For coffee you make almost every day, start by choosing how much hands-on preparation you’re happy with: capsules or pods for a simple routine, a portafilter if you want to be more involved, or a grinder if you want to use beans with automated preparation. Then compare compatible consumables, maintenance and the space you’ll need. If you mainly make several long coffees, a filter coffee maker is also worth considering.
If you want to keep the steps before each coffee to a minimum, compare capsule and pod machines. Be sure to check which format each machine accepts and what routine maintenance it needs: simple preparation doesn’t mean you can skip these checks.
If you regularly make several coffees, compare the cost of repeatedly buying consumables with using beans or ground coffee. A grinder and a portafilter involve different steps and maintenance, so the number of coffees you make should factor into your choice.
A portafilter lets you fill and tamp the ground coffee yourself, then clean the accessory after use. De’Longhi’s descriptions of its manual machines show that this involves more hands-on preparation than making coffee at the touch of a button.
For everyday coffee, the brewing method determines the steps you’ll take and the consumables you’ll need. Then look at the space, capacity and maintenance requirements of the model you’re considering.
Worth considering: if you want an espresso with minimal fuss.
Bear in mind: you’ll need to keep buying capsules that are compatible with the machine.
Worth considering: if you prefer a simple brewing process using pods designed for your chosen system.
Bear in mind: the drinks available and compatible pods depend on the model.
Worth considering: if you want to prepare your own ground coffee.
Bear in mind: you’ll need to fill, fit and empty the portafilter every time you make coffee.
Worth considering: if you regularly use beans but don’t want to handle a portafilter.
Bear in mind: the machine needs maintenance, and its size and noise are worth considering. Que Choisir highlights both as drawbacks compared with capsule systems.
Worth considering: if you mainly want to make several long coffees rather than a short espresso.
Bear in mind: it’s designed for a different use, so check the amount it makes and the model’s features.
| Criteria | What to check before you buy | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Everyday steps | Compare how the model makes coffee and how it needs to be cleaned, especially after one or two cups. | When every morning matters, I want to make coffee without measuring or tamping it each time. Around 29% of consumers would put this convenience at the top of their list. |
| Running costs and consumables | Check which format the machine accepts, what you’ll need to buy regularly and the recommended maintenance. | If I make coffee often, I want to know what repeat purchases will cost and be able to choose my coffee. This would be the top priority for around 36% of consumers. |
| Control over preparation | Check the portafilter accessories or the actual settings available on the grinder you’re considering. | I’d rather be involved in making my coffee, even if it means more steps and cleaning. Control would be the priority for around 21% of consumers. |
| Space and capacity | Measure the space available and check you can access the reservoirs. Compare the stated capacity with the drinks your household makes. | If several people drink coffee, I want to avoid constant refills without taking up too much worktop space. I might also prefer to make several long coffees. Around 14% of consumers would prioritise this. |
Que Choisir says most capsule machine brands accept just one type of capsule. So, two formats looking similar doesn’t guarantee they’ll be compatible.
Check which system the machine uses and make sure it works with the capsules you plan to buy.
Capsules you’ve already bought might not work with your new machine.
Capsules, pods, beans and ground coffee all involve different repeat purchases and steps. Que Choisir specifically recommends comparing the cost per cup of a grinder with that of pod espresso, but notes that the results won’t be the same for every household.
Start with how many coffees you usually make, the consumables you’d use and the maintenance required, then compare the options that interest you.
Que Choisir describes grinder machines as bulkier and noisier than capsule systems or filter coffee makers. An automatic grinder also needs regular maintenance.
Measure your worktop and check you can access the reservoirs, then consult the model’s instructions for rinsing, descaling and cleaning the parts you use.
Emptying the grounds container and cleaning any parts that come into contact with milk add extra steps to your routine.
Materials and collection schemes vary depending on the capsules and where you live. Nespresso describes its own collection points; this doesn’t, on its own, tell you how to dispose of capsules at home.
Check the recycling information on the packaging and your local authority’s guidance before making capsule collection a deciding factor.
SENSEO is a soft pod machine system worth considering if you’re looking for a simple way to make coffee.
Its manual portafilter machines are worth looking at if you want to be directly involved in making your coffee.
The brand also offers automatic bean-to-cup machines and support on how to maintain them.
Worth considering if you’re choosing a capsule machine and the compatible system and capsule collection are important to you.
The brand is worth considering for some capsule systems as well as automatic bean-to-cup machines.
These machines cover the methods featured here: bean-to-cup grinding, pods, capsules and portafilters. Compare the consumable format and everyday steps before choosing a model.
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Worth considering if you regularly make coffee from beans but don’t want to fill a portafilter for every cup.
Automatic espresso machine with grinder. Measure the space available and check the maintenance requirements before choosing this model.
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Worth considering if you prefer the simple SENSEO process for your everyday coffee.
Check which pod format this version accepts and the descaling steps outlined in its instructions.
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Worth considering if you want to make individual coffees with a capsule machine.
Listed with a 0.6 L reservoir and a rated power of 1,200 W. Check the exact capsule system; depending on how often you make coffee, you may need to refill the reservoir.
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Worth considering if you want to make coffee with a portafilter and are happy to clean it after use.
Manual espresso machine. Before choosing this version, confirm its reservoir capacity: the information available for this model is inconsistent.
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Worth looking at if you want a single-serve machine and are interested in exploring different coffee formats.
The product description states a rated pressure of 20 bar, but this alone doesn’t determine the result in the cup. Before you buy, confirm that every format you plan to use is compatible.
No. Compatibility depends on the machine’s system. Que Choisir says most brands accept just one type of capsule, so check the compatible model in the instructions before buying in bulk.
Not necessarily for your household. Que Choisir says a grinder can reduce the cost per cup compared with pod espresso, but your comparison should also take into account the machine you choose, how many coffees you make, the beans you use and maintenance.
Clean and descale it as instructed for your model. Philips says that, for the relevant machines, you should descale when the indicator light or display prompts you. Also check the instructions for the milk system, if there is one.
Follow the disposal guidance for the capsule material and your local area. ADEME describes a recycling route for capsules collected separately, while Nespresso lists its own collection points. Also check the recycling information on the packaging.
According to the French Ministry of the Economy, the statutory guarantee of conformity applies to new, second-hand and refurbished goods sold by a business to a consumer in France. If the product is faulty or doesn’t conform to its description, contact the seller and keep your proof of purchase and the product description.