We have examined a variety of bean-to-cup machines in opposition to standards, together with design, performance and ease of cleansing, to seek out the cream (or ought to we are saying crema) of the crop.
Learn on to find the perfect bean-to-cup espresso machines to purchase. For extra, go to our critiques part and discover over 200 sensible purchaser’s guides providing unbiased recommendation on what gear is price investing in.
For extra on espresso, uncover our tried-and-tested favorite picks of the finest espresso machines, the finest pod machines and cafetières. Plus we deliver you the finest espresso grinders and our favorite reusable espresso cups, too.
Black Friday bean to cup espresso machine offers
We’re busy monitoring costs dwell to deliver you the perfect espresso machine provides on our knowledgeable examined fashions, top-rated by the BBC Good Meals workforce.
For extra Black Friday reductions, go to our information to the perfect espresso machine offers, uncover our knowledgeable tried and examined fashions, together with pod and espresso, and allow us to do the laborious give you the results you want.
Finest bean-to-cup espresso machines at a look
- Finest designed bean-to-cup espresso machine: Smeg BCC02 bean-to-cup espresso machine, £679.95
- Finest sensible bean-to-cup espresso machine: Smarter Espresso Machine, £199
- Finest bean-to-cup espresso machine: Sage the Oracle Contact bean-to cup espresso machine, £1,999.95
- Finest mid-range guide bean-to-cup espresso machine: De’Longhi La Specialista Maestro bean-to-cup espresso machine, £999.99
- Finest bean to cup espresso machine for adjustability: Gaggia Magenta Plus, £599
- Finest bean-to-cup espresso machine for primary utility: Melitta Purista automated espresso machine, £400
- Finest mid-range bean-to-cup espresso machine: Sage Barista Specific, £499.95
- Finest guide espresso bean-to-cup espresso machine for newbies: Breville Barista Max, £299
- Finest bean-to-cup espresso machine for newbies: Jura ENA 8 bean-to-cup espresso machine for newbies, £999
- Finest bean-to-cup espresso machine for busy households: Melitta Caffeo CI bean-to-cup espresso machine, £500
- Finest bean-to-cup espresso machine for simplicity: Gaggia Anima bean-to-cup espresso machine, £499
- Finest entry-level bean-to-cup espresso machine: Gaggia Naviglio espresso machine, £349
How to decide on the perfect bean-to-cup espresso machine
All bean-to-cup espresso machines share the basic qualities of getting a compartment or hopper for storing complete espresso beans and grinders for dosing them freshly on your brew.
Relying on the area you might have in your kitchen, plus your price range, favorite espresso and keenness for the method, there are two fundamental sorts of bean-to-cup espresso machine to select from:
Automated bean-to-cup machine
Merely choose your espresso alternative and the machine does the remaining. Past emptying the cake tray (used pucks of compressed grounds) and filling the water tank, it is a hands-off expertise.
Handbook bean-to-cup machine
These require the drinker to contribute to the method with steps like loading the portafilter, tapping out used grounds or steaming the milk.
Not all bean-to-cup machines produce espresso, so look out for these phrases throughout your analysis:
- Bean-to-cup espresso machine: the quick, darkish, wealthy results of brewing compacted espresso grounds beneath strain with sizzling water, characteristically topped by a velvety gloss referred to as crema.
- Bean-to-cup espresso machine: these are most probably drip-coffee machines and can include a glass carafe. They’re nice for producing black espresso for a number of drinkers in a single go.
What to search for in a bean-to-cup espresso machine
Adjustable grind settings: completely different cups of espresso require completely different grind ranges to attain the fitting brew and depth of flavour. For instance, espressos require a high-quality grind whereas americanos do nicely with a coarser grind.
Milk steam wand: if milky classics like cappuccinos or lattes are your factor and also you’d wish to construct some primary barista expertise, a milk steam wand is a characteristic to search for.
Twin-height drip tray: not solely helpful for accommodating your favorite mug, but additionally necessary for stopping espresso from being brewed from too extremely above the cup and forking out.
Espresso pre-sets: whether or not guide, semi-automatic or totally automated, the perfect bean-to-cup espresso machines can have saved (and adjustable) espresso settings that will help you get the perfect espresso each time.
Floor-coffee choice: a superb back-up for in case you run out of espresso beans.
Try knowledgeable barista Celeste Wong’s suggestions for the perfect moka pots, gooseneck kettles, espresso grinders and decaf espresso to purchase on our sister model, olive journal:
Finest bean-to-cup espresso machines to purchase in 2022
Smeg BCC02 bean-to-cup espresso machine – Star Purchase
Finest designed bean-to-cup espresso machine
Execs:
- Actually compact countertop footprint
- Eight capabilities
- Iconic Smeg Fifties fashion
- Light-weight and simple to arrange
Cons:
- Milk steamed individually with steam wand
Star score: 5/5
Wattage: 1470W
The brushed aluminium end, matte pastel shades and iconic Fifties fashion of Smeg’s first ever bean-to-cup espresso machine aren’t the one causes we love this machine. Launched September 2021, the gadget’s diminutive footprint carries all of the aptitude of a contemporary, assertion espresso machine with out the intrusive depth, top and width of those traditionally-chunky home equipment. Eight capabilities can be found to pick by means of its four-button interface; espresso, ristretto, espresso, sizzling water, mild ristretto, mild espresso, lengthy espresso and a milk steam operate from its adjustable wand. The outlet is height-adjustable to accommodate quite a lot of cups and to guard the valuable crema from dripping out. At just below £700, it is a superb mid-range bean-to-cup we wish in our personal kitchens. Learn our full Smeg BCC02 bean-to-cup espresso machine evaluate.
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Smarter espresso machine – Star Purchase
Finest sensible bean-to-cup espresso machine
Execs:
- Small and light-weight
- Interchangeable entrance panel designs
- Scheduled wake-up and residential modes
- WiFi, app and voice-controlled compatibility
Cons:
- Filter espresso solely
- Minimal four-cup amount (equated to 2 mugs)
- Longwinded start-up earlier than first use
Star score: 5/5
Wattage: 950-1050W
The Smarter is easy on the floor with a management panel consisting of 4 buttons. Beneath this lie some subtle and extremely fashionable choices, together with connection compatibility to sensible residence units like Amazon Alexa plus management through the Sensible 3.0 app. The entrance panels are interchangeable for black, white and gray designs which is a pleasant private contact. We may get used to recent espresso ready for us once we get up within the morning. Learn our full Smarter espresso machine evaluate.
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Smarter (£199)
Amazon (£159)
Sage Oracle Contact bean-to-cup espresso machine – Star Purchase
Finest bean-to-cup espresso machine
Execs:
- Consumer-friendly
- In depth adjustability
- 5 presets
Cons:
- Noisy grinder
- Water tank opening positioned above the touchscreen
- Excessive value
Star score: 5/5
Wattage: 2400W
This bean-to-cup machine by Sage is the premium providing by a model famend for its knowledgeable espresso home equipment. The brushed-metal outer takes some effort to maintain clear of finger marks, however past that it is laborious to fault the Oracle Contact. It combines full automation with nice adjustability, which means each newbie baristas and low specialists have what they should make a fantastic espresso each time. The one irks we discovered have been that its water-tank top-up is positioned simply above the touchscreen controls, so it is simple to get drips onto the display. It may additionally do with higher non-slip ft, as you twist to lock the portafilter into place. Nonetheless, we’re scraping the barrel right here. Learn our full Sage Oracle Contact espresso machine evaluate.
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De’Longhi La Specialista Maestro bean-to-cup espresso machine – Star Purchase
Finest mid-range guide bean-to-cup espresso machine
Execs:
- Milk frother
- 250g capability bean hopper
- Fast beginning
Cons:
- Massive countertop footprint
Star score: 5/5
Wattage: 1450W
This bean-to-cup espresso machine has the grandeur of a heavy obligation industrial machine in a countertop package deal. It is filled with helpful little options, like a bean sensor to flag when the espresso is operating low and a one-second quick-start operate, but it surely’s the sophistication introduced by the principle options that make it so particular. It has a twin heating system for the water and milk, sensible tamping operate for compressing its grinds and it produces deliciously clean, wealthy espresso. Learn our full De’Longhi La Specialista Maestro espresso machine evaluate.
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Breville Barista Max
Finest guide espresso bean-to-cup espresso machine for newbies
Execs:
- Cleansing equipment supplied
- Accompanying chrome steel milk jug
- Strong and glossy design
Cons:
- Tall on countertop
- Single-height cup holder means espresso typically splashes
Star score: 4.5/5
Wattage: 1300W
This sleekly designed bean-to-cup by Breville shares the identical brushed-metal exterior of way more costly counterparts and comes with many of the trimmings required for constructing primary barista expertise. It is nice worth for cash. Single and double shot settings are on supply, as is a 200ml guide mode, ultimate for americanos. Paired with the chrome steel milk jug, it is attainable to attain silky steamed milk utilizing the steam wand. Single-cup applications work higher than double-cup choices. Learn our full Breville Barista Max espresso machine evaluate.
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Gaggia Magenta Plus bean-to-cup espresso machine
Finest bean-to-cup espresso machine for adjustability
Execs:
- Duo drip tray
- Top-adjustable espresso outlet
- Environment friendly grinders
Cons:
- Forceful sizzling water setting
- Erratically cut up espresso between two cups
Star score: 4/5
Wattage: 1900W
If an espresso outlet spout is simply too excessive above the espresso cup, the espresso will splash out. Gaggia’s elegantly designed Magenta Plus combats this in two methods: a height-adjustable spout for accommodating cups of various heights and a dual-cup holder completed with anti-slip silicone grips. It is a tall machine which requires extra top for filling its water and bean compartments, so is not the perfect mannequin for sitting beneath low cabinets. Nonetheless, it does produce glorious espresso. The 2-cup setting cut up the espressos a bit inconsistently and took longer to brew, so we might suggest it for single-cup photographs which take beneath 90 seconds to make. Learn our full Gaggia Magenta plus espresso machine evaluate.
Out there from Gaggia Direct (£589)
Melitta Purista automated espresso machine
Finest bean-to-cup espresso machine for primary utility
Execs:
- Top-adjustable spout
- Fast grinding
- Water hardness check included
- 5 grinder settings
Cons:
- Lengthy (however slender) footprint on the countertop
- Lacks sizzling water operate
- No accompanying descaler
Star score: 3.5/5
Wattage: 1450W
The Purista is an entry degree machine that does the fundamentals nicely. Its espresso was richly darkish, filled with flavour and topped with a superb creme. Single and double shot coffees with adjustable aroma depth are on supply on the five-button interface, with espresso amount managed by a twist-dial. Its grinding is fast and environment friendly, whereas additionally proving to be one of many quietest bean-to-cup machines examined. There is no sizzling water setting for americano followers, however twisted to max amount, the machine will ship a 200ml cup of black espresso. Learn our full Melitta Purista automated espresso machine evaluate.
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Sage Barista Specific
Finest mid-range bean-to-cup espresso machine
Execs:
- Nicely-priced
- Massive capability
Cons:
- Barely advanced settings
Star score: 4.5/5
Wattage: 1850W
This machine from respected digital model Sage has a mid-range value level and easy-to-use interface, making it a sensible choice for on a regular basis use in case you’re a espresso lover however not fairly an aficionado. The problem is in logging the preset capabilities, as there are heaps to select from. When you’re arrange and away, you may be spoilt for alternative, whether or not you need an espresso with an ideal crema or selfmade flat white to rival your favorite espresso store. Learn our full Sage Barista Specific espresso machine evaluate.
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Jura ENA 8 bean-to-cup espresso machine – Star Purchase
Finest bean-to-cup espresso machine for newbies
Execs:
- Simple-to-use interface
- Bluetooth connectivity
Cons:
- Buttons take time to get used to
Star score: 5/5
Wattage: 1450W
This can be a machine that manages to be each technologically subtle and extremely easy to make use of. Its massive USP is the Bluetooth-powered operate, which lets you use your cellphone to pick your espresso from the consolation of your mattress. It has trendy beauty, with a singular sculpted water chamber that’s sensible and crowd pleasing. It’s a giant funding – particularly the model that is completed in aluminium – however with its easy touchscreen performance, it’s appropriate for espresso novices in addition to budding baristas. Learn our full evaluate of the Jura ENA 8 espresso machine evaluate.
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Melitta Caffeo CI bean-to-cup espresso machine
Finest bean-to-cup espresso machine for busy households
Execs:
- Twin-cup performance
- Power saving
Cons:
- Milk container is just a little clumsy
Star score: 4.5/5
Wattage: 1500W
This espresso machine could make two drinks concurrently, which will probably be of big profit to busy households who must push to get out of the door within the morning. This can be a premium machine that delivers constantly good espresso that is wealthy, flavoursome and fragrant with a clean and dependable crema. We did assume the removable milk container was just a little impractical. However, all in all, this machine gives you every part it is advisable to produce skilled commonplace coffees in a handy approach. Learn our full Melitta Caffeo Cl espresso machine evaluate.
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Gaggia Anima bean-to-cup espresso machine
Finest bean-to-cup espresso machine for simplicity
Execs:
Cons:
- Barely longwinded cleansing course of
Star score: 4.5/5
Wattage: 1850W
Some espresso machines overwhelm you with alternative – the Gaggia Anima is not one in all them. It’s refreshingly minimalist and produces nice outcomes, the ‘lungo’ choice creating notably well-balanced espresso with out a robust aftertaste. The machine appears to be like good however not flashy. There are some slight downsides, primarily the upkeep necessities and guide method to some espresso making, however general it is a easy, dependable machine. Learn our full evaluate of the Gaggia Anima espresso machine
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Gaggia Naviglio espresso machine
Finest entry-level bean-to-cup espresso machine
Execs:
Cons:
Star score: 4.5/5
Wattage: 1850W
The Naviglio is sensible, compact and produces nice espresso. If you need all the advantages of a bean-to-cup espresso machine however do not have the inclination to spend time fiddling about with settings, you may benefit from the simplicity of this Gaggia machine. It is not probably the most engaging to take a look at, being made nearly solely of plastic, however it’s impartial and minimalist in design. All the principle parts could be accessed through the entrance, making it simple to keep up. Learn our full Gaggia Naviglio evaluate.
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How we examined bean-to-cup espresso machines
We reviewed a consultant pattern of bean-to-cup espresso machines and scored them on the identical standards utilizing our testing matrix. We marked them on the next standards. The marks out of 5 for the next core standards determined every product’s general star score:
Ease of meeting and packaging
We scored the machines on how simple they have been to place collectively, plus thought of packaging and whether or not there was extreme plastic.
High quality of fabric
The general commonplace of the espresso machine materials, be that metallic or plastic.
Ease of use
How easy is the mechanism and the way useful is the guide?
Worth for cash
Does the bean-to-cup espresso machine supply a superb return on funding?
Completed outcomes
The style and consistency of espresso, together with the freshness, high quality of the crema, extraction and power of flavour.
These standards additionally performed into our choice making course of:
High quality of the grind
Does it successfully course of the entire espresso beans?
Additional capabilities
What number of added options are included – is there a milk frother and temperature management; does the machine make completely different espresso sorts?
Water tank
Is the water chamber simple to refill and the way usually do it is advisable to do it?
Kitchen footprint
How cumbersome is the bean-to-cup espresso machine?
Ease of cleansing
We scored each on a regular basis wipe cleansing and extra intensive deep cleansing for long run upkeep.
Ease of storage
If you wish to retailer your espresso machine in a cabinet reasonably than depart it out, how simple is it to pack away.
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This evaluate was final up to date in June 2021. If in case you have any questions, recommendations for future critiques or spot something that has modified in value or availability please get in contact at goodfoodwebsite@speedy.co.uk.
