Choosing the right coffee machine depends on how you like to drink coffee, how much control you want over the process and how much time you want to spend preparing each cup.
The main types of coffee machines for home use are bean to cup machines, espresso machines and filter coffee machines. Each type offers a different balance of convenience, control and coffee style, making it easier to choose a machine that fits your daily routine.
Coffee Machines at a Glance
|
Machine type |
Best for |
Grinder |
Milk preparation |
User involvement |
| Bean-to-cup |
Fresh coffee with minimal effort |
Built in |
Manual or automatic |
Low |
| Espresso machine |
Greater control and hands-on coffee making | Usually separate or integrated |
Usually a steam wand |
Medium to high |
| Filter coffee machine |
Brewing several cups of smooth filter coffee |
Usually separate | No built-in milk preparation |
Low |
| Grind-and-brew filter machine |
Freshly ground filter coffee from one machine |
Built in |
No built-in milk preparation |
Low |
Start With the Coffee You Drink
Before comparing features, think about the drinks you make most often.
- Espresso, americano and long black - A traditional espresso machine or bean-to-cup machine will usually be the best choice. Choose a bean-to-cup machine if you want the machine to grind and brew automatically. Choose a traditional espresso machine if you want greater control over the grind, coffee dose and extraction.
- Cappuccino, latte and flat white - Both espresso and bean-to-cup machines can prepare milk-based drinks. Traditional espresso machines normally use a steam wand, allowing you to control the temperature and texture of the milk yourself. Bean-to-cup machines may include an automatic milk container or milk hose, allowing cappuccinos and lattes to be prepared with very little effort.
- Filter coffee - A filter coffee machine is a good choice if you enjoy a smoother, longer cup of black coffee or regularly prepare several cups at once. Filter machines are particularly useful for breakfast, working from home or households where coffee is enjoyed throughout the morning.
Bean to Cup Coffee Machines
Bean-to-cup coffee machines grind whole coffee beans and prepare each drink automatically.
Most models include a built-in grinder, adjustable coffee strength and programmable drink volumes. Some also include automatic milk preparation for cappuccinos, lattes and other milk-based drinks.
Advantages of bean-to-cup machines
- Freshly ground coffee for every drink
- Built-in coffee grinder
- Simple everyday operation
- Consistent results
- Little coffee-making experience required
- Automatic milk options available
- Suitable for households with several coffee drinkers
Things to consider
- Less control than a traditional espresso setup
- Automatic milk systems require regular cleaning
- Machines can be relatively deep
- The grinder and brewing system cannot normally be upgraded separately
- More advanced models can have a higher initial cost
Who are bean-to-cup machines best for?
Bean-to-cup machines are well suited to busy households, beginners and anyone who wants fresh coffee quickly and consistently.
They are also a good choice when several people use the same machine and prefer different drinks.
Suitable models from the Redber range include machines such as the Melitta LatteSelect, De’Longhi Magnifica Evo and selected Gaggia bean-to-cup machines.
They are designed for customers who want freshly ground coffee without needing to learn manual espresso preparation.
Espresso Machines
Espresso machines are ideal for those who enjoy more control over how their coffee is brewed. These machines require a separate coffee grinder and involve more manual steps, such as dosing, tamping and controlling extraction time.
While they take more effort, espresso machines reward users with greater flexibility and the ability to fine-tune flavour.
Pros of Espresso Machines
High level of control over grind size, dose and extraction
Excellent flavour potential when dialled in correctly
Suitable for experimenting with different coffee beans
Manual milk frothing allows control over texture
Cons of Espresso Machines
Require a separate coffee grinder
Steeper learning curve, especially for beginners
More time-intensive than automatic machines
Manual cleaning and maintenance required
Best suited for:
Coffee enthusiasts who enjoy the process of making coffee and want control over every step.
Popular brands:
Filter Coffee Machines
Filter coffee machines are designed to brew larger quantities of coffee in one go. They are simple to operate and focus on consistency rather than customisation.
These machines are commonly used for black coffee and are popular in households where several cups are consumed throughout the day.
Pros of Filter Coffee Machines
Easy to use with minimal setup
Ideal for brewing multiple cups at once
Consistent results with little effort
Lower maintenance compared to espresso machines
Cons of Filter Coffee Machines
Limited control over extraction
Not suitable for espresso or milk-based drinks
Best suited to black coffee only
Best suited for:
Households that drink several cups of coffee a day and prefer simplicity.
Popular brands:
Moccamaster, Melitta
Key Factors to Consider Before Buying
- Space and Kitchen Layout - Coffee machines vary significantly in size. Bean to cup and espresso machines usually require more counter space than filter machines. Measuring your available space before buying helps avoid disappointment.
- Budget and Ongoing Costs - Beyond the cost of the machine, consider ongoing expenses such as coffee beans, cleaning products and water filters. Espresso machines may also require investment in a good grinder.
- Maintenance and Cleaning - All coffee machines require cleaning to maintain performance. Automatic machines include cleaning programmes, while espresso machines require manual cleaning and regular descaling.
Which Coffee Machine Is Right for You?
Choose a bean to cup machine if convenience and consistency are your priority.
Choose an espresso machine if you enjoy hands-on brewing and control.
Choose a filter coffee machine if you want simple, reliable coffee in larger volumes.
There is no single “best” coffee machine, the right choice depends on how you drink coffee at home.
Coffee Beans Matter Too
Whichever machine you choose, using freshly roasted coffee beans will have a noticeable impact on flavour. Matching the grind size and roast profile to your brewing method helps achieve balanced extraction and consistent results.
Choosing the right coffee machine is about finding the balance between convenience, control and how you drink coffee day to day. Understanding the strengths and limitations of each machine type makes it easier to invest in equipment that suits your home and your routine.
If you’re unsure, starting with how much involvement you want in the brewing process is often the best place to begin.
Frequently Asked Questions About Coffee Machines
What type of coffee machine is best for home use?
The right coffee machine depends on how you drink coffee at home. Bean to cup machines suit convenience, espresso machines suit hands-on brewing, and filter coffee machines are best for making several cups of black coffee.
Are bean to cup coffee machines good for beginners?
Yes, bean to cup coffee machines are ideal for beginners because they automate grinding, brewing and milk frothing. They deliver consistent results with very little setup or experience.
Do espresso machines make better coffee than bean to cup machines?
Espresso machines can produce more precise and customisable coffee, but they require more skill and effort. Bean to cup machines prioritise convenience and consistency rather than full manual control.
What is the difference between filter coffee machines and espresso machines?
Filter coffee machines brew larger volumes of black coffee using gravity, while espresso machines use pressure to extract concentrated coffee shots. Filter machines are simpler, while espresso machines offer more control.
Do I need a grinder with an espresso machine?
Yes, most espresso machines require a separate coffee grinder. Freshly ground coffee is essential for controlling extraction and achieving balanced espresso.
Which coffee machine is best for everyday use?
For everyday use, bean to cup and filter coffee machines are the most practical options. Bean to cup machines offer convenience, while filter machines suit households that drink multiple cups a day.
What coffee machine is best for black coffee?
Filter coffee machines are the best choice for black coffee, especially when brewing larger volumes. They offer consistency and simplicity without the need for milk frothing.
