For a variety of coffees without lots of extra steps, capsules and soft coffee pods keep things simple, while a grinder automates preparation using whole beans. A portafilter is for those who want to take a hands-on approach. Before choosing, consider which drinks are actually available, alongside the space, noise and maintenance your household can manage day to day.
You want to serve short or long coffees quickly, and perhaps a milky drink too, without making every cup by hand. Check which drinks the specific model can make, the water tank capacity and how to clean the milk system, if it has one.
You want to choose your beans and make coffee with an automatic grinder. UFC-Que Choisir points out that this type of machine generally takes up more space and makes more noise than a capsule system. The grounds container and brewing components also need regular maintenance.
You prefer to measure and tamp the coffee before brewing rather than leave every step to the machine. As De'Longhi explains for its manual machines, the portafilter needs to be filled, tamped and fitted in place. Choose this option if you’re happy to do these steps for every cup.
The deciding factor is often which steps you want to do yourself and which you’d rather avoid. The types of coffee available, followed by space and maintenance requirements, can help narrow down your choice.
Consider this if: you want to keep handling to a minimum and choose from the short or long drinks offered by the system.
Bear in mind: your choice of coffee depends on which capsules are compatible, and each drink comes in its own individual capsule.
Consider this if: you want a simple way to make coffee and would like to serve one or two cups, if the model allows it.
Bear in mind: the coffees available depend on the type of pod the machine takes.
Consider this if: measuring and tamping the coffee are part of the preparation you enjoy.
Bear in mind: you’ll need to repeat these steps every time, rather than simply pressing a button.
Consider this if: you want to make coffee from whole beans without filling a portafilter for every cup.
Bear in mind: according to UFC-Que Choisir, a grinder generally takes up more space and makes more noise than a capsule system.
| Criteria | What to check | Who is this important to? |
|---|---|---|
| Speed and everyday steps | Compare the drinks you can make without extra preparation, whether the machine can serve two cups, and how to clean it after making a milky drink. | When several people want different coffees, I want to switch between cups without a lengthy preparation. Around 36% of consumers put this convenience first. |
| Coffee choice and consumables | Check which beans, ground coffee, capsules or pods you want to use and make sure they’re compatible with the machine. | I want to be able to change my coffee and take account of the packaging used for each cup. For around 29% of consumers, this freedom of choice comes before other criteria. |
| Control over preparation | Check whether measuring and tamping the coffee, and using a steam wand for milky drinks, match the steps you want to take. | I’m interested in making espresso myself, even if it takes longer. This level of control is the top priority for around 21% of consumers. |
| Space, noise and maintenance | Measure the space available and check that you can access the containers; consult the model’s information on noise and cleaning instructions. | In a small kitchen, or when I make coffee at times when noise matters, I want a machine that works for everyone in the household. Around 14% of consumers put these practical considerations first. |
A grinder may make the drinks you want, but could still be inconvenient in a small kitchen or at times when noise matters. UFC-Que Choisir describes grinders as generally larger and noisier than capsule systems.
Measure the space you have in mind, including room to access the containers, and check the details for the exact model if noise is a concern for your household.
Machines that use capsules or soft coffee pods take a specific compatible format. This determines which coffees you can make.
Make a note of the products you’d like to drink regularly, then check that they work with the system used by the machine you’re considering.
Parts that come into contact with milk need cleaning after use, while limescale can affect how the machine works. The maintenance routine varies by model.
Before buying, check the maintenance steps and how easy it is to reach the parts that need cleaning. Then follow the instructions and alerts for your machine.
The Original and Vertuo ranges are for households that prefer capsule-based coffee. The drink sizes vary depending on the system and machine.
The brand offers soft coffee pod machines for an easy way to make short or classic coffees.
De'Longhi offers both manual portafilter machines and automatic machines with grinders.
The brand offers automatic espresso machines with grinders. Settings and milk systems vary by model.
These models show three ways to make coffee at home: keep things simple with capsules, get hands-on with a portafilter or use whole beans in an automatic machine. Check the drinks available and maintenance requirements for each model before choosing.
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For a household interested in coffee made from whole beans and milky drinks. This variant is called LatteGo; check which recipes the EP2230/10 offers and how to maintain the milk system.
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For anyone who wants to take a hands-on approach with a portafilter rather than use capsules. Check this version’s water tank capacity before buying, and allow time for preparation and cleaning after use.
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For making coffee from whole beans with the convenience of automatic operation. The product title lists six coffee varieties; check the H16’s drinks menu and milk system cleaning steps to see if they suit your routine.
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For a household looking for an automatic grinder and considering milky drinks too. If you plan to use the steam wand, factor in the steps involved and cleaning afterwards. Also check the noise level if you’ll be using the machine at times when noise matters.
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For anyone who wants to make capsule coffee with minimal effort. The water tank is listed as 0.6 L; check that the system takes your preferred capsules and offers the drink sizes you usually choose.
Clean the parts you use regularly and descale the machine according to its instructions. A grinder also means emptying the grounds container. If you make milky drinks, clean the parts that come into contact with milk after use too.
Yes. For aluminium or plastic capsules, ADEME advises putting them in the recycling bin, bag or container for packaging. Check what material your capsules are made from and follow the recycling guidance in your local area.
Confirm the exact model, the accessories included and the identity of the professional seller. The French Ministry of the Economy states that the statutory guarantee of conformity applies to new, second-hand and refurbished goods sold by a business to a private customer. Check separately for any commercial guarantee and after-sales service terms.