If you regularly make espresso at home, the right choice depends largely on what you’re happy to do each day. Capsules keep things simple, while soft pods give you pre-measured portions. A portafilter involves more hands-on preparation. A grinder lets you choose your own coffee beans, but you’ll need to make room for a larger, noisier machine and keep on top of its maintenance, as Que Choisir points out.
If space is limited and you want to keep your morning routine fuss-free, capsules are still an option. Check which format the machine accepts, though: Que Choisir reports that most machine brands only accept one type of capsule.
Using ground coffee in a portafilter or beans in a machine with a grinder means you’re no longer tied to a dedicated capsule format. You’ll need to be happy either to do more during preparation or to maintain an automatic machine.
An automatic grinder is a good fit if you want to choose your own beans and have space for the machine. Que Choisir notes that it’s noisier and bulkier than a capsule system, and needs regular maintenance.
If you’re moving on from capsules, first decide whether you want to stick with pre-measured portions or make coffee with ground coffee or beans. Que Choisir identifies four types of machine, each with its own day-to-day requirements.
Consider this if: a quick, fuss-free brew and a compact machine matter more to you than changing format.
Bear in mind: the coffee you can use depends on the type of capsule accepted by the machine, according to Que Choisir.
Consider this if: you want to keep using pre-measured portions without choosing a capsule machine.
Bear in mind: the pods must fit your machine; this system is different from capsules.
Consider this if: you want to make espresso with ground coffee and don’t mind getting more hands-on with each cup.
Bear in mind: you’ll need to handle and clean the portafilter, rather than simply insert a pre-measured portion.
Consider this if: you make espresso regularly and want to choose your own coffee beans.
Bear in mind: Que Choisir notes that these machines are noisier and bulkier than capsule machines, and need regular cleaning.
| Criterion | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Ease of use and space | Measure the space available and check what’s involved in making a cup. | When worktop space is limited and I make several coffees a day, I want a machine that fits easily into my routine. This is the top priority for around 31% of consumers. |
| Choice of coffee | Check which formats the machine accepts: capsules, soft pods, ground coffee or beans. | If I want to be able to switch coffee without relying on a single capsule format, the type of coffee the machine accepts becomes a deciding factor. Around 31% of consumers prioritise this freedom of choice. |
| Preparation steps | For a portafilter, check which filters and accessories are included; for a grinder, look at the available settings. | I’m happy to put in more effort to make my espresso and have more say in how it’s prepared. This is the priority for around 19% of consumers. |
| Maintenance and noise | Check how easy it is to reach the parts that need cleaning, the descaling instructions and how much space the machine needs. | In a kitchen where noise and daily cleaning matter, I want to know what’s involved before replacing my capsule machine. For around 19% of consumers, these are the most important factors. |
Que Choisir reports that most machine brands only accept one type of capsule. So switching machines doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll be able to use every capsule on the market.
Check exactly which format the machine accepts before choosing it and the capsules you plan to use.
The containers and brewing chamber need regular cleaning. According to Que Choisir, putting off descaling when the machine prompts you to do it can eventually cause the system to stop working.
Check how easy it is to reach the parts that need attention, and follow the rinsing and descaling instructions for your chosen model.
The capsule material determines how it should be disposed of, so don’t assume it can be composted.
In France, ADEME advises putting aluminium or plastic capsules in the paper and packaging recycling collection. For other materials, check the instructions provided and local recycling options.
These machines represent the four systems covered: automatic grinder, portafilter, soft pods and capsules. Compare the coffee format and maintenance involved with your routine before choosing.
Image unavailable
A grinder-equipped option for households that want to make coffee regularly with beans rather than capsules.
This version includes the LatteGo system. Remember to allow time for maintaining both the grinder and the milk system.
Image unavailable
This automatic machine is for households looking to switch from capsules to beans, with touch controls for easy operation.
The name suggests it can make six types of coffee. Check what’s involved in cleaning the milk system and make sure you have enough room in your kitchen.
Image unavailable
A portafilter machine for anyone who prefers to make espresso with ground coffee or ESE pods rather than capsules.
The model is listed with a rated pressure of 15 bar. Making coffee involves handling and cleaning the filter, so check which accessories are included.
Image unavailable
This soft-pod option keeps the convenience of pre-measured portions, but uses a different system from capsule machines.
Check exactly which pod format is compatible and factor descaling into your maintenance routine.
Image unavailable
This machine is a good choice if you’d rather stick with capsules than switch to a portafilter or grinder.
Its name indicates a 0.6 L tank and a rated power of 1,200 W. Check that it accepts the capsule format you want to use.
An automatic grinder needs its containers rinsed regularly and its brewing chamber maintained according to the model’s instructions. Que Choisir also recommends descaling when prompted. After making a milk-based drink, follow the instructions for cleaning the milk system.
ADEME advises putting aluminium or plastic capsules in the recycling bin, bag or container for paper and packaging. If a capsule is made from another material, check the information supplied with it and your local guidelines before composting it.
Yes. According to economie.gouv.fr, the legal guarantee of conformity applies in France to new, second-hand and refurbished goods sold by a professional to a private individual. If a fault reveals a lack of conformity, remember that this mandatory protection is separate from any commercial guarantee, which does not replace it.