There are loads of resolutions you may not stick to. So once the diet starts to lose its appeal and the daily workout turns into a weekly jog, why not commit to top quality coffee? And that’s no cop out. With a coffee machine that can make barista-quality coffee, you’ll be saving money. And that’s another resolution ticked off.
But there’s no need for you to go on a barista training course. We’ve picked out some coffee machines that can not only flawlessly recreate cafe classics, but are easy-to-use and hassle-free too. With stylish looks and packed with clever tech, these machines will serve up the smartest latte you’ve ever tasted.
Best bean to cup coffee machines
If you're a coffee lover, investing in a bean to cup coffee machine can be a game-changer. From freshly ground beans to a perfect espresso shot, these machines offer an amazing coffee experience. When choosing the best bean to cup coffee machine, there are a few key things you might want to think about:
Make sure it has a good grinder - so that coffee beans are ground to the perfect consistency.
Check it can froth milk, especially if you love a cappuccino or latte.
Decide how much customisation you want. Do you want to press a button and get your drink, or do you want more control to adjust settings?
You’ll find much more details in our Coffee machine buying guide. But for now, let’s bring on the machines!
Philips Series 5500 LatteGo Bean to Cup Coffee Machine
Making a quality cup of coffee with this Philips LatteGo bean to cup coffee machine couldn’t be easier. Its LED display gives you access to 20 different drinks, like lattes, espressos and ice coffees. The LatteGo bit of the name comes from its built-in milk frother, which delivers that velvety smooth finish you can only seem to get in a professional coffee shop. Unlike a lot of coffee shop machines, this bean to cup machine is super quiet. So, your peaceful coffee first thing in the morning won’t wake up the whole house!
If you’ve watched any coffee videos on YouTube, you’ll know the importance of grinding. And the LatteGo comes equipped with ceramic grinders, which always bring out the full flavour of your beans. And none of that spcial aroma is lost thanks to a perfect serving temperature of between 90°C and 98°C.
And when you’ve made coffee for everybody, the two parts of the milk system are dishwasher safe. So you’ll have the clean up done in a shot!
What makes it great?
Aside from its frothing magic, the LatteGo lets you adjust your drink to just the way you like it and then save your settings. No more saying “How do you take it again?“ You (and 3 other people) can each have your fave drink made to your taste.
Kitchenaid KF8 Bean to Cup coffee machine
The KitchenAid KF8 coffee machine makes it easy to nail your perfect cup, with with one-touch buttons that produce rich and bold drinks. If you love a frothy coffee, the milk container makes velvety smooth foam that even works with your plant-based milk. And you’re spoilt for choice with over 40 recipes to pick from on its 5” touchscreen.
While this is certainly a premium coffee machine, it’s very practical too. The hopper is simple to remove for easy refilling and the machine will even remind you when beans are running low. The water tank holds 2.2 litres, so you you’ll be able to make plenty of drinks before your Kitchenaid needs a top up.
What’s great about it?
The grinder has 7 settings, there’s 3 brew temperature settings, 3 strength settings and room for 6 user profiles. You can even pick whether the milk comes out before the coffee, or vice versa. If you’re particular about getting your perfect cup, this is coffee customisation heaven!
Delonghi Magnifica Evo Bean to Cup coffee machine
This De'Longhi Magnifica Evo coffee machine makes your morning brew a breeze with 5 one-touch coffee recipes, including latte and cappuccino. The high resolution control panel with coloured icons and descriptions makes it easy to see your selections. And the adjustable cup height fits your favourite mug.
Its LatteCrema system delivers creamy milk or micro-foam at just the right temperature. It’s also perfect for non-dairy alternatives like soya or almond milk. The 13-setting burr grinder and tubeless design provide the freshest coffee possible with no leftover residue. You can also personalise your brew with options for aroma and temperature, or use the MYLatte feature to customise your favourite milky drinks.
This is great!
If you heat milk, it usually ends in a mess! But the Magnifica is not only simple to use, it’s a cinch to clean too. Thanks to its auto rinse and cleaning program. And its removable parts go straight into the dishwasher too.
Coffee machine FAQs
Is an expensive coffee maker worth it?
If you're a coffee lover, paying a bit more for a coffee maker can drastically improve your coffee. More expensive coffee makers tend to offer a wider range of features, including the ability to adjust brewing time and temperature. This creates a more customised and consistent cup of coffee. Also, higher end coffee makers are often built to last, which can increase their lifespan and prevent the need for frequent replacement.
What is the lifespan of a coffee maker?
Coffee makers are an essential part of many people's daily routine, but how long can you expect yours to last? The lifespan of a coffee maker is dependent on several factors, including the quality of the machine, frequency of use and how well you look after it. On average, a coffee maker can last for at least 5 years, but they can go for a lot longer if properly maintained. So, if you’re investing in a fancy coffee maker, our Care & Repair service can keep it brewing for years to come.
How to use a coffee maker with milk?
The traditional technique is to wait for your milk wand to reach the right temperature and then submerge it slightly below the surface of the milk. Then let the milk warm and froth without overheating it. But the good news is that you don’t have to learn frothing techniques. Any of the bean to cup coffee machines we’ve featured in this article will do all of that for you!
Can I put milk in my coffee maker instead of water?
We wouldn’t recommend it! Coffee makers are designed to heat water and brew coffee quickly, and they are not equipped to handle the composition of milk. Adding milk to the water compartment may cause damage to the machine, and it may also cause clogs in the brewing system and produce bad smells. Milk has a lower boiling point than water and can easily scorch and spoil in a coffee maker. Rather than risking damage to your coffee maker, stick to water in the water compartment and then add milk separately to your coffee or espresso after it has been brewed. This will ensure that your coffee maker functions properly and that your coffee tastes delicious.
What’s next?
Brush up with some more coffee expertise! Our experts tell you How to use an espresso coffee machine with some top coffee-making tips. And if you’re still looking for a new coffee machine, try this award-winning interactive coffee machine buying guide. Happy brewing!