A great bean to cup coffee machine doesn’t have to cost a fortune. The best value machines give you a good grinder, a reliable brewing unit and an automatic milk system for well under the price of a flagship. Here are the models we think offer the most for your money.
Our best value picks
De’Longhi Magnifica Evo Next: best under £600
The De’Longhi Magnifica Evo Next, Titanium has De’Longhi’s LatteCrema automatic milk system, a decent burr grinder and one-touch drinks. It’s simple, reliable and makes very good everyday coffee.
De’Longhi Rivelia: best for switching beans
The De’Longhi Rivelia Bean to Cup Machine, Grey has interchangeable bean hoppers, so you can switch from your everyday blend to decaf in seconds. A clever, stylish machine at a great price.
De’Longhi Dinamica Plus and Magnifica Plus
The De’Longhi Dinamica Plus Bean to Cup Machine and De’Longhi Magnifica Plus Bean to Cup Machine add a colour touchscreen and more drinks. Both are excellent mid-range choices.
De’Longhi Eletta Explore: best overall value
The De’Longhi Eletta Explore, Dark Grey makes dozens of hot and cold drinks, including cold milk foam for iced lattes. It feels far more premium than its price suggests.
Jura E6: best value premium
If you want Jura quality without flagship money, the Jura E6 Bean to Cup Machine, Piano Black is the one. It makes excellent espresso and one-touch cappuccinos with Jura’s fine foam.
Smeg BCC13: best value design
The Smeg BCC13 Bean to Cup Machine with Milk System, Matte Black brings 1950s Italian style and an integrated milk system. See our Smeg coffee machine guide.
What makes a bean to cup machine good value?
- A steel burr grinder with enough settings to adjust for different beans.
- A removable or self-cleaning brewing unit.
- An automatic milk system that’s easy to clean.
- A warranty and service network you can rely on.
- Low running costs: beans cost far less per cup than pods.
Where it’s worth spending more
Spend more if you want better milk texture, more drink options, quieter grinding or a more premium build. The Jura E8 Bean to Cup Machine, Black and De’Longhi PrimaDonna Soul are the natural next steps.
Running costs: bean to cup vs pods
A bag of good coffee beans makes a double espresso for roughly 30–50p, compared with 40–60p or more for a single pod, and the coffee is far fresher. Over a year, a household drinking a few coffees a day can save a significant amount, which helps offset the cost of the machine.
Features worth paying for
- Automatic milk system: essential if you love lattes and cappuccinos.
- Adjustable grind and strength: lets you tune the coffee to different beans.
- User profiles: saves each person’s favourite drinks.
- Removable brewing unit: easier to keep clean.
- Water filter compatibility: reduces descaling.
Features you can skip
Huge drinks menus sound impressive but most people use four or five drinks. App control is handy but not essential. Focus on grinder quality, milk system and build, and you’ll get better coffee for your money.
Getting the best from a budget bean to cup
- Use medium roast espresso beans rather than very dark, oily beans.
- Set the grinder a little finer for richer espresso.
- Pre-heat your cups for hotter coffee.
- Clean the milk system daily and descale regularly.
Try Union Original Blend Espresso Beans, 1kg or Lavazza Espresso Barista Gran Crema Beans, 1kg from our coffee beans.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best value bean to cup coffee machine?
The De’Longhi Eletta Explore, Dark Grey offers the most features for the money. On a tighter budget, the De’Longhi Magnifica Evo Next, Titanium.
Are cheap bean to cup machines worth it?
Very cheap machines often have poor grinders and weak milk systems. Spending a little more on a proven model gives far better coffee and reliability.
How long do bean to cup machines last?
With regular cleaning and descaling, a good bean to cup machine should last many years.
Browse all our bean to cup coffee machines.
