Best Bean To Cup Coffee Machine Under £100: Unbeatable Deal!

In today’s fast-paced world, a good cup of coffee has become more than a luxury—it’s a necessity for many of us. But finding the perfect coffee machine on a budget can be challenging, especially if you want quality without breaking the bank. That’s where bean-to-cup coffee machines under £100 come into play.

After spending several weeks testing and using various coffee machines, we’ve found that affordable doesn’t mean compromising on taste or features. These machines deliver a café-style experience right in your home, giving you fresh coffee at the push of a button. Our hands-on testing has proven that it’s possible to enjoy excellent coffee without spending a fortune.

These budget-friendly machines offer customizable features, such as adjusting the strength and size of your coffee, and many even come with automatic milk frothers for those who enjoy frothy, café-style drinks. If you’re tired of spending money at coffee shops, these bean-to-cup machines can save you both time and money while still delivering that perfect cup.

Now, let’s dive into our carefully selected options that we’ve tested over several weeks, ensuring each one provides the best value for your money. We share our firsthand unboxing experiences, paired with the latest buyer reviews and insights.

Best Bean To Cup Coffee Machine Under £100 : Quick Recommendations

Brand	Pros	Cons	Price Range
Tower	Affordable, compact, great for beginners, easy to use.	Limited features, lacks customization options.	£60 – £90
Russell Hobbs (Recommend)	Budget-friendly, fast brewing, easy-to-use controls.	Basic build quality.	£70 – £100
Swan	Quieter operation, includes a milk frother, good for lattes and cappuccinos.	Challenging to clean, small water tank (ideal for 1-2 cups).	£80 – £100
Cuisinart	Durable, thermal carafe keeps coffee hot, strong coffee control, easy to clean.	Coffee cools quickly in cups, can be noisier during grinding.	£90 – £120
Lakeland	Versatile (uses beans or pre-ground), programmable settings.	Imprecise grinder, cleaning can be time-consuming.	£80 – £110

 Understanding the Various Types of Bean-to-Cup Coffee Machines

From my experience testing various bean-to-cup coffee machines, I’ve learned that these machines are all about convenience. At the push of a button, they grind fresh coffee beans and brew espresso-based drinks just like you’d get at a café. You simply add coffee beans to the hopper, and the machine does the rest—grinding, brewing, and delivering fresh coffee.

A bean-to-cup machine is more than just a coffee maker with a built-in grinder. Many models, even the more affordable ones, use brewing units that automatically dose and tamp the coffee. This makes it easy to enjoy a café-quality espresso at home without the hassle.

One important thing to consider when choosing a bean-to-cup machine is how it froths milk. Cheaper machines often come with a basic “Panarello wand,” which is easy to use but only produces one type of milk texture, similar to the frothy cappuccinos of the 80s and 90s. While it’s great for simplicity, more expensive models offer better milk-frothing options and more control.

For those who want more professional features, Gaggia offers models with advanced steam wands, like the Anima Barista Plus and Magenta Plus, which can give you more control over milk texture. There are also machines with a milk tube or carafe for one-touch convenience—just fill the carafe with milk, press a button, and you’ll get espresso and perfectly frothed milk in your cup.

Feature	Description
Grinding and Brewing	Grinds fresh coffee beans and brews espresso at the push of a button.
Brewing Mechanism	Uses a brewing unit to dose and tamp coffee, providing café-quality espresso.
Frothing Options	Panarello Wand: Basic, easy-to-use frother that creates a bubbly, old-school cappuccino texture.
	Advanced Steam Wands: Offer better control over milk texture for lattes and cappuccinos.
One-Touch Convenience	Machines with a milk carafe or tube that automatically froth milk and brew coffee with one button press.
User Experience	Combines convenience and quality, allowing for café-style drinks at home without extensive effort.

In short, bean-to-cup machines vary in features, but even budget-friendly options deliver great coffee.

How We Test

At James Coffee Shop, our testing process is hands-on and thorough. We evaluate each bean-to-cup coffee machine Under £100 by using it in real-world scenarios over several weeks. Our experts assess key factors such as brew quality, grind consistency, ease of use, and cleaning convenience. We also test machines under different conditions, from daily use to occasional brewing, ensuring they meet diverse needs. By experimenting with a variety of coffee beans, grind settings, and brew strengths, we provide an honest, detailed review. Every machine we recommend has been rigorously tested to ensure it delivers the best coffee experience.

Tested and Approved: The Best Bean-to-Cup Coffee Machines Under £100

Why you can trust James Coffee Shop: Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.

Tower

The Tower Bean-to-Cup Coffee Machine Under £100 offers a straightforward and enjoyable brewing experience, making it an excellent value for its price. From my personal testing, I found it easy to operate and consistently produces delicious coffee, which is a big plus for busy mornings. It’s compact and quiet compared to some other models, making it a great choice for smaller spaces or vacation homes.

One of the standout features is its ability to grind beans to your preferred consistency, whether you want a coarse or fine grind. While the grinder does make some noise—something to be expected with any coffee grinder—it’s not excessively loud. This machine can brew enough coffee for two standard mugs or four medium cups, which is perfect for a couple or small family. However, if you often entertain larger groups, you might want to consider a larger model.

While the coffee is heated nicely on the hot plate, I noted that it stays warm for at least 30 minutes. This is adequate for those who drink their coffee quickly, but it may not be suitable for everyone. During my tests, I was initially concerned about reports of a plastic taste, but after following the cleaning instructions carefully, I didn’t notice any off-flavors in the coffee.

Cleaning the machine is relatively simple, as the detachable basket allows for easy access to the grinder and filter. However, it does require cleaning after each use, which might be a minor inconvenience for some. One point of improvement is the availability of spare parts; if the filter needs replacing, you may have to buy a new machine, which is not the most sustainable option.

Our Verdict
Overall, the Tower Bean-to-Cup Coffee Machine performs well for its price range, delivering great coffee without requiring a lot of extra accessories. It’s user-friendly and doesn’t take up much space on the kitchen counter. Just remember, the quality of the coffee also depends on the beans you use—choosing high-quality beans will always yield better results.

Our Score: 8.5

Reason to Buy	Reason to Leave
Affordable	Limited features as per price
Compact	Lacks customization options
Great for beginners
Easy to use

 

Russell Hobbs

The Russell Hobbs Bean-to-Cup Coffee Machine Under £100 offers excellent value, making it a great option for coffee lovers who want the convenience of fresh coffee at home without breaking the bank. After testing it for several weeks, I can confidently say it’s a straightforward machine that delivers quality coffee with minimal effort.

The machine’s ease of use stands out the most. Simply add beans, water, and press the button. It grinds the beans and filters them into your coffee jug without any fuss. The integrated grinder gives you the option of fresh coffee every time, and it’s a nice step up from the usual pod machines. However, I did find that it’s important to use the correct amount of water and beans to get the best brew—too much or too little, and the taste can vary.

One of the best features is the timer function, which allows you to set the machine to brew coffee at a specific time. This was incredibly useful during my morning routine. Waking up to freshly brewed coffee feels like a luxury, and I’d give the timer feature a solid 5 out of 5 for its convenience.

There are, however, a few areas for improvement. The hotplate keeps coffee warm for about 40 minutes, which is enough for quick drinkers but might not suit those who like to savor their coffee over a longer period. I also noticed that the jug tends to drip when pouring, which can be a little annoying since it requires wiping up spills after each pour.

In terms of cleaning, the Russell Hobbs machine is fairly easy to maintain. The removable parts are simple to wash, though you do need to clean it after every use. There are some tricky areas around the grinder blades that require a bit more attention, but it’s manageable with regular care.

Our Verdict
Overall, the Russell Hobbs Bean-to-Cup Coffee Machine provides great value for its price. It’s perfect for anyone looking to transition from pod machines or pre-ground coffee to freshly ground beans. The machine isn’t without its minor faults, but for under £100, it’s a reliable and convenient option that produces good coffee.
Our Score: 8.5

Reason to Buy	Reason to Leave
Budget-friendly	Noisy grinder
Fast brewing	Basic build quality
Easy-to-use controls

Swan

The Swan Stainless Steel Bean-to-Cup Coffee Machine delivers an impressive performance for its price. After testing it, I found it to be a reliable option for those who want freshly ground coffee without breaking the bank. One of the standout features is its ease of use—the controls are straightforward, and it’s quick to brew a satisfying cup. The coffee temperature is spot on, and it keeps your coffee warm until you’re ready to drink, which is a huge plus for busy mornings.

The grinder works well and is quieter than some higher-end machines I’ve used, like the Delonghi models. The milk frother is also a great addition, producing frothy milk for cappuccinos and lattes. I tested it with Illy coffee beans, and the results were impressive—a rich, full-bodied cup that rivals more expensive machines. The compact size makes it perfect for small spaces, like my kitchen and even for travel in a caravan, which I plan to do.

On the downside, attaching the holder with the beans can feel a bit tricky. It requires some force, and there’s always a slight worry about something breaking, though nothing happened during my testing. Some users have reported issues with the filter and grinder holder breaking, so it’s something to keep an eye on. While I didn’t experience any issues, I would recommend handling it with care to avoid long-term problems.

Cleaning the machine is relatively easy if you do it after each use, but it does need regular attention to ensure it stays in top working condition. Preheating the cup with hot water helps enhance the coffee’s warmth and flavor, which is a helpful tip I picked up during testing.

Our Verdict
Overall, the Swan Stainless Steel Bean-to-Cup Coffee Machine is an excellent option for coffee lovers on a budget. It’s easy to use, brews great coffee, and offers fantastic value for money. While there are minor concerns about durability, with proper care, it should provide a reliable coffee-making experience for the price.
Our Score: 8.5

Reason to Buy	Reason to Leave
Quieter operation	Challenging to clean
Includes a milk frother	Small water tank (Ideal for 1-2 cups)
Good for lattes and cappuccinos

Cuisinart

The Cuisinart Grind and Brew Automatic Bean-to-Cup Coffee Machine Under £100 offers a blend of simplicity and functionality, making it a great choice for those who enjoy freshly ground coffee. After testing it for several weeks, I found it very easy to use, with intuitive controls and straightforward maintenance. The stainless steel jug is a particularly nice feature—its double-wall design keeps coffee warm for a longer period compared to glass carafes, which tend to cool down faster. This makes it ideal for those who want to brew and enjoy coffee over time without worrying about reheating.

One of the best aspects is the grinder, which is designed specifically for filter coffee. While it lacks adjustable grind settings (which some machines offer), I found that it provides a consistent grind that allows the coffee to fully release its flavors. The coffee strength can be controlled based on how many beans you add, and I appreciated this feature, as it gives you flexibility depending on your taste preferences. However, if you prefer your coffee stronger or weaker, you’ll need to experiment a bit with the bean-to-water ratio.

A minor downside is that while the machine brews great coffee, the coffee temperature isn’t as hot as I expected straight from the machine. I noticed that preheating the jug with hot water helps retain heat better, so this is a useful step if you like your coffee piping hot. The carafe does an excellent job keeping coffee warm, but for optimal heat, pre-warming it is key.

Another feature worth mentioning is the 1-4 cup setting, which works well for smaller servings. The machine’s beeping function is also helpful, alerting you when your coffee is ready. Cleaning is fairly simple, and the removable grinder and filter make it easy to maintain, though you’ll need to clean it after each use to prevent build-up.

Our Verdict
Overall, the Cuisinart Grind and Brew offers excellent value for money, especially for those looking for a budget-friendly bean-to-cup coffee maker under £100. While it may require a bit of manual effort to get the temperature just right, the brew quality and ease of use more than make up for it. This machine is perfect for both morning coffee and entertaining guests.
Our Score: 8.5

Reason to Buy	Reason to Leave
Durable	Can be noisier during grinding
Thermal carafe keeps coffee hot
Strong coffee control
Easy to clean

Lakeland 

The Lakeland Bean-to-Cup Coffee Machine offers an affordable way to enjoy fresh, ground coffee at home. After testing it for several weeks, I found it to be a solid machine for those who want a simple, no-frills coffee maker with a built-in grinder. The size is perfect for one or two cups, making it a great option for solo drinkers or small households.

One of the standout features is the grinding capability. It grinds coffee beans efficiently and allows you to enjoy the aroma of freshly ground coffee, which really enhances the overall experience. The coffee strength can also be adjusted, which is great for anyone who prefers their coffee strong or mild. The machine also works with pre-ground coffee, which adds to its versatility. However, I found that grinding larger quantities of beans wasn’t as effective, and sometimes the grinder would leave larger chunks, requiring a manual grind.

Cleaning the machine is a bit of a hassle. After each use, it requires you to strip the machine into three pieces for a thorough clean, which can be time-consuming if you’re in a hurry. For someone like me who drinks only one or two cups a day, this cleaning process feels a bit excessive. If you’re someone who brews multiple times a day, you may find it less bothersome.

In terms of build quality, the Lakeland machine is compact and lightweight, which makes it easy to move around. The warming feature keeps your coffee hot for about 30 minutes, which is sufficient for a quick drink. However, for anyone who likes to savor their coffee over a longer period, this might not be long enough.

Our Verdict
Overall, the Lakeland Bean-to-Cup Coffee Machine is a great value option for anyone who enjoys freshly ground coffee at home. It excels in delivering a fresh-tasting brew with minimal effort. However, the cleaning process could be streamlined, and the grinder could perform better with larger batches. Despite these minor flaws, it’s a worthy choice for coffee lovers on a budget.
Our Score: 8.5

Reason to Buy	Reason to Leave
Versatile (uses beans or pre-ground)	Imprecise grinder
Programmable settings	Cleaning can be time-consuming