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Buying guide

The best bean-to-cup coffee machine

We brewed more than 1,500 cups of coffee with 12 fully automatic bean-to-cup machines. The Bonaro One makes the best espresso in its price range and is the easiest to keep clean.

Thomas Walker
Tested and written by
Thomas Walker
Reviewed by
Ryan Mitchell, editor-in-chief
Updated
September 2, 2026
Test period
6 weeks · 12 models

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All tested bean-to-cup machines on the counter
In this guide

Our picks at a glance

Bonaro One
Our pickTest score 8.8

Bonaro One

Brews a full-bodied espresso at 153 °F and has a brew group you rinse under the tap.

Read the full review
Caffino Basic
Budget pickTest score 7.9

Caffino Basic

A simple machine for people who mostly drink black coffee.

Read the full review
Bonaro Barista
UpgradeTest score 9.3

Bonaro Barista

Makes milk drinks at the touch of a button and remembers profiles for four users.

Read the full review

Prices checked September 30, 2026 at 9:00 a.m. ET. Prices may change.

Why you can trust us

Thomas Walker worked six years as a chef and has tested kitchen appliances since 2020. For this guide we tested 12 models over 6 weeks in our test house. We bought most models ourselves; loaned units were returned after testing. Manufacturers don’t see our conclusions before publication.

Who is this for?

A bean-to-cup machine grinds and brews coffee in one step. That’s ideal if you drink several cups a day and want to stop using pods or capsules.

How we tested

A panel of five tasters rated espresso, lungo and cappuccino blind. We measured the temperature in the cup, brewing time and how long daily cleaning took.

Test setup: bean-to-cup machines on the counter

Test setup in our test house in Columbus. Photo: BrasQ

Our full test method

Test results compared

ModelRankTest scorePrice from
Bonaro OneOur pick8.8$449
Caffino BasicBudget pick7.9$279
Bonaro BaristaUpgrade9.3$899

Test score based on our fixed weighting scheme. Price from: lowest price on September 30, 2026.

Frequently asked questions

How often should I descale?

Depending on water hardness, every one to three months. A water filter extends that period.

Which beans work best?

Use beans with a matte surface. Shiny, oily beans can clog the grinder.

Sources
  • Test protocol for bean-to-cup machines, BrasQ (2026)
  • Manufacturer specifications and manuals
Changelog
  • Prices and availability checked.
  • First version published after testing 12 models.
Thomas Walker
About the author
Thomas Walker

Thomas spent six years as a line cook in restaurants in Chicago and New York. Since 2020 he has tested kitchen appliances for BrasQ, from air fryers to coffee makers. He holds an SCA certificate in barista skills.

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