Author: Power To The Kitchen

There are not too many names that can rival Sage when it comes to truly premium quality home appliances and with the Sage Barista Touch and Barista Express, they once again demonstrate why they are held in such regard. But how do you pick between the Sage Barista Touch vs Barista Express? Below we take a look at each of their renowned bean to cup coffee machines and compare them on a number of key factors covering:

• Coffee Maker Type
• Ease of Use
• Customisation
• Milk Frother
• Capacity
• Size
• Design
• Warranty
• Price
• What Users Say

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Sage Barista Touch (SES880BSS)

★★★★★

The Barista Touch (SES880BSS) from Sage prides itself on allowing users to produce barista-quality coffee at home. To help make things as easy as possible for coffee lovers it comes with a touch screen menu with pre-programmed drinks as well as automatic milk texturing for a range of milk-based options.

The Barista Touch comes equipped with a built-in bean grinder as well as an impressive 3-second heating interval allowing users to get the best out of the machine in quick order.

In essence, the Barista Touch offers a mix between a fully automatic bean to cup and a manual espresso machine.

What seems to stand out about the Barista Touch is the fact that you have a high level of customisation available with its pre-set menus and the level of manual operation you want to get involved in.

Sage Barista Express (BES875UK)

★★★★★

The Barista Express (BES875UK) from Sage looks to provide users with a barista-like experience and quality from the comfort of their own home. Equipped with a bean grinder and a manual milk frothing function the Barista Express aims to get you from bean to cup as quickly as possible.

Sage Barista Touch vs Barista Express: A Comparison

Let’s now take a detailed look at the Sage Barista Touch vs Barista Express to see how they compare.

Coffee Maker Type

The Barista Touch from Sage is a bean to cup coffee machine meaning it will take whole beans and grind them before brewing. Bean to cup coffee machines typically produce the freshest coffee possible out of bean to cup, pod, and pre-ground coffee machines for home use. This is due to the fact the beans are ground on demand keeping the aromas, flavours, and quality of taste as fresh as possible.

The Barista Touch comes with an integrated conical burr grinder which is most common in-home coffee machines.

In addition to using whole beans, the Barista Touch can also be used with pre-ground coffee giving you added choice and flexibility when it comes to bean variety.

The Barista Express also offers the ability to use whole bean with its bean to cup operation as well as pre-ground coffee for added flexibility. You have the option of 18 different grind settings giving a great amount of control over the coarseness of your beans. It also comes with two dosage settings.

Ease of Use

There’s no point in having an expensive coffee machine that can work wonders if it is too complicated to be used quickly and efficiently. With this in mind, the control panel plays a big part in determining the ease of use of a machine alongside the various steps needed to go from bean to cup.

The Sage Barista Touch has a well-designed touch screen panel which by several user accounts makes it very easy to use at home. The menu is based around a 3 step process for making coffee – grind, brew, and milk. The machine also allows you to easily adjust the coffee strength, the texture of the milk as well as the temperature.

To continue to make things as simple as possible the Barista Touch has a grinding cradle that allows the user to grind directly into the coffee portafilter before it is tampered and placed onto the group head for extraction and brewing.

The Barista Touch also has a control to allow you to adjust the grind size and also how long to grind for outside of the touch screen menu. Quite helpfully you also have the option of stopping the grinding process whenever you like. You also have the option of taking full control of the grinding process using the portafilter to start and stop the process.

The big difference between the Sage Barista Touch vs Barista Express when it comes to ease of use is the fact the Barista Express does not come with a touch screen for operation. Although both are manual espresso machines, the controls on the Barista Express are based on buttons and dials whilst the Barista Touch relies on a touch screen. Nonetheless, the interface on the Barista Express still appears relatively straightforward.

The Barista Express will allow you to set the size of the ground coffee as well as the amount. You have 18 options in terms of ground size giving you lots of control and many users note this is something you’ll need to experiment with to get the perfect taste for your own preferences.

The ground coffee is also delivered directly into the espresso portafilter where you can then use the provided Razor tool to trim the coffee in the puck to the correct level to allow for the best extraction. You can then use the tamper, which is attached magnetically to the front of the machine, to prep the coffee before attaching it to the group head.

Bear in mind though that the grinder will only let you dispense ground beans by pressing the dedicated group head in so if you intended to use the grinder to grind coffee for other machines e.g. filter machine, keep this in mind.

In terms of ease of use, though machines are relatively straightforward, the Barista Touch is certainly the easier of the two with its touch screen operation taking the lead.

Customisation

To help coffee lovers get the best out of their machines as well as save time on configuring the settings every time they go to make their favourite drink, a number of machines on the market allow for a level of personalisation (i.e. memorised programmes).

This can often mean that once you’ve found your desired settings on a machine, you can then have the machine remember them so next time you want to replicate the drink you just press a button rather than having to manually re-do it.

The Barista Touch from Sage excels in this area as it offers up to 6 personalised drinks choices. The machine will let you setup a drink from scratch or alternatively if you’ve made a drink and you’d like to save the setting, you can also do that.

The Barista Express, on the other hand, does not have these personalisation features being a more typical manual espresso machine. You do, however, have the option of re-programming the standard volume of the one or two-shot pours.

You can also have full control over the amount of coffee that goes into your cup by holding down the one or two cup buttons and then letting go when its reached your desired volume.

Milk Frother

When it comes to milk frothing the Sage Barista Touch comes with an automatic steam wand to help get your milk the right texture and temperature for your favourite milk-based drinks. Indeed the high quality of the microfoam the automatic milk frother produces is something that is noted often by users who note it produces light and flowing microfoam with a consistency that is well suited to cappuccinos and lattes.

To get the job done you simply place the milk jug in the correct spot and the machine will do the rest of the work for you depending on what you’ve selected. You also then have the option of adjusting the milk temperature to suit your needs. In addition, you can also adjust the frothiness of the milk if it’s not quite to your liking.

The Barista Express on the other hand also has a steam wand but with manual operation giving you a more barista-like experience. The steam wand will allow you to warm up as well as froth the milk as it creates micro-foam to get a velvety texture for your desired milk-based drinks.

The milk frother is something that is consistently noted by users for producing a velvety texture in its final result.

The Barista Express is a single-boiler unit meaning the boiler temperature has to be increased first to make steam. This means it can take a little bit of time for the steam to be produced and for the steam to build up to get the frothing going.

The Barista Touch is also a single boiler unit but has a different type of boiler that can heat up in just 3 seconds.

Capacity

In terms of capacity, the Barista Touch has a 250g bean container which sits quite helpfully at the top of the machine for easy access. It also has a 2 litre water tank complete with a water filter. The machine also comes with a 480ml metal milk jug.

The Sage Barista Express also has a 250g bean hopper and 2 litre water tank.

Both machines give you the option of making one or two drinks at the same time, helpful for when you have a guest.

Size

The size of your coffee machine could be a critical factor in your decision making especially if you have a specific space you want to place it in.

The Barista Touch has the following dimensions:

32.2 (W) x 39.4 (D) x 40.7 (H) cm

Whilst the Barista Express has the following dimensions:

32.5 (W) x 31 (D) x 40 cm (H)

Whilst the width and height of the two units is near enough the same, the noticeable difference comes with the depth where the Barista touch has an extra 8.4cm.

With whichever model you opt for, you’ll need to ensure it can fit well on your kitchen counter but clearly, out of the two, the Barista Express would take up less space.

Design

When it comes to design and construction both the Barista Touch and Barista Express look the part.

Both machines are made of brushed stainless steel giving them a high-quality look, something users of Sage products have come to expect. The Barista Touch also comes with a BPA free water tank.

In terms of colours, both the Sage Barista Touch and Express are available in a brushed stainless steel look (think silver) as well as in black.

Warranty

When you are spending so much on an appliance you are likely to use at least once a day, the product warranty can provide some additional peace of mind.

Both the Barista Touch and Barista Express come available with a 2 year manufacturer’s warranty including repair, replacement, or refund based on Sage’s assessment of the unit.

Price

When it comes to price the Barista Touch and Barista Express do have a significant gap.

The Barista Express is typically available for around £550 – £600 whilst the Barista Touch typically comes in at around £1,000 ( do of course check as prices can vary).

Though the machines look fairly similar a large part of the reason the Barista Touch is more expensive is that it is far easier to use with its integrated touch screen and range of automatic features. It also has a completely different boiler which can heat up in just 3 seconds.

What Do Users Say

When it comes to user reviews, the Barista Touch appears to keep users quite happy. Users appear particularly happy with the quality of the taste in coffee it produces with several noting, however, that the quality of the bean will be critical to this.

One of the main things that stand out is that users feel the quality of the milk frother is generally excellent. Many also note how well designed the machine is and how it looks and feels like a high-quality made product.

Several users do note, however, that it takes some time to learn to get the best out of the machine though they also note that this is expected given it is a semi-automatic unit.

In terms of drawbacks, some users do note that the drip tray could be larger as it can fill up relatively quickly. This is due to the machine purging on startup and shut-down.

The Barista Express comes with near-universal high praise from users with many mentioning how good the coffee it produces. The high-quality build of the Barista Express is something else that sticks out from user reviews as well as the quality of the microfoam the steamer can produce.

Many users do note that if you are looking for a hands-off coffee-making experience then the Barista Express is probably not your best choice but if you’re willing to learn how to use it, they feel you can make great tasting coffee.

With regards to drawbacks, something that appears mentioned by some is the idea the drip tray could be larger as it seems to fill up relatively quickly. They also note you’ll need to keep the machine regularly cleaned to maintain it in the long-run, though worth noting that this would apply to most coffee machines.

Conclusion: Sage Barista Touch vs Barista Express

Overall when it comes to the Sage Barista Touch vs Barista Express you are faced with two excellent barista-style coffee makers that offer some distinct differences in terms of the key features as well as coffee-making experience and price point.

The Sage Barista Touch comes with an automated touch screen menu that will walk you through a 3 step coffee making process and give you a mix of automation and manual operation. It also has a fast-acting boiler. These key differences to the Barista Express help to explain the difference in price between the two with the Barista Touch being the more expensive of the two.

The Barista Express appears to offer a great alternative if you want to get more hands-on with your coffee making and don’t mind the lack of automation at the same level as the Barista Touch. Either way with both machines you get coffee makers that come generally very highly regarded by existing users.

Sage Barista Touch (SES880BSS)

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Sage Barista Express (BES875UK)

★★★★★

So you’re thinking of taking the plunge and getting yourself a shiny new bean to cup coffee machines. But you are wondering – are bean to cup machines any good? In this article, we are going to take a look at just that.

Bean to cup coffee machines are those take whole beans and grind them on-demand before brewing them to serve up your coffee. Many also come with integrated milk frothers whilst some have manual frothers that will allow you to make milk-based coffee as well as black coffee.

Are Bean To Cup Machines Any Good?: Pros

So are these bean to cup machines any good? Let’s take a look at some of the main benefits first to try to understand this.

Fresh Coffee

One of the most significant benefits of bean to cup coffee machines above any other is the fact that they can provide freshly ground coffee whenever you need them to. Bean to cup machines will usually come fitted with an integrated bean grinder that will grind them down as the machine makes your desired drink. This results in coffee that is as fresh as it could probably be when you are making coffee at home with a machine.

This level of freshness cannot be matched by ground coffee machines or pod machines which are usually the two main alternatives when looking for automated and semi-automated coffee makers.

The shorter the time between grinding beans and drinking the coffee that is brewed from them, the fresher the aromas and quality. As soon as the beans are ground and become exposed to oxygen, their aroma starts to fade. This is why having a grinder in a coffee machine that can get them ready only at the point of use is such a critical factor in making bean to cup coffee machines so effective for home use.

With pre-ground coffee on the other hand you could be serving up espressos from bags that have sat on the supermarket shelf for a number of weeks and do not have the same level of intensity.

Of course, whether using whole beans in a bean to cup or ground coffee, the main factor in terms of freshness is the roast date for the beans. However, assuming the same roast date for coffee made from a bean to cup machine rather than ground coffee would typically be fresher.

Automatic Drinks With Wide Selection

For many when they buy a new appliance they want it to be able to do everything for them at the touch of a button or two. This is no different with coffee machines. For some, the appeal of a coffee machine is the fact it makes coffee far more accessible even for those who have no experience of making it other than watching a barista at their favourite coffee shop.

This is where bean to cup machines also shine. Many bean to cup coffee machines have fully automatic options for a wide range of coffee drinks from espressos through to lattes, cappuccinos, and macchiatos. With the press of one button or two, some machines will dispense a fresh cup of cappuccino within a few minutes.

This means despite your level of experience, you are potentially able to get your favourite coffee beverage made to the same level of quality every time with just the touch of a button.

Save You Time and Effort

Of course, a kitchen appliance would not be worth anything if it didn’t offer some kind of saving in terms of time or effort.

Bean to cup coffee machines are able to offer potential savings in time as well as effort.

If you’ve ever watched a latte being made in a coffee shop you’ll know the number of steps needed to get from bean to cup. All this takes time and effort that most people do not wish to manually expend every time they want their favourite cup of coffee.

This is where bean to cup machines show their value as they can save the user the time and effort involved with making their desired coffee.

Rather than going through each stage manually, with a bean to cup coffee machine the user can press a button, prepare their cup and carry on about their business coming back when their drink is ready.

Some Take Pre-Ground Coffee As Well

An added bonus with many bean to cup coffee machines is the fact they can be used with pre-ground coffee as well as beans.

This provides additional flexibility and also variety in terms of the coffee choice.

It’s also a nice bonus effectively getting two types of machines in one unit.

Multiple Drinks

There are many bean to cup machines that will make other drinks such as hot chocolate and tea in addition to coffee.

This can be useful if you are in a home where others do not drink coffee but still like a hot beverage and also gives you some extra choices for those occasions when you want something different.

Hand-picked list of Premium Bean to Cup Coffee Machines

If, by now, you’ve made up your mind and decided to buy bean-to-cup-coffee-machine then we can help you providing list of hand picked 4 premium machines that are multi-functional and provide all brewing options. Here is the list of 4 Fully Automatic Bean to Cup Coffee Machines;

• Delonghi Eletta (ECAM 44660B Black): A super-automatic MULTIFUNCTIONAL espresso coffee machine with an adjustable grinder, double boiler, milk frothermaker for brewing espresso, cappuccino, latte, macchiato & Flat white. This is Fully Automatic Bean to Cup Coffee Machine, Cappuccino and Espresso Maker.
• Siemens EQ.500 (TQ505GB9 Black): Bean to Cup Fully Automatic Freestanding Coffee Machine.
• De’Longhi (ECAM 22.360.B Black): Bean to Cup Coffee Machine, Plastic, 1450 W, 1.8 liters.
• Sage Barista Pro Espresso Machine: Bean to Cup Coffee Machine, Espresso and Cuppuccino Maker, SES878BSS, Brushed Stainless Steel.

Are Bean To Cup Machines Any Good?: Cons

Like any appliance, bean to cup coffee machines can have their drawbacks. Let’s take a look at some of these now.

Can Be Expensive

Perhaps the most significant drawback of bean to cup coffee machines is that they tend to be quite expensive. Indeed they are typically the most expensive type of coffee machine when compared to pod and ground coffee makers.

This can often be because of the fully integrated coffee making process that is contained within the machine which also includes a bean grinder which is not present in any other type of machine.

Some of the best-rated bean to cup machines available on the market are priced between £500 – £800 though there are decent machines available for less whilst some of the most expensive can go beyond £2,000.

Though the upfront cost of a bean to cup coffee machine tends to be more than a pod machine, they are cheaper to run as you do not have expensive capsules to buy.

Typically Large

Another potential downside for some when it comes to bean to cup coffee machines is the fact they can often be on the larger side.

Given the number of functions they have to squeeze into a single unit, it’s perhaps no surprise some of them can end up looking large and bulky at times.

Increasingly, however, there are more machines that aim to be as compact as possible.

In any case, just as with any new appliance you’re looking to introduce into your kitchen be sure to check the space available against the dimensions of any machine you wish to go for.

Grinders Can Be Noisy

For some, a potential downside of bean to cup machines is the fact that the grinders can sometimes be noisy when in operation.

Though for any given cup of coffee it’s not a phase that will last too long for some individuals this could be a concern particularly if they want to make coffee in the early hours when others might be easily disturbed.

Having said that though it is not uncommon for various kitchen appliances to make some kind of noise but if this is a concern then it may be best to keep an eye out for other user’s commentary on the noise level.

Conclusion: Are Bean To Cup Machines Any Good?

So, are bean to cup machines any good? Overall despite some possible drawbacks such as the upfront cost and the potential for taking up significant counter space, bean to cup machines have a number of significant upsides that make them an attractive option when it comes to picking a coffee maker. With their ability to offer unrivaled freshness in the coffee they dispense, ground on demand, and the potential for extensive automatic menus, bean to cup machines offer some notable benefits to coffee lovers.

Can’t decide between the Delonghi Eletta vs Autentica? Well, let’s delve into the respective differences between these two highly regarded bean to cup coffee makers.

Note: As an Amazon Associate we earn a commission from qualifying purchases you may make through one of the links on this article. This does not affect how much you pay for the product.

When it comes to picking a coffee machine from Delonghi, there’s plenty of choice. Two particular machines you may be considering are the Delonghi Eletta and the Delonghi Autentica.

In this article we are going to take a look at how they compare in terms of:

• Choice of Coffee
• Milk Frother
• Type of Coffee It Takes
• Customisation
• Size & Capacity
• Ease of Use
• What Users Think

Delonghi Eletta vs Autentica

Let’s start by taking a brief look at each model.

Delonghi Eletta (ECAM 44.660.B, Black – Capuccino)

★★★★★

When we are referring to the Delonghi Eletta in this article we are specifically referring to the Delonghi Eletta ECAM 44.660.B, black (“Cappucino”). Note that there are few variations of the Eletta available so be sure to check before purchasing that you are looking at the one you want.

Delonghi Autentica (ETAM 29.510.B, Black)

★★★★★

When talking about the Delonghi Autentica we specifically mean the Delonghi Autentica (ETAM 29.510.B, Black). Once more be sure to verify you are dealing with the correct model when it comes to making your selection.

Delonghi Eletta vs Autentica: Choice of Coffee

For a lot of people, the variety in choices of coffee from a machine is a critical factor in how they make their decision. This is particularly important if you are specifically looking for those bean to cup machines that can produce your favoured choice of coffee at the touch of a button in automatic fashion.

When it comes to choice of coffee the Delonghi Eletta firstly offers a range of espressos as well as milk based choices with automatic operation:

• single/double espresso;
• ristretto;
• single/double long coffee;
• espresso machiato
• Cafelatte or latte
• Capuccino
• Latte Macchiato

Outside of the automatic setting you can also whip up a flat white or Americano when you want to.

With the Delonghi Autentica, you also get a number of drinks with automatic operation:

• Single/double espresso
• Ristretto
• single/double long coffee
• Doppio plus (an extra large double shot espresso with extra caffeine)

Aside from the auto choices, you can also make:

• Caffelatte/Latte
• Capuccino
• Flat White
• Americano
• Latte Machiato
• Espresso Macchiato

When it comes to the choices of coffee you can make with the Delonghi Eletta vs Autentica both have a number of automatic selections though the Eletta has more options including several milk-based drinks.

Delonghi Eletta vs Autentica: Milk Frother

If you’re a fan of milk-based drinks such as a cappuccino, latte, or macchiato then a milk frother will be something you want to look out for in any coffee machine you go for. These are typically either automatic or manually operated (sometimes with a steam wand).

When it comes to milk frothers both the Delonghi Eletta and Delonghi Autentica come equipped with one.

The Delonghi Eletta comes with an automatic milk frother built into the unit. This system can create both frothed and steamed milk for your choice of drink. The froth level can also be adjusted depending on the amount of froth you’d like for a particular drink allowing for no froth, a minimum amount, and a large quantity.

Quite helpfully the milk frother also has an auto cleaning function to help you maintain it.

With a compact rectangular shape, the milk carafe (container) is relatively straightforward to store in the fridge if necessary.

To help you keep track of how much milk is left in the carafe, it is transparent so you’ll never be surprised with an empty container when making a milk-based drink.

The Autentica on the other hand comes with a traditional manual milk frother that you can use to warm up your milk or prepare it for a foamy or creamy texture to go into your choice of beverage.

If you are looking for a machine with a hands-off approach to milk frothing for your favourite drinks then the Delonghi Eletta would make a better choice of the two as the Autentica will require you to manually froth the milk. If you don’t mind getting more hands-on and learning how to make barista-style milk-based drinks then the Autentica may be the better option.

Delonghi Eletta vs Autentica: Type of Coffee It Takes

Both the Delonghi Eletta and Delonghi Autentica are bean to cup coffee machines.

For many coffee lovers, there’s no other type of coffee machine they would consider outside of a bean to cup machine. These give you the freshest coffee possible out of the various types of coffee making machines available for the home.

There are many though who also quite like the quick convenience of pre-ground coffee machines.

The Delonghi Eletta will take whole beans to be ground and brewed into your desired drink. However, quite usefully the Eletta can also take pre-ground coffee giving you additional flexibility in terms of the varieties of coffee you can use.

This could be particularly handy if there’s a type of bean you like that you can only source in pre-ground supply. It also means if you’re ever keen to avoid the noise from the grinder you have that option. Do note though that you’ll only be able to make one cup at a time when using pre-ground coffee.

The Autentica can also quite helpfully take pre-ground coffee though once again you’ll only be able to make one cup at a time.

Delonghi Eletta vs Autentica: Customisation

With customisation features available a coffee machine will sometimes allow the user to choose the strength of their coffee, as well as quantity and in the case of bean to cup machines, grind level. In addition, there are some that will allow a user to create a program with specific preferences so that they do not have to keep re-entering the same combination each time they want that specific coffee.

The Delonghi Eletta has a range of 5 options for the strength in taste of its coffee ranging from “extra mild” through to “extra strong”. This setting regulates the number of beans that are ground for any given drink; the more beans per cup, the stronger the taste.

When it comes to the quantity it will allow you to choose between a short, standard, long, and extra-long coffee.

It is also equipped with a “my coffee” setting which will allow you to select the desired amount of coffee you want and then save it for repeated use. The setting will allow you to adjust the volume to your liking up to a maximum of 180ml in a cup.

The Eletta will also allow you to choose the temperature of the water used to make your coffee.

In terms of strength selection, the Autentica comes with a dial that will let you go from minimum strength (extra mild) through to maximum (extra strong). In terms of quantity of coffee in a cup, the Autentica has the option of changing the standard amount delivered in a short or long coffee.

In addition, the Autentica also has a function that will allow you to choose the temperature of the water used to brew your coffee.

Delonghi Eletta vs Autentica: Size & Capacity

The size of any appliance to be added to the kitchen counter is always important particularly if you are tight on space. This is the same with coffee machines and bean to cup makers can sometimes be on the larger side due to the functions they can incorporate into their unit and the addition of a grinder in comparison to pod and ground machines.

The Delonghi Eletta in question has a footprint of 26cm(L) x 46cm (D) x 36cm (H). The Autentica discussed on the other hand sits at 19.5cm(L) x 48cm (D) x 34cm (H). As we can see the Eletta has a longer length and height but slightly shorter depth.

The Eletta comes with a 1.75m cable length whilst the Autentica is supplied with a 1.05m plug cable length.

The Eletta comes with a 400g bean container and 2 litre water tank whilst the Autentica is equipped with a 200g whole bean container and a 1.4 litre water tank.

The water tank on the Eletta quite helpfully is positioned on the side of the machine which makes it relatively straightforward to take out and fill up. With the Autentica on the other hand, the tank is positioned at the back of the machine.

Both machines allow you to make two drinks at once. Both macIn terms of pressure, both machines come equipped with 15bars.

Delonghi Eletta vs Autentica: Ease of Use

In terms of ease of use typically users will want a machine that they can get used to without too much difficulty. A large part of this will come down to the control panel and the level of automation involved. Generally speaking, the more automatic features involved, the easier it will be to make the most out of the machine particularly for those who have little or no desire to get too hands-on.

The Delonghi Eletta comes with a touch-controlled panel and a one-touch operation for a number of drinks including milk-based options such as cappuccinos and lattes. The various functions of the buttons on the control panel are detailed in the instruction manual as you would expect.

The Autentica has a soft-touch control panel as well as dials for selecting the strength and another for steam/hot water. Quite helpfully the instruction manual also covers the operation of the touch panel.

Delonghi Eletta vs Autentica: What Users Think

When it comes to how users feel about the Delonghi Eletta, it appears to receive fairly universal praise. Many users mention how easy the machine is to use, noting the simplicity of the panel as well as setup instructions. Several users also note easy it is to clean the machine and maintain it though some users do note that the drip tray does not provide a level notification when it’s full so you’ll need to keep a careful watch.

Something else that seems to impress a significant number of users is how well put together the pre-set drinks are though some do note that the flat whites do not always come out as well as the other milk-based drinks.

A number of users do note some concerns with the temperature of the milk, though not a universal complaint, this is still something to pay attention to if you like your coffee on the hotter side. Many users also note that they can get their desired temperature by heating up their glass or cup beforehand for milk-based drinks.

The Autentica appears to get generally universally excellent ratings from users with many noting how well it makes their coffee. Several users like the compact nature of the Autentica and its style.

The main complaint amongst otherwise very good feedback appears to be that some feel the water tank is too small and will require regular topping up. This they note is partly due to the fact the machine flushes the system on startup and shutdown. The water tank is at the back of the machine which means if you have your machine under your kitchen cupboards on the counter, you are likely to have to move it to access the tank lid which for some is a nuisance.

Conclusion – Delonghi Eletta vs Autentica

Overall when looking at the Delonghi Eletta vs Autentica there are lots of features to like with both machines. These are both stylish bean to cup coffee makers that also double up as pre-ground machines.

The Eletta will take up more space on your kitchen counter than the Autentica but you’ll get more water and bean capacity for it meaning you’ll need to intervene less. Quite helpfully the Eletta also has its water container on the side of the machine as opposed to the Autentica’s rear placement.

When it comes to the choices of coffee available with automatic operation, the Eletta has more options with several milk-based drinks available thanks to its automatic milk frother.

Generally, the Eletta takes less manual intervention than the Autentica, as you would expect with an automatic milk frother.

Both machines seem to get generally very good user reviews though the Autentica appears to have more consistent praise with only really the water tank capacity standing out in terms of drawbacks highlighted by customers.

Ultimately if an automatic milk frother and the options that offers as well as capacity is important to you then the Eletta may be the way to go between the two. However, if you have no particular need for the automatic milk frother and can live with fewer automatic drinks choices as well as the smaller water tank, then the Autentica appears to be a genuine crowd-pleaser. The choice is ultimately yours depending on what your budget and preferences are.

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Delonghi Eletta (ECAM 44.660.B, Black – Capuccino)

★★★★★

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Delonghi Autentica (ETAM 29.510.B, Black)

★★★★★

When it comes to coffee makers two of the most common types available are bean to cup and ground coffee machines. But when it comes bean to cup vs ground, what the actual differences in terms of how they operate and their respective advantages? There are some key features as well as advantages and potential disadvantages of both that could be important when making your decision.

Below we’ll take a look at each type of coffee maker and delve into some of these key differences between bean to cup vs ground.

What Are Bean To Cup Machines?

Bean to cup coffee machines are those that use whole coffee beans to brew your coffee. The machines are fed who beans that are then passed through a grinder before being brewed and fashioned into your desired choice of beverage.

What Are Ground Coffee Machines?

Ground coffee machines are those that use already ground coffee to brew your espressos and help you make your favourite beverage. Unlike the bean to cup machines, they do not have a grinder and can take any

Bean To Cup vs Ground: Bean To Cup Coffee Makers

Let’s delve into bean to cup coffee makers first by looking at their advantages and disadvantages.

Advantages of Bean To Cup Coffee Makers

Fresh Coffee

Perhaps the biggest advantage of using bean to cup coffee makers is the fact that you get fresh coffee that is ground at the point of use. This makes a significant difference when it comes to enjoying coffee that is as fresh as possible. Rather than using ground coffee that may have been sat in an opened bag for weeks before, you can get your coffee brewed from beans that are ground at the time you actually want to make it.

This is critical in terms of freshness as coffee begins to lose its potency in terms of flavour and aroma relatively quickly after it is ground. The more oxygen it comes into contact with the more this process is accelerated.

Out of the main three types of coffee makers built for convenience (pod; bean to cup; ground), the bean to cup variety delivers the freshest coffee as it is the only one that can take whole beans that are ground at the time they’re needed.

If fresh coffee is very important to you, a bean to cup coffee machine may be the way to go.

Wide Choice of Coffee

Another advantage of having a bean to cup coffee machine is the fact it allows you a wide range of choices in terms of the variety of coffee you can use.

As you are not bound by the type of preground coffee available like in the case of a ground machine, you can go as wide as your taste buds desire as long as you can find suitable beans for brewing.

In addition, there are some bean to cup coffee machines that can also take ground coffee giving you even more flexibility in terms of variety and how your coffee is made.

Take The Hassle Out With Automated Process

Typically bean to cup coffee machines available on the market will help you with automating the coffee-making process. Within a bean to cup machine you will typically find a grinder to turn the beans into the fine ground coffee needed.

These can often have a variety of settings to allow you to choose the coarseness of the beans. This will then be accompanied by a boiler of sorts to heat up the water before a brewing unit gets to work and in many cases automatically tamps your coffee. Many have built-in milk frothing machines to give you a wide range of drinks.

All of these functions are typically packaged within a bean to cup coffee maker and easily accessible at the press or touch of a few buttons in many cases. Increasingly bean to cup coffee machine manufacturers are producing units that require limited intervention aside from making your selection on the type of drink you want. There are also some that can save your favourite settings for future use.

Variety of Drinks

As well as your favourite espresso many bean to cup coffee machines can also turn out your favourite latte and cappuccino style coffees. With many coming with either an automated milk frother or a manual frother, you have a wide range of options in terms of the type of drink you would like.

There are some machines that can also brew tea as well as hot chocolate helping you to get the most out of your appliance at home.

Make Two Drinks At Once

As well as allowing you to make a variety of drinks, many bean to cup coffee machines also allow you to make two drinks at a time. This works well if you have guests over or have two of you in the home who both enjoy a morning espresso. s

Disadvantages of Bean To Cup Coffee Makers

Can Be Large

Due to the number of built-in functions bean to cup coffee machines can sometimes be relatively large. This is also often driven by the grinders which can take up some space within the unit.

The size of the unit is something to consider if you have a particular place on your kitchen counter where you would like the machine to go. Some can also tend to look bulky so if style is a key consideration you’ll need to be discerning when making your selection though there are plenty of models available that could potentially fit the bill.

Can Be Expensive

One potential downside when it comes to bean to cup machines is that they can often be relatively expensive. Prices can vary significantly with models available from around £200 all the way up to £2000 and beyond with some of the best being around £500 – £800. A higher price though doesn’t of course always equate to better quality coffee and performance so keep that in mind when making your selection.

Sometimes Difficult To Clean

A potential disadvantage of bean to cup coffee machines is that they may sometimes be difficult to clean. This, however, is increasingly being negated with many machines that come with one-touch self-cleaning operations. It’s still worth keeping an eye out for any mention of maintenance and cleaning in customer reviews.

Noisey Grinders

Something else to look out for when it comes to bean to cup coffee machines is that the grinders can sometimes be noisey. This is of course a particular disadvantage when compared to ground coffee machines.

Bean To Cup vs Ground: Ground Coffee Makers

Ground coffee makers have several advantages as well as some disadvantages. Let’s delve into these below.

Advantages of Ground Coffee Makers

Choice of Any Ground Coffee

A major advantage of ground coffee machines is the wide choice of coffee you get as you can use any ground coffee so long as it is the right grind level.

This opens up many possibilities in a similar fashion to bean to cup machines do.

More Control Over How Your Drink Is Made

Ground coffee machines typically allow you more control over how your drink is made than bean to cup and certainly pod machines. This is because you can control how much coffee goes into your drink as well as how it is tampered. You also then have control over how your milk is frothed which is particularly useful when making milk-based drinks such as cappuccinos and lattes.

Tend To Be Cheaper Than Bean To Cup

A significant advantage of ground coffee machines is that they are typically cheaper than bean to cup machines. With more manual controls and no grinder to contend with, ground coffee models can usually be found for far less than automatic bean to cup varieties.

Can Be Used With ESE Pods

To help make life even easier, ground coffee machines can also be used with Easy Serving Espresso (ESE) pods. The term “pod” may be a tad confusing as it can evoke thoughts of the coffee pods/capsules needed for Nespresso and other similar machines. These ESE pods though are more like tea bags but with coffee.

They can be used to help avoid some of the mess involved with crafting your own espresso. Rather than having to use the correct amount and then tamping it, ESE pods come with a pre-served amount of coffee (usually up to 7grams) and act like teabags. These will help to ensure you get your espresso but less hassle and less cleaning up to do afterward.

Despite the convenience, there are those who question the quality of taste with ESE pods. There is also the question of how much they will cost.

Disadvantages of Ground Coffee Machines

Not As Fresh As Bean To Cup

When it comes to freshness, a particular disadvantage of ground coffee machines when compared to bean to cup machines is the fact they will not produce coffee that is as fresh. This is simply because they cannot, of course, match the freshly ground coffee that bean to cup machines do.

Once coffee is ground is starts to lose its freshness as well as quality and aroma. Although ground coffee is packaged once it is ready by the time a bag is opened and finished it will have lost a certain amount of its freshness regardless.

Involves More Manual Preparation and Operation Than Bean To Cup

A potential downside for some is that ground coffee machines involve more manual preparation than bean to cup machines. With ground coffee machines there is a need to decide on the amount of coffee and then do the tampering which is a critical part of making a quality espresso.

Depending on the type of coffee you’re making you may then need to do the milk frothing if it’s a milk-based drink such as a cappuccino or a latte.

For some, of course, having to learn and use this skill is part of the fun of making your own coffee, however, others may not have the time nor inclination to hone these skills at home.

May End Up With Inconsistent Results

As a result of the more hands-on approach required with a ground coffee machine, you are more likely to end up with inconsistencies between one cup to the next.

As there is more manual intervention as opposed to an automated drink from a bean to cup machine, there’s also more room for inconsistent results in taste from one cup to the next.

Bean To Cup vs Ground: Conclusion

So, now that we’ve taken a look at the various merits between a bean to cup vs ground coffee machine and gotten a better idea of their respective strengths; what works best for you? That will really come down to how hands-on you want to get when making your coffee as well as other considerations such as how important freshness is to you and how much you want to spend.

When it comes to coffee machines that make espresso like beverages there are generally three main options; pod/capsules machines, bean to cup as well as ground. In this article, we’ll be covering the main differences between a bean to cup vs pod coffee machine.

There are plenty of options on the market today when it comes to picking a coffee maker at home and for many people the choice comes down to a bean to cup vs pod coffee machine.

We’ll then delve into some of the best options around for each type of machine.

Bean To Cup Machines	Pod Coffee Machines
Advantages	Advantages
+ Saves you time	+ Consistency in taste
+ Make fresh tasting coffee	+Easy to use
+ Use a variety of beans	+ Great if you want variety without skill
+ Easy to use	+ Wide range of prices
Disadvantages	Disadvantages
– Can be large	– Taste is not as fresh
– Sometimes more expensive than pod machines	– Pods can make them costly
– More complicated to use than pod machines	– Pods can be environmentally challenging

Bean To Cup vs Pod Coffee Machine: Bean To Cup

Let’s start by looking at the bean to cup machines first.

What Is a Bean To Cup Coffee Machine

Bean to cup machines work by allowing you to choose a type of whole coffee bean to be fed into the coffee maker to be ground and turned into your desired type of beverage at the press of a button. They are equipped with a bean grinder that will process the beans, they’ll then heat the water in the machine and produce your fresh coffee by releasing the hot water through the ground beans.

Most models will allow you to adjust the strength of your coffee as well as the amount you want produced.

Depending on the type of bean to cup machine you opt for, it may also be equipped with a milk frother to make more interesting beverages.

As many bean to cup machines combine a bean grinder, as well as an espressor maker and milk frother they are able to usually produce esperessors, lattes and cappucino.

Advantages of Bean To Cup Coffee Machines

Let’s take a look at some of the main advantages of a bean to cup coffee machine.

Easy To Use

The name of this type of coffee machine gives a pretty good indication of how easy it to use; bean to cup. One of the main advantages of using a bean to cup is how easy it is to turn your favourite coffee beans into a fresh cup of coffee. At just the press of a button or few, you can get a batch of coffee made just as you like in your own kitchen. They tend to be far less complicated to operate than ground coffee machines and filters.

Make Fresh Coffee

Another significant advantage of bean to cup machines for a lot of coffee lovers is the fact they allow you to make truly fresh coffee as the beans are ground when you need them. Rather than coming in a premade pod or being ground already, the beans in your bean to cup machine stay whole and fresh until they are fed into your machine. This helps produce arguably the freshest coffee of any of the main types of coffee makers at home.

The main reason why this is the case is due to the fact that beans start to lose some of their flavour once they are ground and left to sit.

If you value freshness above anything else then a bean to cup may be the way to go.

Produce A Varierty of Types of Coffees

As bean to cup machines rely on whole beans rather than specific pods, for example, you are able to use a variety of different beans for your coffee giving you a wide range of choices.

There are some machines that will also allow you to select the level of coarseness you want in your ground beans.

In some instances depending on the model, some machines will also handle ground beans as well.

Saves You Time

As bean to cup machines combine and automate the process of grinding, brewing, and sometimes frothing into one machine, they can save you time spent on bringing together your coffee. It can also mean you avoid buying different appliances to make your favourite style of coffee.

At the touch of a button, you can set the process in motion whilst you wait or go ahead and make the rest of your breakfast or whatever it is you need to do.

What Are The Disadvantages of Bean To Cup Coffee Machines

Can Be Large

As bean to cup coffee machines typically combine three different appliances into one unit, they tend to be quite large.

This will mean they can take up significant counter space on your kitchen worktop so this is something to keep in mind when making your selection.

Of course on the other hand, having one larger unit may be better than having 2 or 3 individual appliances to do the same job but it is nonetheless something to consider.

They are also usually far larger than pod coffee machines.

Can Sometimes Be Louder Than Pod Coffee Machines

As the bean to cup coffee machines need to actually grind coffee beans to make a batch they can tend to be noisy and noticeably more so than pod machines.

More Complicated Than Pod Coffee Machines

Another potential drawback with bean to cup coffee machines depending on what you are looking for is that they typically tend to be more complicated to use than pod machines. With a pod coffee machine, you simply pop in the pod and get the coffee you need without having to deal with too many variables.

With a bean to cup coffee machine on the other hand there are more choices and variables to deal with. Whilst this of course provides you with more choice and versatility in your drinks, it does also mean they can be more complicated to operate than the pod-style coffee machines. If ease of use is a big factor for you, then this something to certainly consider.

Can Be More Expensive Than Pod Coffee Machines

A potential drawback of bean to cup coffee machines when compared to pod coffee machines is the fact they tend to be more expensive.

As you are dealing with a type of coffee machine that has more sophisticated features, they usually draw higher prices as you would expect. However, this typically only applies to the upfront cost as pod machines although cheaper up front, tend to be more expensive to run due to the cost of the pods.

Bean To Cup vs Pod Coffee Machine: Pod Coffee Machine

Let’s now switch focus to the pod coffee machine and take a look at how they operate as well as their pros and cons particularly in relation to bean to cup coffee machines.

What Are Pod Coffee Machines?

Pod coffee machines are those that use pods or capsules of pre-ground coffee to make single-serve beverages.

Once the pod is inserted into the machine it is then pierced and hot water is then run through the ground coffee to brew your desired drink.

Some pod machines are also equipped with a milk frother or steam wand which can help with making lattes, cappuccinos, or other styles of beverages.

What Are The Advantages of Pod Coffee Machines?

Now we know what pod coffee machines are and how they work, let’s delve into their main advantages.

Easy To Use

Pod coffee machines are probably the easiest of the main coffee makers to use. You simply pop the pod into your coffee maker and with the press of a button or two you’ll be served your desired coffee.

Although bean to cup machines are relatively easy to operate, pod coffee machines are typically even easier as they have fewer options and variables for you to contend with.

If you do not want the hassle of figuring out various options every time you make your espresso then a pod-style coffee machine may be the way to go.

Consistency In Taste

A major advantage of pod coffee machines and one of the reasons why they are so popular is because they produce consistent results.

With just your choice of pod and typically few options (many have a single button), there’s not much that can vary from one cup of coffee to the next. This means once you find your favourite brew you’ll have good confidence that you can carry on replicating the taste time and again.

Saves Time

A major advantage of pod-style coffee machines is the amount of time they save when compared to other types including bean to cup varieties.

With only a pod to choose to get your machine started you save a lot of time, especially if you brew coffee regularly, even when compared to bean to cup as you do not have further choices to make on bean type, coarseness level as well as keeping track of the level of milk and water in your system.

There is also the time saved when it comes to cleaning the machines which can sometimes put some people off with more complicated machines and the amount of work sometimes needed.

With pod machines, you are typically dealing with smaller appliances and in some cases with parts that are dishwasher safe.

Great If You Want Variety Without Skill

Though some purests like to lament the decline of the barista as a result of home-use coffee machines and pod machines in particular, if you are a regular coffee drinker who just wants their favourite hit without much fuss, then pod machines are great.

With single-serve coffee pods becoming increasingly popular it is clear that there are plenty of people out there who simply want a great cup of their favourite coffee without worrying about all the intricate steps that may be required to brew one with a more complex machine.

It means that great quality coffee at home has become a lot more accessible to the general population as a major barrier (skill required) has been removed.

Wide Range of Price Points

Another significant advantage of pod coffee machines is the fact that they have a wide range of choice when it comes to pricing.

There are some highly-rated pod machines from some of the most well-known brands in this sector like Nespresso and Nescafe Dolce Gusto available from around £40. Whilst there are also bean to cup machines available for well under £100, it may be difficult to find one that can compare in terms of quality of output at that kind of price point.

However, with pod coffee machines although the upfront cost can be relatively inexpensive when compared to other types including bean to cups, the on-going costs can be much higher (more on that below).

What Are The Disdavantages of Pod Coffee Machines?

Here are some of the main drawbacks of pod coffee machines.

Lack Of Freshness

Coffee quickly starts to lose it potency and freshness once the beans are ground and exposed to oxygen. The finer the beans are ground, the more air they are exposed to due to their increased surface area. This is of course a general issue with making coffee but clearly affects pod and also machines that take ground coffee.

Thus the longer ground coffee beans remain unused after being ground the more freshness they lose. For this reason one of the downsides of using coffee pods is that the beans would have been ground some time ago by the point you come to use them. Though they will have been preserved in their pod, there level of freshness cannot compare to a bean to cup variety for example as their beans are not ground at the time of use.

Pods Can Be Costly

Although the upfront cost of a pod coffee machine can be relatively low, the ongoing cost to your pocket can build up. This is mainly due to the cost of the pods. These can range between £0.20 to £0.60 meaning if you could easily end up paying £1 per day if you like two cups of coffee every day. And that’s before you factor in the cost of the machine. Though this still works out cheaper than buying your coffee of course from a cafe, it’s still worth noting.

Environmental Cost?

Another major cost of using pod machines is the impact they have on the environment. The pods themselves are quite often non-biodegradable and difficult to recycle. Increasingly though, companies are developing degradable pods as consumers are conscious of this.

However, although single-serve coffee pods can be problematic to recycle, when looked at, on the whole, using pod coffee machines can actually turn out to be the most environmentally conscious way to make your coffee. This is because the main source of energy use when it comes to making your coffee is the amount spent on growing it. Thus it will then come down to how those beans are used and typically pod coffee machines will encourage better consumption as they have a set amount per cup.

The other main use of energy comes down to how the coffee is brewed. With pod style coffee machines, typically only the amount of water needed for a single serving is heated up unlike a bean to cup or ground or filter machine that could heat up the equivalent of 12 cups even though the user may only end up consuming a few.

Conclusion: Bean To Cup vs Pod Coffee Machine

So, bean to cup vs pod machine – which one is best for you? This will depend entirely on what type of coffee you want, how fresh you want it to be, how much you want to spend as well as a host of other factors. One of the key differentiators between the two though is the freshness of the coffee. If you cannot do without beans ground and brewed right when you are ready to consume them then a bean to cup machine is the way to go. If on the other hand, you value convenience and simplicity above anything else, then the pod coffee machine maybe your best bet.

Coffee is one of the most popular beverages around. If you’re an avid fan you may be tempted to grab a coffee maker to do it yourself at home. But is it worth getting a coffee maker? In this article we’re going to take a look at some of the reasons why it may be worth you considering getting your own coffee maker and also some reasons why you might not want to.

Is It Worth Getting A Coffee Maker?: Reasons To Get One

Let’s start by taking a look at some reasons why it may be worth getting a coffee maker.

Saves You Money (In The Long-Run)

If you are regular coffee drinker and would consider making it yourself rather than buying it from a cafe every time then a coffee maker could definitely save you money.

Although you have to shell out for the upfront cost of a coffee maker, which depending on the type and model you go for can range from anywhere £30 – £900/£1,000, and the pods/capsules, beans or ground coffee, you are still likely to end up with cheaper cups of coffee than buying it in a shop.

There’s plenty of support that suggests that making your own coffee at home rather than buying it in your favourite coffee shop regularly could save you a significant amount of money every year.

If you’re someone who likes to have an espresso just as you get into your office or as you sit on the train, then you can find plenty of portable coffee mugs that will keep your brew nice and hot until you are ready to actually drink it.

Consistency

One of the main reasons many like the idea of getting a coffee maker is that it offers them more consistent results when it comes to their favourite brew.

Coffee makers help you to remove some of the variability involved with making your favourite style of coffee and offer a consistent way to do so. This is particularly the case with pod or capsule style coffee makers.

Coffee When You Want It

A major reason why getting a coffee maker may be worth it for you is that you’ll be able to have shop quality coffee whenever you want it.

Rather than having to time it into your commute or pop out to your nearest coffee shop, with a coffee maker at home you’ll be able to cater to your own needs whenever you want to.

For many this is reason enough to grab a coffee machine for home use as they spend enough time queuing up for coffee every morning when they could just press a button in their own kitchen and have theirs made within a few minutes.

Saves You Effort

As with any machine in your kitchen, having a coffee maker offers you a great deal of convenience and saves you on effort. Rather than having to manually put together your favourite style of coffee every morning, with the touch of a button you can get straight to your desired style of coffee.

As well as making things easier for you, it will also likely save you time from manually putting together your favourite beverage.

Better Quality Coffee

If you already make your own instant coffee at home without a machine, you are likely to find that you make better quality coffee with a dedicated machine.

Having a machine do it for you will also likely mean you are less interested in going into a cafe and buying an expensive cup.

More Control

One of the best things about having your own coffee machine at home is that it will give you more control over how your coffee is made and what goes into it. As great as it can be to get your favourite concotion from a major coffee shop, some of these beverages can sometimes be loaded with more sugar for example than you may want to consume, especially if you are doing so daily.

Making your own cups at home mean you’ll get to decide exactly what goes into your beverage from start to finish and control your calorie intake more effectively.

Great For Guests

If you’ve ever had to make a ton of coffee without a machine for guests at home then you may quickly appreciate why a coffee maker may be worth your while. With many machines available that can provide up to as many as 10 – 12 cups of coffee, catering to your guests with high quality coffee is made a lot easier with your own machine.

Regardless of the capacity of a machine, your guests are likely to enjoy the higher quality of coffee on offer from your kitchen.

Flexibility

As well as making coffee, some machines can also brew up a cup of tea and hot chocolate. Though this may not be your primary driver for acquiring a machine as a coffee lover, if you’re looking for a way to justify an expensive option in your home, a wider appeal doesn’t hurt.

By going for a coffee maker that can also make different types of beverages, you are more likely to get more consistent use out of it and making it worth your while.

Is It Worth Getting A Coffee Maker?: Reasons Not To

Let’s also consider why it may not be worth getting a coffee maker.

Occasional Drinker

If you only drink coffee very occasionally and know that your coffee maker is likely to sit in the corner and collect dust, then getting a coffee maker may not necessarily make sense.

Unless you are quite happy to have yet another appliance that goes unused then you may be better off with the occasional coffee from your favourite cafe or making it manually.

If You’re Short On Space

If you are short on counter space in the kitchen then it may not be worth you getting a coffee machine. Depending on the type of coffee maker you choose, they can take up a decent amount of space on your counter. This is especially true of bean-to-cup stlyle machines.

Having said that if you opt for a capsule or pod style machine you could end up witha fairly compact footprint that would be easy to store on your counter or in the cupboards should you need to.

Conclusion: Is It Worth Getting A Coffee Maker?

So, is it worth getting a coffee maker? It appears that if you are a regular coffee drinker, then it may well be worth getting yourself a coffee maker. When you consider the convenience, time and effort saved and perhaps most of all the money, then getting a coffee maker seems to make perfect sense.

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