The Best Coffee Machine For Coffee Beans
Previously the sole preserve of coffee shops, bean-to-cup machines offer convenience and flexibility. They grind and brew beans according to your specifications. Some also have the ability to steam milk for one-press lattes.
The top models come with a coffee setting that can be saved and adjusted, as well as an area to store ground coffee as an emergency backup. They're also a good fit for busy workplaces.
Grind & Brew Plus
This model has a built-in burr grinder that automatically grinds whole beans just before the brewing process. This ensures the beans are freshly ground and of a consistent size. This results in a pot of coffee with more flavor. It also comes with a permanent gold tone filter that eliminates the necessity for paper filters and removes impurities that could alter the flavor of your cup of joe. It also has an insulated 12-cup carafe with a thermal insulation that keeps your coffee hot until you're in need of it. Its programmable timer allows you to get up to freshly brewed coffee at just a click of an a button, and the brew strength control lets you choose to select between strong, medium or mild coffee. It has a convenient pause-and-pour function, allowing you to have a cup of coffee before the brewing process ends.
Another benefit of this model is that it's very easy to use. The large, clearly labeled buttons make the machine simple to use and understand. The hopper that is removable and filters make cleaning simple. The dishwasher-safe machine is also available and will save you the hassle of brushing out dirt from difficult-to-access spots in the grinder and carafe.
This model can grind and brew whole bean coffee, as well as K-cups and single-serve pods. This makes it a great option for those who want to switch up their coffee routine frequently or who needs to make one serving to carry in a travel mug. It includes a 12-cup carafe which can be used to make a large amount of coffee. You can also set it up to brew smaller cups, such as 8-, 10-, or 12-ounces.
Although this model is a bit more expensive than the other models we tested, it offers some extra features that make it worth the extra expense. It features a convenient 24-hour timer that can be programmed, an auto shutoff (0-4 hours) as well as a brew strength control and a ready-to-go alert. It also has a pause and pour function, which is perfect for those who are on the move and can't wait for the entire brewing process to be completed. Also, the commercial-grade coffee maker is made from stainless steel to resist scratches and stains. The charcoal water filters assist in improving the quality of your tap water and help prevent lime scale buildup. This model is slightly loud and the display on the programmable device is difficult to read at the night. It's a reliable and convenient coffee maker that comes with a top quality grinder.
Breville Smart Grinder
The Breville Smart Grinder Pro delivers the highest quality coffee experience, ideal for those who are discerning about their coffee. bean to cup coffee machines is equipped with a wide range of grind size options and precise dosing capabilities with Dosing IQ technology. This model is more expensive than the entry-level models, but it offers superior performance and advanced features.
The stainless steel burrs on the grinder aid to reduce the heat of grinding and also protect beans' essential oils. This produces a more flavorful, smooth drink. It also features a convenient portafilter activation button that stops the grinding process to allow for hands-free operation, which allows you to pour your coffee into it. This feature is particularly beneficial for espresso making.
This grinder comes with a one pounds bean hopper with an locking system as well as an easy-to-open lid that will ensure that your beans are fresh and ready for brewing. The hopper is also simple to remove and can be used as an air-tight container storage of your grounds. This is a fantastic feature to consider if you plan to make use of the grinder for pour-over, French press or AeroPress brewing.
A large LCD screen makes it easy to choose and program your desired grind settings. It also shows a timer which counts down as your beans are grinded, making it easy to get the right amount of ground for your preferred brewing method. The Smart Grinder Pro includes 60 precise grind settings that range from fine espresso to coarse French press offering you the possibility to adjust the flavor of your brew.
The Smart Grinder Pro is a elegant grinder with an intuitive interface that will fit in with any kitchen decor. The grinder's robust construction and top-quality materials will ensure that it is able to endure frequent use as well as different brewing methods. The included brush makes it easy to clean and maintain the grinder. The manual is thorough and includes tips and troubleshooting for common issues that can occur. The manual also has the recommended parts and accessories so that you can ensure your new grinder performs optimally.
Breville Barista Touch Impress
If you're looking to be messy but don't have the money to buy a high-end espresso machine, the Breville Barista Touch Impress could be the best option for you. It's the machine the industry has been slowly working towards in the past few years, and it takes a lot of the learning curve out of making espresso manually and is also gorgeous to boot.
The machine is equipped with an extremely precise, high-end Baratza grinder, which is essential for espresso machines at home to ensure the best extraction and flavour. The machine is then able to combine it with their smart automated dosing system and user-friendly tamping, to create the most user-friendly cafe-style coffee maker available. They provide online video tutorials to assist you in mastering your machine and create stunning Latte art.
The machine also comes with smart milk heating and frothing functions which makes it a fantastic option for those who love the pleasure of a great hot chocolate or flat white. It's got what they call the Auto MilQ which is a fancy name for the calibration of settings for texturing milk. It can be used with dairy, almond or soy milk to make the micro-foam that's essential for making great latte art. It's definitely the most advanced automated milk heating and frothing system on any coffee maker out currently.
It is vital to keep in mind that, while the machine produces great espresso, the flavor is often a little bitter and burnt. This is because it uses a low temperature to heat the water, and as a result the resultant extract is slightly bitterness. However, it's simple to correct this by using a more powerful kettle and tweaking your grind coarseness and tamping to offset this.
The Barista Touch Impress looks stunning and feels like it was made to be the focal point of any kitchen. It features a sleek, modern aesthetic that looks almost like furniture pieces and comes in three core colours that should fit with any style. If you're looking for something more colorful, there are a few limited edition colours to choose from too. It's a big investment, but if you are determined to make the switch to manual espresso, it may be worth it. And even if you only save $2 per cup, you'll be able to break even within one year, and possibly earlier.