If you make several espressos a day and want to stop using capsules, a grinder is a good choice if you want to use whole beans while automating the process. However, UFC-Que Choisir notes that grinders are noisier and take up more space than capsule machines. A portafilter requires more hands-on preparation for each cup, while soft pods let you stick with pre-portioned coffee. Keeping your capsule machine still makes sense if convenience matters more to you than switching to a different type of coffee.
If you want to switch from capsules to beans without making every cup by hand, consider an automatic grinder. You’ll also need to think about space and maintenance: UFC-Que Choisir reports that these machines are noisier and bulkier than capsule systems.
A portafilter machine is a good choice if filling and tamping the coffee are part of the experience you’re after. De’Longhi describes these steps for its manual machines. Also check how you’ll get your coffee ground and whether your chosen model can make the milk-based drinks you enjoy.
Capsules make it easy to prepare coffee with very little effort. Soft pods offer a different type of coffee, but don’t necessarily make the same style of drink. Before changing machines, check which system is compatible and what recipes it can make.
If you make several coffees a day, start by thinking about how much effort you’re happy to put into each cup. Then check the drinks you want to make, the maintenance involved and the space available.
Choose this if: you want to make coffee regularly from whole beans, with the extraction process automated.
Bear in mind: UFC-Que Choisir reports that these machines are noisier and bulkier than capsule machines. Maintenance varies by model.
Choose this if: you want to fill and tamp the coffee yourself for each drink.
Bear in mind: if you want to use freshly ground beans, check whether you have a grinder or whether one is built into the machine.
Choose this if: you want to keep using pre-portioned coffee but move away from rigid capsules.
Bear in mind: the drinks you can make and the pods you can use depend on the system. Check that it makes the style of espresso you’re looking for.
Stick with these if: keeping preparation to a minimum matters more to you than switching to a different type of coffee.
Bear in mind: this option won’t help you move away from capsules. Check that the ones you use are compatible.
| Criteria | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Daily preparation | Compare the automated preparation of a grinder with filling and tamping a portafilter, and with inserting a pre-portioned coffee product. | Several espressos a day: I want to know exactly how much effort each cup will take. |
| Drinks | Check the recipes available on the exact model, the type of coffee it makes and, for milk-based drinks, the accessories and steps involved. | I also make milk-based drinks; a machine that only makes coffee wouldn’t suit my needs. |
| Maintenance | Check the manual for instructions on descaling and cleaning the brew group or parts that come into contact with milk. De’Longhi says that how often you need to descale depends, among other things, on water hardness. | Before switching machines, I want to make sure I can fit these tasks into my routine. |
| Noise and space | Measure the space you have and check that you can access the water tank and parts that need cleaning. UFC-Que Choisir reports that a grinder is noisier and takes up more space than a capsule system. | In a kitchen where space or noise is a concern, these factors can matter just as much as the preparation itself. |
| Coffee products | Check which beans are suitable or the exact compatibility of capsules and pods. Also consider how to dispose of them after use. | I want to move away from rigid capsules without accidentally switching to another pre-portioned system that won’t make the drinks I usually enjoy. |
A grinder can make preparing coffee easier, but you’ll still need to clean and descale it. UFC-Que Choisir also highlights that grinders are noisier and take up more space than capsule machines.
Measure the space available and check the manual for your chosen model to see what maintenance is needed for your level of use.
With a manual machine, you’ll need to fill and tamp the portafilter, then lock it into place, as De’Longhi explains for this range.
Choose this method if you’re happy to do these things; otherwise, compare it with the automated preparation of a grinder or a pre-portioned option.
If you want to use freshly ground beans, also check whether you’ll need a separate grinder.
In France, ADEME says that aluminium and plastic coffee capsules can go in the recycling collection for paper and packaging. This alone doesn’t determine which machine is right for your drinks and routine.
First choose a preparation method that suits how often you make coffee and the maintenance you’re happy to do. Then consider separately how to dispose of the coffee products you use.
These examples illustrate different ways to make coffee. Check the features and maintenance requirements of each individual model.
The brand offers both automatic grinders and manual portafilter machines.
A brand to consider if you’re looking for an automatic grinder and want to know what maintenance the brew group requires.
A popular choice for households that want to keep making coffee with capsules from the Original system.
An option to consider if you prefer soft pods to rigid capsules.
A portafilter option for anyone who wants to be involved in making their coffee.
These models are options to consider if you want to switch from capsules to a machine with a grinder. They don’t cover the other ways of making coffee discussed above.
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Switch from capsules to beans with this espresso machine featuring a grinder. If you also make milk-based drinks, check which recipes and LatteGo components are included with this version, and how to clean them.
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An automatic grinder machine for making espresso from beans. If milk-based drinks are important to you, check how this specific version prepares milk and what maintenance it requires.
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This model combines a grinder with a choice of 6 advertised drinks, including cappuccino. Before choosing it for several coffees a day, check the manual for recipes, cleaning requirements and the space it needs.
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Another automatic grinder machine for switching from capsules to beans. Before comparing it with other models, check the manual for the drinks it makes, the space it needs and the maintenance involved.
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This espresso and filter coffee combination may appeal to households looking to make different drinks from beans. If milk-based drinks are part of your usual routine, check how the frothing system works on the ES301EU version before choosing.
According to De’Longhi, how often you need to descale depends, among other things, on water hardness. Follow any alerts from your machine and the instructions in the manual for your exact model, rather than following a schedule intended for all grinder machines.
Yes, some models also need their brew group maintained. For the machines covered by its guidance, Philips describes tasks such as rinsing and lubricating the brew group. Check your model’s manual before following these instructions or their recommended frequency.
ADEME says that aluminium and plastic coffee capsules can go in the recycling bin, bag or container for paper and packaging. Also check your local authority’s guidance for any local requirements.
According to the French Ministry of the Economy, the statutory guarantee of conformity applies to new, second-hand and refurbished goods sold by a professional to a private individual in France. Keep your proof of purchase and the machine’s description in case it doesn’t match the advertised specifications.