If you want to make several espressos from whole beans without dosing and tamping each shot yourself, start by comparing bean-to-cup machines, while allowing for the space and maintenance they require. An espresso machine with a portafilter is a good choice if you want more hands-on control over the process; a filter coffee maker is better suited to making a pot to share. A capsule machine requires little effort, but ties you to the capsule format it accepts.
The type of coffee you serve matters more than the number of cups alone: several individual espressos call for different equipment from a pot of filter coffee.
If you want to choose your own whole-bean coffee without handling a portafilter for every cup, compare bean-to-cup machines. However, Que Choisir points out that they take up more space and make more noise than capsule systems or filter coffee makers.
A portafilter lets you take a more active role in dosing and preparing your espresso. If you also want a steam wand, check that the model you’re considering has one and comes with the accessories you need.
A filter coffee maker is a good fit for making several cups to share in one go. Check the jug capacity and timer settings if they matter to your routine, but don’t expect the same kind of drink as a short espresso.
Start with the drinks you serve most often, then check the steps, space and maintenance each machine requires.
| Criteria | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Choice of coffee | Check whether the machine uses whole beans, ground coffee or a specific capsule format. With a grinder, look at the available settings; with a capsule machine, make sure you know which system it accepts. | I want to choose my own coffee without being tied to a capsule format, while keeping the steps involved in making each espresso to a minimum. |
| Type of drink | Consider whether you want individual espressos, filter coffee by the pot or milk-based drinks. If you drink coffee with milk, check whether preparation and cleaning are manual or automatic on the specific model. | Several people in our household drink cappuccinos, so the steps involved and how to clean the milk system will be important factors. |
| Making several coffees | Compare the capacity of the water tank, bean hopper or jug, as well as the two-cup function, if available. For making several espressos in a row, look for tests that measure preheating and volume consistency: these are part of Que Choisir’s testing protocol. | I make several coffees in a row and would rather not have to refill or empty the containers between drinks. |
| Maintenance | Check which parts need rinsing, when the machine needs descaling and whether any filters need replacing. If you use milk, check the cleaning instructions for the milk system too. | A machine may be simple to use, but it won’t suit me if cleaning its accessories every day takes up too much time. |
| Space and noise | Measure the space available and make sure you can reach the tank and containers. Que Choisir notes that a bean-to-cup espresso machine is bulkier and noisier than a capsule system or filter coffee maker. | The machine needs to fit under my cupboards and be easy to fill. Noise matters too if I make coffee early in the morning. |
The containers and accessible parts need regular rinsing. Que Choisir also recommends descaling the machine when prompted; how often you need to do this depends partly on your water and how often you use the machine.
Before choosing a model, check its manual to see which parts can be removed, how to descale it and, if applicable, how to clean the milk system.
If the model uses a filter cartridge, you’ll also need to factor in replacing it regularly.
According to Que Choisir, a bean-to-cup espresso machine takes up more space and makes more noise than a capsule system or filter coffee maker. You’ll also need to be able to reach its containers.
Measure the available width, depth and height, then check how to remove the water tank, empty the used coffee grounds and fill the bean hopper.
Que Choisir says many brands only accept one type of capsule. Nespresso, for example, has separate Original and Vertuo systems, so the brand name alone won’t tell you which format to buy.
If you’re keeping a capsule machine, check exactly which system it uses. If you want the freedom to choose your own whole-bean coffee, compare bean-to-cup machines and espresso machines with a portafilter instead.
A filter coffee maker brews coffee to share, but it doesn’t make the same kind of drink as a machine designed for short espressos.
Choose one if a pot of coffee is what you mainly want to make. If everyone expects an espresso, compare bean-to-cup machines and portafilter machines first.
These examples represent different types of coffee machine. The features mentioned vary by model and don’t apply to every machine in a brand’s range.
De'Longhi offers several ranges of automatic bean-to-cup machines, including Magnifica, Dinamica and Eletta.
Philips offers bean-to-cup espresso machines, some of which come with a LatteGo jug for milk-based drinks.
Sage is worth considering if you prefer using a portafilter and steam wand rather than making every drink at the touch of a button on an automatic bean-to-cup machine.
Nespresso is worth considering if you’re happy to stick with capsule-based coffee-making.
Moulinex offers filter coffee makers to consider if making a pot matters more to you than preparing individual espressos.
These models let you make coffee from whole beans rather than capsules. One also combines espresso and filter coffee. Compare the drinks each model makes and the steps involved before choosing.
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A bean-to-cup machine to consider if you want to make espressos from whole beans and use the LatteGo milk system. Check which drinks this model makes and which parts need cleaning after use.
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This model is described as offering six types of coffee and a touchscreen. If you also make milk-based drinks, check the manual for instructions on using and cleaning the milk system.
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This bean-to-cup coffee machine is a good fit if you want to make espressos without capsules. For a household that serves several cups, check the container capacities, available space and exact features of this version.
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With its built-in grinder and two coffee modes, this is worth considering if your household drinks both espresso and filter coffee. Check how the milk frother works and make sure the dimensions suit your space before choosing this version.
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This espresso machine with grinder lets you make coffee from whole beans without using capsules. Compare its settings, size and maintenance requirements with your coffee-making routine.
Start by checking the capacity of the water tank and bean hopper, how often you’ll need to empty the used coffee grounds container, and how easy these parts are to reach. To compare machines for making several drinks in a row, look for tests that cover preheating, flow rate and volume consistency: Que Choisir includes these measurements in its testing protocol for bean-to-cup espresso machines.
Rinse the containers and accessible parts, and descale the machine when prompted. Que Choisir recommends descaling every two to three months on average, depending on water hardness and how often you use the machine. If you use milk, follow the cleaning instructions for your specific model too.
According to ADEME, aluminium and plastic capsules can go in the recycling bin, bag or container for paper and packaging. Whether paper capsules can be composted depends on the local facilities available, so check the guidance for your area.
Take it to a collection point for electrical and electronic equipment rather than putting it in your household rubbish. France’s Ministry for the Ecological Transition provides information about this recycling scheme. Check with a collection point, recycling centre or retailer to find out what options are available near you.