Best Bean-to-Cup Coffee Machines in the UK 2026
A good bean to cup coffee machine can make home coffee much easier. You add fresh beans, press a button, and the machine grinds, doses and brews the coffee for you. Many models can also froth milk, so you can make cappuccinos, lattes and flat whites without using a separate grinder or learning how to steam milk by hand.
You get fresher coffee than most pod machines, but without the learning curve of a manual espresso setup. You do not need to worry about buying a separate grinder, tamping correctly, or standing over a steam wand every morning before work.
But bean to cup machines are not all the same. Some are excellent for black coffee but only average for cappuccinos. Some are simple to clean, while others need more regular maintenance than you might expect. Some give you lots of control over strength, temperature and milk texture, while others are better for people who just want a reliable coffee with minimum effort.
For most UK homes, the best bean to cup coffee machine is the one that balances coffee quality, ease of use, milk performance, cleaning and value. Spending more can get you a better screen, a quieter grinder, more drink options and a smarter milk system, but it does not automatically mean it is the right machine for you.
In this guide, I have focused on machines that make sense for everyday use – whether you want quick morning coffee, easy cappuccinos, something compact for a smaller kitchen, or a machine the whole family can use without fuss.
What Is a Bean-to-Cup Coffee Machine?
A bean-to-cup coffee machine is an automatic coffee machine that grinds whole coffee beans and brews coffee in one process. Instead of using pre-ground coffee or pods, you add fresh beans to the hopper, choose your drink, and the machine handles most of the work for you.
Most bean-to-cup machines include a built-in grinder, water tank, brewing unit and coffee spout. Many also include a milk system, either with an automatic milk carafe or a steam wand, so you can make drinks like cappuccinos, lattes and flat whites.
The main benefit is convenience. You get freshly ground coffee without needing a separate grinder or the skills needed for a manual espresso machine. That makes bean-to-cup machines a good choice if you want better coffee at home but still want the process to be simple.
They are usually more expensive than pod machines, and they do need regular cleaning, especially if you use milk. But for people who drink coffee every day, a good bean-to-cup machine can be a practical long-term upgrade.
My Quick Picks
| Category | Coffee Machine |
|---|---|
| Best Overall | De’Longhi Rivelia |
| Best Premium | Jura E8 |
| Best for Milk Drinks | De’Longhi Eletta Explore |
| Best Value Under £500 | Philips 3300 Series LatteGo |
| Best Budget | De’Longhi Magnifica Start |
| Best for Customisation | Melitta Barista TS Smart |
Comparison at a Glance
| Coffee Machine | Coffee Quality | Ease of Use | Features | Value | Overall |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| De’Longhi Rivelia | 9/10 | 10/10 | 9/10 | 8/10 | 9/10 |
| Jura E8 | 10/10 | 9/10 | 10/10 | 7/10 | 9/10 |
| De’Longhi Eletta Explore | 8/10 | 10/10 | 10/10 | 8/10 | 9/10 |
| Philips 3300 Series LatteGo | 8/10 | 9/10 | 8/10 | 9/10 | 8.5/10 |
| De’Longhi Magnifica Start | 8/10 | 8/10 | 7/10 | 9/10 | 8/10 |
| Melitta Barista TS Smart | 9/10 | 8/10 | 10/10 | 8/10 | 8.5/10 |
1. De’Longhi Rivelia – Best Bean-to-Cup Coffee Machine Overall
The De’Longhi Rivelia is the best all-round bean-to-cup coffee machine for most UK homes because it combines good coffee, easy controls and enough flexibility for different drink preferences.
It is modern, fairly compact for a bean-to-cup machine, and simple enough to use without much trial and error. It is especially useful if two or more people in your home like different coffees, because the user profiles and swappable bean hopper system make it feel more personal than many older bean-to-cup machines.
The biggest strength of the Rivelia is that it makes fresh bean coffee feel approachable. You do not need to understand grind size, extraction time or milk texture to get started. The touchscreen guides you through the process, so it feels like a natural upgrade if you are moving from pods and want better coffee without making the routine more complicated.
The Rivelia is not perfect. The water tank is not huge, so larger households may need to refill it often. The grinder can also be noticeable, especially in a quiet kitchen early in the morning. And while the milk system is convenient, it will not match the texture you can get from a skilled barista using a manual steam wand.
Even with those drawbacks, the De’Longhi Rivelia is one of the easiest bean-to-cup machines to recommend if you want fresh coffee at home without too much effort.
Pros
- Very easy to use
- Compact for a bean-to-cup machine
- Good choice of drinks
- User profiles are useful
- Swappable bean hopper adds flexibility
- Strong option for everyday coffee
Cons
- Water tank could be larger
- Grinder is not silent
- Milk texture is good rather than cafe-level
- Not the cheapest option
Key Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Machine Type | Fully automatic bean-to-cup coffee machine |
| Model | De’Longhi Rivelia EXAM440.55.BG |
| Grinder | Integrated burr grinder |
| Bean Hopper Capacity | 250g |
| Bean Hopper System | Bean Switch System with 2 interchangeable hoppers |
| Water Tank Capacity | 1.4 litres |
| Pump Pressure | 19 bar |
| Milk System | Automatic LatteCrema Hot milk system |
| User Interface | 3.5-inch colour touchscreen |
| Personalised Profiles | 4 user profiles |
| Suitable Drinks | Espresso, Americano, Cappuccino, Latte Macchiato, Flat White, Hot Milk and more |
| Dimensions (W x D x H) | 24.5 x 43 x 38.5cm |
| Weight | Approx. 9.4kg |
| Warranty | 2 years |
Why I Picked It
I picked the De’Longhi Rivelia as the best overall because it suits the widest range of users. It is not the cheapest bean-to-cup coffee machine and it is not the most premium, but it gets the everyday experience right.
It is easy to use, compact enough for most kitchens, and flexible enough for different drink preferences. The touchscreen, user profiles and swappable bean hopper make it feel more modern than many older bean-to-cup machines, without making it complicated.
It is the kind of machine that makes sense if you want fresh bean coffee at home without turning coffee into a hobby.
Who Should Buy It?
Buy the De’Longhi Rivelia if you want a stylish, easy-to-use bean-to-cup coffee machine for daily coffee, especially if you drink a mix of espresso, long coffee and milk drinks.
It is also a strong choice if more than one person in the house will use the machine.
Who Should Avoid It?
Avoid it if you mostly want manual control over espresso, or if you want the richest possible milk texture for flat whites and cappuccinos. In that case, a manual espresso machine may suit you better.
My Verdict
The De’Longhi Rivelia is the best bean-to-cup coffee machine for most people because it combines convenience, fresh coffee, smart features and a friendly user experience. It is not the cheapest option, but it feels like a machine you would actually enjoy using every day.
2. Jura E8 – Best Premium Bean-to-Cup Coffee Machine
The Jura E8 is the machine I would look at if you want a more premium bean-to-cup experience and you are happy to pay extra for it.
It is not the best-value machine in this list, and it is not the one I would recommend to someone buying their first coffee machine on a tight budget. But if you want strong coffee quality, a polished design and a very automatic experience, the E8 is one of the most convincing premium options.
The main strength of the Jura E8 is consistency. It is built for people who want good espresso, americanos, cappuccinos and flat whites without adjusting lots of settings every morning. You choose your drink, make small changes if you want to, and let the machine do the rest.
It also feels more refined than most cheaper bean-to-cup coffee machines. The 3.5-inch colour display is not a touchscreen, but it is clear and easy to follow. The machine gives you 17 drink options, 10 coffee strength levels and 3 brewing temperature levels, so there is still enough room to customise drinks without making the whole process feel complicated.
For milk drinks, the E8 is also strong. It can make cappuccinos, flat whites, latte macchiatos and other milk-based drinks automatically, and the milk foam quality is one of the reasons many people are drawn to Jura machines. It is especially good if you want cafe-style drinks but do not want to manually steam milk.
The only downside is the price. The Jura E8 costs much more than many De’Longhi, Philips and Melitta machines, and you also need to think about ongoing cleaning products and filters. It also does not have individual user profiles in the same way as some machines, which may matter if several people in your home want very different drink settings.
But if you want a premium bean-to-cup coffee machine that feels easy, consistent and built for long-term daily use, Jura E8 is one of the strongest premium options.
Pros
- Excellent coffee quality
- Very consistent espresso and long coffee
- Strong milk foam performance
- 17 drink options
- 10 coffee strength levels
- Clear 3.5-inch colour display
- Automatic milk system cleaning
- Premium design and build feel
Cons
- Expensive compared with most home bean-to-cup machines
- No touchscreen
- No proper individual user profiles
- Cleaning tablets, filters and milk cleaner add ongoing cost
- Overkill if you only drink basic black coffee occasionally
Key Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Machine Type | Premium fully automatic bean-to-cup coffee machine |
| Model | Jura E8 Piano White INTC |
| Grinder | P.A.G.2 grinder |
| Number of Drink Options | 17 |
| Coffee Strength Settings | 10 levels |
| Grind Settings | 7 levels |
| Brewing Temperature Settings | 3 levels |
| Water Tank Capacity | 1.9 litres |
| Bean Container Capacity | 280g |
| Pump Pressure | 15 bar |
| Brewing Unit | Variable brewing unit, 5-16g |
| Milk System | HP3 / CX3 milk system with interchangeable milk spout |
| User Interface | 3.5-inch colour display with buttons |
| App Compatibility | Compatible with J.O.E. app |
| Cleaning Features | One-Touch milk system cleaning, integrated rinsing, cleaning and descaling programmes |
| Coffee Grounds Container | Approx. 16 servings |
| Adjustable Coffee Spout | 65-111mm |
| Adjustable Cappuccino Spout | 107-153mm |
| Power | 1450W |
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | 28 x 35.1 x 44.6cm |
| Weight | Approx. 10kg |
Why I Picked It
I picked the Jura E8 as the best premium option because it feels like a proper step up from a standard bean-to-cup coffee machine.
It is not just about having more drink options. The bigger reason to consider it is the overall experience: the coffee is consistent, the milk system is strong, the display is easy to use, and the machine feels more polished than cheaper alternatives.
It is the kind of machine that makes sense if you drink coffee every day and want something that feels reliable and premium, not just convenient.
Who Should Buy It?
Buy the Jura E8 if you want a premium bean-to-cup machine for everyday espresso, americano, cappuccino, flat white and latte-style drinks.
It is a good choice if you care about consistency and ease of use, but you do not want the manual work of a traditional espresso machine.
It also makes sense if your budget is higher and you want a machine that feels like a long-term kitchen investment.
Who Should Avoid It?
Avoid the Jura E8 if you are mainly looking for value for money. You can get a very good bean-to-cup machine for less.
It is also not the best choice if you want full touchscreen controls, proper user profiles, or a machine mainly for occasional use. In those cases, a De’Longhi Rivelia, Philips LatteGo or Melitta model may be a better fit.
My Verdict
The Jura E8 is the best premium bean-to-cup coffee machine in this list because it delivers excellent coffee, strong milk drinks and a very polished everyday experience.
It is expensive, so I would not call it the best value choice. But if you want a premium automatic machine and you are happy to pay for the upgrade, the E8 is one of the safest high-end picks.
3. De’Longhi Eletta Explore – Best Bean-to-Cup Machine for Milk Drinks
The De’Longhi Eletta Explore is the machine I would choose if milk drinks are the main reason you want a bean-to-cup coffee machine.
A lot of bean-to-cup machines can make cappuccinos and lattes, but the Eletta Explore is built much more around variety. It can handle hot milk drinks, cold milk drinks, iced coffees and cold brew-style options, which makes it a better fit for households where everyone likes something different.
The main feature is De’Longhi’s LatteCrema Hot and Cool system. You get separate milk carafes for hot and cold drinks, so you can make everything from cappuccinos and flat whites to iced lattes and cold milk-based coffees. The hot milk foam is especially good for a fully automatic machine, and the cold drink options make the Eletta Explore feel more versatile than most standard bean-to-cup models.
It also has Bean Adapt Technology, which helps adjust the machine based on the beans you are using. You can still change the strength, size and drink settings yourself, but it makes the process less intimidating if you are not confident with grind or extraction settings.
The 3.5-inch colour touchscreen helps too. This is a feature-heavy machine, but the menu is fairly easy to follow, and you can save favourite drinks so you are not adjusting everything from scratch each time. It also works with the De’Longhi Coffee Link app if you want extra recipes and customisation.
The Eletta Explore is not small, though. It is larger than the Rivelia and will take up more space on the worktop. It is also expensive, so it only really makes sense if you will use the milk drink features often. If you mostly drink espresso or americano, you would probably be paying for features you do not need.
But if your daily coffee routine includes cappuccinos, lattes, flat whites, iced coffees or cold milk drinks, the Eletta Explore is one of the most useful bean-to-cup coffee machines to consider.
Pros
- Excellent choice for cappuccinos, lattes and flat whites
- Makes both hot and cold milk drinks
- Large choice of drink options
- 3.5-inch colour touchscreen is easy to use
- Bean Adapt Technology helps with coffee settings
- Good option for households with different drink preferences
- Dishwasher-safe milk carafes and removable drip tray
Cons
- Expensive
- Larger than many bean-to-cup coffee machines
- Overkill if you mostly drink black coffee
- Cold milk foam is useful, but may not be something everyone uses daily
- Milk systems still need regular cleaning
Key Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Machine Type | Fully automatic bean-to-cup coffee machine |
| Model | De’Longhi Eletta Explore ECAM450.86.T EX:4 |
| Grinder | Integrated burr grinder with 13 settings |
| Bean Hopper Capacity | 300g |
| Water Tank Capacity | 1.8 litres |
| Pump Pressure | 19 bar |
| Milk System | LatteCrema Hot and LatteCrema Cool |
| User Interface | 3.5-inch colour touchscreen |
| App Compatibility | De’Longhi Coffee Link app |
| User Profiles | 4 user profiles |
| Coffee Technology | Bean Adapt Technology |
| Cold Drinks | Cold Brew, iced coffee and cold milk drink options |
| Ground Coffee Option | Yes |
| Suitable Drinks | Espresso, Americano, Cappuccino, Latte Macchiato, Flat White, Cortado, Cold Brew, Iced Coffee and more |
| Maximum Cup Height | 143mm |
| Grounds Container Capacity | 14 portions |
| Cleaning Features | Automatic cleaning and descaling, removable drip tray and dishwasher-safe parts |
| Dimensions (W x D x H) | 26 x 45 x 38.5cm |
| Weight | Approx. 11.3kg |
| Power | 1450W |
| Warranty | 2 years |
Why I Picked It
I picked the De’Longhi Eletta Explore as the best bean-to-cup coffee machine for milk drinks because it is one of the strongest options if you regularly make cappuccinos, lattes, flat whites and iced-style drinks at home.
It is not just a bean-to-cup machine with a milk attachment. The whole machine is built around drink variety. The hot and cold milk systems, touchscreen menu, user profiles and app recipes make it feel more flexible than a basic automatic coffee machine.
It makes the most sense if you want café-style drinks at home without manually steaming milk every time.
Who Should Buy It?
Buy the De’Longhi Eletta Explore if milk drinks are a big part of your coffee routine.
It is a good choice if you regularly make cappuccinos, lattes, flat whites, iced coffees or cold milk drinks. It also suits households where different people want different drinks, because the menu is broad and the user profiles make it easier to save favourites.
It is also worth considering if you want one machine that can handle both hot and cold coffee drinks throughout the year.
Who Should Avoid It?
Avoid the De’Longhi Eletta Explore if you mostly drink espresso, americano or simple black coffee. You can get a smaller and cheaper bean-to-cup coffee machine that will suit you better.
It is also not ideal if you have limited kitchen space. This is a fairly large machine, and the extra milk carafes and accessories need somewhere to live too.
If you want something simpler, the De’Longhi Rivelia or Philips 3300 LatteGo may be easier to live with.
My Verdict
The De’Longhi Eletta Explore is the best bean-to-cup coffee machine for milk drinks because it gives you far more variety than a standard automatic machine.
It is expensive and quite large, so it is not the right choice for everyone. But if you want easy cappuccinos, lattes, flat whites, iced coffees and cold milk drinks from one machine, it is one of the most complete options in this guide.
4. Philips 3300 Series LatteGo – Best Value Bean-to-Cup Coffee Machine
The Philips 3300 Series LatteGo is the bean-to-cup machine I would look at if you want automatic coffee and milk drinks without paying premium money.
It is not as stylish as the De’Longhi Rivelia, and it does not feel as high-end as the Jura E8. But for many people, that will not matter. The Philips 3300 gets the important everyday things right: it makes fresh bean coffee, gives you one-touch drinks, keeps the controls simple, and has one of the easiest milk systems to clean.
That last point is a big reason it stands out. Milk systems can be one of the most annoying parts of owning a bean-to-cup coffee machine. Some use tubes, small connectors and separate cleaning routines that become frustrating over time. Philips’ LatteGo system is different because it has just two main parts and no tube, so it is quick to rinse and easier to live with.
The 3300 Series LatteGo can make six drinks, including espresso, coffee, iced coffee, cappuccino and latte macchiato, depending on the exact model. You can also adjust strength, volume and temperature using the My Coffee Choice settings. It is not a machine for someone who wants deep control over every detail, but it gives enough adjustment for normal daily use.
Another useful feature is SilentBrew. No bean-to-cup machine is completely silent, especially when grinding beans, but Philips has clearly tried to make this model quieter than older or more basic machines. That helps if you make coffee early in the morning or share a kitchen with other people.
The main weakness is that it does not feel as premium as some more expensive machines. The build is more practical than luxurious, and the coffee quality is good rather than exceptional. If you are very particular about espresso, the Jura E8 or a manual espresso setup will give you more. But if you want a simple, automatic machine that is easy to use and easy to clean, the Philips 3300 LatteGo makes a lot of sense.
Pros
- Strong value for a fully automatic machine
- LatteGo milk system is very easy to clean
- No milk tube
- Simple touchscreen controls
- Adjustable strength, volume and temperature
- Quieter than many older bean-to-cup machines
- AquaClean filter can reduce descaling frequency
- Good option for first-time bean-to-cup buyers
Cons
- Not as premium-feeling as Jura or higher-end De’Longhi machines
- Coffee quality is good, but not the best in this list
- Fewer advanced customisation options
- Milk texture is convenient rather than barista-level
- Exact price varies, so it is best value when found under £500
Key Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Machine Type | Fully automatic bean-to-cup coffee machine |
| Model | Philips 3300 Series LatteGo EP3347/90 |
| Grinder | 100% ceramic grinder |
| Grinder Settings | 12 settings |
| Drink Options | 6 drinks |
| Milk System | LatteGo automatic milk system |
| Milk System Design | 2 parts, no tube |
| Water Tank Capacity | 1.8 litres |
| Bean Hopper Capacity | 275g |
| Pump Pressure | 15 bar |
| User Interface | Touch display |
| Customisation | Adjustable strength, volume and temperature |
| Filter System | AquaClean filter compatible |
| Noise Feature | SilentBrew technology |
| Cleaning Features | Removable brew group, dishwasher-safe LatteGo system and drip tray |
| Coffee Grounds Container | Approx. 12 servings |
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | 24.6 x 37.1 x 43.3cm |
| Weight | Approx. 8kg |
| Power | Around 1450W |
| Warranty | 2 years |
Why I Picked It
I picked the Philips 3300 Series LatteGo as the best value bean-to-cup coffee machine because it focuses on the things most people actually care about.
It is easy to use, easy to clean, and gives you automatic milk drinks without the price of a premium Jura or higher-end De’Longhi. The LatteGo milk system is the biggest advantage because it removes a lot of the hassle that can come with automatic milk frothing.
It is the kind of machine that makes sense if you want fresh coffee and cappuccinos at home, but you do not want the machine to feel complicated or high-maintenance.
Who Should Buy It?
Buy the Philips 3300 Series LatteGo if you want a straightforward bean-to-cup machine that can make black coffee and milk drinks with minimal effort.
It is a good choice for first-time bean-to-cup buyers, busy households and anyone who wants an automatic milk system that is quick to clean.
It also makes sense if you want something more convenient than a manual espresso machine but do not want to spend money close to Jura.
Who Should Avoid It?
Avoid the Philips 3300 LatteGo if you want the best espresso quality in this list or a more premium-looking machine.
It is also not the best choice if you want lots of profiles, advanced drink customisation or a more luxurious interface. In that case, the De’Longhi Rivelia, Jura E8 or Melitta Barista TS Smart may suit you better.
My Verdict
The Philips 3300 Series LatteGo is the best value bean-to-cup coffee machine in this guide because it keeps the daily experience simple. It is easy to use, easy to clean and practical for everyday coffee. The espresso is good for a fully automatic bean-to-cup machine, and the LatteGo milk system makes cappuccinos and lattes much less hassle than many tube-based milk systems.
For many buyers, it is one of the most sensible choices if you want automatic bean-to-cup coffee without moving into premium Jura or high-end De’Longhi prices.
5. De’Longhi Magnifica Start – Best Budget Bean-to-Cup Coffee Machine
The De’Longhi Magnifica Start is the machine I would choose if you want fresh bean coffee at home but do not want to spend premium money.
It is a simple bean-to-cup coffee machine, and that is the main reason it works. You do not get a colour touchscreen, app control, user profiles or a long list of automatic milk drinks. Instead, you get the basics done properly: freshly ground coffee, straightforward touch controls, adjustable strength and a manual milk frother for cappuccinos or lattes.
That makes it a sensible entry point if you are moving from instant coffee, cafetiere coffee or pods. You get a noticeable upgrade in freshness and flavour, but the routine still stays simple.
The built-in grinder has 13 settings, which is useful at this price level. You probably will not need to adjust it much once you find a setting that works, but it gives you more room to tune the coffee than many basic machines. It also works with both whole beans and pre-ground coffee, which is handy if you sometimes want to use decaf.
The milk side is more hands-on. This version uses a manual steam wand, so it will not make a cappuccino for you at the touch of a button. You will need to froth the milk yourself, which takes a little practice. The upside is that the machine stays simpler and usually costs less than automatic milk models.
The main weakness is that it feels like a budget machine in some areas. The design is practical rather than premium, and the grinder can be noisy. It also gives you fewer drink shortcuts and less customisation than models like the De’Longhi Rivelia, Philips 3300 LatteGo or Jura E8.
But if your priority is affordable fresh bean coffee, the Magnifica Start makes a lot of sense. It is not fancy, but it covers the essentials well.
Pros
- Good budget option for fresh bean coffee
- Simple touch controls
- 13 grinder settings
- Works with whole beans and pre-ground coffee
- Manual milk frother gives more control than basic automatic foam
- Compact compared with many premium bean-to-cup machines
- Removable brew group for cleaning
- Good first bean-to-cup machine
Cons
- No automatic milk carafe on this model
- No colour screen or app control
- Fewer drink options than more expensive machines
- Grinder can be noisy
- Manual milk frothing takes practice
- Build feels more practical than premium
Key Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Machine Type | Fully automatic bean-to-cup coffee machine |
| Model | De’Longhi Magnifica Start ECAM220.22.GB |
| Grinder | Steel conical burr grinder |
| Grinder Settings | 13 settings |
| Water Tank Capacity | 1.8 litres |
| Bean Hopper Capacity | 250g |
| Pump Pressure | 15 bar |
| Milk System | Manual milk frother / steam wand |
| Coffee Type | Whole beans and pre-ground coffee |
| User Interface | Touch control panel with icons |
| Customisation | Adjustable coffee strength and length |
| 2-Cup Function | Yes, for espresso/coffee drinks |
| Brew Group | Removable brew unit |
| Cleaning Features | Automatic rinse/descale alerts and removable drip tray |
| Power | 1450W |
| Dimensions (W x D x H) | Approx. 24 x 44 x 35cm |
| Weight | Approx. 8.8kg |
| Warranty | 2 years / 24 months depending on retailer |
Why I Picked It?
I picked the De’Longhi Magnifica Start as the best budget bean-to-cup coffee machine because it gives you the main benefit of this type of machine without pushing you into premium prices.
It grinds fresh beans, makes espresso-style coffee, lets you adjust the strength and gives you a manual milk frother when you want a cappuccino or latte. It is not packed with extras, but that is part of the appeal.
It is the kind of machine that makes sense if you want better everyday coffee at home, but you do not need touchscreens, apps or lots of automatic drink recipes.
Who Should Buy It?
Buy the De’Longhi Magnifica Start if you want an affordable bean-to-cup coffee machine mainly for espresso, long coffee and occasional milk drinks.
It is a good choice if you are buying your first bean-to-cup coffee machine and want something simple, compact and easy to understand.
It also suits people who do not mind frothing milk manually rather than paying more for a one-touch milk system.
Who Should Avoid It?
Avoid the Magnifica Start if you want one-touch cappuccinos, lattes and flat whites. This ECAM220.22.GB model uses a manual milk frother, so the milk side needs more effort.
It is also not the best choice if you want a premium design, quiet grinder, user profiles or lots of drink options. In that case, the Philips 3300 LatteGo, De’Longhi Rivelia or Jura E8 will feel more complete.
My Verdict
The De’Longhi Magnifica Start is the best budget bean-to-cup coffee machine in this guide because it keeps things simple.
It is not a one-touch milk drink machine and it does not feel premium, but it gives you freshly ground coffee, simple controls and enough adjustment for everyday use. If you want to move away from pods or instant coffee without overspending, it is one of the most sensible entry-level choices.
Melitta Barista TS Smart – Best Bean-to-Cup Machine for Customisation
The Melitta Barista TS Smart is the machine I would choose if you want more control and variety from a fully automatic bean-to-cup coffee machine.
It is not the simplest machine in this guide, and it is not the most compact. But if you like the idea of saving different drink preferences, switching between different beans and choosing from a wide range of coffee recipes, it has a lot to offer.
The biggest reason it stands out is customisation. The Barista TS Smart can make 21 coffee specialities, and you can save favourites for up to eight people. That makes it a strong choice for shared homes where one person likes strong espresso, another prefers a latte macchiato, and someone else wants a milder long coffee.
The dual-chamber bean hopper is also genuinely useful. You can keep two types of beans in the machine at the same time, such as a darker espresso roast and a lighter everyday blend. The machine can then use the right beans for different drinks, or you can choose manually depending on your preference.
It also works with the Melitta Connect app, which makes it feel more flexible than a basic bean-to-cup machine. You can adjust recipes, save favourites and control the machine from your phone. Not everyone will need that, but it is useful if you enjoy fine-tuning drinks or want a machine that different family members can personalise.
The Barista TS Smart also has a proper automatic milk system, so it can make cappuccinos, lattes and flat whites without you manually steaming milk. It can prepare two cups at once for some drinks, and the height-adjustable spout makes it easier to use different cup sizes.
The trade-off is that it can feel more involved than simpler machines. It is quite large, the milk system needs regular cleaning, and with so many options, it may take a little time to get the best from it. It is not the best pick if you want something small, quiet and very simple. But if you want a bean-to-cup machine that can adapt to different coffee tastes, the extra flexibility is exactly what makes it worth considering.
Pros
- Excellent customisation options
- 21 coffee specialities
- Saves favourites for up to 8 people
- Dual-chamber bean hopper
- Works with the Melitta Connect app
- Automatic milk system
- Can make two cups at once for some drinks
- Good choice for households with different coffee preferences
Cons
- Larger than many simpler bean-to-cup machines
- More settings than some users will need
- Milk system needs regular cleaning
- Can be noisy
- Not the cheapest option
- App control may not matter to everyone
Key Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Machine Type | Fully automatic bean-to-cup coffee machine |
| Model | Melitta Barista TS Smart F85/0 |
| Grinder | Cone grinder |
| Grinder Settings | 5 settings |
| Drink Options | 21 coffee specialities |
| Bean Hopper | Dual-chamber bean hopper |
| Bean Hopper Capacity | 2 x 135g approx. / 270g total |
| Water Tank Capacity | 1.8 litres |
| Pump Pressure | 15 bar |
| Milk System | Automatic milk frothing system with milk container |
| Milk Container Capacity | 1 litre |
| User Profiles | Favourites for up to 8 people |
| App Compatibility | Melitta Connect app via Bluetooth |
| User Interface | TFT colour display with touch controls |
| Ground Coffee Option | Yes |
| 2-Cup Function | Yes |
| Height-Adjustable Spout | Up to 140mm |
| Cleaning Features | Easy Steam Cleaning and automatic cleaning/descaling programmes |
| Power | 1450W |
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | 25.9 x 37.2 x 46.7cm |
| Weight | Approx. 10.4kg |
| Warranty | 2 years, depending on retailer |
Why I Picked It
I picked the Melitta Barista TS Smart as the best bean-to-cup machine for customisation because it gives you more flexibility than most fully automatic machines.
The 21 drink options, app control, dual-chamber bean hopper and saved favourites make it a strong choice if you do not want the same coffee every day. It is also useful for families or shared homes where different people prefer different drinks.
It is not the machine I would choose for someone who wants the simplest possible setup. But if you want a fully automatic machine with more room to personalise your coffee, it makes a lot of sense.
Who Should Buy It?
Buy the Melitta Barista TS Smart if you want a bean-to-cup coffee machine that can handle different tastes in the same household.
It is a good option if you use more than one type of bean, because the dual-chamber bean hopper lets you keep two varieties in the machine at the same time. It also suits homes where people drink a mix of espresso, long coffee, cappuccinos and latte-style drinks, because the machine offers 21 coffee specialities and lets you save favourites for up to eight people.
It also makes sense if you like the idea of adjusting recipes through an app, but still want the convenience of a fully automatic machine rather than a manual espresso setup.
Who Should Avoid It?
Avoid the Melitta Barista TS Smart if you want a very simple bean-to-cup machine that you can use without thinking about settings, profiles or app features.
It is also not ideal if you have limited worktop space, or if you mostly drink basic black coffee and do not need 21 recipes, dual bean hoppers or saved favourites for several people.
If you want something simpler and easier to live with, the De’Longhi Rivelia or Philips 3300 LatteGo may be a better fit.
My Verdict
The Melitta Barista TS Smart is the best bean-to-cup coffee machine for customisation in this guide.
It is not the smallest or simplest machine, but its strength is flexibility. You get 21 drink options, saved favourites, app control and a dual-chamber bean hopper, which makes it especially useful for households with different coffee tastes.
If you want a machine that can do more than make the same few drinks every day, the Barista TS Smart is one of the strongest options to consider.
Best Bean-to-Cup Coffee Machines UK: Final Verdict
If I had to choose one bean-to-cup coffee machine for most UK homes, I would choose the De’Longhi Rivelia. It gives you a strong balance of coffee quality, ease of use, drink options and everyday convenience. It is not the cheapest machine in this guide, but it is the one I think most people will be happiest with.
If you want the premium pick, choose the Jura E8. It is expensive, but the coffee quality, milk foam and consistency make it feel like a proper upgrade from cheaper bean-to-cup machines.
For milk drinks, the De’Longhi Eletta Explore is the one I would look at first. It is larger and costs more than simpler machines, but it makes sense if cappuccinos, lattes, flat whites, iced coffees and cold milk drinks are part of your regular routine.
If value matters most, the Philips 3300 Series LatteGo is a very sensible choice. It is easy to use, easy to clean and gives you automatic milk drinks without moving into premium Jura or high-end De’Longhi prices.
For a lower-cost option, the De’Longhi Magnifica Start is the best budget pick. It is simpler, and the milk frothing is more hands-on, but it gives you freshly ground coffee without paying for features you may not need.
And if you want the most customisation, the Melitta Barista TS Smart is the strongest choice. The 21 drink options, saved favourites, app control and dual-chamber bean hopper make it especially useful for households with different coffee tastes.
Overall, the best bean-to-cup coffee machine is not always the most expensive one. It is the one that fits how you actually drink coffee every day. For most people, that means choosing a machine that makes good coffee, is simple enough to use in the morning, and is not annoying to clean after a few weeks.
