Choosing the right coffee beans for your bean-to-cup machine makes a big difference to the taste of your coffee. A fully automatic machine grinds, doses and brews your coffee in one go, but it can only do a good job with beans that are suited to it. In this article you will learn what to look for when choosing coffee beans for your bean-to-cup machine.
Why not every bean suits a bean-to-cup machine
A bean-to-cup machine has a built-in grinder that grinds the beans right before brewing. That grinder is sensitive to two things: oil and sugar. Very dark roasted beans release a lot of oil, and that oil can build up in the grinder and the grinding mechanism. Flavoured or sugar-coated beans are best avoided for the same reason: the sugar layer caramelises in the grinder and causes blockages.
So preferably choose beans with a dry, matte surface. A light to medium roast is usually safe. If the beans are very shiny, they are dark roasted and oilier. That does not have to be a problem as long as you clean the grinder regularly, but it does require more maintenance.
Arabica, Robusta or a blend
Most coffee beans are Arabica, Robusta or a mix of both. Arabica has a softer, more aromatic taste with fruity and sweet notes. Robusta is stronger and more bitter, contains roughly twice as much caffeine and produces a thicker layer of crema.
Blends often work excellently in a bean-to-cup machine. Italian brands such as Lavazza, Segafredo and Caffè Mauro combine Arabica and Robusta for a full flavour with a solid crema. If you mainly drink milk-based coffee such as cappuccino or latte macchiato, a blend with Robusta is a good choice: the strong flavour holds up well against the milk. If you prefer black coffee or lungo, a 100% Arabica, like many beans from illy, comes into its own.
Pay attention to the roast
The roast largely determines the flavour profile of your coffee:
- Light roast: fruity and slightly acidic, suitable for lungo and black coffee.
- Medium roast: balanced with notes of nuts and chocolate, a safe all-rounder for the bean-to-cup machine.
- Dark roast: strong, bitter and full-bodied, ideal for espresso and milk-based coffee, but oilier for the grinder.
If you are in doubt, start with a medium roast. It works well in almost every bean-to-cup machine and suits most taste preferences. From there you can try lighter or darker roasts.
Freshness and packaging
Coffee beans are at their best in the weeks after roasting. Look for a roast date on the packaging rather than just a best-before date. A bag with a valve is a good sign: the valve lets the carbon dioxide from freshly roasted beans escape without letting oxygen in.
Also buy beans in a size that matches your consumption. If you drink two cups a day, a kilo will last you about two to three weeks. Larger packs are often cheaper per kilo, but only worthwhile if you finish the beans within a few weeks.
Tune your machine to the bean
Once you have chosen new beans, adjust your machine accordingly. Three settings make the difference:
- Grind size: if the coffee tastes watery or sour, set the grind finer. If it tastes bitter, go coarser.
- Dose: more grams per cup gives a fuller flavour.
- Temperature: dark roasts come out better at a slightly lower temperature.
Always adjust one setting at a time and taste the difference. That way you quickly learn what your beans need. Also remember to clean the grinder and brew group regularly, especially with dark and oilier beans.
Finding the right beans
In summary, for your bean-to-cup machine you should preferably choose fresh, unflavoured beans with a light to medium roast, and a blend with Robusta if you drink a lot of milk-based coffee. In our range of coffee beans you will find well-known Italian brands such as illy, Lavazza, Segafredo and Caffè Mauro in different roasts and pack sizes. That way you can taste for yourself which bean suits your machine and your preferences best. Browse the full range of coffee beans for your bean-to-cup machine and discover your new favourite.
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