C o f f e e - f a c t o r y
Have you ever wondered if you could simply toss coffee beans into an espresso machine and get a rich, aromatic espresso with just one button press? As a coffee machine manufacturer, we receive similar questions every day. Today, let me thoroughly answer this question for you and share some practical tips known only within the industry.

How does an Italian coffee machine work?

An Italian coffee machine is not just a simple kettle. It useshigh-pressure hot water(usually 9-15 atmospheres) to quickly penetratefinely ground coffee powder, extracting a cup of espresso in 20-30 seconds. The key lies in the “powder” rather than the “beans” – whole coffee beans cannot allow hot water to pass through evenly, so extraction cannot be completed naturally.

So, can coffee beans be used directly?

The answer falls into two cases:
  1. Ordinary Italian coffee machines (semi-automatic/manual): Absolutely not! These machines require you to pre-grind coffee beans into powder and tamp them into the portafilter. Putting whole beans directly will only damage the machine or result in a cup of “coffee-flavored hot water”.
  2. Fully automatic Italian coffee machine: Absolutely! The fully automatic model comes with a built-in coffee grinder. All you need to do is pour the coffee beans into the bean hopper, and the machine will automatically complete the entire process of grinding, tamping, and extraction. This is the correct way to achieve “coffee at the touch of a button”.

How to choose different types of coffee machines?

  • Semi-automatic espresso machine : It has the most sense of ritual, but requires an additional high-quality coffee grinder . Suitable for coffee lovers who Aim for the Highest flavor.
  • Fully Automatic Italian Coffee Machine : Ultimate convenience, one-button enjoyment of freshly ground coffee. Suitable for offices, homes, or users who pursue efficiency.
  • Capsule coffee maker : Uses pre – filled coffee capsules, completely eliminating the need to handle coffee beans or coffee powder. Convenient but with limited options.
Personal emotional advice: Based on my years of industry experience, if you truly love coffee, the combination of a semi-automatic machine and a professional coffee grinder can lead you to explore infinite flavor possibilities. However, if “convenience and speed” is your top priority, a reliable fully automatic machine is the true love.

Not only the machine, but the coffee beans themselves are also crucial

Even with a fully automatic machine, not just any beans will do. To make a cup of espresso rich in crema and balanced in flavor, it is best to choose:
  • Roast Level: Medium-dark to dark roasted beans are more likely to extract rich aroma, mellow body, and that charming crema (oil).
  • Freshness: Coffee beans with a production date within 1 month are the best. Once roasted, the flavor of the beans will rapidly decline over time. That’s why we always emphasize “grind and brew fresh.”
  • Grind Size: This is the most crucial yet easily overlooked aspect! The grind size must be fine-tuned according to your machine and the characteristics of the beans. Too coarse a grind will result in under-extraction, with a sour and thin taste; too fine a grind will lead to over-extraction, with a bitter and burnt taste.

As a manufacturer, what can we offer you?

Having understood these needs, we have provided multiple solutions for global clients:
  1. Fully Automatic Coffee Machine : Built-in ceramic coffee grinder, supporting multi-level grinding adjustment from coarse to fine, meeting the needs of beans with different roast levels.
  2. Semi-automatic coffee machine : Can be purchased in combination with our recommended commercial-grade coffee grinder to form the perfect core of a coffee shop.
  3. Customized Services (OEM/ODM): Whether you need a bean hopper with a special capacity, a specific appearance design, or wish to integrate the machine into a smart home system, we can make it happen for you. Our products meet international certifications such as CE and UL, and are selling well in the European and American markets.
  4. All-in-one models: We have even developed models that support coffee beans, coffee powder, and capsules simultaneously, ensuring that your customers never have to worry about compatibility issues.
Our original intention is: We not only sell machines, but also provide the most suitable coffee solutions for every customer.

FAQ

Q: Which is better, coffee powder or coffee beans?A: Freshness is the key. Coffee beans can retain flavor to the greatest extent, but they need to be ground. Pre-ground coffee powder is convenient, but its flavor fades quickly. For daily consumption, a fully automatic coffee machine + fresh coffee beans is the best balance between quality and convenience.
Q: When opening a coffee shop, should one choose a fully automatic or semi-automatic coffee machine?A: It depends on your traffic counting and positioning. High-traffic fast-food coffee shops are suitable for high-efficiency fully automatic machines; specialty coffee shops that focus on artisanal pour-over and flavor are more suitable for semi-automatic machines, which can showcase the barista’s professional skills.
Q: Can I directly use regular coffee beans bought from the supermarket?A: Yes, you can, but the flavor may not reach its best. Espresso amplifies all the strengths and weaknesses of coffee beans. It is recommended to choose blend beans or SOE (Single Origin Espresso) beans specifically roasted for espresso.

Conclusion

In summary, ordinary Italian coffee machines cannot directly use coffee beans , unless they are fully automatic models equipped with a coffee grinder. I hope this article can help you avoid misunderstandings and enjoy the wonderful flavor that every cup of coffee should have.
If you are a coffee retailer, a café owner, or looking for a reliable coffee machine supplier, you are welcome to contact us. We can provide you with highly competitive wholesale prices, flexible customization options (OEM/ODM), and stable product quality. Let us create a customized coffee experience for you!

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