evidence is undoubtedly the most efficient machine in the mid-range in terms of price. Its value for money is exceptional.
A cappuccinatore collects the milk in a carafe or milk jug (depending on the model) and produces a delicious froth for one or two cups. She’s the one who knows the exercise best.
But the Krups Evidence is also a bean-to-cup machine perfect for espresso and classics (lungo, ristretto, etc.)] thanks to direct access from the front. Perfect Force in-house technology optimizes coffee preparation through the 4 fundamental stages: grinding, tamping, infusion and extraction.
It can also prepare 15 drinks. I really liked this machine, with its up-to-date design and easy-to-use LED display and touch-sensitive buttons. The only downside is that cleaning the milk system is a bit of a hassle. But it remains a solid choice in mid-range models.
This machine is for you if:
- Looking for a machine with an automatic milk system?
- You want 15 beverage options
- Looking for good espresso extraction
Delonghi Eletta Explore: best for cappuccino and milk drinks
The Delonghi Eletta Explore is both an iconoclastic machine and arguably the best for milk drinks.
Its strength lies in its milk carafe with Latte Crema System, which is linked to a huge number of recipes, both on the machine and on the app. But above all, the Eletta Explore innovates with cold brew drinks. It’s one of the machines I’ve had the most pleasure testing.
This is a cold brew of coffee grounds (not a cooled coffee), produced using a process that speeds up the naturally slow brewing process when cold. The result, with the carafe dedicated to cold milk drinks, is a daring, gourmet and innovative delight.
Do you like espresso? Do you like cappuccino? You’ll love the cold brew! We could dwell on other highlights such as Bean Adapt technology, 50 direct-access beverages, the AutoClean function and the famous Delonghi grinder, but we don’t even need to, since it’s obvious that Delonghi has mastered everything else.
On the other hand, we’re moving away from low-cost models and crossing the threshold of high-end models. But to give you an idea, this is the machine I’m currently using 😉
This machine is for you if:
- You’re looking for a machine with more than 40 beverage options
- You want a quiet, top-of-the-range machine
- Cold brew extraction
Melitta Latticia: the most intuitive
The Melitta Latticia clearly has it all. First of all, it’s a One Touch machine, which means that milk drinks are made automatically. Above all, they are made with a double emulsion, a technique unique to Melitta (known as Latte Perfection) which produces an even denser and finer foam than other brands.
Then there’s direct access to beverages, an app for monitoring the machine and starting your coffee, and A.E.S., a system for optimizing flavor extraction.
Without revolutionizing the sector, this Melitta Latticia OT is truly a safe bet, offering all the features of a good bean-to-cup machine with a wide choice of beverages.
I really liked the ease of use of this machine. No complicated settings, it’s easy to get to grips with. Another thing I like. It’s one of the very few machines to produce the true cappuccino recipe: espresso first, milk second.
- You’re looking for ease of use
- You like cappuccinos and latte macchiato
- You want quality espresso
Delonghi PrimaDonna: the best of the top-range machines
With Delonghi’s PrimaDonna, we’re starting to aim for top-of-the-range, excellence, the nec plus ultra. While several sub-categories define the PrimaDonna range (Class, Soul or Experience), even the first of these is already delivering sensational results.
Color display, direct access button, beverage customization and 6 user profiles, isothermal milk carafe, Bluetooth connectivity for the application (ideal for setting your own profile) and a host of settings – here’s a quick overview of all the PrimaDonna has to offer.
It’s simple, she goes the extra mile in every area, even going so far as to put an LED on the coffee cups for a perfectly unnecessary, and therefore totally indispensable, lighting effect. Even the cup warmer is active.
PrimaDonna stands out for its ability to handle milk-based beverages, interactivity, maintenance and a wide range of beverages. But it’s still an excellent espresso machine, and between the Bean Adapt and the Delonghi grinder, you’ll be delighted.
Saeco Xelsis Suprema: the best screen
Saeco, the high-end division of Philips, does nothing like the others. Quite simply, the brand offers the largest touch screen for a bean-to-cup coffee maker. I’m inclined to say that every machine, whatever its price, should be equipped with one.
Its large size makes it perfectly fluid to use, with all beverages and settings handled with unrivalled ease. To give you an idea of the screen, it’s 7.8 inches, whereas your smartphone is between 6 and 6.5 inches. Its size is a question of design, aesthetics and show-off, and once you’ve tried it, you won’t want to do without it.
Beyond the screen, Saeco excels with its wide range of beverages (over twenty), Wi-Fi for adding other recipes, 8 user profiles, numerous customizable settings and, quite simply, everything that makes a top-of-the-range machine. The cappuccinatore system allows two drinks to be made simultaneously.
Jura Z10: best innovation
Clearly the best in terms of innovation. If the price doesn’t put you off, and if you’re looking for the must-have (for yourself or to make available in a reception area, for example), then you’re going to choose the Jura Z10.
One of our major assets is the Product Recognising Grinder (P.R.G.), which automatically adapts the grind to the required speciality. The Jura Z10 is a machine of superlatives. And it’s even truer of this model, which also makes cold brew, like Delonghi’s Eletta Explore, and masters it to perfection.
The elegance, the screen, the numerous technologies, the electronically controlled mill, the cold brew, the final quality, it’s simply the excellence of the Jura Z10.
Why buy an espresso grinder: A must-read guide before you buy!
If you’re looking to invest in a good coffee machine, it can be hard to find your way around all the different brands and types.
Little by little, this type of coffee machine is becoming more democratic, with average prices ranging from 300 to 800 euros.
Before you decide to make this purchase, ask yourself a few questions to find the one that will suit your profile as a lover of freshly ground coffee, and I’m here to help!
Which brand to choose?
There are a few brands that are sure values, products that you can choose without hesitation. Quality, innovation, customer service, warranty, value for money, design – we know why we choose these brands. Let me start by introducing them.
Brands to avoid
While some brands are doing well, others are doing so for the wrong reasons. Unjustified value for money, low product availability, difficulty in contacting after-sales service, brand with lesser-known origins – you might as well know them to avoid them. I’d therefore advise you to stick with the models listed above, as a guarantee of quality and experience.
What’s a coffee machine with a grinder?
The bean-to-cup machine, also known as an automatic or super auto coffee maker, is an espresso machine with a built-in bean grinder. This is the consumer version of the professional machines found in some cafés.
Simply pour the coffee beans into the grinder, press the button and collect your coffee in the cup. The great advantage is that you can choose the quality of your coffee beans and enjoy the intoxicating aroma of freshly ground coffee, as well as tasting it in a cup.
Does the espresso grinder really make espresso?
At first glance, the answer is obvious, but it needs to be qualified. According to strict espresso standards, your automatic machine cannot produce a true espresso.
But, because there is a but, she comes pretty close. And even manages to imitate him.
Which brings me to an important point. If you’re an espresso lover, you’re ready to invest and you want to be able to fine-tune the extraction of your coffee, you’ll need a real espresso machine with a filter holder.
Don’t forget that the financial investment in this case will be more substantial, and that you’ll need a high-performance mill. However, the results in the cup (with a little practice) will be unbeatable.
What’s the difference with an espresso machine?
Automatic machines can’t compete with real espresso machines, because they work differently. What we gain in simplicity and options, we lose in finesse and adjustment possibilities for making an espresso.
An espresso machine heats water to around 90 degrees in a boiler. The water is then sent to a showerhead where the filter holder is attached, at a pressure of 9 bar.
The coffee must be very finely ground to obtain the necessary pressure for good extraction.
The grain machine tries to imitate this, but doesn’t quite succeed.
The first problem is often a grind that is not fine enough. The grinders on automatic coffee makers are good, but can’t compete with a separate grinder. Then, the pressure isn’t sufficient and percolation doesn’t take place in the right place.
In that case, would I advise against buying an automatic machine?
No, on the contrary. A car machine is the easiest way to make excellent coffee. With the right settings, you’ll have a strong, powerful coffee that’s close to espresso. Just bear in mind the limitations of this type of machine.
What are the advantages?
What are the disadvantages?
Is a bean-to-cup coffee maker more profitable than a capsule machine?
A grain processing machine does represent a higher initial investment. But let’s take a closer look at long-term amortization.
- A coffee with a bean-to-cup machine costs between €0.8 and €0.15 (depending, of course, on the type of coffee).
- A coffee with a Nespresso Original machine costs between 0.20 € and 0.30 €.
- A coffee with a Nespresso Vertuo machine costs between €0.60 and €0.75
As a reminder, a coffee in a restaurant costs an average of €1.75.
I’ll take the example of a couple, each drinking 2 coffees a day for a year, which gives us 1,460 coffees over the year.
| Models | coffee price | 1 year | 2 years | 5 years |
| Grain milling machine | 0.10 € | 146 € | 292 € | 730 € |
| Nespresso Original | 0.30 € | 438 € | 876 € | 2190 € |
| Nespresso Vertuo | 0.65 € | 949 € | 1898 € | 4745 € |
The conclusion is swift. Compared to a pod machine, you’ll pay for yourself very quickly:
- 300 euros grain machine: Less than a year
- 500-euro grain machine: 1? years
Yes, espresso grinders are more expensive to buy, but they pay for themselves very quickly compared with capsule machines. Even with 2 coffees a day, the coffeemaker will soon pay for itself.
Adjusting your bean-to-cup machine: essential for a good espresso
That’s the advantage of an automatic machine: you can take it out of the box, plug it in and (with a few adjustments) it will probably make you a very decent cup of coffee. But if you take 30 minutes to calibrate it properly, and provided you use good coffee, your machine can work wonders.
Here’s how to get started quickly:
- The aim here is to strike a balance between too much bitterness and too much acidity.
- I also often recommend raising the temperature as high as possible.
- Make an espresso or double espresso
- Taste that first coffee. Very often, you will need to tighten your millstones
- The aim is to have a coffee that flows very slowly but without dripping.
- Adjust your grinder only when it is in operation (it will take several coffees to feel the change).
- Depending on taste, try adjusting the volume in the cup.
- Don’t forget to save your settings once you’ve found the right espresso.
The ideal setting is to use a scale to weigh your grind before extraction and then weigh your espresso. This allows you to adjust the volume of water in your cup.
Maintaining your machine: the war on limescale
Maintaining a machine is relatively simple, but the operations involved are more or less straightforward.
When setting up your machine, it is advisable to adjust it according to the water hardness in your area. You can measure it with test strips.
I think it’s essential to remind you about cleaning grain processing machines. Some are quite expensive, and even if the functions are relatively automated, it would be a pity to spoil the taste of your coffee because you miss the main maintenance steps.
Daily maintenance
Every day, with the evening dishes for example, do this:
- Wipe the body of the machine with a microfibre cloth, especially if, like me, you have the bad habit of using the cup warmer as a little extra support in your kitchen.
- Empty the water tray
- Empty the pomace container and start a new day of uninterrupted extraction.
Weekly maintenance
Once a week (you can set a reminder on your phone, for example, to get used to this new routine):
- Rinse the water tray
- Clean the brew group. On some machines, such as Delonghi, Philips and Melitta, it is removable; on others, you need to use cleaning tablets. It takes 5 minutes, you can do something else at the same time and it will do your machine a world of good.
Monthly maintenance :
Same thing: first of all, set an automatic reminder for your monthly bean-to-cup machine maintenance to get into the habit. Without reference points, we quickly tend to space out cleaning, then stop doing it, then let our coffee lose quality for the wrong reasons.
For monthly maintenance, do :
- Descaling with the machine’s program (and even every 15 days if you’re a heavy coffee drinker)
- Clean the grinder with a Supergrindz-type product. Some brands allow you to dismantle the disposer, but don’t go that far if you’re not into DIY.
Beware of limescale
Some machines feature automatic rinse on start-up, automatic cleaning and automatic descaling. Some can also be fitted with a filter cartridge to soften the water and/or display the machine’s descaling and cleaning status on the screen.
A descaling cycle is recommended every 3/4 months. It all depends on the hardness of your water.
Pay attention to the descaling agent. The easiest way to do this is to use the manufacturer’s product, as there’s no risk of damaging your machine.
It would be a shame, after having invested at least 300 euros in a machine, to damage it by using a harmful product.
How to use a coffee machine with grinder
From coffee selection to grind size, various parameters enable you to make a coffee that’s just right for you.
To sum up
Select your beans carefully and enjoy exceptional coffee by adjusting your machine’s parameters: water hardness, fineness of grind, coffee dosage and water temperature.
Keep in mind that coffee is best enjoyed shortly after preparation! Finally, I advise you to maintain your grain milling machine regularly to get the most out of its features.
Which coffee to use?
Not all coffee beans are good for your machine. There’s no doubt that bean-to-cup coffee offers many more varieties of taste than capsules or pods.
The color of the roast is important. The lighter the grain, the more acidic it is; the more toasted, the more bitter. A medium roast is recommended for an espresso machine with a grinder.
Buy freshly roasted coffee, no more than 30 days old. If it was roasted a long time ago and is too dark, the bean will be oily.
Most manufacturers recommend avoiding oily grains.
Pay attention to traceability: choose quality coffees, paying attention to their origin, the altitude of the plots and their processing.
Blend or pure origin? Pure Origins are made from a single coffee variety with a unique and distinctive character, but not always stable. The blend is a mixture of different coffees. It offers harmonious blends with consistent taste.
Is this the type of machine for you?
This type of machine is a compromise between semi-pro or manual machines, where the coffee lover will enjoy measuring out his coffee, finding the right grind, the right dose, and learning all the facets of making a good cup of coffee.
This is not the case here: everything is automatic, or nearly so (apart from a few dosages), except that the beans will be freshly ground, and the difference between a pod machine and this one will be appreciable in terms of taste and choice of coffee.
On the other hand, these machines require a certain investment. They will pay for themselves fairly quickly if you drink 2 to 4 coffees a day.
If you like filter coffee, this may not be the machine for you. Melitta Aroma Fresh would be ideal for you in this case (and much less expensive).
I would therefore recommend the espresso grinder to anyone who..:
+ Likes espressos, americanos (long espressos)
+ Likes milky drinks: cappuccino, latte
+ Search for speed and simplicity
+ Want to drink great coffee without the hassle?
+ Wants to reduce its ecological footprint
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the best bean-to-cup coffee machine?
We found the Delonghi Magnifica to be the best way to discover the world of coffee beans. But the choice is huge and there are so many options, I suggest you read the article above.
Why is my espresso too light?
Coffee should be ground as finely as possible. Set your grinder to the finest setting (1 to 3 on DeLonghi grinders, for example). Turn on the hottest water possible. Be careful not to over-tighten the wheels, as we don’t want any drips either.
Can I make latte art with my machine?
Not really. For this, you’ll need a real steam nozzle like those found on espresso machines. Even without the pretty heart, your cappuccino will taste just as good. You can, however, remove the protective cover to obtain a better milk texture.
How long will my espresso grinder last?
Hard to say. No one is immune to the possibility of running into a faulty machine. That said, with proper maintenance by you and the manufacturer, there’s no reason why your machine shouldn’t last 10 years or so.
Can I make filter coffee?
No. You can make americano: make an espresso and add water, and lungo or long coffee by pouring more water after your espresso. For filter coffee, you’ll need to look elsewhere. A filter coffee maker with built-in grinder would be an excellent choice, for example.
How do I store my coffee beans?
Once opened, place your coffee in an airtight container to keep it fresh. An airless box is best kept in a dark, dry place. Absolutely avoid the fridge. If you don’t consume more than a week’s worth of coffee, your grinder’s coffee container will be just fine.
Any questions? Leave us a comment below.
