Households making espresso every day
You make several coffees a day and want to choose your beans rather than rely on a capsule format.
Who are these machines for?
People who value simplicity
You want to make coffee quickly with just a few steps and would rather avoid a longer cleaning routine.
Fans of customisable drinks
You want to fine-tune your coffee or make milk-based drinks, and are happy to check the features and care requirements of your chosen model.
How do the options compare?
Coffee machine with grinder
Worth considering: if you make espresso regularly and want to choose your beans.
Bear in mind: according to Que Choisir, a grinder takes up more space and makes more noise than a capsule system.
Capsule or pod machine
Worth considering: if quick preparation and a compact design matter more than choosing your beans.
Bear in mind: check which formats the machine accepts before choosing your coffee.
Portafilter machine
Worth considering: if you want to measure and adjust each step of the preparation yourself.
Bear in mind: making coffee and cleaning the machine involve more hands-on steps.
For regular espresso at home, first decide what matters most to you, then check these points for each model you’re considering.
| Criteria | What to check | What matters to consumers |
|---|---|---|
| Frequency and coffee supply | Check which types of coffee the machine accepts and what’s involved in making several espressos a day. | I make espresso often and want to be able to switch beans without relying on a capsule format. Around 31% of consumers would prioritise this freedom of choice. |
| Cleaning and maintenance | Check how easy it is to access the parts that need cleaning and what descaling involves for that model. | If cleaning felt like too much of a chore, I’d be less inclined to use the machine every day. Maintenance would be the top priority for around 31% of consumers. |
| Drinks on offer | Check the available settings and, for milk-based drinks, the equipment and how to clean it. | I want to enjoy different espresso drinks or make coffee with milk, without being caught out by extra cleaning steps. Variety would come first for around 23% of consumers. |
| Ease of use and size | Compare the dimensions, what you need to do before and after each coffee, and the noise level of the specific model. | In a small kitchen, or if I make coffee early in the morning, I’d rather keep handling and noise to a minimum. Around 15% of consumers would put this everyday convenience first. |
What to avoid when choosing
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Choosing a bean-to-cup machine without planning for maintenance
A machine with a grinder also needs its trays emptied, and its cleaning and descaling cycles followed as specified for that model.
Check the manual to see what needs doing regularly and whether you’ll need a filter or cleaning products.
These tasks take time; a milk function may also mean cleaning parts after each use.
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Assuming the milk function cleans itself
Parts that come into contact with milk need particular care, even if the machine has a rinse programme.
If you regularly make milk-based drinks, check the rinsing process, whether parts need to be removed and the instructions in the manual.
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Judging noise or reliability by the brand name alone
Que Choisir assesses factors such as noise and vibration during rinsing, grinding and dispensing. These findings apply to each model tested.
Check the results for the exact model number and look at its warranty terms separately.
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Forgetting to check the capsule format
Choosing a capsule machine determines which formats you’ll be able to use.
Check which capsules are compatible and, when disposing of them, follow the recycling guidance for their material.
Brands to consider by model
De’Longhi
The Magnifica Evo range is worth considering if easy access to parts that need cleaning is important to you.
- De’Longhi says that some Magnifica Evo models have removable, dishwasher-safe parts.
- Check the instructions for the brewing unit, milk system and descaling for your chosen model; they’re not the same across the whole range.
Melitta
The Purista, Avanza, Barista SE and CI Touch ranges offer different grinder set-ups to compare.
- Melitta provides manuals for each range and offers maintenance support for some models.
- Check whether the Companion app is available for your chosen model, along with its milk and cleaning features.
Krups
The Intuition Essential EA870810 is one of the models featured in Que Choisir’s French comparison.
- Que Choisir’s testing includes factors such as ease of use, cleaning and noise levels.
- Check the results for the model you’re interested in. A model’s inclusion in a comparison does not represent the whole brand.
Jura
The Jura J10 15664 and C3 Piano Black 15599 are among the models recently tested by Que Choisir.
- You can assess these models individually for the drinks they offer and how they work.
- For each model, check the noise level, descaling requirements, features actually available and service terms.
Grinder coffee machines at Joybuy
These machines with grinders are for households looking to make espresso from beans. To compare the models, focus on the drinks you want and the maintenance involved.
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Philips Series 2200 EP2230/10 LatteGo, glossy black
For making espresso from beans and trying milk-based drinks; check the cleaning steps for the LatteGo system on this model.
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De’Longhi Magnifica Evo ECAM290.61.B LatteCrema, black
For everyday espresso with the option of milk-based drinks; check which recipes are available on this version and how to maintain the LatteCrema system.
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De’Longhi Magnifica S Smart ECAM250.23.SB, silver
For making espresso regularly with a grinder; if you’d also like milk-based drinks, check the preparation and cleaning steps for this specific model.
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HiBREW H16 with grinder and milk system
For trying different coffees and making milk-based drinks; the product description lists six preparations. Check the list and cleaning instructions in the H16 manual.
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De’Longhi Magnifica S ECAM22.140.B, black
For making espresso from beans; if you plan to use the steam wand, check the cleaning instructions for after use.
Frequently asked questions
How do you maintain an espresso machine with a grinder?
Plan to empty and clean the trays, maintain the brewing unit if it’s accessible, clean any parts that come into contact with milk and follow the machine’s descaling prompts. How often you need to do this and the exact steps depend on the model and, for descaling, factors such as water hardness. Check the manual.
Does a machine bought from a professional seller in France have a statutory guarantee?
Yes. According to the French Ministry of the Economy, the statutory guarantee of conformity applies to new, second-hand and refurbished goods sold by a professional to a private individual in France. This includes goods that don’t match their description or the use normally expected of them. Keep your proof of purchase and the machine’s model number.
Can a warranty include a limit on the number of coffees made?
Yes. Some commercial warranties for machines with grinders include a limit on the number of coffees, as Que Choisir has reported. Read the terms for the exact model and distinguish this commercial warranty from your statutory rights under the guarantee of conformity with the seller.