An automatic machine with a grinder is a good choice if you make espressos regularly, want to choose your own beans and prefer an automated brewing process. According to Que Choisir, it takes up more space and makes more noise than a capsule system or filter coffee machine, and it also needs regular maintenance. Capsules and pods mean fewer steps when making coffee, while a portafilter machine gives you more hands-on control. A filter coffee machine suits a different kind of use if espresso isn’t essential.
You want to choose your own beans and often make short or long coffees without using capsules. Que Choisir describes espresso machines with grinders as a good option for coffee enthusiasts and people who drink a lot of coffee.
You’d also like to make milk-based drinks. Compare the features available on each model, then check what needs cleaning after use and how much space the machine takes up in your kitchen.
You’re prepared to look after a more technical machine, as long as you can consult the instruction manual and check which consumables, services and parts are suitable for the model you’re considering.
If you make espressos regularly, start by thinking about the coffee you want to use and how hands-on you’re happy to be each day. Then check the maintenance requirements and available space.
| Criteria | What to check | What you need |
|---|---|---|
| Coffee used | Check for a grinder if you want to put whole beans straight into the machine. Capsules and pods need to be in a compatible format; with a portafilter machine, check how you’ll get your ground coffee. | I want to choose my beans and grind them for each drink, without relying on a capsule or pod format. |
| Preparation | Compare the automated brewing of a bean-to-cup espresso machine with the steps involved in dosing, filling and tamping a portafilter. Check the controls and settings for the exact model. | If I make several espressos regularly, I’d rather keep handling to a minimum. If I enjoy getting involved in the brewing process, a portafilter machine is worth considering. |
| Drinks you want to make | Check the model’s list of recipes and how any milk system works. A filter coffee machine is designed for filter coffee, so it doesn’t serve the same purpose as an espresso machine. | Do milk-based drinks really feature in my daily routine? If I mostly make larger quantities of filter coffee, I may not need an espresso machine. |
| Maintenance | Check the manual to see which trays need emptying, which parts need rinsing, and what cleaning and descaling involve. Look out for any extra steps after making a milk-based drink. | I’m happy to follow a maintenance routine, but I want to know what extra steps it involves after each use and over time. |
| Space and noise | Measure the space available, including the clearance needed to access the reservoirs. According to Que Choisir, bean-to-cup espresso machines take up more space and make more noise than capsule systems or filter coffee machines. If noise is a deciding factor, look for an assessment of the exact model. | In a small kitchen, I need to be able to set up the machine and fill its reservoirs without moving other things. The noise from grinding also matters, depending on when I make my coffee. |
| Parts and support | Look for the manual, consumables and part numbers compatible with the exact model. A parts catalogue being available doesn’t necessarily mean that a specific part is in stock for your machine. | Before choosing a machine I plan to maintain, I want to know where to find the instructions and the parts that are right for its model number. |
A bean-to-cup espresso machine needs its coffee grounds emptied, certain parts cleaned and the descaling procedure followed. A milk system means there are extra parts or steps to clean after use.
Check the model’s manual for details of the trays, accessible parts, alerts and recommended cleaning products before comparing its recipes.
According to Que Choisir, bean-to-cup espresso machines take up more space and make more noise than capsule systems or filter coffee machines. A photo won’t show how much room you need to fill the reservoirs or remove the trays.
Measure your worktop and the clearance beneath your cupboards. If noise matters to you, look for an assessment of the exact model.
A parts shop, such as Melitta’s, doesn’t mean that every part you’re looking for is compatible with every machine from that brand.
Make a note of the machine’s exact model number, check the part number and find out how long parts are expected to remain available for that model.
In France, De’Longhi offers automatic bean-to-cup machines and portafilter espresso machines.
Philips provides maintenance resources for its espresso machines. Check the information for your specific model.
In France, Melitta offers automatic bean-to-cup machines and a parts shop for this category.
These four machines with grinders are designed for making coffee regularly from whole beans. Compare the exact variant and its maintenance requirements before choosing. Capsules, pods, portafilter machines and filter coffee machines are all different options.
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This machine with a grinder is suited to anyone who wants to make coffee regularly from whole beans. If you choose the LatteGo version for milk-based drinks, check the manual for how to clean the system and which consumables are suitable.
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This automatic machine with a grinder is designed for making coffee regularly from whole beans. If you’d also like to make milk-based drinks, check which accessories are included with the ECAM250.23.SB variant and what cleaning they require.
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The H16 combines a grinder and milk system for anyone considering a range of drinks. Its product description lists six types of coffee; check the recipes available and the model’s cleaning instructions before making that a deciding factor.
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This variant is described as an automatic machine with a grinder for making coffee from whole beans. If you plan to switch between whole beans and pre-ground coffee, or make two cups at once, check that the ECAM22.140.B has these features. Check its dimensions too before deciding where to put it.
Plan to empty and rinse the trays regularly, then clean the parts specified in the model’s manual. Check its descaling procedure too and, if you make milk-based drinks, find out what needs to be done after preparing them.
No. Philips says that machines using an AquaClean filter still need descaling after eight filter cycles, and that the drinks you make and the rinsing process affect the number of cups quoted. Follow the alerts and instructions for your model.
Search the manufacturer’s catalogue using the machine’s exact model number, then check that the parts you’re interested in are compatible. If you’re buying in France, the DGCCRF says that sellers must tell you how long parts will be available if the manufacturer has informed them.
Not necessarily. An integrated grinder is useful if you want to make espressos from your choice of whole beans using an automated brewing process. If you mainly make larger quantities of filter coffee, a filter coffee machine is better suited to that drink. If you want to dose and tamp the coffee yourself, consider a portafilter machine instead.