Fans of one-touch milk drinks
You often make cappuccinos, lattes or macchiatos and want to keep the steps between coffee and milk to a minimum. You’ll also need to fit cleaning the milk system into your routine.
Who are these options for?
People who want to make their own espresso and milk froth
You’re happy to measure out the coffee, tamp it into the portafilter and texture the milk rather than simply selecting an automated recipe.
Households looking for a simple way to make coffee
You prefer coffee capsules or pods, or you’re already happy with your current machine. In that case, a separate milk frother could take care of the milk.
What should you look for?
First, decide whether you want the machine to froth the milk for you, prefer to do it yourself or would rather use a separate appliance. Then compare the cleaning tasks each option adds to your routine.
| What matters | What to check | Who it suits |
|---|---|---|
| Milk drinks with minimal effort | Recipes available on the specific model, the type of carafe or steam wand, and rinsing after use. | If I often make cappuccinos, I want to cut down on the steps without letting milk-system cleaning pile up. Around 33% of consumers prioritise this kind of automated preparation. |
| Manual preparation | Whether it has a grinder or needs space for a separate grinder, the type of steam wand and the accessories included. | If I enjoy adjusting my espresso and texturing the milk, I’m happy to spend time on every cup. Around 25% of consumers put this level of control first. |
| Portion-packed coffee | Which capsule or pod formats it accepts, whether you’ll need a separate milk solution and how capsule recycling works locally. | I prefer making coffee the easy way, even if frothing the milk takes an extra step and I need to keep track of consumables. Around 25% of consumers mainly want the convenience of portion-packed coffee. |
| Everyday cleaning | Which parts need washing, how to rinse the milk system and any periodic maintenance listed in the instructions. | When life is busy, I want to know what I’ll need to wash after making a milk drink, in addition to any automatic rinsing. For around 17% of consumers, easy maintenance matters more than any other factor. |
Things to bear in mind
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Don’t mistake ‘automatic cleaning’ for ‘no maintenance’
Automatic rinsing or an easy-to-wash carafe doesn’t necessarily replace the periodic cleaning and descaling required for the machine.
Check the instructions for your chosen model to see which steps are needed after every drink and which other maintenance tasks are required.
Depending on the model, you may also need filters or cleaning products.
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Don’t assume every capsule or pod machine froths milk
Making coffee simply doesn’t mean the machine has a milk system. A separate frother is another appliance to use and clean.
Check the recipes available, the type of milk system and the accessories actually included.
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Plan for capsule recycling before choosing a machine
Recycling rules vary by local authority and capsule system. Even if a collection scheme is available, it may not be convenient for your household.
Check local guidance and find out where you can drop off the format you’re considering.
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Don’t confuse an extended warranty with your legal guarantee
In France, the Ministry of the Economy explains that the statutory guarantee of conformity covers new, second-hand and refurbished goods sold by a business to an individual. An extended warranty offered by the retailer is separate from this legal right.
Before choosing an extended warranty, compare its length and exclusions with your applicable legal rights and the retailer’s terms.
Brands to know
De’Longhi
The range includes manual machines, bean-to-cup espresso machines and capsule machines, with different levels of involvement when it comes to preparing milk.
- De’Longhi presents its bean-to-cup espresso machines as an easy way to make coffee and milk drinks.
- Don’t assume that the automatic carafe cleaning advertised for the Rivelia FEB4455.G is available on other models.
Philips
Bean-to-cup espresso machines with LatteGo and SENSEO® pod machines offer different ways to prepare coffee and milk.
- Philips describes the LatteGo carafe as a two-piece design with no tube, which can be rinsed under the tap or washed in the dishwasher.
- This doesn’t mean that a SENSEO® machine also prepares milk automatically.
Sage
The espresso range is particularly suited to people who want to take a hands-on approach to making coffee and texturing milk.
- Sage highlights the preparation settings and manual milk frothing available on its espresso machines.
- Before choosing a model, check the maintenance steps involved and which accessories you’ll need.
Nespresso
Capsule machines can be paired with an Aeroccino frother to prepare coffee and milk separately.
- Nespresso says the Aeroccino 4 can make hot milk as well as hot or cold milk froth.
- Check which capsule format the machine uses and find out where you can recycle capsules locally.
SENSEO®
This pod system is worth considering if making coffee easily matters more to you than having an automated milk drink.
- Philips describes its SENSEO® New Generation machines as easy to use for making coffee.
- For a cappuccino or latte, check how milk is prepared with the model you’re considering.
Coffee machines and bundles available on Joybuy
These models offer two ways to make milk drinks: use a bean-to-cup coffee machine, with milk preparation varying by model, or pair a capsule machine with a separate frother.
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Philips EP2230/10 Series 2200 LatteGo, glossy black
Worth considering if you’re looking for a machine with a grinder for your milk drinks. Check which recipes are available on this version and what’s involved in cleaning the LatteGo carafe.
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De’Longhi Magnifica Evo ECAM290.61.B LatteCrema, black
This automatic machine with a LatteCrema system is designed for people who want to reduce the number of steps involved in preparing milk. Check which drinks are available on the ECAM290.61.B version and read the instructions for full maintenance details.
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HiBREW H16 automatic machine with grinder and milk system
If you want to make coffee from beans and milk drinks with one machine, check which milk recipes are included among the six advertised coffee varieties. Before choosing this model, also look at the milk system, the accessories included and how to clean them.
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KRUPS Nespresso Vertuo Pop with Aeroccino, Coconut White
Make your coffee with a capsule, then froth the milk separately with this bundle, which pairs a Vertuo Pop with an Aeroccino frother. It uses Vertuo capsules, so check how to clean the frother and where you can recycle the capsules locally.
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De’Longhi Magnifica S ECAM22.140.B with grinder, black
This machine with a grinder is worth considering if you want to use coffee beans and prepare the milk yourself. Check how the steam wand works and how to clean it on the ECAM22.140.B version.
Frequently asked questions
Do you need a built-in grinder to make cappuccinos at home?
No. A built-in grinder is one option, not a requirement. A manual machine, or coffee made with capsules or pods and a separate frother, could also suit your needs. Choose based on how hands-on you want to be when preparing the coffee and milk.
What needs cleaning after making a milk drink?
Follow the instructions for your chosen model, as cleaning depends on the milk system. Philips describes LatteGo carafes as washable under the tap or in the dishwasher, while De’Longhi advertises automatic cleaning after use for the Rivelia FEB4455.G. Neither example means you can skip checking the other maintenance tasks in the instructions.
Will plant-based milk froth just as well?
Not necessarily. Nespresso says plant-based milks can be used with the Aeroccino 4, but doesn’t guarantee the same frothing results as with cow’s milk. If this is how you’ll mainly use it, check the recommendations for the frother you’re considering.
How can you recycle capsules in France?
Check the guidance from your local authority and the capsule system you’ve chosen. Nespresso says it has more than 2,000 collection points in France for its capsules, but the most useful one for your household is a location you can actually get to.
What statutory guarantee applies to a machine bought from a retailer in France?
As the Ministry of the Economy explains, the statutory guarantee of conformity applies to new, second-hand and refurbished goods sold by a business to an individual. If the goods don’t conform, keep your proof of purchase and contact the retailer. An extended warranty is separate from this legal right.