If you regularly make espresso using your choice of beans, a bean-to-cup machine could suit you, provided you’re happy with its size, the noise of grinding and the maintenance it requires. Capsule machines are all about quick preparation, filter coffee makers are ideal for serving several cups at once, while a manual portafilter lets you take control of the brewing process. Before you choose, check which drinks the specific model makes and what cleaning it requires.
If you make espresso regularly, want to try different beans and adjust your drink to suit you, a bean-to-cup machine is worth considering, as long as you’re happy to keep up with routine maintenance. De’Longhi describes how its automatic machines make coffee from freshly ground beans; the available settings vary by model.
A capsule machine is a good choice if you want pre-portioned coffee and a compact appliance. However, check which capsule format it accepts before committing to the system. Que Choisir highlights how easy this type of machine is to maintain.
If you regularly make cappuccinos or other milk-based drinks, compare the recipes available on the exact model and check which parts of the milk system need cleaning. Philips offers models with LatteGo, for example, but not all its machines have this setup.
First decide whether you want individual espressos, pre-portioned coffee or a pot of filter coffee. Then compare the space required, the steps involved and the maintenance needed for the model you’re considering.
| Criteria | What to check | Who it suits |
|---|---|---|
| Choice of beans | Check the bean-to-cup machine’s grind and drink settings, as well as the types of beans it accepts. | I want to try different beans while making espresso regularly. Around 31% of consumers would put this freedom of choice first. |
| Speed and size | Check the machine’s dimensions, allowing room to open the reservoir, and then check which capsule format it accepts. | When space is limited, I prefer pre-portioned coffee with minimal effort. This convenience would be the top priority for around 25% of consumers. |
| Making several cups | For a filter coffee maker, compare the usable capacity of the carafe and how easy it is to clean. A model with a grinder is still a filter coffee maker. | I serve several people in one go rather than making espresso one cup at a time. Around 19% of consumers would prioritise serving coffee from a carafe. |
| Manual preparation | For a portafilter machine, check which accessories are included and whether you’ll need a separate grinder. | I want to measure and tamp the coffee myself, even if it takes practice. Around 13% of consumers would put manual control first. |
| Milk-based drinks and maintenance | Check how to clean the milk system and brew group. If noise matters to you, look for a measurement that applies to the specific model. | I want to enjoy a variety of drinks without taking on cleaning tasks that disrupt my routine. Around 12% of consumers would put this combination of needs first. |
Capsules, beans, filters and cleaning products vary depending on the type of machine. Que Choisir recommends taking regular consumption into account when comparing bean-to-cup and capsule machines, in particular.
Note how many coffees you usually make and identify the consumables required for each model, including those needed for cleaning.
A portafilter machine may also require a separate grinder and accessories.
Maintenance requirements depend on the machine and its manufacturer’s instructions. Philips says its machines alert you when it’s time to descale, while JURA warns that using an unsuitable cleaning product may damage them.
Read the manual for the model you choose and follow its alerts and instructions for the filter cartridge.
The number of recipes doesn’t tell you what you’ll need to do after making a milk-based drink. Philips describes LatteGo as a two-part system, but milk systems vary between models.
Check the machine’s manual to see which parts need to be removed and how to rinse the system.
Depending on the system, rinsing and cleaning the parts that come into contact with milk will add steps to your routine.
A range-wide parts catalogue doesn’t guarantee that every component is available for every model. Bosch offers parts and accessories for its coffee machines, which you can search for by model.
Ask the retailer about availability for the exact model and check that its manual and support information are easy to find.
De’Longhi’s bean-to-cup espresso range spans the Magnifica models, as well as machines with a wider choice of recipes and settings.
Philips offers bean-to-cup espresso machines, including ranges designed for milk-based drinks.
Melitta offers both automatic bean-to-cup machines and filter coffee makers, including filter models with a built-in grinder.
JURA automatic machines come with maintenance programmes and instructions specific to the brand.
Bosch offers support, accessories and cleaning products for its automatic coffee machines.
These models are worth considering if you want a machine with a grinder for making coffee from beans at home. The Ninja Luxe Café Mini also combines espresso and filter coffee options. For each model, compare the advertised features with the drinks you usually make and the level of maintenance you’re happy to take on.
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Worth considering if you regularly make espresso from beans and prefer an automatic machine. If you enjoy milk-based drinks, check what’s involved in using the steam wand and cleaning this model.
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An option for anyone who wants to make espresso with an integrated grinder. If milk-based drinks are important to you, check how to use the steam wand and what maintenance the manual recommends.
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Worth a look if you want to make different coffees from beans: the product name lists six drinks and a milk system. Before choosing this model, check the manual for instructions on using and cleaning the milk system.
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Worth considering if you want to make coffee from beans with an automatic machine. The product name lists a 1.7 L reservoir and 1450 W power. Check the manual for details of this model’s grinder settings and maintenance requirements.
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Worth considering if you want to switch between espresso and filter coffee while using beans. The information about the milk frother is contradictory, so confirm how it works on the ES301EU model before choosing it for milk-based drinks.
Follow your model’s alerts and manual rather than sticking to a schedule that’s the same for every machine. Philips says its machines alert you when it’s time to descale; water hardness, how often you use the machine and whether you use a filter also matter. Use the products and follow the procedure recommended by the manufacturer: JURA warns that unsuitable products may damage its machines.
No. Don’t assume it’s removable just because the machine has a grinder. Check the manual for the exact model to find out whether the brew group can be removed and rinsed, or whether the machine uses a different cleaning procedure. De’Longhi describes rinsing a removable brew unit on the models that have one.
For aluminium or plastic capsules, ADEME recommends putting them in the recycling bin, bag or container for packaging. For capsules made from other materials, check the recycling instructions for that material and what collection options are available near you.
No. Ask for availability information for the specific model before you buy. The DGCCRF explains that the requirement to make spare parts available only applies to certain product categories. An offer of parts for a range doesn’t guarantee that every component for a particular model is available.
Yes. In France, it also applies to second-hand and refurbished goods sold by a professional to a consumer, as the Ministry of the Economy points out. It covers defects in conformity that existed when the goods were delivered. Keep a copy of the product description, the machine’s model number and your proof of purchase.