How to Choose Beans for a Fully Automatic Coffee Machine

Start with your machine’s manual when choosing beans for a fully automatic coffee machine. Follow its guidance on compatible coffee and maintenance, then look for a flavor profile that suits the drinks you make.

What should you check in the manual?

Check which coffees can go into the bean hopper. Restrictions on flavored, sugar-coated or very oily beans can vary by model. Machines with a separate inlet for ground coffee may require you to keep it out of the bean hopper.

Follow the instructions for your specific model. A coffee that works well in one machine can behave differently in another.

Do you drink it black or with milk?

A coffee you find balanced on its own may fade in a drink with plenty of milk. For a distinct coffee flavor in milk, compare full-bodied profiles with chocolate notes. If you enjoy brighter flavors, try other profiles as well. Use the tasting notes alongside bean color.

Change one setting at a time

When trying a new bean, start with the machine’s recommended settings. Adjust dose, drink volume and grind one at a time so you can see what changes the cup. Follow the manual for how and when to adjust the grinder.

Coffee left inside the machine may affect the first few brews after a change. Taste again once the new beans are coming through consistently.

Run a small trial

Start with a small bag. Record the flavor, how it works with milk and how the beans behave in your machine. Fill the hopper with an amount that matches how quickly you go through it.

When asking Ahanda for help, share your machine model, the drinks you make most and any flavors you dislike. That helps you choose a coffee that works with the machine and suits your taste.