This article, originally published in 2024, has since been updated in January 2026*
A bean-to-cup coffee machine takes control of the entire coffee-making process. From grinding the beans to brewing the coffee, with the press of a button, these machines produce a range of coffee drinks, making them perfect for self-service environments or businesses that don’t have trained baristas.
Compared to traditional espresso machines and filter coffee makers, bean-to-cup machines are far easier to use, typically quicker to make coffee, and offer a standard selection of different drink types (americano, latte, cappuccino etc), as well as some non-coffee based beverages like hot chocolate.
There are a huge number of bean-to-cup machines on the market, which is fantastic for people like yourselves who are able to find a machine that perfectly caters to their needs. However, the large number of options can feel overwhelming, and you might just want to know which are the best commercial bean-to-cup coffee machines.
We’re a coffee roaster and commercial coffee machine supplier that has helped over 500 businesses in the UK select the best machine for their coffee outlet over the last 40 years.
So, keep reading to discover our top 5 recommendations for bean-to-cup machines this year.
Our Top 6 Bean to Cup Machines This Year
Eversys E4 X-Wide
Learn More -> Eversys E4 X-Wide
The Eversys E’4 is a part of the Enigma line of Eversys machines. The E ‘4 features two separate coffee and milk stations and the space from the extra wide version to support high levels of productivity for two users.
Featuring the same milk technologies and coffee extraction system as the Eversys Cameo, our best commercial coffee machine this year, the Enigma features twice the capacity and a higher price tag to show for it.
The perfect machine for the highest footfall coffee outlets that are looking for speed, consistently high quality coffees, and features that aid baristas of all skill levels to serve incredible coffee.
Schaerer Soul 10 Barista 2 Step
Learn More -> Schaerer Soul 10 Barista 2 Step
The Schaerer Coffee Soul is a heavy duty machine that allows a barista to serve a wide selection of delicious coffee drinks quickly and with ease. This particular model has been selected by our team to be the best bean-to-cup version for barista operation.
The ‘2 Step’ milk system refers to the machine’s ability to automatically steam milk inside the jug for your barista, allowing space for a touch of the craft during the coffee service.
Baristas will be able to easily steam milk to a high quality allowing for a fantastic texture in the final drink and for latte art patterns to be poured over the top.
Vitro X3
Learn More -> Vitro X3
The Vitro X3 is a simple and intuitive bean to cup machine providing fast, simple-serve drinks at a great price point. It’s the perfect solution for budget-conscious locations that require a machine capable of brewing up to 200 cups per day.
The X3 provides authentic Italian style coffee whilst the intuitive display and functional buttons allow for either staff-operated or self-serve. Additionally offering hot chocolate powder for further drink customisation, and utilising powdered milk for easy cleaning and upkeep, improved speed and reliability.
Eversys Cameo C2
Learn More -> Eversys Cameo C2
The Eversys Cameo C2 is an affordable entry point into the Eversys ecosystem, delivering the same industry-leading coffee quality, milk steaming, and automation found in their higher-capacity machines, at a more affordable level.
Eversys’ ETC system continuously adjusts the extraction in real time, ensuring consistently great coffee without relying on barista intervention, while advanced milk technology delivers reliable, high-quality milk texturing at the touch of a button.
Built with automated cleaning systems and a modular design for fast on-site repairs, the Cameo is easy to maintain, reduces downtime, and protects long-term performance. It offers businesses a lower-risk way to invest in Eversys’ proven technology, with the ability to scale up to models like the Enigma E’4 or Shotmaster as demand grows.
Schaerer Soul 12 Automatic
Learn More -> Schaerer Soul 12 Automatic
The Soul 12 Automatic is the premium solution for great coffee in self-service environments, or aiding in a staff operated outlet. It is a custom spec of the base Schaerer Coffee Soul bean-to-cup machine specifically designed for self-service and easy staff operation, a fantastic option for up to 250 drinks per day.
The Soul 12 Automatic is a fantastic choice for businesses looking for a reliable coffee machine that can be used by anyone, regardless of their level of coffee knowledge and training.
Alto 400 Fresh Milk (FM)
Learn More -> Alto 400 FM
The Alto 400 FM is a robust and intuitive bean-to-cup coffee machine, perfect for both self-service and café environments. It’s one of our engineer teams’ favourite machines thanks to its durability, ease of service and great build quality.
It features a large 10″ touchscreen display, allowing customers to easily select from regular or large cup sizes and three coffee strengths.The machine supports fresh milk and offers dual bean hoppers for variety. With a capacity of up to 120 drinks per hour, it’s ideal for high-demand settings, delivering up to 30 customizable drink recipes with exceptional speed and quality. What’s more, the Alto line of machines are bulletproof and highly recommended by our team of coffee machine engineers.
Is a Bean-to-cup Machine Right for your Business?
Now that you’ve seen some of the best bean-to-cup machines for 2026, let’s discuss whether a bean-to-cup machine is actually the right option for your business. Below are some of the factors you should consider:
What are the benefits of using a bean-to-cup machine?
Fully Automated
The simplicity of operation makes these machines perfect for busy environments where staff may not have barista skills.
Freshly Ground Coffee: Bean-to-cup machines grind the beans on demand, ensuring fresh coffee with each cup.
Consistent Quality
These machines deliver consistent results, which is ideal for businesses that value efficiency and reliability.
Versatile
They offer a variety of drink options, including espresso, cappuccino, and latte, often with the ability to handle both dairy and non-dairy milks.
What are the downsides to bean-to-cup machines?
Limited Drink Customisation
While convenient, these machines don’t allow for much customisation, which may not appeal to coffee purists.
Regular Cleaning Required
The built-in milk systems require daily cleaning to prevent issues such as buildup and failures, which can add to the maintenance workload.
Higher Maintenance Costs
Specialist technicians are often required for repairs and maintenance.
Lower Capacity
Typically, these machines don’t handle as many drinks per hour as traditional espresso machines.
When is a Bean-to-Cup Machine Best Suited?
Bean-to-cup machines are ideal for coffee outlets or self-serve areas where ease of use and consistency are more important than customisation and high-end coffee experiences, such as in offices, hotels, or conference centres.
When to Look for Something Different
If you prioritise coffee quality and the ability to customise drinks for your customers, along with being able to provide a high level of service and a sense of craft, you might find bean-to-cup machines too limiting.
If you’re still unsure as to whether a bean-to-cup coffee machine is right for your business, don’t fret! There are plenty of other fantastic options available that you may want to consider. Learn all about the different types of coffee machines here -> What is the Best Type of Coffee Machine for my Business?
Not Sure Where to Start?
