Bean to Cup Machines
A bean-to cup machine will produce a barista style beverage depending on whether you desire a rich espresso or silky cappuccinos that are fluffy and frothy. This is especially true for those machines that include a milk carafe that will automatically pour perfectly texturized and frothy milk to top off your coffee.
But there are other things to think about before committing to a purchase.
Quality
Depending on the type of drink you'd like from your cup of coffee, quality is a major consideration. There's a growing group of coffee drinkers who value the quality of their espresso over other aspects of the beverage, and thankfully there are now many good bean to cup machines that can deliver.
Most bean-to-cup machines can produce lattes and cappuccino as well as flat whites and cortados, and basic black coffees like americano and filter. A high-quality machine should come with adjustable grind settings, which lets you alter the intensity of flavor and an wand for milk steam when you're a fan creamy classics like lattes or cappuccinos.
While some bean to cup machines are fully automated so far as the espresso is concerned however, the majority of machines require some manual work by the user to create milk-based drinks. This is often the case for the best mid-range and high-end machines, although there are a few that make milky coffees at the press of a single button.
For example for instance, the Sage Oracle & Oracle Touch are among the top bean to cup machines when it comes to shot quality, however they're not as good as the quality that a traditional espresso machine in the hands of a professional home barista can do. The Gaggia Naviglio is a less expensive option that will still provide top-quality coffee, but it also comes with the added benefit of being one of the most straightforward to clean beans into cups machines that I've tested.
Convenience
One of the major advantages of a bean-to-cup machine is that it grinds and extracts coffee beans on demand. This enhances the flavor of the coffee because the longer it sits the more oxidized.
The oxidation reduces the intensity of flavour, so it's important to only grind coffee beans when you're ready to make a cup of espresso or hot chocolate. The best bean-to-cup machines have an option that stops you from making a whole batch before emptying the internal grinders bin.
Bean to cup machines use less water than traditional espresso machines that often waste water by forcing too much water through the portafilter, then overflowing the chamber. They employ a specially designed thermoblock that only warms the water it requires instead of pouring it over the grounds, and then wasting it.
If you're looking to experience an espresso experience that is full, such as cappuccino or latte from your coffee maker that is automatic Look for models that include an integrated milk system. This system heats and texturize milk until it has reached the desired consistency, and then pour it into the drink. Some of the more bespoke models will also give you the option of customizing the texture of the milk as well as the temperature and foam levels of your drinks.
Versatility
A bean-to-cup coffee maker is a good choice for businesses who want to offer their clients and staff with high-quality coffee drinks with the touch of the button. These machines, as their name suggests, grind and brew coffee directly into the cup. You can make espresso flat white, cappuccino or long black with the touch a screen. They also often include a milk frother to provide creamy, texturized milk for those who prefer it in their drink.
This flexibility is what makes a bean to cup machine a popular choice for companies like offices, car dealerships, and beauty salons that need to accommodate a variety of preferences. Unlike traditional commercial espresso machines that require an experienced barista, bean to cup coffee makers are simple to operate by anyone. This simplicity eliminates the need for staff training and also saves you money.
The beans are also ground before being used, to ensure that they remain fresh, full of flavour, and ready to drink. Ground beans start to lose their flavor after just a few minutes, so the quicker they are used the more delicious the coffee will taste. A bean to cup machine can also automatically heat and texturize milk, which means you don't require separate equipment to steam and create froth.
Maintenance
Bean to cup machines are simple to operate and are convenient. They allow staff to serve a variety of different beverages. They require more care and attention compared to capsule models. Follow the instructions from the manufacturer of your machine to ensure daily cleaning with a wipe and a more thorough cleaning and descaling every week. This will ensure consistency in the quality, maintain high hygienic standards and safety, while also saving you money by prolonging the life of your machine.
Regular cleaning and descaling of your coffee machine will also protect its working components. The best coffee machines utilize an automatic rinse cycle that helps in preventing limescale. The accumulation of limescale inside the pipes of the commercial coffee machine could result in blockage of heating elements and reduced flow of water. In extreme instances the heating element could cease to function altogether.
The steam pipe that is used for milk frothing needs to be cleaned daily as milk residue could block it. This could allow for the growth of bacteria that can cause an unpleasant and stale flavor to your espresso. Also, be sure to empty the drip tray and the dreg container on a regular schedule. Some coffee makers with bean-to-cup technology come with separate cleaning tablets. They can be used in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.