Is there any better way to start your day than with a good, quality cup of coffee? As any coffee snob will attest, not all types of coffee are created equal, and this is why so many of us rely on our local baristas to help us enjoy that all-important caffeine fix.
While this is undoubtedly delicious, it can also add up to a pretty hefty cost over a short period of time, and this may be an expense that you find that you can no longer justify.
Fortunately for you, there is a solution – and it doesn’t require you to go cold-turkey on your coffee addiction (as if we would ever ask you to do that!). Delonghi is a brand with a wealth of experience in the coffee industry, and they have developed a sterling reputation for quality, excellence and amazing taste.
Their bean-to-cup coffee machines allow you to enjoy the taste and experience of barista coffee in the comfort and convenience of your own home – not only does this save you valuable cash, but it also allows you to enjoy a cup of your favourite java whenever the mood takes you.
One of the main issues for many customers is the sheer volume of choice; Delonghi offers an extensive range of bean-to-cup machines, and opting for the best one can be overwhelming.
Fortunately for you, we have taken care of the hard work, and scoured the stores to discover the very best bean-to-cup machines offered by Delonghi, as well as everything you need to know to make a smart, informed choice: all you have to do is choose your favourite!
Delonghi Magnifica
Magnifica by name, and magnificent by nature, this stunning bean-to-cup offering from Delonghi offers everything you need to enjoy top quality, barista style coffee in the comfort of your own home.
The machine is super simple to program and operate – ideal for first thing in the morning, and there is no steep learning curve to try and navigate when you first purchase the machine.
Both water and ground coffee are loaded at the front, and this also makes it easy to clean and maintain – there is no need to worry about having to take the entire machine apart.
Both ground coffee and fresh beans can be used; the former are ground using a built-in burr grinder, and the coarseness can be adjusted to meet your preferences and tastes.
Choose from a range of customisation settings, including the strength of your coffee, the amount of coffee, the coarseness of ground beans, and even the steam output. Milk is frothed using a quality steel milk frothing arm, and a 15-bar pump inside the machine helps to extract just the right amount of taste from the beans, without producing a bitter taste.
The Magnifica is also energy efficient; an internal thermoblock heats the water, speeding up the whole process and minimising wasted energy. The ability to produce two espressos at once also helps to increase efficiency, and minimise the time you spend making your coffee.
As well as being efficient and easy to use, this model is also easy to take care of – the machine will automatically rinse after every use, and both the water tank and brewing unit can be removed for cleaning – ideally, this should be done after every use to reduce the risk of build-up.
Perhaps the most important advantage of this model is the price – at under £300, this sits at the lower end of the budget but does not ask you to sacrifice quality or taste.
Pros
- Affordable price makes this a great entry-level bean-to-cup machine for those on a budget.
- Save time by making two espressos at once – perfect for treating someone, or enjoying your own double shot.
- Customise your coffee by selecting beans, strength and steam output
- Stylish look – a great addition to your kitchen
- Easy to clean and maintain to save you time and increase the lifespan of your machine
Cons
- Milk frother is not automatic, as it is on more expensive machines
- INTEGRATED GRINDER: Includes an integrated Coffee burr grinder with 7 adjustable coarseness levels; the beans are ground instantly for fuller flavour and a fresher cup of Coffee
Delonghi Eletta
Another top option for quality coffee is the Delonghi Eletta, and this is a popular mid-range option that offers you barista-quality coffee at the touch of a button and is one of the easiest and more straightforward models to use, making it ideal for those who are juggling busy schedules and need to get their coffee to go.
One of the main advantages of the Eletta model is the ability to automatically froth milk, using a ready-to-go carafe. This makes it super easy to whip up lattes and cappuccinos, and any excess milk can be saved, by removing the carafe and storing it in the fridge for later use – ideal for cutting waste and ensuring that you are always ready to go.
A range of customisation options are available, helping you to create your perfect coffee; choose from one of 13 settings for the coarseness of your beans – this allows you even greater freedom than you would get from a coffee shop.
As an added bonus, you can also save your preferred settings not only for your own coffee but for different members of your family by setting up multiple profiles – this is the ultimate customisable coffee machine.
Enjoy the taste of fresh beans with every cup, and opt for your preferred froth setting, choose your ideal temperature, and select the strength of your coffee.
You can also substitute fresh beans for ground coffee if the need arises. A 2-litre water tank means that you will always have enough water, and an automatic shut off mode is ideal for saving energy.
As well as working quickly and efficiently, the Eletta bean-to-cup machine is also super easy to clean and take care of, with automatic programmes to take care of rinsing and decalcification – these can be messy jobs, so the ability to automate them is a real bonus.
This also helps to ensure that your coffee machine will stand the test of time, and be a worthwhile investment for years to come.
Pros
- Automatic milk frother allows you to make cappuccinos, lattes and other treats quickly and easily
- Choose from 13 customisation options – select your coffee strength, froth type and temperature.
- 2l water tank allows you to always be ready
- Stylish finish – looks great in your kitchen
- Auto clean feature saves time and effort
Cons
- Results may not be hot enough for some coffee fans
- VARIETY OF COFFEE CHOICES Enjoy a wide variety of espresso based drinks at the touch of a button Espresso, Ristretto and Long Coffee; easily customize aroma level and Coffee length according to taste
Delonghi Eletta Plus
For a quality alternative to the Delonghi Eletta, this is the ideal solution. The Eletta Plus offers the chance to enjoy a delicious, vibrant coffee without the high price tag that comes from automatic machines.
Choose from fresh beans or ground coffee, and take charge of the temperature of your final beverage, as well as the strength and length of the end result – you are in charge every step of the way.
The burr grinder offers a choice of 13 coarseness settings for your fresh beans, helping you craft the perfect taste, and you can also choose from a range of froth settings, and this means that you can opt for perfect cappuccinos or luscious lattes with minimal effort.
Coffees are made quickly and easily thanks to the inclusion of an advanced thermoblock boiler, which is designed to only use the water that you need for each cup – ideal for saving water, energy and money. A 15-bar pump allows up to two cups to be brewed at once – another bonus for saving energy – and the two nozzle output makes it fast and easy to produce the coffees that you desire.
The auto-clean function is a real blessing to anyone who finds themselves short of time, or who simply cannot summon up the energy or effort to clean the machine; this can be a real drawback of bean-to-cup machines, and so it is refreshing to find such a simple solution.
As an added bonus, the arm can also be used to heat water if you would prefer a cup of tea; this is a truly multifunctional piece of kit. Overall, this is a stylish, modern bean-to-cup machine that will look great in your kitchen, and keep you sufficiently caffeinated.
Pros
- Stylish silver colouring looks great in your kitchen and offers a clean, modern design
- Auto-clean function leaves your Eletta Plus in tip-top condition after every use
- Brew two cups at once to save time and energy
- Thermoblock boiler only uses the water you need for each cup – ideal for saving water and energy
- 13 coarseness settings for beans allows you to create your perfect cup
Cons
- Cannot automatically make cappuccinos
- Makes all coffee shop favourites, grinding your choice of fresh beans for a suitable taste
Delonghi Fully Automatic Bean-To-Cup
One of the main appeals of the Delonghi fully automatic bean-to-cup model is the stunning Italian-style design; this is sleek, modern and eye-catching, and is sure to be a much-admired addition to any kitchen space.
Though this is a little cheaper than some of the pricer Delonghi models, the stunning design does not reflect this, and the overall quality is first-class.
Both fresh beans and ground coffee can be used, allowing you to try a range of types of coffees and blends, and the quality of the steam arm means that it is super easy to froth milk and complete your delicious beverage – the steam arm can take a little while to get used to, but once you have the hang of things, the results are delicious.
A choice of 13 settings in the burr grinder allows you to choose your own bean coarseness – this is ideal for helping you to create your ideal blend, with personalisation that is not available in a commercial coffee store.
Another great feature of this model is the control panel – this gives you the chance to adjust the strength of your coffee, as well as the chance to switch from one to two cups of coffee as needed – ideal if you are making a cup for another person.
The control panel tells you exactly what is going on at every stage, putting you in control, and is super easy to use and navigate.
Taking care of your coffee machine is also easier than ever thanks to the inclusion of an automatic rinse mode, as well as a decalcification programme, and removable brewing unit – this means that you can rest assured that your machine will run smoothly and efficiently for longer, making your investment well worth the while.
Pros
- Stunning Italian design is sure to be a real asset to any kitchen and looks more expensive than it is
- Total customisation is possible thanks to an intuitive control panel
- Self-cleaning and decalcification programmes save you time and prolong the lifespan of your machine
- Steam arm is easy to use and allows you to create barista-style coffee
- Affordable price means that this is accessible to a number of customers
Cons
- Steam arm does take some getting used to
- Rated voltage / frequency (V ~ Hz): 220/240 ~ 50/60. Input power (W): 1450. Pump pressure (bar): 15. Coffee strength settings: yes. Auto power off: yes. Grain tank capacity (g): 250.
Delonghi PrimaDonna Soul
At the top end of the budget lies the Delonghi PrimaDonna Soul model, and this is a modern, intuitive and innovative model designed to offer you a first-class cup of coffee each and every time.
With app integration, advanced features, and a bold, stylish appearance, this is a coffee machine that demands to be noticed – and which has the quality to back up its dramatic claims.
This is a bean-to-cup machine that enjoys attention and is not one to be hidden away quietly in the corner of the kitchen. The machine is large and bold, with a clear, colour touchscreen located at the top.
Unlike many other models, there are no buttons, and this helps to give the entire aesthetic a clean, uncluttered, and somewhat minimalist vibe.
In addition to the modern touchscreen, you can also operate your machine via the app, choosing from a variety of popular options, including long coffees, cappuccinos and espresso – your machine is so smart that it will automatically reorder these based on how often you use them, ranking according to popularity to ensure that your preferred beverage is always quick and easy to access.
Another must-try feature of the PrimaDonna Soul is the innovative Bean Adapt system, which will automatically detect the type of coffee that you have inserted, and adjust the grinding, dose and temperature settings accordingly, helping you to enjoy the perfect brew every time.
This can be used in conjunction with the LatteCrema system, which textures your milk perfectly for dreamy, frothy lattes. As an added bonus, this is a machine that is built to last and is an investment that will help you to enjoy barista-style coffee in the comfort of your own home for many years to come.
Pros
- Intuitive touchscreen allows you to customise your preferred settings, and will even remember your preferences and rank them accordingly.
- Stunning, stylish design will look amazing in your kitchen
- Bean Adapt system automatically adjusts your beans to ensure that you receive the best taste.
- LatteCrema system froths and textures milk to perfection
- Smooth, minimalist appearance reduces visual clutter.
Cons
- Very expensive compared to other models
- Unleash the soul of your coffee beans. The Bean Adapt Technology automatically adaps the grinding, dose and temperature parameters based on the specific type of coffee you’re using. Controlled through the connected mobile app.
Buyers Guide
So now that we have taken some time to consider the very best Delonghi bean-to-cup coffee machines, you may be wondering how to choose the best one for you – especially when they all have plenty of advantages! Some of the main considerations to keep in mind include:
Milk Frothing
As we have seen, different bean-to-cup machines come with their own methods of frothing your milk, and this can play a key role in the machine that you choose to purchase.
Ultimately, your decision will depend largely on whether you are a fan of milk-based coffees, such as lattes and cappuccinos, or if you prefer a dry espresso blend. For the latter, the milk frother is less important – but fans of the former will want to pay close attention.
There are two main options here: having your milk frothed for you, and your whole coffee prepared and delivered complete, or whether you are happy to froth the milk manually, and add it to your coffee yourself. Delonghi bean-to-cup machines usually come with two options: a steam wand, or automatic frothing.
Steam wands are the more traditional option, and, as the name suggests, allow you to add milk to a jug, where the wand uses a burst of steam to heat it – this may be automated or manual. Once the milk is steamed to your liking, you can add it to your drink.
An automatic frother, on the other hand, allows you to add milk to the relevant container on the machine. From here, a frother that is already built-in to your machine will pick it up, froth it, and then dispense it directly into the cup, leaving you with one less job to do.
This can be tempting if you are short of time, or simply prefer to head off and do something else while your coffee is prepared. You should note that automatic frothers tend to be a little more expensive, and typically come in the higher priced bean-to-cup models.
Another option for adding your own milk is to purchase an external milk-frothing accessory, which will heat and whisk the milk added, allowing you to add the final product to your coffee. In most cases, however, Delonghi machines will come with either a quality steam wand, or a built in, automatic frother, and an additional purchase will not be needed.
Ability To Personalise Your Drink
Another feature to consider is the extent to which you would like to be able to personalise your coffee, and this will vary from model to model.
Many Delonghi bean-to-cup machines will come with plenty of pre-set drink settings, as well as the option to adjust the coarseness of beans, the temperature of the coffee, the amount of coffee, and the strength – this is ideal for ensuring that you receive your ideal blend every time, and offers a more personal touch than a commercial coffee shop.
In some models, you can also benefit from a memory function – this will automatically store the settings that you have used for previous drinks, and recall them for you at the push of a button, eliminating the need to reprogram the machine every time you go for a coffee.
Capacity
Consider the amount of coffee that you typically make at once; this will determine the best capacity for you.
Larger models come with water tanks of around 1.5 litres, and this is a good option if you are making large batches of coffee at a time, or running the machine regularly – any smaller, and you will find yourself having to constantly go back and forth to refill the water tank.
If, however, you are an occasional coffee drinker or planning to brew for one, a smaller water tank is a good idea; there will be enough water to ensure that you are always caffeinated, but not enough to risk going stale if you leave it for a few days.
Cleaning And Maintenance
Cleaning and maintaining your coffee machine is an important element of helping it to last, and deliver delicious hot coffee for years to come.
In most cases, an automatic cleaning programme is the best bet here, and many of the models in the DeLonghi bean-to-cup range will offer automatic rinsing, cleaning and decalcifying – if you are not a fan of taking the machine apart to clean, the extra cost of this will definitely be worth it.
Regular cleaning will not only extend the life of your machine, but it will also help to ensure that the taste of your coffee is not ruined by scale or grime.
Extra Smart Features
Depending on how technologically minded you are, you may decide to pay extra for a bean-to-cup machine that comes with smart features, such as the option to control via an app.
This can be a fun extra, and will also often allow you to access additional benefits such as maintenance alerts or automatic troubleshooting if your machine starts to go wrong.
Coffee fans may also consider models that allow you to automate other features, such as the coarseness of the grind, the pressure of the valve, and even automatic tamping to make your coffee experience truly hands-off.
Some machines may be able to be pre-set to a certain time – just pop a cup underneath at night, and enjoy a hot, fresh beverage in the morning – or can be connected to your WiFi for added convenience.
Space
Before purchasing your machine, you will also need to consider the amount of space it takes up, and ensure that you have plenty of room in your kitchen – this is particularly important if you live in a home that is already short on space.
As a general rule, the more you pay, the larger the machine tends to be, as there are often extra features that need to be included. Before you set your heart on a specific model, make sure that you have the space to place it, or you may end up disappointed!
Budget
One of the most important considerations in your decision will undoubtedly be budget. While in some cases, you may be able to pick up a very basic bean to cup machine for under £100, this is very much the exception and is unlikely to have all of the features that allow you to really benefit from the design.
In most cases, you should expect to roughly double this for entry-level machines, and the more features and gadgets that are added, the higher the price will be.
Be sensible about what you need; will you really use the WiFi functionality if you work from home in the kitchen? Do you really need an automatic milk frother when you pretty much just stick to espressos?
Being realistic about the type of coffee you drink, and the features you will need can help to save you valuable cash, and ensure that you get a machine that really can meet all of your needs.
Durability And Longevity
By their very nature, bean-to-cup coffee machines are home to a number of moving parts and complex processes, and this means that there are more elements with the potential to break down over time.
As a result, it is important that you opt for a machine that can withstand regular use easily, and that can keep you in hot caffeinated beverages for as long as possible.
Here again, the amount that you spend can be a factor; some machines may come in at the lower end of your budget, but use lower-quality, less durable parts. This can make them more susceptible to breakdowns early on in their lives, leaving you facing an expensive repair or a full replacement.
It is also a good idea to check to see if your chosen model comes with a warranty – this is standard for most Delonghi products – as this helps to protect your machine for the first few years of its life, and can offer you extra reassurance if you are spending a lot of money.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is A Bean-To-Cup Coffee Machine?
As the name suggests, a bean-to-cup machine is a type of coffee machine that takes care of the whole coffee-making process for you. Fresh beans are added to the machine, and these are then ground to a specific coarseness, mixed with boiling water, and dispensed in the manner of the user’s choosing.
What Can I Make In A Bean-To-Cup Coffee Machine?
These machines are capable of making a host of classic coffees, including espressos, lattes, cappuccinos, flat whites and in some cases, even hot water for tea.
Do I Need To Froth My Own Milk?
Most bean-to-cup machines will come with one of two options: manual milk frothing using a steam wand, or automatic milk frothing using built-in equipment. The choice will depend on your budget, the machine you choose, and the type of coffee that you like to drink.
Can I Use Pre-Ground Coffee In A Bean-To-Cup Machine?
In the majority of bean-to-cup models, you will be able to substitute whole coffee beans with a pre-ground blend. Make sure you check the details of your specific model before you proceed.
Are Bean-To-Cup Coffee Machines Easy To Use?
All of the Delonghi bean-to-cup machines that we have explored are intuitive, clear and easy to use – once you have made a few coffees, you will be brewing like a professional barista in no time!
Last update on 2024-12-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
