Households that make coffee regularly
If you make several cups each day, choosing between beans and pods also affects how you shop: you’ll need to choose your coffee and maintain the grinder, or keep a supply of pre-portioned pods to hand.
Who are these systems for?
People who are mindful of space and noise
If you have a small kitchen or household members keep different hours, check how much space you’ll need to use the machine and how noisy the model you’re considering is. UFC-Que Choisir describes bean-to-cup espresso machines as bulkier and noisier than pod systems or filter coffee machines.
Users who want to stay on top of maintenance
For a machine you’ll use every day, check how easy it is to access the trays, clean the milk system and descale the machine. De’Longhi notes that how often you need to descale depends, among other things, on water hardness and usage.
How do the options compare?
Start by choosing the type of coffee you want to make, then consider how each system fits your space and the steps you’re happy to repeat.
Bean-to-cup espresso machine
Worth considering: if you make espresso regularly and want to choose your own beans.
What to bear in mind: grinding noise, the space it takes up and regular maintenance.
Pod machine
Worth considering: if you prefer pre-portioned coffee and a compact appliance.
What to bear in mind: you’ll need compatible pods and a way to sort them for recycling after use.
Portafilter espresso machine
Worth considering: if you want to control the dose and extraction.
What to bear in mind: more hands-on preparation and cleaning than with an automatic machine.
Filter coffee machine
Worth considering: if your household prefers filter coffee, particularly when making several cups.
What to bear in mind: it doesn’t make the same kind of drink as an espresso machine.
| Criteria | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Regular supplies | The coffee or pods you’ll need, and how often you’ll need to replenish your stock. | When we’re making cup after cup at home, I want to be able to keep the machine stocked without changing my routine. Around 33% of consumers put a reliable supply first. |
| Choice of coffee | The beans or compatible formats available, as well as the grind and drink settings on the specific model. | If I want to try different beans rather than use pre-portioned coffee, being able to choose my own coffee matters more than convenience. This is the top priority for around 27% of consumers. |
| Space and noise | The dimensions, access to the reservoirs and noise levels for the model you’re considering. | In a small kitchen or when household members keep different hours, I need to be able to position and use the appliance without disturbing anyone. For around 20% of consumers, space and noise are the main considerations. |
| Maintenance | Daily tasks, cleaning the milk system and the descaling schedule in the instructions. | If I use the machine every day, I want a cleaning routine I can realistically stick to. Around 20% of consumers put maintenance first. |
Things to bear in mind
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Overlooking what regular use involves
A household that makes coffee often will need to replenish its beans, ground coffee, pods or filters regularly, depending on the system.
Think about a typical week of making coffee and check what you’ll need to keep close at hand, as well as the steps involved after each use.
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Measuring the machine without allowing for everyday use
According to UFC-Que Choisir, a bean-to-cup espresso machine can take up more space and make more noise than a pod system or filter coffee machine. The machine’s dimensions alone don’t tell you how much room you’ll need to access its trays.
Measure your worktop and the clearance beneath your cupboards, then check how the reservoir and coffee grounds container are removed. If noise is a major concern, look for a test of the specific model.
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Assuming an automatic machine cleans itself
Alerts and built-in programmes won’t necessarily replace emptying the trays, rinsing the parts or descaling the machine. De’Longhi says that how often you need to descale depends, among other things, on water hardness and how often you use the machine.
Read the instructions for the model you choose, especially if you plan to make milk-based drinks, and check which parts need cleaning every day.
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Putting pods in with your general rubbish
In France, ADEME says that aluminium and plastic pods should go in the recycling system for paper and packaging.
Set aside a place to store them before recycling and check the guidance where you live; some brands also offer collection points.
Brands to consider
De’Longhi
The brand makes bean-to-cup espresso machines and manual models. The Magnifica S ECAM22.140.B is an example of its range for making black coffee, with a traditional steam wand.
- De’Longhi lists an intensity setting and a 1,8 L reservoir for this model.
- According to De’Longhi, the Magnifica S ECAM22.140.B measures 236 × 429 × 348 mm (height × depth × width): also check there’s enough room to access the reservoirs. You’ll still need to descale it, depending on your water and usage.
Philips
The 2200 Series includes bean-to-cup espresso machines, with milk-related features varying by model.
- For the EP2224/10, Philips lists 12 grind settings, along with adjustable coffee strength and volume.
- These features apply to the EP2224/10: check the functions of the model you’re considering separately.
JURA
JURA’s home range includes automatic bean-to-cup machines; the brand describes the C3 as a machine focused on black coffee.
- JURA lists four speciality coffees for the C3.
- Maintenance tasks vary by model. Check the instructions to find out how often to empty and rinse the trays.
Nespresso
Nespresso represents the pod option here, for households that prefer pre-portioned coffee to choosing their own beans.
- The brand offers collection points for its pods.
- You’ll need to replenish your supply of compatible pods and sort them for recycling; ADEME says aluminium and plastic pods belong in the paper and packaging recycling stream.
Bean-to-cup machines available on Joybuy
These models are designed for making coffee from beans at home. Compare their listed features with the drinks you usually make, then check the space and maintenance requirements for each model.
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Philips 2200 Series EP2230/10 LatteGo, black
Worth considering if you want to make coffee from beans and would like the LatteGo version. Check the cleaning steps for the milk system and the clearance needed to install it.
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HiBREW H16, automatic espresso machine with grinder
Worth a look if you want an automatic machine with milk-based drinks: the name of this version mentions a milk system, a touchscreen and six types of coffee. Check the instructions for daily cleaning tasks.
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De’Longhi Magnifica Start ECAM220.21.WW, white
This bean-to-cup machine is suited to households that want to make espresso at home. Before setting aside space for it, check its dimensions and make sure you can access the parts that need removing for maintenance.
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Ninja Luxe Café Mini ES301EU, espresso and filter coffee
Worth a look if your household switches between espresso and filter coffee: this 2-in-1 version is listed with an integrated grinder. Check the milk frother set-up on the ES301EU before choosing it for the drinks you usually make.
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De’Longhi Magnifica S ECAM22.140.B, black
Worth considering if you’re looking for a bean-to-cup espresso machine for making coffee regularly at home. De’Longhi lists a 1,8 L reservoir and dimensions of 236 × 429 × 348 mm (height × depth × width) for the ECAM22.140.B; also allow room to access the trays.
Frequently asked questions
What maintenance does a bean-to-cup espresso machine need if you use it every day?
Follow the emptying and rinsing steps in the instructions for your model, as well as its cleaning and descaling cycles. De’Longhi says that how often you need to descale depends, among other things, on water hardness and how often you use the machine; milk system parts may need extra attention.
Is a bean-to-cup machine suitable for a small kitchen?
It can be, as long as its size, access to the trays and noise levels work for your space and schedule. However, UFC-Que Choisir describes bean-to-cup espresso machines as bulkier and noisier than pod systems or filter coffee machines. Measure the space and look for a test of the specific model if noise is a deciding factor.
Where should you recycle coffee pods in France?
ADEME says aluminium and plastic pods should go in the recycling bin, bag or container for paper and packaging. You can also look into collection schemes offered by some brands and follow your local council’s guidance.
Do you need a milk system if you mainly drink espresso?
No. Choose this feature if you regularly drink milk-based coffees. Otherwise, focus first on the coffee functions you want and the maintenance routine for the model, as milk system parts also need cleaning.