Are you new to the world of Speciality Coffee? Were you gifted a bean to cup machine and not too sure where to start?

We’ll advise you on our favourite coffees that are perfect for Espresso based drinks, as well as a few hints and tips to ensure you can achieve a good espresso at home.

We’ll also introduce you to our new Home Espresso Bundle. Launched in early 2023, it’s the ideal option for those just starting out, or for those who need a little encouragement to try something new.

Arabica Vs Robusta: Origin And Taste

When researching what coffee is best for a Bean To Cup machine you’ll quickly realise that Arabica and Robusta account for almost 90% of the coffee beans traded on the world market.

Arabica is recognised for its superior taste and quality and is most commonly grown in: Brazil, Ethiopia, Colombia and Guatemala.

It’s high in natural sugar which enhances the flavour and mouthfeel once processed and roasted. It’s naturally a lot more aromatic and has a natural sweetness and notes of chocolate and caramel.

Robusta is most commonly grown in: Indonesia, India Uganda and Brazil.

It’s more resilient than Arabica and requires less from its growing environment. For example, it can grow at much lower elevations, is more resistant to disease and can mature in as little as 11 months. (In comparison, arabica takes 4 years) Robusta is popular for use in blends, adding strength and boosting the caffeine content. It also helps add that dark, luxurious crema on top.

How To Choose Coffee Beans For A Bean To Cup Machine

We always recommend buying a coffee based on your taste preferences. If you enjoy a strong tasting coffee, try a medium to dark roast– these coffees tend to have a full body and rich notes. Milder, lighter roasts exhibit bright acidity, fruity and floral notes… if brewed as a filter (generally speaking) When pulled as an espresso, these flavours can become bitter and overwhelming and the fruit notes produces an unwanted tartness. As a result, certain coffees are automatically not recommended for espresso. Adams + Russell have developed a range of blends that encourage a more balanced profile.

Some coffees may be marketed as ‘Espresso Blend’ which implies that they’re stronger and darker. This phrase also indicates they should only be used for this purpose, but that isn’t strictly the case.  Certain blends work really well for filter methods. Our Faros Espresso is a great example of this and makes for a wonderful V60 with fresh berry notes and chocolatey sweetness.

Best Coffee For Bean To Cup Machines: The Home Espresso Bundle

The Home Espresso Bundle has been created to showcase three coffees that we think taste especially good as an espresso. From full-bodied, chocolatey Navio Espresso to fruity and sweet Peninsula Blend-with our beloved Mexico Finca San Ramon sitting perfectly in the middle; this trio is bound to offer you a coffee you’ll love. For specific brew recipes and more information on each coffee, click the listing below.

On A Final Note…

It all comes down to… personal taste. Remember that there are many varieties and blends available. It’s almost impossible to try them all (whilst remembering what they taste like as well) But if you are passionate and committed to finding the coffee that’s right for you, it can be an exciting journey.

Espresso blends are incredibly versatile and have a lot of character. They have been selected and roasted in a way that optimises the espresso experiences whilst capturing the best of each bean. This advice is to be considered a guide and not a ‘rule’ as such. We encourage you to experiment and brew each as a filter if that’s how you like it best. For example, Navio is beautifully rich and smooth when brewed in an Aeropress. We recommend 17.5g medium – coarse coffee with 250ml water. Plunge after 2 ½ minutes.