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What coffee beans should be used in a coffee machine?

Ready to brew coffee like a pro? Choosing the right coffee beans will make a huge impact on the flavour of your drink. Did you know that coffee has over 500 flavour profiles, that’s 300 more than wine! In this guide, you'll discover the different flavours across some of the most popular coffee beans and which work best in certain machines, so that you can level up your home barista game today.

Best coffee beans for coffee machine

Choosing the right coffee beans for your coffee machine is important for any casual coffee drinker or budding barista. Your choice of coffee beans will affect the taste of your coffee, whether you enjoy a light, mild cup or a full-bodied brew that packs a punch in every sip. Your coffee bean choice also affects the consistency of your brews, so with the right beans, you can achieve tasty, high-quality coffee every time.

The different types of coffee bean

Now, we will explore the four different types of coffee beans. Each has its own qualities and different taste profiles. You can also purchase blends of different bean types.

Arabica: This is the most popular variation of coffee bean, making up around 60% of the world's coffee beans. Arabica beans grow at high altitudes and require plenty of rain and shade to flourish. They are loved by people worldwide for their aroma and sweeter, more delicate flavour.
Robusta: This type of coffee bean is known for its stronger, full-bodied flavour and high caffeine content. The plant thrives in various climates and environments. The caffeine repels insects, protecting the plant while it grows.
Liberica: This is a larger type of coffee bean with an irregular shape. Liberica beans are rare to come by as production is scarce due to the plants requiring very specific climates and conditions. They have a unique taste that can be described as fruity, floral and woody.
Excelsa: This bean is part of the Liberica family, but its taste is very different from Liberica beans. It makes up 7% of the world's coffee beans. It has a unique flavour that is fruity and tart.

The importance of coffee bean origin

Did you know that the origin of your coffee beans can impact their taste? If your coffee beans come from South America or Central America, they will likely have a sweet or fruity taste. If your coffee beans are from Asia or Africa, they will often taste more bitter.

Best coffee beans for bean to cup machines

If you've invested in one of these super-efficient machines, you're probably wondering, what are the best coffee beans for bean to cup machines?

Firstly, let's address the question: can you use any coffee beans in machines? The short answer is yes, but you should consider a few things to achieve the perfect cup of coffee for the best results.

Here are some pointers for choosing high-quality beans for your machine:

Single origin beans: These beans are sourced from one location and have a distinct flavour. They're ideal for coffee lovers wanting to explore different regions and tastes.
Medium roast beans: Medium roast beans are ideal for brewing coffee with a bean to cup machine. This is because they are roasted enough to develop complex, interesting flavours and work well with milky coffee drinks.
Freshly roasted beans: For the best results, opt for freshly roasted beans. If beans are old, they can lose their strong flavour and aroma.

Can you use ground coffee in a coffee machine or espresso machine?

Using ground coffee is a quick and easy way to enjoy tasty coffee at home, whether it's brewed in a French press, drip coffee maker, or other device. But can you use ground coffee in an espresso machine or coffee machine? Let's get into it.

The answer is yes, you can use ground coffee in a coffee machine, if it’s designed to accept ground coffee (it really depends on the machine). You can also use ground coffee in espresso machines, but it’s much better to use finely ground coffee labelled for espresso to get the strongest flavour.

If you want to achieve a strong-flavoured coffee or espresso shot, consider using a darker-roasted ground coffee.

Our Philips coffee machines help you get the most out of your beans, whichever appeals to your taste buds. Choose a new model today and start brewing smooth, tasty coffee drinks in just a few moments whenever you need a caffeine fix.

Curious how much you're really spending on takeaway coffee? Take the quick quiz on our Philips CoffeeHack website to find out. Based on your habits, you'll get a personalized coffee machine recommendation that fits your lifestyle. Enjoy café-quality drinks at home with more convenience, better taste—and yes, long-term savings with Philips.