How to choose your automatic coffee machine
An automatic coffee machine grinds beans for every cup and prepares the drink at the touch of a button. To make the right choice, a few criteria matter more than others.
Beans or ground coffee?
A bean-to-cup machine grinds the coffee just before extraction, preserving its aromas. Most models also accept ground coffee, which is convenient for decaf or for variety.
With or without milk?
For cappuccinos, lattes, and flat whites, choose a model with an automatic milk frother: a carafe or tube dips into the milk, and the machine does the rest. If you only drink espressos and long coffees, a milk-free machine is sufficient and more compact.
Water tank and bean hopper
In our selection, tanks range from 1.2 to 2.2 L for home use, allowing you to prepare several cups before refilling. A 4 L tank, like on the Bellucci Bistro Pro, is suitable for offices and heavy use. Also consider the bean hopper and grounds container: the larger they are, the less often you have to empty them.
Settings and customization
Strength, quantity, temperature, grind fineness: the more settings the machine offers, the better it adapts to your tastes. Some models store several user profiles, which is useful if everyone has their favorite recipe.
Maintenance
Rinsing, cleaning, descaling: automatic machines offer dedicated programs. Check if the grounds container, tank, and brewing unit are removable and if some components are dishwasher-safe. With hard water, you will need to descale more often.
What budget to expect?
In our shop, coffee machines range from around €550 to nearly €3,800. Compact models are well suited for two people, while touchscreen machines with large capacity are designed for households that consume a lot of coffee.
Key takeaways
- A bean-to-cup machine for fresher aromas, with the option to use ground coffee.
- An automatic milk frother if you like milk-based drinks.
- A 1.5 to 2 L tank is sufficient for home use.
- Removable parts and a descaling program to make maintenance easier.
Keep reading
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