We’ve reviewed the best bean to cup machines!
Bean to cup machines are automatic coffee machines with integrated grinders, which allow you to put roasted beans directly into the machine and get a great cup of fresh coffee in return.
We’ve shortlisted 15 of the best bean to cup coffee machines for home use and provided a short summary of the key features of each. There’s something for everyone – no matter your budget or experience brewing your own coffee you’ll find that one of these machines are great for your home.
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Let’s help you pick the best bean to cup machine
We’ve reviewed several bean to cup machines in each of these categories – pick one to get started:
Best Machines Under £300 Best Machines Under £500 Best Premium Machines Best Barista Quality Machines
The Best Bean to Cup Machines Priced Under £300
These are great budget bean to cup machines and a good starting point if you’re new to brewing your own coffee.
1. Russell Hobbs ‘Chester’
Price Range: £120 to £160
Capacity: 1.5 litres
Grinder: Yes
Milk Frother: No
A simple, low cost bean to cup machine that’s great for anyone looking for a no-fuss cup of coffee.
2. De’Longhi Magnifica ESAM 3000 B
Price Range: £280 to £300
Capacity: 1.8 litres
Grinder: Yes
Milk Frother: Yes
A great brand and relatively low cost machine that gives you a lot of control over your grind.
3. Sage Bambino Plus
Price Range: £280 to £300
Capacity: 1.9 litres
Grinder: No
Milk Frother: Yes
A stylish Espresso maker. While it lacks its own grinder, it does make a fantastic coffee and looks great in any kitchen!
Russell Hobbs ‘Chester’
Price Range: £120 to £160
Capacity: 1.5 litres
Grinder: Yes
Milk Frother: No
Russell Hobbs ‘Chester’
#1 Best Bean to Cup Machine under £300
We really love the ‘Chester’ from Russell Hobbs as it’s a solid, simple, no fuss coffee machine from a well-respected brand. This is great for people who just want some fresh coffee but don’t want to get too hands-on with different controls and options.
The ‘Chester’ keeps things simple – it has a permanent filter so you don’t need to buy (or indeed, throw out) disposable filters! The simple 24 hour timer means you can program the machine to get your morning brew ready and the quiet brew technology means you’ll only be woken by the smell of fresh coffee (Russell Hobbs claim that the machine is 60% quieter than comparable machines).
Highlights of the model
- Quiet brew technology – only the fresh coffee will wake you, not the noise
- A simple 24 hour programmable timer
- A permanent filter, so there’s no waste from disposable filters
- Accepts both filter coffee and coffee beans
Why this one is best…
If you’re like many of us and are finding the choice of your first bean to cup machine to be a bit overwhelming, then the ‘Chester” from Russell Hobbs is a great choice. No bells, no whistles, just a simple coffee machine that brews a great cup of coffee.
De’Longhi Magnifica ESAM 3000 B
Price Range: £280 to £300
Capacity: 1.8 litres
Grinder: Yes
Milk Frother: Yes
De’Longhi Magnifica ESAM 3000 B
#2 Best Bean to Cup Machine under £300
The De’Longhi ESAM 3000 B is a versatile coffee machine with a wide range of features and capabilities that make it an ideal addition to any kitchen.
When grinding whole coffee beans, the De’Longhi ESAM 3000 B features 14 different grinding levels. That means that you can customise your morning cup of coffee and ensure that it comes out just the way you like it.
It also holds up to 1.8 litres of water and up to 200 grams of coffee beans, which gives you the ability to make either a single cup or a large pot of coffee. Further adding to the versatility and convenience of this coffee maker, it has the ability to self-clean, and it can even brew cups of coffee of varying degrees of strength.
Our verdict…
This is an all-round great bean to cup machine that will take either beans or freshly ground coffee. You have the flexibility to choose your strength of coffee, but not too many different options. A simple and good quality machine.
Sage Bambino Plus
#3 Best Bean to Cup Machine under £300
It’s hard to beat the Sage Bambino Plus when it comes to fast and precise espresso making. A unique heating system heats up within only three seconds, letting you get to your morning ASAP. Optimal heat and flavor is ensured by the accompanying digital temperature control system. After steaming, a heat system auto purge maintains the proper temperature for your next espresso.
A 54mm portafilter and a 19 gram dose bring the precision found from a professional barista to your home. With a slim and stylish stainless steal design, the compact footprint won’t even take up too much of your counter. Low pressure pre-infusion treats the ground coffee evenly so that extraction pressure will be perfect. The auto milk steam wand does away with the troubles of making a latte or flat white, giving you silky micro-foam meticulous enough to design latte art. It’s a package that can’t be ignored.
Our verdict…
Unlike the other models shown here, this technically isn’t a bean to cup machine as you’d need a separate grinder for your beans. But it makes a great cup of coffee and is reasonably priced, which is why we’re recommending it.
The Best Bean to Cup Machines Priced Under £500
If you’re looking for a more serious bean to cup machine, these are good quality machines at mid-market prices.
1. De’Longhi ECAM22.110.SB
Price Range: £400 to £450
Capacity: 1.8 litres
Grinder: Yes
Milk Frother: Yes
A reputable manufacturer and a great cup of coffee!
2. De’Longhi Magnifica ESAM 4200
Price Range: £300 to £340
Capacity: 1.8 litres
Grinder: Yes
Milk Frother: Yes
Simplicity and reliability are at the heart of this machine you can expect it to last you for years.
3. Sage Barista Express
Price Range: £500 to £560
Capacity: 6 litres
Grinder: Yes
Milk Frother: Yes
A great barista-quality coffee machine at mid-market price.
De’Longhi ECAM22.110.SB
Price Range: £400 to £450
Capacity: 1.8 litres
Grinder: Yes
Milk Frother: Yes
De’Longhi ECAM22.110.SB
#1 Best Bean to Cup Machine under £500
The De’Longhi ECAM22.110.SB is a high-end coffee maker that can help you to start your day off with an amazing cup of coffee or a cappuccino.
Featuring the ability to brew coffee or cappuccino from other powder or whole coffee beans, the De’Longhi ECAM22.110.SB has the type of versatility that makes it a great addition to any kitchen. If you love a great cup of cappuccino, then this is the machine for you.
It uses steam, milk, and air to produce an incredibly rich and creamy froth. The digital controls allow you to easily select what kind of drink you want. It also features a silent, integrated grinder with 13 different settings. One of the best features of this machine is its ability to brew two cups at the same time. If you are a fan of coffee, cappuccino, or lattes, then the De’Longhi ECAM22.110.SB is a must-have for your kitchen.
Our verdict…
De’Longhi are a reputable manufacturer and you can always rely on their products to be high quality. The ECAM22 makes a fine cup of coffee and you get a great bean to cup machine at a fantastic price. What more could you want?
De’Longhi Magnifica ESAM 4200
Price Range: £300 to £340
Capacity: 1.8 litres
Grinder: Yes
Milk Frother: Yes
De’Longhi Magnifica ESAM 4200
#2 Best Bean to Cup Machine under £500
If you are buying your first bean to cup machine, or replacing your old faithful, the De’Longhi Magnifica ESAM 4200 is a reliable choice that will look great in any kitchen.
This is the perfect choice for coffee connoisseurs who want coffee shop quality beverages, but also want to keep the fuss to the minimum with a simple, easy to use machine. It’s usually priced at the lower end of mid-market prices which means it is an investment, but it will last you for years to come.
Key features of this model
- A stylish bean to cup machine
- It can make espresso, cappuccino, latte, flat white and americano
- You can use both ground coffee and fresh beans
- It has a built-in burr grinder
- A simple 1-touch operation
Why this one is best…
Simplicity and reliability are at the heart of this machine, and you can expect it to last for many years to come. De’Longhi have a fantastic reputation for producing quality coffee machines, which means you can rely on this brand.
Sage ‘The Barista Express’
Price Range: £500 to £560
Capacity: 6 litres
Grinder: Yes
Milk Frother: Yes
Sage Barista Express
#3 Best Bean to Cup Machine under £500
If you’re looking for a simple coffee machine to deliver a quick cuppa, this isn’t it.
‘The Barista Express” offers you ultimate control over every aspect of brewing your perfect cup of coffee and that does take a degree of finesse that many coffee drinkers perhaps won’t appreciate. But for the select few who will only brew coffee from the freshest of beans, the breadth of control this machine offers will delight.
Similar near-professional bean to cup machines may be priced upwards of £1,000, but this machine sits around low to mid £000s which makes it ideal for home use. This is a great upgrade for coffee lovers who may have started out with a lower priced machine (such as the De’Longhi Magnifica) and now want to up their game.
Key features of this model
- Dose control grinding
- Precise espresso extraction
- Micro-foam milk texturing
- Grind size dial
- Hands-free operation
Why this one is best…
This mid-market priced bean to cup machine from Sage is amazing quality and features on our list as the best for Barista-style coffee. The range of features gives you ultimate control over your cuppa and while the price tag may be steep for your first bean to cup machine, it’s right on the sport for coffee aficionados who appreciate the quality that comes with precise control over each aspect of the brewing process.
The Best Premium Bean to Cup Machines
If quality is key and price is no object, check out the best bean to cup machines on the marketing right now.
1. De’Longhi ESAM 6900
Price Range: £950 to £980
Capacity: 1.4 litres
Grinder: Yes
Milk Frother: Yes
A stylish coffee machine with lots of options. Will look great in any kitchen!
2. JURA Z6
Price Range: £2,800 to £3,000
Capacity: 2.4 litres
Grinder: Yes
Milk Frother: Yes
A pro bean to cup machine for coffee aficionados who are serious about their coffee.
3. Melitta Barista TS Smart
Price Range: £920 to £960
Capacity: 1.8 litres
Grinder: Yes
Milk Frother: Yes
Comes with lots of pre-programmed coffee options and you can save your own blends.
De’Longhi ESAM 6900
#1 Best Premium Bean to Cup Machine
The De’Longhi ESAM 6900 is an ideal coffee maker for anyone that loves to start their day with an amazing cup of coffee. Feel like something a little different in the evening when you are trying to wind down your day? Well, the De’Longhi ESAM 6900 also has the ability to brew a silky smooth cup of hot chocolate, which is perfect on a cold winter night.
There are numerous options you can choose from when brewing a beverage, giving you the ability to control the temperature, and the coffee maker also features a cup warmer so you can keep your drink warm for long periods of time.
Made with high-quality plastic, as well as stunning stainless steel, the De’Longhi ESAM 6900 won’t just make you a great cup of coffee, it will also look stunning sitting on your kitchen counter.
Our verdict…
This is a stunning coffee machine that will look great in any kitchen. The higher price puts it firmly in mid-market, so only for serious coffee drinkers. But it’s still an affordable machine and that’s why it’s so popular. If you want to pay a bit more for your bean to cup machine, then this is the one for you.
JURA Z6
#2 Best Premium Bean to Cup Machine
The JURA Z6 is a fantastic coffee maker that will make a welcome addition to any kitchen. This is a fully automated coffee maker that will give you the ability to have an amazing cup of coffee, with very little effort on your part.
One of the features that make this coffee maker so amazing is that for the first time ever utilises pulse extraction process or P.E.P. for short. That means that you can create barista-quality espresso and ristretto right from the convenience of your own kitchen.
With the ability to use ground coffee, or fresh whole coffee beans, the JURA Z6 offers flexibility in addition to its ability to brew a world-class cup of coffee. It also offers smartphone compatibility, so you can get your cup of coffee brewing first thing in the morning without even having to leave your bed.
Our verdict…
This is definitely one for the pros. Features ranging from a milk self-cleansing cycle to one-button coffee make this one of the best coffee machines on the market. The high price tag is a reflection of that quality but you can be assured that you’ll get many years of use from it.
Melitta Barista TS Smart
Price Range: £920 to £960
Capacity: 1.8 litres
Grinder: Yes
Milk Frother: Yes
Melitta Barista TS Smart
#3 Best Premium Bean to Cup Machine
Experience the flavour and aroma of fresh coffee straight from the bean with the Melitta Barista TS Smart. Straight from the designers of the very first coffee filter, this sleek and modern design offers superior functionality to produce 21 expertly blended coffee specialities right in front of you.
Coffee straight from your phone? Now that’s smart!
With the Melitta Connect app you can control your coffee prep from your smart phone or via the simple intuitive touch screen display. The MyCoffee memory function allows you to create custom blends and preferences for up to 8 people and the IntenseAroma feature ensure you have that freshly ground taste every time.
Precision manufacturing for superb performance
Enjoy the perfect blend every time with German engineering, whisper-quiet operation with steel grinder and dishwasher safe compartments for your beans, water and milk. This design is also energy efficient, with automatic shut down and energy saving mode.
Our verdict…
This machine is great for people who want the choice of a range of different pre-programmed coffee types. With 21 options and option to save your own blends, this is the ideal combination of technology and stress-free coffee making.
The Best Bean to Cup Machines for Barista Quality Coffee
We’ve shortlisted the top three bean to cup machines for barista quality coffee.
1. JURA E6
Price Range: £700 to £720
Capacity: 1.9 litres
Grinder: Yes
Milk Frother: Yes
This is every technophile’s dream – a small step for a great coffee, a giant leap towards a fully automated home!
2. Melitta SOLO
Price Range: £450 to £500
Capacity: 1.2 litres
Grinder: Yes
Milk Frother: Yes
This is a starter machine that’s great if you’re buying your first coffee machine. It comes in at a good price and is simple to use.
3. Sage ‘The Oracle’
Price Range: £1,800 to £1,900
Capacity: 2.5 litres
Grinder: Yes
Milk Frother: Yes
From the home visit from Sage’s ‘White Glove Service’ to help you get to grips with the machine, to the superb range of control you have over your coffee, this bean to cup machine delivers.
JURA E6
#1 Best Bean to Cup Machine for Barista Quality Coffee
The JURA E6 quite literally revolutionises the home coffee brewing experience. JURA have developed a technology – Pulse Extraction Process (P.E.P.) – which ensures the optimum extraction time by pulsing hot water through your ground coffee, delivering a superior brew.
If that wasn’t enough, you can further leverage technology to aid your coffee brewing activities via the “JURA Smart Connect” accessory (which is sold separately). This allows you to connect your coffee machine to Bluetooth devices which let you wirelessly control the machine. Sadly, we don’t currently have robots to also bake some pastries while you wait for your brew, but at least you will find yourself one step closer to technological utopia!
Key features of this model
- A fully automatic bean to cup machine
- Barista quality coffee
- Integrated burr grinder
- Thermo-block heating technology
- 7 individually programmable coffees
- Use with fresh beans
Why this one is best…
This is every technophile’s dream – a small step for a great coffee, a giant leap towards a fully automated home. Despite the new tech at play, the machine is also incredibly easy to use which will mean it’s great for all the family.
Melitta SOLO
#2 Best Bean to Cup Machine for Barista Quality Coffee
For bean to cup coffee, few machines compare to the Melitta SOLO in quality and taste. Manufactured in Germany, the machine boasts an attractively clean stainless steel design that houses high quality internals.
The built-in grinder makes grinding and brewing as efficient as possible, and a noise reduction system keeps the process from being a distraction. One touch is all you need to make coffee, but you can adjust height, strength, and water quantity to make the perfect cup.
A companion app offers a modern solution for tips and service features. Automatic cleaning keeps the interior clean without hassle, and a removable brewing unit lets you ensure that everything is spotless. A milk steamer makes your favourite drinks like lattes and flat whites a breeze. With the Aroma Extraction System to pull out more pleasing smell and flavor, you’ll hardly find a better machine for good coffee.
Our verdict…
This is a great low cost machine that’s great if you’re buying your first coffee machine. It’s affordable and simple to use, but delivers great coffee.
Sage ‘The Oracle’
#3 Best Bean to Cup Machine for Barista Quality Coffee
‘The Oracle’ from Sage is the priciest bean to cup machine on our recommended list, so it’s definitely one for coffee aficionados. But you don’t need to be reminded that with a high price tag comes an exceptionally high quality product.
If you’re looking for barista quality coffee in the comfort of your home, The Oracle comes fully loaded with functionality that’s usually only found on professional coffee machines. And don’t worry if that level of functionality seems daunting at first – when you buy The Oracle, Sage will arrange to send one of their experts to your home to show you how to use it!
Highlights of the model
- Automatic grinding and tamping
- Programmable pre-infusion for a balanced extraction
- Looks fantastic and will compliment any kitchen
- LCD information display
- Easily adjust coffee strength, milk texture and temperature to suit your taste
Why this one is best…
OK, so ‘The Oracle’ from Sage is definitely aimed at people who are serious about their coffee. From the home visit from Sage’s ‘White Glove Service’ to help you get to grips with the machine, to the superb range of control you have over your coffee, this bean to cup machine delivers. This top end coffee machine is a wonderful additional to any home and if don’t mind paying extra for a high quality cuppa, then this machine is for you.