A bean-to-cup espresso machine suits a household that makes espresso regularly, wants to choose its own beans and is happy to put up with more noise, a larger footprint and extra maintenance. Capsules or pods prioritise convenience, while a portafilter machine takes more hands-on preparation and a filter coffee machine is the choice for longer coffees. To compare these options, consider the coffee each machine uses and the maintenance it requires: Que Choisir notes that coffee made from beans can cost less per cup than pods.
A bean-to-cup espresso machine is worth considering if you drink espresso regularly and are happy to maintain the machine. Que Choisir says coffee beans can work out cheaper per cup than pods, so weigh this up against how much coffee you drink.
Check which drinks the specific model makes and how its milk system is cleaned. A steam wand and a milk carafe involve different routines from day to day.
Capsules or pods may suit you if you prefer pre-portioned coffee and minimal fuss. However, check which format the machine accepts and how much replacement pods will cost, as recommended in Que Choisir’s guide to espresso machines.
Start with the drinks your household actually makes, then compare the everyday steps involved and the running costs of each type of machine.
| Factor | What to check | Think about your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost | Compare the machine, the coffee you’ll use at your usual rate and the recommended maintenance products. Que Choisir notes that coffee beans may cost less per cup than pods, although this doesn’t determine the total cost for every household. | If I make several coffees a day, I want to factor in refills and maintenance, not just the machine. |
| Drinks and coffee formats | Check whether the model makes espresso, milk-based drinks or longer coffees. Also check which formats it accepts: beans, ground coffee, capsules or pods. For milk-based drinks, look at the cleaning involved. | I mostly drink espresso, longer coffees or cappuccinos: the features that matter will differ. |
| Maintenance | Check the manual for instructions on rinsing trays, descaling and compatible consumables. If there’s a milk system, check separately what needs to be done after use. | I prefer a quick routine, so I need to know which parts to clean after making my usual drinks. |
| Noise and space | Measure the space available, including room to remove the water tank and trays. Que Choisir describes bean-to-cup espresso machines as noisier and bulkier than capsule systems or filter coffee machines; its testing also assesses noise levels. | In a small kitchen or early in the morning, the noise of grinding and access to the trays could influence my choice. |
| Preparation | Compare the pre-portioned coffee used with capsules and pods, the integrated grinder, the hands-on use of a portafilter and the ground coffee used in a filter coffee machine. | I may be happy to prepare a portafilter for espresso, or I may prefer to serve several longer coffees with ease. |
Coffee beans may offer better value than pods, according to Que Choisir, but a bean-to-cup espresso machine also needs regular maintenance.
Before choosing, check the manual for the model and factor in how much coffee you drink, as well as the compatible maintenance products.
Depending on the model, filters, descaler, cleaning tablets and milk-system cleaning can mean extra purchases or tasks to factor in.
Que Choisir says a bean-to-cup espresso machine takes up more space and makes more noise than a capsule system or filter coffee machine. These differences are particularly important in a small kitchen.
Measure the available space and check that you can access the trays. If noise is a key concern, look for a test of the specific model that covers the brewing process, rather than relying on a product description.
A capsule machine can make brewing simpler, but compatibility limits which refills you can use. Que Choisir also notes that buying capsules repeatedly can add to running costs.
Check which format the machine accepts and compare the refills you could realistically buy for your usual consumption.
De’Longhi’s range in France includes bean-to-cup espresso machines; drinks and controls vary by model.
Philips offers automatic espresso machines, as well as maintenance parts and consumables for some ranges.
Krups is one of the brands to consider for bean-to-cup espresso machines in France, although the features of one machine won’t apply to the whole range.
These models offer three ways to make coffee at home: bean-to-cup espresso, filter coffee and portafilter espresso. Start by choosing the drinks and preparation routine that suit you.
Image unavailable
A bean-to-cup option for households that regularly make espresso and want to consider a LatteGo model for milk-based drinks. Check the precise drinks menu and cleaning instructions for the EP2230/10 before choosing.
Image unavailable
This automatic bean-to-cup machine is for households that want to make coffee from beans and are considering milk-based drinks. Check which recipes are available on this variant and how to maintain its milk system.
Image unavailable
A bean-to-cup espresso machine to consider if making espresso from beans is your main priority. For milk-based drinks, check the steps involved and how to clean the steam wand on this variant.
Image unavailable
This filter coffee machine suits households that mainly make longer coffees and want to be able to programme the brewing time. It serves a different purpose from a machine chosen for espresso.
Image unavailable
This portafilter espresso machine suits anyone who doesn’t mind preparing and cleaning the portafilter. Check the EC685.BK’s water tank capacity and which accessories suit the coffees you usually make.
Follow your model’s manual to rinse the trays and removable parts, then descale the machine when prompted. De’Longhi says how often this is needed depends, among other things, on water hardness. A milk system also needs to be cleaned as instructed.
No. Que Choisir describes bean-to-cup espresso machines as generally noisier than capsule systems. If noise is a key concern in your home, look for an assessment of the specific model while it’s brewing; Que Choisir’s testing includes a sound level meter reading.
It depends on the model and its manual. You may need descaler, a filter, cleaning tablets or a product for the milk system. Philips, for example, offers consumables for some of its machines and notes that an AquaClean filter doesn’t remove the need to descale permanently.
First consider having the machine repaired or reused if it’s suitable. Otherwise, take it to a collection point for electrical and electronic equipment. The French Ministry for Ecological Transition outlines these options for used electrical appliances.