As opposed to pods and sachets that make use of pre-ground coffee, these machines use whole beans for the production of some of the most delicious at-home coffees available. They are also more versatile than other coffee makers, and can make a wide range of drinks.
It takes some knowledge to master their use. For example you must learn how to fill and tap the portafilter in the same manner as a barista. But once you master it the machines are fantastic.
Gaggia Naviglio
The Gaggia Naviglio is a pretty basic machine that seems to be nothing more than a brand rebranding of the Philips Saeco HD8750 that was released in 2014. It does, however, have enough features to please most bean-to-cup users. It can adjust for the water hardness and comes with five different strength levels. It can also be programmed to the length of coffee you prefer.
The Naviglio also comes with an automated milk frother that uses the cyclonic chamber to make velvety foam that can easily compete with the taste of a cafe au lait. It also has a rapid heating boiler so that you don't wait for the espresso to be made.
The grind setting is adjustable via a small dial, not an on-board dial like many Gaggia machines. You can also adjust the pre-infusion temperature as well as the brew temperature to get a better extraction. However, these options aren't as sophisticated as those on the Anima machine.
The Naviglio's brewing unit can be removed for easy cleaning with hot water. The Naviglio has a weekly cleaning cycle and an automatic descaling and washing program. It's also quite affordable to run due to its low water and power consumption.
De'Longhi Magnifica S Smart
De'Longhi is a well-known name of coffee makers, provides fully automated bean-to-cup machines. Their machines offer a hands-free coffee house experience, with features such as two espressos per cycle along with programmable grinder settings, as well as aroma control. There are even models that allow for an adjustable grinding size for a custom brew. These machines have an extremely quiet burr mill. They are ideal for those who like to wake up to the smell of freshly ground coffee beans.
Pour over models have the option of a handle, if you prefer more of a manual feel. They give you the traditional flavor, but they aren't as smooth as espresso. However bean-to-cup coffee machines are ideal for those who prefer more than one cup at one time. They usually offer a greater selection of beverages than fully automated models.
If you are seeking a simpler coffee maker, De'Longhi offers their Magnifica line. These machines feature simple displays that allow you to alter the flavor of your coffee using just two buttons. They also have practical features, such as a front-loading reservoir as well as the frothing arm which is easy to clean. They also have a smart feature that will inform you when it's time to clean the machine.
Melitta Caffeo Barista TS TS Smart
This is a great bean-to-cup machine that comes with lots of features and somewhat on the expensive side. If you are looking for the ultimate in convenience and want to have the hassle eliminated from making your coffee This machine could be for you.
This fully automatic bean-to-cup coffee machine can make a total 21 different drinks using the right coffee beans, based on the recipe or your own recipe. It can also be controlled using the Melitta Connect smart app. It can be used to create and save your personal settings to program coffee drink recipes and create maintenance programs.
There is a high quality of construction and attention to details here. The nozzles can be adjusted to fit the cup or mug. This means you are in a position to pour coffee from the machine into anything from tall latte glasses through to standard mugs and cups.
This machine has many useful features but the most important one is that it will alert you when it is running out of beans. This will help you not have to remember to purchase more and it will avoid the dreaded moment when you realize you're short of a coffee.
Nespresso VertuoLine
A cup of joe is a morning essential for many. If you are a regular at your favorite cafe all day long it can be costly. This is why the top Nespresso machines are so valuable.
Nespresso is a popular brand for its capsule machines that produce espresso-style coffee drinks. It offers a range of capsules that range from classic espresso blends up to master-origin. Although you aren't able to add your own ground beans or make a filter that makes drip-style coffee with the Original line of machines, there are a variety of drinks to pick from and it offers a convenient program for recycling capsules.
There are a couple of models to choose from in the VertuoLine the Vertuo Plus features an elegant design and a large water tank that can hold up to 18 ounces. It can also heat up and brew an espresso or lungo cup in just three seconds flat. bean-to-cup coffee machines built-in milk frother lets you whip up cappuccinos and lattes easily. It is able to save your custom drink preferences, including the preferred texture of milk and volume.
The smaller Vertuo Pop+ is a elegant, compact machine that's ideal for those looking for an easy-to-maintain machine with minimal features. Its size is small and the limited size of beverages may limit its appeal if you intend to host guests or serve larger households.
