Bean-to-cup coffee machines are gradually taking over everyone’s kitchens. People realize that truly great coffee comes from freshly ground beans – and these machines let you achieve this brilliantly. As such there are numerous bean-to-cup machines on the market, and we’ve picked out the top five for you to consider. Whether you’re looking to upgrade your own home barista skills or get a gift for a coffee-lover, let’s explore your best choices.
An Introduction To Bean-To-Cup Coffee Machines
You’re excited to get into the list, but there’s one important thing to discuss beforehand: the different types of bean-to-cup machines. Feel free to skip this part if you already know the options available and how they differ!
For those who are new to this, here are the main bean-to-cup machines out there:
Automatic
Automatic bean-to-cup coffee machines fall into three subcategories:
- Semi-Automatic: They give you some control over the timing of your espresso shots, though everything else is automated. E.g. You press a button, and the beans grind for you, the pressure is automatically set, but you decide how long the coffee pours for.
- Automatic: Most machines fall under this category, and automatic bean-to-cup devices will have all the functions of semi-automatic ones, but with one key difference. The machine will automatically end the coffee pouring based on either a preset time or the type of espresso you’re brewing.
- Super-Automatic: Top-of-the-range machines fall into this category, and they give you complete automation for amazing coffee. The key difference here is that these machines let you make things like cappuccinos or Americanos via a setting on the machine. With automatic or semi-automatic, you only brew espresso and have to add the extras yourself.
Manual
Manual espresso machines are machines with more working parts. They tend to come with a portafilter and tamper to contain the espresso – and you have to attach this to the machine before triggering a brew.
You will get manual coffee machines that set the pressure for you, but some will allow you to control that with a lever. People opt for this type of machine when they want to feel like a proper barista and have as much control over their coffee as possible.
The Best Bean-To-Cup Coffee Machines For Home Usage
What type of bean-to-cup machine do you want? The selections below give you different types to choose from, so you can pick the one that gives you the most delicious ways to drink coffee.
#1 Cafe Bueno CB-3000 – Best Overall Coffee Machine
The CB-3000 is one of many great machines from the geniuses at Cafe Bueno. It’s a super-automatic machine with a large bean compartment and an adjustable grinder that lets you choose different levels of coffee coarseness. Using the machine is easy because all you have to do is fill it with beans and select whatever drink you want – the machine handles everything.
Drink options include:
- Espresso
- Lungo
- Americano
- Cappuccino
- Flat White
- Latte
- And More
It’s the home barista’s dream, and there aren’t really any negative things to say about it. The only reason you wouldn’t want this coffee machine is that you’re more interested in manual machines. For the coffee lovers who want a simple experience, as well as great-tasting coffee, look no further. It’s also reasonably priced at just over $700 and small enough to fit on virtually any kitchen counter.
#2 Smeg 50’s Style Espresso Coffee Machine with Grinder
Speaking of manual coffee machines, if that’s what you’re interested in, then we think this product from Smeg will serve you well. It comes with a 20-bar pump that gives you full control over the pressure when making espresso, allowing for the creamiest coffee imaginable.
You can only make espresso from this machine – though it does have a milk frother to help you craft cappuccinos or lattes, but you need to do that by hand. The bean grinder lets you enjoy the freshest coffee, and it grinds enough to fit in the portafilter. You will need to tamp it down yourself, so this is very much a manual machine without much automation to it at all.
#3 Melitta Avanza
Next up is the Melitta Avanza – one of the smallest automatic coffee machines on the market. It’s also one of the quietest so you won’t wake up the entire house when making your morning coffee at 6am. You get a massive 250g bean container and a huge water tank, both of which mean you can make two cups of coffee at the same time.
Like the Smeg before it, this machine comes with a milk frother but lacks the super-automatic functionality to make other types of coffee itself. You can make a cappuccino, but you’ll need to use the machine to make an espresso before using the milk frother.
#4 Ninja Luxe Cafe Pro 4-in-1
The Ninja Luxe Cafe Pro is one of the trendiest coffee products on the market today. It normally retails for just under $750 and brings you a very interesting combination of manual meets automatic coffee.
You can make the following with this machine:
- Americano
- Flat White
- Latte
- Cappuccino
- Cold brews
The difference between it and a super-automatic (like the CB-3000) is that the machine will make the coffee and then use its milk wand attachment to froth or texture the milk automatically. You still have to combine the two, but the actual brewing and frothing is done for you. A really fascinating option if you want to feel like a barista but receive a big helping hand. Also, probably the best for cold brews.
#5 Delonghi Rivelia
Finally, you could opt for the Delonghi Rivelia if you’re interested in a true all-in-one coffee machine. It’s not cheap (you’re looking at an RRP of just under $1,500), but it does give you over 18 preset recipes for endless coffee possibilities.
Two removable bean hoppers mean you can have beans for morning coffee and ones for your afternoon pick-me-up. An automatic milk frother helps create milky coffee drinks, and it can brew perfectly cold coffee for iced lattes or cold brews. If you want a premium machine that does it all, this is for you.
All of these coffee machines are perfect for someone, so decide what you’re looking for and select the ideal one!
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