How to use a bean-to-cup coffee machine

First setup

1. 1

   Unpack the machine, remove all tape and protective film, and wash the water tank, drip tray and milk parts.

2. 2

   Place the machine on a flat, stable surface with space above for the bean hopper lid.

3. 3

   Fill the water tank with fresh cold water to the max line.

4. 4

   Fit the water filter if one is supplied, following the manual's soaking or rinsing steps.

5. 5

   Fill the bean hopper with whole beans. Do not overfill.

6. 6

   Switch on. The machine will heat and run a rinse through the spout; place a cup underneath.

7. 7

   Use the test strip to measure your water hardness and set it in the menu.

Set your water hardness

Water hardness tells the machine how often to remind you to descale. Most of England is hard water, so this step matters. Dip the supplied strip in tap water, count the coloured squares and enter the matching level. If your water company quotes hardness in a different unit, our water hardness converter translates it.

If your machine supports a water filter, fitting one reduces scale and can change the descaling interval. Our hard water guide explains the trade-offs.

Making your first coffee

Place a cup under the spout and adjust the spout height so it sits just above the rim. Choose espresso or coffee, and the machine grinds, tamps, brews and drops the used puck into the grounds bin. The first few cups often taste slightly off while the grinder beds in, so do not judge it too soon.

Most machines let you change strength, often called aroma or intensity, which changes the amount of coffee ground. You can also change cup volume and sometimes temperature. Save your favourites in a profile if your machine offers them.

Adjusting the grind

The grinder setting changes how fine the coffee is. Finer gives a stronger, fuller cup; coarser gives a lighter cup and faster flow. Most bean-to-cup grinders must only be adjusted while grinding, one step at a time, to avoid damage. Check your manual for the rule on your model.

Make a change, then brew two or three cups before judging, as some old grounds remain in the grinder. If coffee drips out very slowly, go coarser. If it gushes and tastes watery, go finer. Our grind size chart explains the principle.

Milk drinks

Machines with an automatic milk system use a carafe or a tube dipped into a milk carton. Connect it, choose latte or cappuccino, and the machine does the rest. Use cold milk straight from the fridge for the best froth. After each milk drink, run the rinse or clean function the machine offers so milk does not dry inside.

Machines with a steam wand or simple frother need you to hold the jug. Our steam wand guide covers technique. If milk stops frothing, see bean-to-cup milk frother not working.

Daily and weekly care

Our bean-to-cup cleaning guide has the full routine.

• Daily: empty the drip tray and grounds bin, refill fresh water, rinse milk parts.
• Weekly: rinse the brew unit under the tap if it is removable, and wipe the inside of the machine.
• Monthly or as prompted: run a cleaning tablet cycle if your model uses them.
• When prompted: descale with the maker's recommended descaler, and change the water filter.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I use pre-ground coffee? Many machines have a separate chute for one scoop of pre-ground coffee, handy for decaf. Never put ground coffee in the bean hopper.

What beans should I use? Medium or darker roasts that are not very oily suit most bean-to-cup grinders. See what beans to use.

Why does the machine rinse when it turns on and off? It flushes the spout and brew path with hot water to keep them clean. This is normal, so leave a cup or the drip tray in place.

Should I leave it switched on? Most machines go into standby automatically. Our power consumption guide covers eco settings.