The Best Coffee Machine For Coffee Beans
Bean-to-cup coffee machines, once the exclusive realm of coffee shops, offer convenience and the ability to customize. Some machines can steam milk to make single-press lattes other machines grind and make coffee beans according to your preferences.
The best ones feature saved (and adjustable) coffee settings and the ability to use ground coffee as a back-up alternative. These are also great for busy offices.
Grind & Brew Plus
This model has a built-in burr grinder which automatically grinds whole beans just before brewing. This assures that the beans are fresh and ground to a consistent size, which results in a more flavorful pot of coffee. It also comes with a permanent gold tone filter that eliminates the need for paper filters, and eliminates impurities that can alter the flavor of your coffee. Plus, it has a 12-cup thermally insulated carafe that will keep your coffee hot and ready when you need it. Its programmable timer allows you to awake to freshly brewed coffee at just a click of one button, and its brew strength control gives you the option to choose between medium, strong or mild coffee. It also has a convenient pour and pause function to allow you to drink a cup of coffee before the brewing cycle is complete.
This model is also simple to use. Its large, well-labeled buttons make it easy to learn and use and the hopper that is removable and filter make cleaning a breeze. The machine can be put in the dishwasher, thereby saving you the hassle of washing off the dust from difficult-to-access areas.
This model can grind and prepare whole bean coffee, as well K-cups and single-serve pods. This is a great option for those who want to change their coffee routine often or require one cup to carry with them in a travel cup. It comes with a 12-cup carafe that can be used to prepare a large pot of coffee. You can also set it up to make smaller cups, like 8-, 10-, or 12-ounces.
The model is more expensive than other models we tested but it comes with extra features that are worth the cost. It comes with a convenient 24-hour timer, an auto shutoff (0-4 hrs), a brew-strength control and an alarm for ready. It also has a pause and pour function, which is perfect for those who are always on the move and can't wait for the entire brewing process to complete. Also, the commercial grade coffee maker is constructed from stainless steel to resist stains and scratches. The included charcoal water filters aid in improving the quality of the water you drink and help prevent lime scale buildup. This model is slightly loud and the display on the programmable unit is hard to read at late at night. It's a convenient and reliable coffee maker that comes with a top quality grinder.
Breville Smart Grinder
The Breville Smart Grinder Pro delivers an exceptional coffee experience that's ideal for coffee lovers with discerning tastes. This model comes with a variety of grind sizes and precise dosing thanks to Dosing IQ. It's available at a higher price point than the entry-level grinders, however its advanced features and outstanding performance make it an excellent value for those who value precision and control in their brewing.
The stainless steel burrs in the grinder help to reduce the heat of grinding and protect the beans essential oils. This produces a smoother, more tasty coffee. It also features a convenient portafilter button that allows you to pour your coffee when the grinder is paused. This feature is particularly beneficial for espresso brewing.
This grinder comes with a one pound bean hopper that has an locking system as well as the lid is lock-and-go to ensure that your beans are fresh and ready to be brewed. The hopper is also simple to take off and can also be used as an air-tight container keeping your grounds. This is a great option if you intend to use the grinder for pour over, French press or AeroPress Brewing.
A large LCD screen allows you to easily choose and program your desired grind settings. It also shows a timer that is counted down while the beans are being ground, making it easy to achieve the perfect amount of ground for your preferred brewing method. The Smart Grinder Pro includes 60 precise grind settings ranging from fine espresso to coarse French press, giving you the option to adjust the flavor of your brew.
The Smart Grinder Pro is a elegant grinder with a user-friendly interface that will fit in with any kitchen decor. bean to cup coffee machines -quality materials and sturdy construction will ensure that this grinder can be able to withstand frequent use and different styles of brewing. The included brush makes it simple to clean and maintain the grinder. The manual is extensive and contains troubleshooting tips and tricks for common issues. It also provides a list of recommended parts and accessories, so you can make sure your new grinder will perform the best it can.
Breville Barista Touch Impress
If you're ready to get your hands dirty but do not want to spend the cash for a professional-level espresso machine, Breville's Barista Touch Impress could be a great option. It's a machine the industry has been working on for a few years and eliminates many of the learning curve associated with manual espresso making.
The machine is equipped with a superior, high-quality, super-precise grinding machine from European manufacturer Baratza which is, for home espresso machines, is important for getting the best possible extraction and flavor. The machine combines it with their smart automatic dosing system as well as user-friendly assisted tamping to make the most user-friendly cafe-style coffee maker available. They offer online video tutorials to help you master your machine and create stunning latte art.
The machine also comes with intelligent milk heating and frothing functions, making it a great choice for those who enjoy the pleasure of a great flat white or hot chocolate. It comes with what they call Auto MilQ which is a fancy name for a set of calibrated milk texturing settings that allow you to make use of almond, dairy, soy or oat milk to get silky smooth micro-foam crucial to make great latte art. It's the most sophisticated automated milk frothing and heating system in any coffee machine there right now.
One thing to keep in mind is that even though the machine makes excellent espresso, it tends to produce a slightly bitter, slightly burnt taste. It is because the water is heated at the lowest temperature, which results in a bitter taste. It's also easy to correct this by using a slightly more powerful kettle and tweaking your grind coarseness and tamping it to eliminate this.
The Barista Touch Impress looks stunning and feels like it was made to be the centerpiece of any kitchen. It features a sleek, modern aesthetic that looks almost like furniture pieces and is available in three primary colors that will fit any style. There are also limited edition colours if you want something more bright. It's an investment, but if are determined to switch to manual espresso, it might be worth it. Even if you only save $2 per cup, you'll make it to the point of breaking even in a year and possibly sooner.