To move away from a capsule system, choose a bean-to-cup machine if you want to use beans with largely automatic preparation, or a portafilter machine if you prefer to measure and prepare your coffee yourself. Soft pods remain a simple, portioned option, while capsules mainly prioritise speed and a compact footprint. In every case, allow for descaling and the cleaning steps required by your machine.
You make coffee regularly and want the freedom to choose your own beans or ground coffee rather than being tied to a compatible capsule. The main trade-offs concern ongoing costs, the initial investment and the time needed for maintenance.
First decide whether you want an automatic milk drink or are happy to froth the milk yourself: a milk system adds a rinsing routine after use.
Capsules and pods are better suited to compact, speedy preparation, but they still leave you dependent on a portioned format and its consumables.
Start by comparing the coffee format and consumables, then check that the maintenance routine and drinks available fit your day-to-day habits.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Running costs | Compare the price per serving for capsules or pods, along with the price per kilogram and the dose for beans or ground coffee. Add descaler, any filters and cleaning products. | I want to understand the cost of coffee and maintenance, not just the price of the machine. |
| Maintenance | Check access to the coffee-grounds container, drip tray and brewing unit. Look at the descaling procedure and the rinsing required for the steam wand or milk system. | My routine needs to remain realistic, especially with hard water or frequent milky drinks. |
| Drinks and automation | Check the recipes available, how the milk is prepared, the machine’s footprint and the stated noise level. A portafilter machine requires more dosing and cleaning than an automatic machine. | I want to choose between a simple espresso, automatic milky drinks or greater manual control. |
| Waste and format | Compare the number of individually packaged servings and your local recycling instructions. ADEME states that aluminium or plastic capsules belong in France’s paper and packaging recycling stream. | I prefer to limit individual packaging without assuming that recyclable packaging eliminates the waste that needs to be managed. |
A capsule machine may cost less initially, while capsules increase your spending with every drink. Bean-to-cup and portafilter machines may require a higher upfront investment, but use coffee sold by the kilogram.
Calculate the cost of coffee per drink based on your actual consumption, then add the maintenance products specified in the instruction manual.
Remember to factor in capsules, pods, coffee, descaler, any filters and cleaning products.
Milk residue and limescale can affect the machine’s performance. Que Choisir recommends, among other things, rinsing the steam wand after every milky drink.
If you often prepare milk-based drinks, choose a system with a daily rinsing procedure that feels easy to follow, and read the instruction manual before buying.
Aluminium or plastic capsules can be recycled, but they are still individual items of packaging. ADEME recommends avoiding individual packaging and mini portions whenever possible.
If reducing packaging matters to you, compare the number of individually packaged servings and choose a pack size of beans or ground coffee suited to your consumption.
Que Choisir states that most brands accept just one type of capsule. The machine you choose therefore determines which consumables are compatible.
Check the exact system accepted on the model’s product page — Original, Vertuo, Dolce Gusto, L’OR Barista or another format — then look at the consumables available.
The Magnifica range focuses on straightforward espresso preparation, while Dinamica is presented by the brand as offering a wider choice of coffee and milky drinks.
A system of machines using portioned capsules, worth considering if you want capsule-based preparation and the assistance specific to your machine model.
A system of machines using soft pods for simple, portioned preparation without a rigid capsule.
A brand of portafilter espresso machines for readers who want to measure their coffee and froth their milk rather than use capsules.
These Joybuy options include bean-to-cup machines for everyday espresso made from beans and portafilter machines for preparing ground coffee without capsules.
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For switching between espresso and milky drinks made from beans, with automatic preparation.
Advertised features include 12 grind settings, a 275 g bean hopper, LatteGo system, removable brewing unit and guided descaling. Check the cost and availability of the AquaClean filter, which is listed as compatible but not included.
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For automatic espresso made from beans or pre-ground coffee, with manual milk frothing.
Advertised features include an adjustable grinder, preparation for one or two cups, steam wand, Thermoblock, water filter and descaling alert. Check the space available on your worktop.
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Worth considering for memorised coffee and milk recipes made from beans at home.
Advertised features include a 15-level conical grinder, six drinks, touchscreen, dual heating system and 1.5 L water tank. Consult the instruction manual for the milk system’s cleaning and descaling procedure.
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For preparing everyday espresso with ground coffee on a limited worktop.
Advertised features include a width of 149 mm, a one- or two-cup portafilter, steam wand, Thermoblock and filters compatible with ESE pods. Check the tank’s actual capacity before buying.
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For espresso made with ground coffee and cappuccinos or lattes with a more guided preparation process.
Advertised features include a 51 mm portafilter, three adjustable temperatures, dual heating, six modes, a removable 1.3 L water tank and a 700 ml milk tank. Check the milk system’s cleaning routine.
No. With an automatic grinder, rinse the coffee-grounds container and drip tray regularly and, depending on the model, the brewing chamber or brewing unit. Que Choisir also recommends running the descaling programme when prompted and rinsing the steam wand after every milky drink.
Nespresso recommends descaling every three months or after around 300 capsules. However, check your model’s instruction manual and adjust the frequency if you have hard water.
ADEME states that aluminium or plastic capsules go into the paper and packaging recycling stream. Paper capsules can only be composted where a local composting or food-waste collection solution is available.
Check the solution provided by your local authority. ADEME states that local authorities have been required to provide a food-waste sorting solution since 1 January 2024, under arrangements that may include composting, collection or a drop-off point.
No, because the price of the machine, accessories, a separate grinder if needed and maintenance products varies depending on the equipment. For coffee alone, the result depends on the coffee selected and the dose; Sage cites 18 g for its Barista Express, a figure specific to that model.