A coffee machine grinds the beans just before extraction: the coffee keeps all its aromas, and each cup comes back cheaper than with capsules. But between grinder, milk system, screen and many recipes, price differences are important. Here’s how to find the machine that suits you.
Why go to the coffee beans?
- Taste : the coffee is ground by the second, it does not have time to oxidize.
- Price per cup : coffee in grains costs considerably less per kilo than capsules.
- Less waste : no capsules to throw away, the marc composts.
- Choice : you can buy the coffee of your favorite roaster.
Criteria that matter
1. The grinder
It’s the heart of the machine. A ceramic grinder, as on the Philips LatteGo, is silent and does not heat coffee. A conical steel grinder, as on the De’Longhi Magnifica, is robust. Take a look at the number of grinding settings: 12 levels on the Philips 3300 series, 13 on the De’Longhi Magnifica.
2. The milk system
This is the criterion that makes the price vary the most:
- Manual steam nozzle (De’Longhi Magnifica S): you foam the milk vous even in a pot. Economical, but requires some practice.
- Automatic system (Philips LatteGo, De’Longhi LatteCrema): the machine prepares the cappuccino or macchiato latte with one touch. The LatteGo has the advantage of having only two pieces, which rinse under the tap.
3. Number of drinks
An entry-level machine offers the essentials: espresso, long coffee, hot water. More complete models go much further: 8 drinks on the Krups Evidence Eco-Design16 on the De’Longhi Riveliaup to 20 hot and cold drinks on the Philips 5500 Series.
4. Screen and Customization
A touch screen or color lets you adjust the intensity, quantity and temperature, and memorize your recipes. The Rivelia has a 3.5-inch color screen and the Bean Switch system to easily change coffee into beans.
5. Maintenance
Check that the infusion group is removable (to rinse it) and that the machine reports when to descale. A water filter spaces descaling.
What budget for what use?
| Profile | What you need | Adapted models |
|---|---|---|
| Espresso lover, small budget | Good grinder, steam nozzle | De’Longhi Magnifica S, Magnifica Evo |
| Family, regular cappuccinos | Easy to clean automatic milk system | Philips Series 2200 and 3300 Series LatteGo |
| Large selection of recipes | Screen, customizable recipes | De’Longhi Dinamica, Krups Evidence, Philips 5500 Series |
| Passionate, upscale | Premium finishes, fine settings | De’Longhi Rivelia, Jura E6 |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Peut-on use ground coffee in a grain machine?
Some models allow it with a dedicated compartment, such as the Philips 3300 series. Check the product form.
Which grain coffee to choose?
Avoid very fatty or caramelized grains, which crush the grinder. A medium roasted coffee is suitable for all machines.
A noisy est-elle grain machine?
The grinding makes a little noise for a few seconds. Ceramic grinders and technologies like SilentBrew from Philips significantly reduce it.