Busy households looking to keep preparation simple
If you often make coffee but don’t want to adjust every cup, capsules and pods are worth considering. Their convenience does, however, mean choosing a consumable format that suits you.
Who are these machines for?
Regular coffee drinkers who care about availability
If you’d rather choose your own beans or ground coffee than rely on pre-measured portions, take a look at bean-to-cup machines and portafilter machines. Depending on the model, you’ll need to be happy with more filling, preparation or cleaning.
Espresso and personalised milk-drink fans
If control over extraction or milk preparation matters more to you than keeping things hands-off, compare the features of portafilter machines and bean-to-cup models equipped for milk-based drinks. Cleaning is just as important to consider as the drinks on offer.
What should you look for first?
Capsules
Worth considering: if you want to make espresso quickly, with minimal effort, using a machine that’s generally compact.
Be aware: your choice of coffee depends on the capsule system compatible with the machine you choose.
Soft pods
Worth considering: if you prefer simple preparation without having to learn how to use a portafilter.
Be aware: check which pod format the machine accepts; not every pod will fit every machine.
Portafilter
Worth considering: if you want more control over dosing and espresso preparation.
Be aware: you’ll need to prepare and clean the portafilter, and get a grinder if you want to use whole beans without one built into the machine.
Automatic bean-to-cup
Worth considering: if you regularly use whole beans and prefer to start making a drink once the machine is filled.
Be aware: the bean hopper, brew group and, where applicable, milk system all need space and appropriate care.
| What to consider | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Speed and effort | Look at the steps required before and after each cup, and which drinks are available at the touch of a button on the model. | When coffee needs to fit into a busy routine, I want to keep repeated tasks to a minimum; around 31% of consumers put this convenience first. |
| Format and availability | Find out which coffee format the model accepts and where you can buy the corresponding consumables. | If I make coffee every day, I want to be able to get the format I’ve chosen without difficulty; for around 31% of consumers, this is the top priority. |
| Settings and milk-based drinks | Compare the settings actually available and, for milk drinks, how the system works and how it needs to be cleaned. | I’d rather spend time adjusting my espresso or preparing milk than stick to pre-set drinks; around 23% of consumers prioritise this level of control. |
| Maintenance and space | Measure the available space with lids open and trays removed; check the instructions for cleaning and descaling. | In a kitchen where space is limited, I also want to be able to fill and clean the machine easily; this matters more than other considerations to around 15% of consumers. |
What not to overlook
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Choosing a machine before deciding on your coffee format
Capsules, soft pods, ground coffee and whole beans aren’t interchangeable. Philips, for example, says its SENSEO Original Plus uses SENSEO pods; this doesn’t define what other machines are compatible with.
Before choosing a model, check which format it accepts and make sure you can get the coffee to match.
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Treating maintenance as optional
Rinsing, cleaning coffee or milk components and descaling all vary depending on the machine and how you use it. An automatic programme doesn’t mean you can ignore the instructions.
Check which parts need cleaning, what alerts the machine gives you and which descaling products are approved for the model you’re considering.
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Measuring only the machine’s width
A machine might fit on your worktop but still not have enough room for you to open the lid or remove the water tank and trays.
Measure the available width, depth and height, then allow enough space to fill and clean the machine. If you’ll be using beans with a portafilter machine that doesn’t have a built-in grinder, remember to make room for a separate grinder too.
Brands to know
Nespresso
A capsule system to consider if you prefer this format and the related services available in France.
- Nespresso offers capsule ordering, maintenance and collection services.
- Check the exact capsule compatibility and whether collection is available near you; a collection point doesn’t replace reducing individual packaging.
Philips / SENSEO
SENSEO machines that use soft pods and Philips bean-to-cup machines are worth comparing, depending on the coffee format and drinks you’re looking for.
- Philips says the Original Plus accepts SENSEO pods; some Philips bean-to-cup ranges also feature a LatteGo milk system.
- Compatible formats and available recipes depend on the model: the features of an Original Plus or a LatteGo range don’t apply across the whole collection.
De'Longhi
Bean-to-cup machines, including the Magnifica ranges, are worth exploring if you want to make coffee from whole beans.
- De'Longhi distinguishes its models by the drinks on offer and the features designed for milk-based drinks.
- Compare the features of the specific model and check its instructions: the brew group will still need cleaning, and you’ll need to descale the machine.
Sage
Portafilter machines for coffee drinkers who want more hands-on control over preparation.
- Sage lists a 54 mm portafilter, a stated 18 g dose and an automatic steam wand for its Bambino Plus.
- These features apply to the Bambino Plus. A portafilter machine also requires ground coffee or a grinder, as well as some hands-on preparation and cleaning.
Machines for these needs on Joybuy
These models showcase two of the formats covered here: capsule machines and automatic bean-to-cup machines. To choose between all four types, also consider the soft-pod and portafilter options discussed above.
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Philips EP2230/10 Series 2200 LatteGo, black
Worth considering if you’re looking for an automatic bean-to-cup machine with a dedicated feature for milk-based drinks.
The model name includes LatteGo; check which drinks are programmed on this model and what maintenance is required according to its instructions.
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KRUPS Nespresso Essenza Mini, white, 0.6 L
Worth considering if you prefer to make coffee with capsules and want a tank capacity that suits your needs.
The product name lists a 0.6 L tank and 1,200 W of power; check which capsule format it accepts before choosing your coffee.
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De'Longhi Magnifica Evo ECAM290.61.B LatteCrema, black
Worth considering if you’re looking for a bean-to-cup machine and enjoy milk-based drinks.
This version features LatteCrema; check which recipes are actually available and how to maintain the milk system on the ECAM290.61.B model.
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De'Longhi Magnifica S ECAM22.140.B with grinder, black
Worth considering if you want to make espresso regularly with an automatic machine that has a grinder.
Before setting aside space for it, check its dimensions and allow room to fill and clean the trays.
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HiBREW H16 automatic bean-to-cup machine with grinder and milk system
Worth considering if you want automatic coffee made from whole beans, with a choice of drinks available on a touchscreen.
The product name lists six varieties of coffee; check the drinks list and instructions to find out how to clean the milk system.
Frequently asked questions
How often should you descale an espresso machine?
Follow the instructions for your model: how often you need to descale depends in particular on the water you use and how many drinks you make. Also use the products and follow the steps recommended for your machine, rather than automatically applying instructions for another brand.
Are all coffee capsules recycled in the same way in France?
No. Collection options depend on the system and the guidance available locally. Nespresso lists collection points for its capsules; check the brand’s guidance and your local council’s instructions for the capsules you use. ADEME points out that capsules put in household rubbish are handled through the waste stream for that type of waste.
What warranty applies to a machine bought from a trader in France?
According to information published by the French Ministry of the Economy, the legal guarantee of conformity applies to goods sold by a trader to a private individual in France, including new, second-hand and refurbished goods. Keep your proof of purchase, and distinguish this legal protection from any additional commercial warranty offered by the seller or manufacturer.