If you make espresso regularly and want to choose your own beans while keeping preparation simple at the touch of a button, consider a machine with a built-in grinder. Bear in mind that it will need space and regular maintenance. A portafilter machine is a good option if you’re happy to do a little more yourself. Soft pods still give you individual portions, while filter coffee offers a different way to make coffee rather than a like-for-like replacement for espresso.
If you want to move away from proprietary capsules without adding lots of steps before every cup, an automatic grinder machine is worth considering. You’ll also need to fill it, empty the containers and clean it. UFC-Que Choisir points out that these tasks are all part of using this type of machine.
Beans and ground coffee let you choose what you drink without relying on a proprietary capsule format. A grinder machine prioritises automatic preparation from beans, while a portafilter machine involves more hands-on preparation.
If available space or cleaning requirements will influence your choice, compare dimensions and check that removable parts are easy to access before choosing a grinder machine. Another method may suit you better if you don’t need automatic espresso.
To move on from capsules, first decide what type of coffee you want to make. Then think about the daily steps involved and how much space you can spare for the machine. UFC-Que Choisir highlights differences in how grinder, portafilter and soft pod machines work, as well as the demands of using each type.
Consider it: if you regularly make espresso from beans and want simple, direct controls.
Bear in mind: you’ll need enough space to access the containers, as well as time for cleaning and descaling.
Consider it: if you want to stick with espresso and are happy to prepare each coffee more manually.
Bear in mind: there are more steps involved. Check which coffee and accessories the specific model accepts.
Consider them: if you like the convenience of individual portions but want to move away from your proprietary capsule format.
Bear in mind: you’ll still be using a single-serve consumable. Check which pods are compatible and what drinks are available.
Consider it: if you want to make coffee without proprietary capsules and don’t necessarily need espresso.
Bear in mind: the drink and preparation method are different from those of an espresso machine.
| Criterion | What to check | What matters to shoppers |
|---|---|---|
| Everyday preparation | Controls, filling the reservoirs and access to the containers. | If I make several espressos throughout the day, I want to minimise the steps between cups. Around 36% of consumers say ease of everyday use is their top priority. |
| Long-term use and consumables | How often any filters need replacing, and which care products the model requires. | If I use a machine regularly, I’d like to know what maintenance and consumables to expect over time. This is the main priority for around 29% of consumers. |
| Choice of coffee | Which beans, ground coffee or pods it accepts, and which drinks and settings are genuinely useful. | I’d like to try different coffees or adjust my drink without being tied to a proprietary capsule. Around 21% of consumers put coffee choice ahead of other criteria. |
| Space and maintenance | Dimensions, including clearance, removing the containers and cleaning detachable parts. | In a kitchen where space is limited, I want to be able to fill and clean the machine easily. Around 14% of consumers prioritise the machine’s footprint and maintenance requirements above all else. |
UFC-Que Choisir recommends regularly rinsing the coffee grounds and drip trays, and cleaning the brewing unit as instructed for your machine. Descaling frequency depends in part on the water you use, as De'Longhi points out.
Check the manual for the model you’re considering to see what cleaning and descaling involve, as well as how to maintain any milk system.
In France, ADEME says aluminium and plastic capsules can go in the packaging recycling stream. However, they are still individually wrapped portions.
If you want to reduce individual packaging, compare the coffee formats you’ll actually use and check the recycling guidance that applies where you live.
A machine may fit on your worktop but still leave too little clearance to remove a reservoir or open a hatch. You’ll need to be able to reach these parts for everyday filling and cleaning.
Check the width, depth and available height, as well as the direction in which parts need to be removed, in the product details and manual for the specific model.
The brand offers bean-to-cup espresso machines and manual models, including the Magnifica range.
Depending on the model, its bean-to-cup espresso machines offer a choice of drinks and a LatteGo milk system.
The brand offers automatic bean-to-cup machines and maintenance guidance for some ranges.
These machines offer two ways to move on from proprietary capsules while still making espresso: four automatic grinder models and one manual model that uses ground coffee or ESE pods. Compare them based on the preparation steps and maintenance you’re happy with.
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Worth considering if you want to make espresso from beans and are looking for an automatic machine. This model has the LatteGo system; check the manual for instructions on cleaning the milk circuit.
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Worth considering if you want to switch from capsules to automatic espresso made from beans. Check how much space the machine needs and what maintenance is required for this model.
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This bundle pairs an automatic bean-to-cup espresso machine with two different packs of coffee. If you want to try these coffees as you move on from capsules, check exactly what’s included and the machine’s maintenance instructions.
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Consider this model if you want to keep the convenience of automatic espresso while switching to beans. Before choosing it, check its dimensions and the clearance needed to remove parts for cleaning.
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Worth considering if you want to stick with espresso without using proprietary capsules and are happy to prepare it manually. Check which filters and accessories are compatible with this model, and make sure you have enough room to use the portafilter.
Yes. ADEME says aluminium or plastic capsules can go in the packaging recycling bin, bag or container. Recycling them doesn’t eliminate the individual packaging, so if that’s why you’re changing machines, consider unportioned coffee formats too.
You’ll need to rinse the coffee grounds and drip trays regularly, and follow the model’s cleaning and descaling instructions. UFC-Que Choisir highlights the importance of these steps. De'Longhi says water hardness affects how often you need to descale. If you use a milk system, check its instructions too.
As the French Ministry of the Economy explains, the legal guarantee of conformity applies to new, second-hand and refurbished goods sold by a professional to a private individual in France. If the machine doesn’t match its description, keep your proof of purchase and the product listing to support your claim to the seller. This legal guarantee is separate from any voluntary returns policy.