Using this machine, you can brew coffee using whole beans, but it takes a bit more than a press of a button: you have to grind some coffee straight into a dedicated holder first, then insert the holder into the appliance. While this isn't a bean-to-cup machine in the traditional sense (that is, you can't go from bean to cup at the mere touch of a button), it's still very easy to use. When it comes to drinks brewed using pre-ground coffee or capsules though, this machine does enable you to prepare them at the press of a button.

This coffee machine is very easy to maintain: Daily maintenance: rinse the adapters (this is especially important if you've been brewing drinks using pre-ground coffee or whole beans); empty and rinse the drip tray; disassemble and rinse the milk container (if you've been brewing milk-based drinks). Occasional maintenance: once the descaling indicator lights up, make sure to descale the machine.

No, it does not have a three-way valve.

We recommend using cold milk (at a temperature of ~5 °C) with a fat content of 2.5–4.5%. If using plant-based drinks, keep in mind that barista-type oat or soy milk tends to work best.

You can use cups that are up to 13-cm-tall.

The machine leaves the factory with the grind size dial being pointed towards size 2, which is suited best for the espresso brewing method. If you're going to use this brewing method, test the grind size out first. Depending on the results, you can then make it coarser or finer. If you're going to use any other brewing method, adjust the grind size by following the instructions provided in the user manual.

You can do it in a couple of different ways: 1. Use Dolce Gusto-compatible hot chocolate or cocoa capsules. 2. Pour some hot chocolate or cocoa powder into a cup, then select the milk foam feature and mix well.