Coffee Machine Cost: Side by Side Comparison of Bean to Cup Home Machine VS Capsule Machine

It’s not always easy to figure out the true cost of a coffee machine until (unfortunately) it’s too late. While we have already done a cost comparison on Cappuccino’s at home, we’ll be doing more of a direct “apples with apples” comparison in this article. To summarise – we compare the cost of a basic Bean-to-Cup Home Coffee Machine (we use the Saeco Minuto as our go-to) pitted against an average Capsule Coffee Machine (we use the average pricing guides for capsule machines and have remained brand-neutral in this instance). Ready, set – go!

Coffee Machine Cost: The Bases

In order to keep our comparisons as accurate and similar in “end product” as possible – we will be comparing prices for outright purchase.

You can get the Saeco Minuto for an estimated average of R 8 000.000 including VAT.

You can also get a capsule coffee machine for an estimated average of R 2 500.00 including VAT.

Your product requirements will be calculated at 6 cups per day (as in our previous Cappuccino cost comparison) – totalling 180 cups per month for a household of 3. We will again round off for calculation purposes a total of 200 cups per month.

The milk required (working off 200ml per cup at 200 cups per month results in 40 litres of milk required per month – for Bean to Cup Machines).

We will work off of 20ml for 200 cups required as a top-up in your Capsule Coffee – resulting in 4 litres of milk per month. We will also calculate milk pod costs (for the compatible capsule coffee machines) in packs of 16 capsules each – resulting in a cost of R 1 125.00 on required milk pods for your 200-cup complement.

Now that we have the fundamentals in place, let’s get-a cracking!

Coffee Machine Cost: Bean to Cup

1) Purchase of machine = R 8 000.00

2) Monthly purchase of 2kg coffee beans (at the lowest price we could find) – R 60.00×8 250g packets) = R 480.00.

3) Milk Cost per month – using fresh milk as suggested at R 20.00 for 2l = R 400.00

Your monthly running cost without the machine is R 880.00 on product.

Your monthly spend INLCUDING the coffee machine will be around R 1 550.00 (if you break up the R 8000.00 initial machine spend over 12 months).

Not bad, considering most people spend this amount on takeaway coffee for themselves each month! In this cost overview, you will be providing a three person household two cups each, 7 days a week and throwing in an extra 20 cups for unexpected visitors!

Considering your consumables, you’re really only paying R 670.00 per month for one year to fully own your Bean to Cup Machine.

Coffee Machine Cost: Capsule Machines

1) Purchase of machine = R 2 500.00

2) Monthly purchase of Coffee Capsules (at the lowest price we could find) – R 90.00×12.5 packs of 16 capsules) = R 1 125.00.

3) Milk Cost per month – using fresh milk as suggested at R 20.00 for 2l = R 40.00

OR

3) Milk Capsule Cost per month – will be the same cost as Coffee Capsules – tallied at R1 125.00 per month.

Your monthly running cost without the machine is:

– R1 165.00 when using fresh milk as a top-up (NOT frothed milk)

– R2 250.00 when using powdered milk capsules

Your monthly spend INLCUDING the coffee machine will be:

– R 1 400.00 when using fresh milk as a top-up (NOT frothed milk)

– R2 5000.00 when using powdered milk capsules

* If you break up the R 2 500.00 initial machine spend over 12 months.

Direct comparison here shows that in the long run – and evidently even from the word “go!” – you will end up paying more for a capsule coffee machine than you would for a Bean to Cup machine!

Where does this leave us?

Well, you’ need to weight up a whole lot of options.

Is coffee quality and freshness important to you?

Does fresh and powdered milk make a huge difference to you?

Are you looking for a solution that provides you with the most bang for your buck?

It’s quite obvious to see who the winner in this case is – but we want to hear YOUR stories.
What has been you best Coffee Machine decision and how has it affected your life?

Editor’s Note: If the idea of fresh coffee has you salivating – why not sign up for our free coffee machine trial now?