The best coffee beans for a bean-to-cup machine

A bean-to-cup machine grinds fresh for every cup, which is why it can taste so good — but it's only as good as the beans you put in. Here's how to choose beans that give you a rich, consistent espresso, latte or long black.

1. Pick a roast that suits your drinks

For espresso and milky drinks, a medium-to-dark roast gives body and crema that cuts through milk. For black coffee you might prefer something a touch lighter and brighter. Torrié's 1kg beans range spans dark, chocolatey house blends to brighter single origins.

2. Understand the blend

The Arabica/Robusta balance shapes the cup: Arabica brings smoothness and aroma, Robusta brings body, crema and a caffeine kick. A blend with some Robusta often makes a better espresso, not a worse one. Our guide to Arabica vs Robusta explains how to choose.

3. Prioritise freshness

Beans are at their best in the weeks after roasting. Buying little and often — or on a subscription — keeps them fresher than a giant bag that sits open for months. Torrié roasts in Portugal and ships fresh; a 1kg bag makes around 120 cups.

4. Buy whole beans, store them well

Keep beans in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight, sealed, and grind just before brewing. And keep the machine happy too — a quick read on descaling your machine keeps the flavour clean.

5. Get the best value

In 1kg bags on subscription, quality beans work out far cheaper per cup than the high street. Build a beans box and save up to 30% with free UK delivery over £11.99 — skip or cancel anytime. Curious why Portuguese-roasted coffee tastes the way it does? Read the story of Portuguese coffee.