The Best Bean-to-Cup Espresso Machines
This page contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
A bean-to-cup machine grinds, doses, tamps and brews by itself. You press a button and get espresso or a milk drink, which is why these machines are popular in busy homes.
The big differences are the milk system, how easy daily cleaning is, and how much space the machine needs on the counter.
Our picks at a glance
- Philips 3200 LatteGo: Best push-button
- De'Longhi Magnifica Evo: Bean-to-cup with milk carafe
- Jura E8: Premium one-touch
- De'Longhi Rivelia: Two bean hoppers
The picks
Five drinks at one touch and a two-part LatteGo milk system with no tubes to clean.
Watch out: Less control over each shot than a semi-automatic.
One-touch cappuccino and latte macchiato with a milk carafe you can keep in the fridge.
Watch out: Deep footprint, so measure your counter.
Seventeen programmed specialties and premium build quality.
Watch out: Premium tier, and it uses Jura's own filters and cleaning tablets.
Two swappable bean containers, for example regular and decaf.
Watch out: Premium tier with a smaller water tank.
Side by side
| Machine | Type | Grinder | Milk | Price tier* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Philips 3200 LatteGo | Super-automatic (bean to cup) | Yes, ceramic burr | LatteGo automatic milk system | Premium |
| De'Longhi Magnifica Evo | Super-automatic (bean to cup) | Yes, conical steel burr | LatteCrema automatic milk carafe | Mid-range |
| Jura E8 | Super-automatic (bean to cup) | Yes, built-in burr grinder | Automatic milk system (milk pipe) | Premium |
| De'Longhi Rivelia | Super-automatic (bean to cup) | Yes, with two swappable bean containers | LatteCrema Hot automatic milk carafe | Premium |
*Price tier is a rough guide. Click through for today's price on Amazon.
Tips before you buy
Pick the milk system first
A carafe or LatteGo-style system makes milk drinks at one touch. A Pannarello wand is cheaper and simpler, but you froth by hand.
Avoid very oily beans
Very dark, shiny beans can clog automatic grinders. Medium roasts are the safe choice.
Check the brew unit
Many models have a removable brew unit you rinse under the tap. Some, such as Jura, use a fixed unit and built-in cleaning programs instead.
How we chose
We compared manufacturer specifications, design features and patterns in published owner feedback. We do not accept payment from brands for placement. More about how we work.
FAQ
Is a bean-to-cup machine worth it?
If you want good coffee with almost no effort and drink mostly milk drinks, yes. If you enjoy the process, a semi-automatic gives more control.
Do bean-to-cup machines make real espresso?
They make espresso-style coffee with real pressure. Most people find it a little less intense than a well-made shot from a semi-automatic.
More buying guides
- Best Espresso Machines for Beginners
- Best Espresso Machines with a Built-In Grinder
- Best Budget Espresso Machines
- Best Espresso Machines for Lattes and Cappuccinos
- Best Espresso Machines for Small Kitchens
- Best Espresso Machines for Latte Art
- Espresso Machines That Fit Under Kitchen Cabinets
- Best Espresso Machines for Families and Busy Households
- Best Premium Espresso Machines
- Best Mid-Range Espresso Machines
- Espresso Machines That Heat Up in Seconds
- Best Semi-Automatic Espresso Machines
- Breville Barista Express vs Breville Barista Pro
- Breville Barista Express vs Breville Bambino Plus
- Breville Barista Express vs Breville Barista Express Impress
- Breville Bambino vs Breville Bambino Plus