Coffee beans for bean-to-cup machines

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Which coffee beans are suitable for bean-to-cup coffee machines?

Coffee beans for bean-to-cup coffee machines should be roasted pure, without any additives or flavourings, so the grinder and brew group don't get clogged up. The roast level and oil content determine how evenly the beans grind and how much crema is produced. Depending on the manufacturer and model, the settings for grind size and brew pressure differ slightly, which is why the ideal bean can vary from brand to brand. At Café du Jour you'll find freshly roasted coffee beans for almost every bean-to-cup coffee machine, from mild to strong.

Not every coffee bean is equally well suited to every bean-to-cup coffee machine. The grinder, brew group and milk system differ from manufacturer to manufacturer, and there are also differences between models within the same brand. With a few simple selection criteria, however, you can find the right beans for almost any machine.

What should you look out for when choosing?

Choose the right grind size: conical grinders usually cope better with a finer setting than flat burr grinders.
Look for low-oil beans, as overly oily beans can clog the grinder and dirty the bean hopper.
The roast level affects hardness and aroma: medium to dark roasted beans work reliably in most bean-to-cup machines.
For a stable milk system with a good crema, it's worth choosing a blend with a robusta content.
Avoid flavoured coffee beans, as additives can damage the grinder and brew group.

Coffee beans by brand

Every manufacturer has its own requirements for grind size, brew pressure and bean characteristics. Below you'll find a brief overview per brand, along with a link to the matching guide page with detailed recommendations.

Jura: The grinder works best with pure roasted, medium to dark roasted beans without any additives.
De'Longhi: Most models cope with a wide range of roast levels, as long as the beans aren't too oily.
Melitta: Melitta bean-to-cup coffee machines are tuned to medium roasts with a balanced oil content.
Nivona: The conical grinder benefits from fresh, not-too-oily beans with a stable aroma.
Saeco: Saeco machines get on well with an arabica and robusta blend for more crema.
Philips: As a sister brand of Saeco, similar recommendations apply: medium to dark roasts with good body.
Krups: Krups bean-to-cup machines need evenly roasted beans so the grind size stays consistent.
Siemens: The grinder reliably processes both light and dark roasts.
Bosch: As a sister brand of Siemens, comparable requirements apply for grind size and oil content.
Miele: Miele bean-to-cup machines are designed for intensive use and benefit from consistent bean quality.
Sage: Sage machines allow fine grind-size adjustment, so lighter roasts work well too.

Our recommendations for bean-to-cup coffee machines

These coffee beans work well in a bean-to-cup machine and deliver a stable crema:

Café du Jour 100% Arabica Brazil – freshly roasted in our own roastery, intensity 8, medium roast, pure arabica.
Café du Jour Espresso Madrugador – freshly roasted, intensity 8, an arabica-robusta blend for a stable crema.
Segafredo Intermezzo – an arabica-robusta blend, intensity 8, medium roast with chocolatey notes and a stable crema.
Kimbo Caffè Crema Classico – developed specifically for crema, lightly roasted with nutty and caramel notes.
L'OR Harmonieux Espresso – 100% arabica, medium roast, mild and nutty, well suited for crema and lungo.
Lavazza ¡Tierra! Brazil – an arabica-robusta blend, intensity 9, a bold espresso with a nutty finish.
Kimbo Espresso Bar Extra Crema – dark roasted, intensity 10, for a bold espresso with a dense crema.

Comparison: brand crema vs freshly roasted

Many bean-to-cup coffee machine manufacturers offer their own coffee beans, specially tuned to their machines. These brand crema beans work reliably, but are usually limited to one particular flavour profile. Freshly roasted coffee beans from independent roasters, on the other hand, offer a wider choice of roast levels, origins and flavours, and are often roasted shortly before shipping. As long as the beans are pure roasted and not too oily, they work just as well in your bean-to-cup machine as the manufacturer's own beans.

Coffee beans for other bean-to-cup coffee machines

You'll also find suitable coffee beans for Jura, De'Longhi, Melitta, Nivona, Saeco, Philips, Krups, Siemens, Bosch, Miele and Sage.

Frequently asked questions about coffee beans for bean-to-cup coffee machines

Which coffee beans suit every bean-to-cup coffee machine?

Pure roasted coffee beans without flavourings or additives suit almost any bean-to-cup machine. Look for an oil content that matches your grinder and a medium to dark roast level. This keeps the grinder clean and the brew group working reliably.

Are oily coffee beans harmful to a bean-to-cup machine?

Very oily beans can clog the grinder and dirty the bean hopper. This makes cleaning harder and can shorten the machine's lifespan. So choose beans with a moderate oil content, especially with conical grinders.

Which roast suits a bean-to-cup coffee machine best?

A medium to dark roast works well in most bean-to-cup machines and delivers a full flavour with a stable crema. Very lightly roasted speciality beans are harder and can put more strain on the grinder.

Do I need an arabica and robusta blend?

A robusta content is useful for a full body and a dense crema. If you prefer a milder, more delicate taste, go for pure arabica beans. Both work in a bean-to-cup machine, as long as the beans are pure roasted.

How do coffee beans for a bean-to-cup machine stay fresh the longest?

Store the beans airtight, cool and dark, and only fill the bean hopper with as much as you'll use within a few days. This keeps the aroma intact and the crema consistent.

Which coffee beans suit your bean-to-cup coffee machine?