An automatic bean-to-cup machine is a good fit for a household that regularly makes several coffees, wants to customise its drinks and is happy to handle the cleaning and grinding noise. If compact size and pre-portioned preparation matter more, a capsule machine is also worth considering. For soft pods or a portafilter machine, compare the options based on the drinks you like and how much hands-on preparation you’re comfortable with.
You want to cut down on the steps involved in making coffee every day, while keeping the settings that matter for your drinks. Check the recipes and two-cup function on each model, as they vary from machine to machine.
If you regularly make cappuccinos or similar drinks, choosing between a manual steam wand, a milk carafe and a milk system also affects the cleaning you’ll need to do after use.
In a shared kitchen or on a small worktop, compare the footprint and noisy stages of each machine. Don’t forget to check how easy it is to reach the parts that need cleaning and to follow the descaling instructions.
If you’re making several coffees at home, start with the drinks you enjoy and the steps you’d like to avoid. Then look at the noise, available space and cleaning needs of each machine.
| Criteria | What to check | What you need |
|---|---|---|
| Preparation and settings | Compare the drinks available at the touch of a button, the volume and strength settings, and whether the specific model can make two coffees at once. | I regularly make several coffees and want to keep handling to a minimum without losing the settings that work for my household. |
| Cleaning and maintenance | Check the manual for instructions on rinsing the trays, accessing the brew group and descaling alerts. According to De’Longhi France, how often you need to descale depends in part on your water hardness. | Before choosing a bean-to-cup machine, I want to know what needs doing after making coffee and which products or filters the machine requires. |
| Milky drinks | Check whether it uses a manual steam wand, a milk carafe or a milk system. Find out how to take it apart, rinse it after use and run the cleaning cycles specified for the model. | If I often make milky drinks, cleaning the milk system matters just as much as the choice of recipes. |
| Noise and dimensions | Look for tests of the exact model that cover grinding, rinsing and dispensing, then measure the space available. Que Choisir says a grinder is noisier and takes up more space than a capsule system. | In an open-plan kitchen or early in the morning, I need to know which stages are noisy and check that the machine will fit on my worktop. |
| Type of machine | For capsules and soft pods, check which consumables are compatible. With a portafilter machine, consider the preparation steps; with a bean-to-cup machine, check its settings and cleaning requirements. | I may prefer pre-portioned coffee to a bean-to-cup machine, or be happy to get more hands-on with a portafilter machine. It all depends on my routine. |
Making coffee at the touch of a button doesn’t remove the need to clean accessible parts or descale the machine. De’Longhi France notes that how often descaling is needed depends on your water hardness.
Before you buy, check the manual for your chosen model to find out about alerts, removable parts, compatible filters and required maintenance.
Remember to factor in the time needed for cleaning, along with any filters and descaling products specified for the machine.
A steam wand, removable carafe and milk system don’t involve the same steps after making a cappuccino.
If you often make milky drinks, check how to take the system apart, rinse it and run the cleaning cycle for the model you’re considering.
Grinding isn’t the only noisy stage to consider: Que Choisir’s testing protocol also looks at noise and vibration during rinsing and dispensing.
Look for a test of the exact model and measure the available width, depth and height before you order.
In France, the Ministry of the Economy explains that the statutory guarantee of conformity applies to new, second-hand and refurbished goods sold by a business to a consumer. A commercial warranty is separate.
Before taking out an extended warranty, read the details of the cover, exclusions and claims process. Don’t confuse it with the statutory guarantee that applies to your purchase.
De’Longhi positions the Magnifica range around straightforward espresso preparation, while other ranges from the brand put a wider choice of drinks centre stage.
Some Philips machines with LatteGo come with a removable carafe for milky drinks. Philips describes the system as having two parts and no tube.
JURA gives the A8 a width of 19 cm. Check this against the available space and the clearance the machine needs.
These automatic grinder models are designed for making coffee from whole beans at home. Compare their settings and milk systems with your routine. This selection doesn’t replace choosing between a bean-to-cup machine, capsules, soft pods and a portafilter machine.
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For a choice of espresso, coffee and cappuccino, the product listing specifies one-touch selection, strength and volume settings, and 12 grind settings. The LatteGo carafe comes apart into two pieces and is listed as dishwasher-safe. The AquaClean filter is listed as not included, and the machine is not advertised as making two milky drinks at once.
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For serving several coffees, the product listing specifies a two-cup function and a 1,8 L water tank. It also lists 13 grind settings, along with strength, temperature and volume adjustments. The steam wand requires you to froth the milk manually, so check the rinsing instructions.
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For a whole-bean coffee routine, the product listing specifies an adjustable grinder and a two-cup function. A steam wand lets you froth milk manually; check the manual for cleaning and descaling instructions.
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If you want to vary the coffee and milk volumes for different drinks, the product listing specifies customisable volumes, six selectable drinks and 15 grind settings. It describes a dual boiler for making coffee and frothing milk at the same time, but doesn’t state that it can make two coffees simultaneously. Check the manual for instructions on cleaning the milk system.
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If you like to save your preferred drink settings, the product listing specifies four one-touch recipes and adjustable strength, size and temperature settings that can be saved. It also lists 13 grind settings and a manual steam wand. Check the care instructions for this version, particularly after making a milky drink.
No. How often you need to descale depends in part on water hardness and how much you use the machine. Follow the alert and programme for your model; De’Longhi France highlights the role water hardness plays in how often descaling is needed.
Rinse the steam wand after use if your machine has one. For a carafe or milk system, follow the steps and use the products recommended by the manufacturer for your model.
Look for tests of the exact models that cover the same stages of operation. Que Choisir’s testing protocol looks at noise and vibration during rinsing, grinding and dispensing.
ADEME says to put these capsules in the recycling bin, bag or container for paper and packaging. Check your local council’s recycling collection instructions for details of how to recycle them.
No. In France, the statutory guarantee of conformity is mandatory for new, second-hand or refurbished goods sold by a business to a consumer, as the Ministry of the Economy explains. A commercial extended warranty is separate, so read the cover and exclusions before taking one out.