To choose a coffee machine for regular use, start by considering the drinks you make, how many cups you prepare in a row and which steps you’d like to avoid. Then check which consumables are compatible, the milk functions available on the exact model and its cleaning routine. Capsule, pod, bean-to-cup, espresso and filter systems each suit different habits.
If you regularly make coffee by the cup, compare pre-portioned coffee with an integrated grinder. De’Longhi and Philips product pages describe bean-to-cup machines, while the Philips Senseo page features a machine that uses soft coffee pods.
If you want to choose your drinks and decide how involved you are in making them, check the recipes available on the exact model and the difference between manual milk frothing and an automatic milk function. De’Longhi offers both configurations in its Magnifica range.
If several people drink filter coffee at the same time, check the usable capacity, jug and filter size. The Melitta Easy Therm product page lists these features for this particular model; they don’t necessarily apply to every coffee maker from the brand.
Start by identifying the step you’d like to avoid, then check the cleaning routine, consumables and capacity against your habits.
| Criterion | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Preparation steps | Identify the steps involved in making your usual drink; check whether milk is prepared manually or automatically. | If making every cup involves a step I’d like to avoid, I want to cut down on measuring or repeated handling. Around 28% of consumers prioritise simplifying the process. |
| Cleaning and maintenance | Check the manual for your exact model for instructions on cleaning the coffee components and milk system, and descaling. | I prefer a cleaning routine I can keep up with, especially if the machine has a milk system. Around 22% of consumers prioritise manageable maintenance. |
| Consumables | Check which coffee formats are compatible, as well as the filters and cleaning products recommended for the model. | I want to plan ahead for the consumables associated with the coffee I choose and stick with a format that suits me. Around 22% of consumers prioritise consumables and choice. |
| Drinks and settings | Compare the drinks and settings available; distinguish between manually prepared milk drinks and automatic recipes. | I want to make my usual drinks without losing the level of control I want over their preparation. Around 17% of consumers prioritise drinks and settings. |
| Serving capacity | Compare capacity in litres or millilitres, as well as the jug and any containers that need emptying. | When several people are having coffee together, I’d rather make an appropriate quantity than prepare multiple servings. Around 11% of consumers prioritise making coffee for a group. |
The coffee unit, milk system and descaling may all require separate tasks. Automatic programmes don’t mean you can skip every step.
Before choosing, read the maintenance section of the manual for the exact model and make sure the routine suits you.
Within the Magnifica range, De’Longhi offers models with a manual frother and others with an automatic milk carafe. The range name alone won’t tell you what steps are involved.
Check the full model number and how it prepares your usual drink before comparing models.
A manufacturer’s stated cup size may not match your mug. For the white Easy Therm, Melitta lists both a 1 L capacity and up to 8 manufacturer-sized cups.
Compare the volume in millilitres or litres with the amount you actually serve, then check how often you’ll need to refill it.
The models covered here include both integrated-grinder machines and manual espresso machines with a portafilter.
The models covered here include pod machines and bean-to-cup machines with the LatteGo system.
The Original system is represented by the Essenza Mini, which makes espresso and lungo.
The white Easy Therm model is designed for making filter coffee in a jug.
The ranges available in France include bean-to-cup machines, manual espresso machines and filter coffee makers.
This Joybuy selection includes capsule machines and bean-to-cup espresso machines, so you can compare single servings with using whole coffee beans.
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Worth considering if you want to make individual servings with capsules, without measuring ground coffee for every cup.
The product page lists 19-bar pressure, two programmable cup sizes, a removable 0.6 L water tank and a 6-capsule container. Compatible with Nespresso Original capsules or capsules designed for this format.
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Consider this if you prefer one-touch preparation and a choice of drink sizes with Vertuo capsules.
The product page lists five drink sizes, automatic capsule barcode reading, a 0.6 L water tank and a container for 8 used capsules. Designed for Nespresso Vertuo capsules.
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Worth considering if you want to make coffee with Vertuo capsules and froth milk separately.
The product page lists four drink sizes and one-touch preparation. The included Aeroccino 3 froths milk; this is separate from making the coffee. The machine uses Nespresso Vertuo capsules.
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Consider this if you want to use whole coffee beans with an integrated grinder and select drinks on a touchscreen.
The product page lists six drinks, 15 grind settings and a dual-heating system. Check the maintenance instructions and milk functions for this model before choosing.
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Worth considering if you want to use whole coffee beans with a LatteGo system for milk-based drinks.
The product page lists 12 grind settings and a removable brew group. The LatteGo parts are described as dishwasher-safe; the compatible AquaClean filter is listed as not included.
No: follow the instructions for your exact model. Cleaning the coffee unit and milk system, and descaling, may all involve separate steps; Krups guides cover these separately depending on the model.
No: follow the schedule and instructions for your model. De’Longhi says that descaling Dedica machines depends in part on water hardness; Senseo also recommends regular descaling.
Check the system specified for the machine and the one shown on the capsules. Nespresso Original and Nespresso Vertuo capsules are designed for different systems; don’t assume that one will work in a machine made for the other.
Compare the capacity in litres or millilitres with the drinks you actually serve, rather than relying on the stated number of cups alone. Also check the capacity of the water tank, jug and containers that need emptying.