Start by choosing the coffee system and level of maintenance your household is happy to manage every day: capsules or pods for simple preparation, a portafilter for using ground coffee, or a grinder so you can choose your own beans. According to Que Choisir, bean-to-cup coffee from a grinder can cost less per cup than pod-based espresso, but the machine’s footprint, noise, maintenance and your shopping habits are all important factors.
If you mainly prepare short or long coffees without measuring, grinding or cleaning a brewing chamber after every use, start by looking at capsules and pods. Check which format the machine accepts, as well as the ongoing cost of the consumables. Que Choisir distinguishes between these systems in its espresso machine guide.
A grinder could suit a household that makes coffee regularly, wants to try different beans and is happy to manage a larger, noisier machine that needs looking after. Measure the available space and consider the cleaning routine before you decide. Que Choisir highlights these considerations for machines with grinders.
Don’t compare the machine alone: factor in its purchase price, coffee and cleaning products against the number of drinks you realistically expect to make. Que Choisir’s guides distinguish the cost of each coffee according to the type of machine.
To compare the four main types, start with the coffee you want to use, then check the running cost, available space and daily tasks involved.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Total running cost | Compare the cost of the machine, coffee and cleaning products over the same period. Use the same number of drinks for each option. | I want to know what each coffee costs over time, without assuming that a more expensive machine will automatically pay for itself. |
| Coffee system | Check which capsule or pod format the machine accepts. For a grinder, check the type of beans it supports and the available adjustment settings. | I want to find the coffee that suits me easily and avoid buying incompatible consumables. |
| Space, noise and maintenance | Measure your worktop and the clearance needed for the tanks and trays. For a grinder, consult a review of the exact model covering grinding, rinsing and dispensing. | In a small home or with irregular hours, I need a machine whose noise level and cleaning routines are realistic. |
Nespresso-compatible capsules and Senseo-compatible pods are designed for specific systems. Que Choisir points out that most brands accept only one type of capsule.
Before buying, note the system specified by the manufacturer and check that your coffee products explicitly state this compatibility.
Incompatible capsules or pods cannot be used in the machine you choose.
Coffee, descaling products, any required filters and maintenance all contribute to the cost of use. In its 2025 comparison, Que Choisir states that capsules and pods cost considerably more than beans and ground coffee.
Make your comparison using the machine price, consumables and your expected number of drinks over the same period.
Depending on the model, you may also need cleaning tablets, descaler or a filter.
According to Que Choisir, grinders take up more space and make more noise than capsule systems. Rinsing, grinding, cleaning and descaling are all among the criteria assessed for these appliances.
Measure the installation space, including access to the tanks and trays, then consult the manual and a review of the exact model. If noise matters, look for a measurement taken during grinding.
Allow time to empty the trays, run rinsing cycles and, depending on the model, clean the milk system.
In the list published by the French ministry responsible for ecological transition on 8 July 2025, coffee machines are not among the categories covered by the repairability index.
Instead, compare the manual, required maintenance tasks, availability of parts and consumables, warranty and after-sales service for the model.
A reference for capsule machines: Que Choisir tested 18 capsules advertised as compatible with Nespresso machines, sold by national brands, retailers and discount chains, among others.
A reference for soft pods: Que Choisir’s testing protocol covered 10 Senseo-compatible pods sold in supermarkets or organic shops.
In France, De'Longhi offers several series of machines with grinders, including Magnifica, Rivelia, Eletta, Dinamica and PrimaDonna, according to the brand’s catalogue.
Melitta provides manuals for several automatic bean-to-cup machines, including Purista, Avanza, Solo, Latticia, CI Touch and Barista SE.
The Krups Intuition Essential EA870810 is among the appliances recently tested in Que Choisir’s French comparison of machines with grinders.
These Joybuy options include machines with grinders, a soft-pod machine and a portafilter machine for making your daily coffee at home.
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Worth considering for a household that wants to choose its beans and prepare espresso, coffee or cappuccino.
Features listed include a 1.8 L tank, 275 g bean hopper and grinder with 12 settings.
The LatteGo carafe and brewing unit require regular cleaning; also check the space needed to access the tanks.
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Suitable for a household that regularly prepares coffees and cappuccinos without manual measuring.
Listed features include five drinks selected directly, a grinder with 13 settings, a 1.8 L tank and a 250 g bean hopper.
Its 440 mm depth, along with rinsing and descaling cycles, should be considered before installation.
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An option for making one or two cups with SENSEO soft pods, without grinding.
Listed features include a 1.2 L tank, spout adjustable up to 140 mm, and volume and strength settings.
Use pods that are genuinely compatible with SENSEO and follow the manufacturer’s descaling instructions.
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Worth considering if you want to vary your bean coffees and occasionally use pre-ground coffee.
Listed features include a conical grinder with 13 settings, programmed recipes and the option to prepare one or two cups.
With a depth of 477 mm, this machine needs plenty of clearance; the steam wand must be cleaned after making milk-based drinks.
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This portafilter machine is for anyone who wants to use ground coffee or ESE pods with manual preparation.
Listed features include a width of 149 mm, three included filters, three temperature settings and a steam wand.
Allow time for measuring, emptying the portafilter and cleaning the steam wand after use.
No. Que Choisir confirms that capsules advertised as Nespresso-compatible are available, but states that most brands accept only one type of capsule. Check the format explicitly accepted by the machine, rather than relying solely on the word “capsule” on the packaging.
No, not necessarily for your household. Que Choisir reports that the cost per cup for a grinder is two to three times lower than for pod-based espresso, but the result depends on the price of the beans, the machine, how often you drink coffee and the maintenance required. Compare each option using the same number of drinks and the same period of use.
Plan to rinse the coffee-grounds and drip trays regularly, clean the model’s components as instructed and then descale the machine when required. Water hardness affects the frequency, while consumables vary, particularly when a milk system or water filter is included.
According to ADEME, aluminium or plastic capsules should be placed in the sorting bin, bag or container intended for paper and packaging. Check the recycling instructions that apply in your local authority.
In the official list published by the French ministry responsible for ecological transition on 8 July 2025, coffee machines are not among the categories covered. When choosing, instead examine the manual, the availability of parts and consumables, the warranty and the after-sales service for the model.