Coffee machines: Choosing a coffee machine Bean-to-cup coffee machines

Bean-to-cup coffee machines have an in-built coffee bean grinder

Bean-to-cup coffee machines are great for real coffee aficionados looking for the freshest coffee possible: straight from the bean. 

Unlike other models, bean-to-cup coffee machine varieties have an in-built coffee bean grinder - so there's no need to use a less fresh ground coffee or have to tackle the laborious task of grinding the coffee beans yourself.

Bean-to-cup coffee machines

Many bean-to-cup coffee machines are automatic: you simply add coffee beans and the machine will grind them and dispense and tamp the correct amount by the mere touch a button. There’s no need to use a porta filter – the coffee machine does all the work for you.

On the downside, bean-to-cup coffee machines tend to be pricier than traditional models - at least £300 - and they can be rather noisy to operate. But they’re easy to use, make great coffee and we have several Which? Best Buys available of this type. 

Bean-to-cup coffee machines on test

You can also use our coffee machine product finder tool to compare features and prices of bean-to-cup coffee machines.

We've tested bean-to-cup models from brands including DeLonghi, Krups, Jura and Siemens.

Rewind our coffee machines live event

Which? experts were joined by top coffee connoisseur, Whittard's Giles Hilton, and Bob Payman, who's been selling and servicing machines for 15 years, for a live chat. We were kept busy with your questions on the best coffee makers and how to perfect your espresso making.

Missed it? Log in to replay the Q&A in full at Which.co.uk/coffeelive.