Once the exclusive domain of coffee bean to cup machine shops, automatic bean to cup coffee machines-to-cup machines are now available for the ability to customize. They grind and brew beans to your specifications. Some are also able to steam milk for one-press lattes.The most effective models have a coffee setting that can be saved and altered and also the ability to store ground coffee as an emergency backup. They are also ideal for offices with a lot of traffic.
Grind & Brew Plus
This model has a built-in burr mill that automatically grinds whole beans prior to making coffee. This makes sure that the beans are fresh and grind to a uniform size, which results in a more flavorful pot of coffee. It also comes with an enduring gold-tone filter which eliminates the use of paper filters and eliminates impurities that can alter the flavor of the coffee. It also comes with a 12-cup thermally-insulated carafe that keeps your coffee hot until you're in need of it. Its timer programable allows you to get up to freshly brewed coffee at just the push of an a button, and the brew strength control gives you the option to choose between strong, medium or mild coffee. It even has a convenient pour and pause feature to let you enjoy a cup prior to the brewing process has complete.
Another advantage of this model is that it's simple to use. The large buttons with clearly labeled labels make the machine easy to use and understand. The hopper that is removable and filters make cleaning a breeze. The machine can be placed in the dishwasher, thereby saving you the hassle of washing off the dust from difficult-to-access areas.
Apart from grinding and brewing full bean coffee This model can also brew K-cups and single-serve pods. This makes it a fantastic option for those who prefer to change their coffee style often or wants to brew just one cup espresso machine to carry in an insulated travel mug. It includes a 12-cup carafe, which can be used to prepare a large amount of coffee. You can also set it up to brew smaller cups, such as 8-, 12-, or 10-ounces.
While this model is more expensive than the other models we tested however, it comes with a few extra features that are worth the extra expense. It has a convenient 24 hour timer, an auto shutoff (0-4 hrs) and a brew-strength controller and an alarm that is ready. It has a pause-and-pour function for those on the move who are eager to see the whole brewing cycle finish. Also, the commercial grade coffee maker is constructed of stainless steel, which is resistant to scratches and stains. The charcoal water filters included in the kit improve the quality of tap water, while also preventing limescale buildup. The model is just slightly loud and the display on the programmable unit is difficult to read at night. It's a convenient and reliable coffee maker with a high quality grinder.
Breville Smart Grinder
The Breville Smart Grinder Pro delivers an exceptional coffee experience that's ideal for those who are discerning about their coffee. This model comes with a broad variety of grind sizes and precise dosing capabilities using Dosing IQ technology. It's priced at a higher cost than entry-level grinders. However, its advanced features and outstanding performance make it a great value for anyone who prioritises accuracy and control in their making.
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 flavorful beverage. It also comes with a handy portafilter activation button that pauses the grinding process to allow hands-free operation. This allows you to pour in your coffee. This feature is especially useful for espresso brewing.
This grinder includes a 1 pound bean container with an locking system. It also has the lid lock-and-go to keep your beans fresh and ready for brewing. The hopper is also easy to take off and can be used as a container that is airtight for storing your grounds. This is an excellent feature if you are planning to use the grinder for pour-over, French press or AeroPress making.
A large LCD screen makes it easy to choose and program your desired grind settings. It also shows a timer that counts down as the beans are being ground, making it simple to get the right amount of grounds for your preferred brewing method. The Smart Grinder Pro has 60 precise grind settings that range from fine French press to coarse espresso. This gives you the option to modify the coffee you make.
The Smart Grinder Pro is a elegant grinder with an intuitive interface that will complement any kitchen decor. Its top-quality materials and sturdy construction ensure that this grinder will stand up to frequent use and various brewing styles. It's easy to clean, and the included brush makes it a breeze to keep the grinder running smoothly. The manual is extremely comprehensive and contains helpful tips and troubleshooting procedures for the most common issues that may arise. The manual also contains the recommended parts and accessories, so that you can ensure your new grinder is operating optimally.
Breville Barista Touch Impress
If you're looking to get your hands dirty but don't have enough money to buy a professional espresso machine, Breville Barista Touch impress might be the perfect choice for you. It's the machine that the industry has been working on over the past few years and it really takes a lot of the learning curve out of making manual espresso while also being pretty damn gorgeous to boot.
The machine comes with a very premium, ultra-precise and high-end grinder from European manufacturer Baratza which is, for home espresso machines, is important for getting the highest 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-quality coffee maker on the market. They even offer a series of online video tutorials that help you develop the skills to get the most out of your machine and create amazing latte art.
The machine also has sophisticated milk heating and frothing features which makes it a fantastic option for those who love a good flat white or hot chocolate. It features what they call Auto MilQ which is a fancy term for the calibrated texturing of milk settings that allow you to use almond, dairy or soy milk to create a silky smooth microfoam essential for creating great Latte art. It's the most sophisticated automated milk heating and frothing mechanism in any coffee machine there right now.
It is important to remember that even though the machine makes excellent espresso, its flavour is usually a bit bitter and burnt. This is due to the fact that the water is heated at an extremely low temperature, which leads to a bitter taste. However, it's easy enough to fix this by using a more powerful kettle, and then tweaking the coarseness of your grind and tamping to counteract this.
The Barista Touch Impress looks stunning and appears to be the focal point of any kitchen. It has a sleek, modern aesthetic that looks almost like furniture pieces and comes in three core colours that should fit with any style. There are also limited edition colours available if you want something more vibrant. It's a big expense, but if you are determined to switch to manual espresso, it might be worth it. If you can save only $2 per cup, you'll be able to break even within a year, and probably sooner.