You've bought a coffee machine. Lovely.
Now you're standing in the supermarket looking at approximately 400 bags of coffee, wondering which ones will actually work in it.
Do you need espresso beans? Can you use ordinary coffee beans? What happens if you buy the wrong ones?
Here's the good news.
Most bean-to-cup and espresso machines can use a wide variety of coffee beans. But the type of machine you own matters.
First, What Kind of Coffee Machine Do You Have?
Different machines need coffee in different forms.
| Coffee machine | What you normally need |
|---|---|
| Bean-to-cup machine | Whole coffee beans |
| Espresso machine with a portafilter | Ground coffee, or whole beans plus a grinder |
| Filter coffee machine | Ground coffee, unless it has a built-in grinder |
| Pod coffee machine | Compatible coffee pods |
| Cafetière | Coarsely ground coffee |
| Moka pot | Ground coffee suitable for a moka pot |
Check your machine's instructions before buying, particularly if it uses pods or has a built-in grinder.
Can You Use Normal Coffee Beans in an Espresso Machine?
Yes.
You don't need beans with the word espresso printed on the bag.
Espresso describes a brewing method, not a separate species of coffee bean.
You can make espresso with blends or single origin coffees. What changes is the flavour you'll get.
A rich, chocolatey blend might produce a traditional-tasting espresso, while a fruitier coffee might give you something brighter.
Neither is wrong.
The important part is using a suitable grind and making sure your machine is compatible with the coffee you're using.
What Beans Should I Use in a Bean-to-Cup Machine?
Most bean-to-cup machines are designed for ordinary roasted whole coffee beans.
However, some manufacturers advise against very oily beans because they can cause problems with the grinder or internal mechanisms.
Flavoured beans with added coatings can also be unsuitable for some machines.
Follow your machine manufacturer's recommendations.
For everyday use, a straightforward, unflavoured coffee blend is often a sensible place to start.
Can I Put Ground Coffee in a Bean-to-Cup Machine?
Not in the bean hopper.
That compartment is designed for whole beans, and putting ground coffee into it could cause problems.
Some bean-to-cup machines have a separate compartment specifically for pre-ground coffee.
If yours does, follow the manufacturer's instructions for using it.
If it doesn't, stick to whole beans.
Can I Use Whole Beans Without a Grinder?
Not for most brewing methods.
Whole beans need to be ground before brewing so water can extract their flavours properly.
If you don't own a grinder, buy coffee that's already ground for your brewing equipment.
That's absolutely fine.
Our coffee grind size guide explains which grind works with different brewers.
Do Expensive Coffee Beans Work Better?
Not automatically.
Price can reflect factors such as origin, growing conditions, processing and production costs.
But an expensive coffee isn't necessarily going to be your favourite.
If you enjoy chocolatey, full-bodied coffee, there's no reason to force yourself to drink a delicate, fruity single origin just because somebody online says it's more sophisticated.
Buy according to your taste, not somebody else's ego.
So, Which Coffee Should You Buy?
First, make sure you're buying coffee in the right form for your machine.
Then choose the flavour you want.
If you're new to buying freshly roasted coffee, our guide to choosing coffee beans is a useful place to start.
And if you're ready to find your next brew, explore Dead Tired Coffee.
No coffee qualification required.