While they might cost an arm and a leg, a bean-to-cup coffee machine is a huge step in the right direction if you’ve been on the hunt for that elusive perfect cup of coffee. Read our THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO… Coffee machines.
—————–Words: Beth Girdler-Maslen Photography: Neil Godwin —————–
In the current economic climate, many of us are looking to save some money, so your daily takeaway coffee is becoming increasingly hard to justify. While a full coffee station set-up is a real investment, bean-to-cup coffee machines can offer significant long-term savings while still allowing you to get a top-quality, barista-level caffeine fix to power you through the day.
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WHY ARE BEAN-TO-CUP COFFEE MACHINES BETTER?
Compared to other coffee making methods, bean-to-cup coffee machines can come across as too technical, overly complicated and time-consuming. But while they might have additional parts and accessories compared to the simple kettle, bean-to-cup coffee machines are easier to set-up, maintain and use than you might think.
But first, let’s look at the many different coffee makers you can buy today, and why (in T3’s opinion), bean-to-cup coffee machines reign supreme. Starting off with the most basic method, there’s the kettle, which – you guessed it – heats water before you pour it into a mug containing instant coffee. Next, there’s the cafetiere or French press, a heat-proof jug that brews coffee by adding hot water directly to the coffee grounds before plunging the strainer to separate the grounds.
Other methods include pour over and drip coffee makers. The former uses a cone that holds a coffee filter and grounds, and sits over a mug before hot water is poured over the grounds, whereas the latter includes a similar process but on a larger scale. Drip coffee makers feature a reservoir you fill with water, which is heated up and passes through ground coffee in a filter. Then this drips down into a pot sitting on a hot plate, making multiple cups at a time, which is why you tend to see these used a lot in offices.
But the most common coffee makers you’ll find include pod coffee machines, espresso machines and bean-to-cup coffee machines. Arguably the most simple coffee method out there, pod coffee machines use coffee capsules to make a variety of coffees. All you have to do is fill the machine’s tank with water, pop a pod inside and press a button or flick a lever to the side to select hot water. Pod coffee machines are incredibly popular, as many big coffee brands like Nespresso, Starbucks and Costa Coffee make and sell their own pods. Most machines are relatively inexpensive, although having to regularly buy pods can stack up, as can your capsule waste.
Espresso machines do what they say on the tin: they make delicious espresso. However, this type of brewing method can be slightly more technical and expensive than your pod maker. For example, there are manual, automatic and semi-automatic espresso machine options available, so you can be incredibly involved in your coffee making process or you can let the machine do it for you. Making strong and concentrated espresso from preground beans is what this method does best, although most machines will come with a built-in milk frother if you want to turn your espresso into a latte.
The top three…BEAN-TO-CUP ACCESSORIES TO BUY
Want to be a true barista? Then take your coffee to the next level with these must-have accessories
Finally, bean-to-cup coffee machines are gadgets that have an espresso maker, bean grinder and milk frother in one handy device. This method of coffee making uses its built-in hopper and grinder to grind whole beans that fall into a portafilter. The coffee is tamped before pressurised hot water runs through it to make coffee. Milk frothers are also integrated into this type of machine so you can make an array of espresso or milky coffee drinks. Like espresso machines, you can find manual, automatic and semiautomatic bean-to-cup coffee machines, so you can be as involved or non-involved as you want.
Bean-to-cup coffee machines aren’t cheap and you’ll commonly see them being used in coffee shops, proving their quality and expertise. But while the initial price might come as a shock, the maintenance and upkeep is relatively laid-back, particularly when you compare them to machines that require regular pod and filter purchases.
FINDING THE PERFECT BEAN-TO-CUP COFFEE MACHINE
So you’ve decided a bean-to-cup coffee machine is the gadget for you. But which one should you choose?
As you’ll see to the right, T3’s personal favourite is the Sage Barista Touch Impress. This model is the perfect example of a semi-automatic bean-to-cup coffee machine, where users get to customise their drink but the machine takes care of the more complex coffee making for you.
A newer launch from 2023, the Touch Impress has a clever touchscreen display that gives users barista-worthy advice on how to make the perfect latte, cappuccino, espresso and more. To use this innovative bean-to-cup coffee machine, you simply touch your drink of choice and the machine will explain the type of bean grind you need, which can be adjusted by turning the grind controller on the side. Once you’ve decided your grind level, the beans will be ground into the portafilter, which is then manually tamped before being attached to the water outlet.
The Touch Impress is the perfect example of what most bean-to-cup coffee machines will look and act like today. With a focus on putting the power in your hands, you get to personalise your entire coffee experience while the machine does the hard work.
Depending on the brand and model you choose, most bean-to-cup coffee machines will have various coffee options on offer, including cappuccinos, lattes, espresso, Americano, cafe crema, milk only and water only. As bean-to-cup coffee machines can be quite an investment, being able to use it to make tea and froth milk gives you more reasons to throw away your kettle.
In terms of customising your drink, most bean-to-cup coffee machines can adjust the bean grind, volume of ground coffee with the different portafilter sizes, temperature of the water and strength of the espresso. With machines like the Siemens EQ900, which is more of a professional bean-to-cup coffee machine, there are extra settings like brewing speed and coffee-to-milk ratio, as
You’ll commonly see bean-to-cup machines being used in coffee shops
THE BEST BEAN-TO-CUP COFFEE MACHINES
Our top bean-to-cup picks worthy of a place in your kitchen
As more and more brands develop their own coffee makers and smart home tech takes over the kitchen, including your caffeine fix, the market can look a little confusing… which is why T3 is here to guide you to the best bean-to-cup coffee machines you can get your hands on today.
Regardless of how impressive or technical your appliance is from the outside, what matters is on the inside: does it make good coffee? Our top bean-to-cup picks are perfect for beginner coffee makers and professional baristas alike, as they all put the flavour and quality of your drink at the forefront of their design.
well as extensive coffee options from around the world, when you download the machines’ accompanying app.
Speaking of apps, many bean-to-cup machines have been given the smart home treatment as smart technology and Al finds its way into our kitchens. By downloading and using the machine’s app, users can find additional settings, customisation options and other coffee and hot beverages to add to the machine’s interface.
As more people are adopting a vegan or plant-based lifestyle, newer bean-to-cup coffee machines have addressed this by offering a variety of milk settings. Most machines allow you to personalise the milk temperature and froth, with newer models having pre-set programmes for dairy, soya, almond and oat milk. Alternative milks require different levels of heat as they can burn and split more easily than dairy milk, so the machine will register this and determine the right temperature and air injection to get the most out of the milk.
Once you buy one, the main recurring purchase will be beans and milk. There are many accessories available to go with your bean-to-cup coffee machine to elevate its performance but, if you ask us, you don’t necessarily need them unless you want to become a professional barista. Most machines will come with a water tank and water filter, a portafilter and 3-5 basket sizes for different volumes of coffee, and a tamper if the machine doesn’t have one integrated into its mechanics.
Now, you’re probably thinking with all these accessories that a bean-to-cup coffee machine is tedious to clean. While the overall maintenance is slightly more time-consuming than a kettle or cafetiere, it’s not too difficult to give a bean-to-cup coffee machine a thorough cleaning. The main things you’ll need to consider cleaning include the portafilter, drip tray and milk frother. The portafilter and drip tray can be easily removed and transferred to the sink for a quick or in-depth scrub, while the milk frother needs slightly more work to ensure it doesn’t get blocked. Wiping it down after
Once you buy one, the main recurring purchase will be beans and milk
each use reduces build-up on the inside and outside, and most machines will provide a cleaning brush with your purchase to clean the inside. Simple, really.
A bean-to-cup coffee machine is definitely an investment but if you take your coffee seriously, it’s a no-brainer purchase. For those who drink multiple cups a day, take time to perfect their lattes or want to try their hand at barista-style coffee creations, a bean-to-cup coffee machine is the one to choose.
5 TIPS FOR MAKING BETTER COFFEE
Key things to remember when making the perfect brew
BUY QUALITY BEANS
If you don’t have high quality beans, you won’t get the best tasting coffee. In terms of roast types, light roasts offer a sharp acidity, vibrant flavour and are lighter in colour. Medium roasts have a more rounded flavour and can be quite sweet, fruity and smooth. Darker roasts have a deep smoky flavour and contain less caffeine. Check the freshness of the beans by the roasting date: for the best possible flavours, brew your beans from seven to 21 days after the roast date.
GRIND TO PERFECTION
Customise your grind to get the most out of your beans. You can usually choose between a coarse grind, a medium grind and a fine grind. Depending on how you like your coffee, play around with the grind settings to find your perfect sweet spot.
TAMP IT REAL GOOD
Tamping your coffee before it comes into contact with water is essential. Tamping removes air pockets and gaps from between the coffee grinds so your coffee is flat and even. When water flows through the tamped coffee, it gives a balanced and bolder flavour.
DON’T BURN THE MILK!
It’s incredibly easy to burn the milk, especially if you’re using your machine’s steam wand. If you do end up with burnt milk, not only does it make your coffee hotter than the surface of the sun but it won’t taste particularly good. To avoid this, start with cold milk in a clean jug and place the wand in the centre of it. Create foam in the beginning of the heating process by moving the wand to the top of the milk. Once you’ve got foam, lower the wand and heat the milk up to a maximum of 65 degrees. Always keep the milk moving to evenly heat it and avoid it separating.
FIND YOUR TASTE
It’s important to find your own unique tastes and preferences. Try experimenting with your coffee with different amounts of shots, the occasional flavoured syrup, the amount of milk you add, different bean varieties and grind settings. You might surprise yourself !