Buying Guides: What to Look for in the Best Bean to Cup Coffee Machine
No matter what brand you choose, there are several things you need to bear in mind before deciding on a bean-to-cup coffee maker.
Tank Capacity:
If you drink a lot of coffee (multiple times a day) it would be best to get a coffee maker with a larger tank. Most machines have a 1.5L tank and that is fine for most people.
A lot of coffee maker tanks are smaller, around 1L or 0.8L. If you drink two cups of coffee a day, then these will work for you. The Gaggia is a good choice for smaller units.
However, if you tend to drink coffee throughout the day, they are not good enough. Smaller tanks need to be refilled constantly which can be very annoying.
If you drink a lot of coffee or live with other coffee drinkers, get a coffee machine with a 2L water tank. Or at least aim for one with a 1.8L tank.
Maintenance:
Not everyone has the time or patience to keep their coffee machines clean and running. If you are always on the go, choose a coffee maker that needs to be cleaned every month or even every 60 days. Even better, pick a machine that has a self-cleaning function.
If you want a machine that is very easy to clean, The Barista Express is a good choice. If you don’t mind manually cleaning the different parts of the machine, get one with easily removable parts. It also helps if the parts are dishwasher safe.
Customization/Personalization:
Some coffee makers, like the Mr. Coffee Cafe Barista Espresso and Cappuccino Maker will let you select preset drink settings to customize according to your preferences. This means the machine will automatically dispense the perfect amount of coffee, with the right strength, every single time.
This is great for people who stick to one particular kind of coffee. If you like different kinds of drinks, go for a machine that lets you choose the settings manually every time it brews coffee.
Price:
Coffee machines come in an assortment of shapes, sizes, and settings. However, the most important factor for many people is the price of their machine. That’s alright because bean to cup coffee machine sale prices is pretty flexible.
If you don’t mind investing money, Melitta, Gaggia, Philips, and DeLonghi are popular deluxe coffee makers. On the other hand, if you are on a budget, there are several affordable options that cost $200 or less. These machines are often smaller, with fewer options, but still make a good, strong cup of coffee.
Milk-Frothing:
If you like cappuccinos and lattes, choose a coffee maker with a really good frother. It can be a good automatic steam wand or a built-in frother. You can’t go wrong with the Breville coffeemaker!
However, if you’re more of an espresso person, you won’t need to worry about frothing functions. In this case, a basic, manual steam wand will do just fine. Instead, focus on getting the best coffee maker grinder combination for the strongest, richest shot of espresso.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below you’ll find answers to questions we get asked the most about Bean to Cup Coffee Machines.
01. Why are Bean-to-Cup Coffee Makers So Popular?
These machines are extremely popular because they make your coffee taste much better. Coffee beans start to lose flavor as soon as they are ground.
With these machines, the whole beans are ground and then immediately brewed. This means the coffee is fresh and full of flavor. Your espresso will taste different from instant or pre-ground coffee.
People also love them because of how convenient they are for everyday use. With just one machine you can grind your coffee beans, brew espresso, and steam/froth milk.
02. How Often Should I Clean My Bean-to-Cup Coffee Machine?
Most of these coffee machines will come with instructions on how often you should clean them.
The steam wand or frother should be cleaned with a damp cloth after each use.
It is also a good idea to clean the grinder and other parts once a week. For most machines it is simple. Simply remove the used coffee grounds and unused milk from the frothing jug, and flush them out with water.
Some machines require special cleaning solutions, while many cheaper models can be cleaned with just water and detergent. Keeping your machine clean prevents it from breaking down or getting clogged up. It also keeps you safe and healthy in the long run.
03. What Does ‘Descaling’ Mean and Why Do I Need to Do It?
The calcium in the water can create a buildup of limescale in the coffee machine. This lowers its lifespan and causes frequent breakdowns.
Descaling your coffee maker removes the limescale buildup. It is a good idea to descale every month or 6 weeks. If you use filtered water, you won’t have to worry about descaling.
Many machines need descaling tablets to remove the buildup. Others can be descaled with a mix of white vinegar and water. Just pour the mix into your water chamber and set it to brew.
After the brew cycle is over, turn off your machine and let it sit for an hour. Then discard the vinegar-water mix and rinse out the chamber.
04. Do I Need to Connect My Bean-to-Cup Coffee Machine to the Water Supply?
Coffee makers for commercial use are generally connected to the water. It’s also convenient to connect the machine to the water supply if you are using it in an office.
On the other hand, if you are buying a coffee maker to use at home, there’s no need to connect it to the water supply. Simply fill up the water tank when needed.
05. What Kind of Coffee Beans Should I Use with My Bean-to-Cup Coffee Machine?
These espresso machines work better with dark roasted beans that have a dry surface. Oily beans will cause the grinder to clog up more frequently. This, in turn, will make your machine break down often.
Conclusion
Regular coffee makers aren’t always enough to get the job done. This is especially the case when you need multiple cups of coffee to survive the day. These 3-in-1 machines are great in terms of convenience as they do all the work for you.
Thanks to this list, you can choose a coffee maker as you now know the best bean to cup coffee machines that are available in 2020. These coffee makers are suitable for people with different needs, preferences, and budgets. You can easily select a coffee machine suited to your exact needs.
So, what are you waiting for? Order your bean to cup coffee maker today and relish the taste of gourmet-style coffee with just the press of a button!
