If you need several coffees ready at once, start by comparing filter coffee makers by carafe capacity. For an individual drink with minimal effort, look at capsule machines. If you want to customise drinks made from beans, a bean-to-cup espresso machine is another option, but be prepared to give it more space and put up with more noise and maintenance. Whichever type you choose, check the consumables and steps involved for the specific model.
If you need a full carafe ready for breakfast, consider its capacity and whether it has a timer rather than making several individual drinks. For example, Melitta lists a capacity of 10 cups and 1.25 L for its EasyTop Timer filter coffee maker. These figures apply to that model only.
A capsule machine is worth considering if you mostly make individual drinks and want to keep things simple. Check its dimensions, which capsule system it is compatible with and how much space you will need for used capsules. UFC-Que Choisir highlights how easy this type of machine is to maintain.
A bean-to-cup espresso machine lets you customise drinks made from beans. However, you will need to make room for it and clean it regularly. UFC-Que Choisir notes that these machines take up more space and are noisier than capsule machines or filter coffee makers.
First decide whether your priority is making several cups at once or preparing an individual drink. Then consider how much time and space you have, and how much maintenance you are prepared to do.
| What matters to you | What to check before buying | Consumers with this priority |
|---|---|---|
| Serving several coffees at once | Model capacity in litres and cups; a timer if you want to schedule brewing. | When everyone at home has coffee at the same time, I’d rather make a full carafe than restart the machine for each person. Around 29% of consumers prioritise being able to make a shared quantity. |
| Keeping morning steps to a minimum | What you need to do before your first drink, preheating and capsule compatibility, where applicable. | If I’m leaving early, I want to make my drink without having to go through lots of steps. Around 29% of consumers put this convenience ahead of other criteria. |
| Saving space and keeping noise down | Dimensions, including access to the reservoirs; noise when grinding, rinsing or dispensing. | In a small kitchen, or when other people are asleep, the machine’s position and noise are the main considerations. Around 18% of consumers prioritise keeping things quiet day to day. |
| Managing consumables and maintenance | The type of coffee used, filters required, parts to clean and instructions for sorting capsules for recycling. | I want to know what I’ll need to do and buy for each coffee before choosing a system. This is the main concern for around 24% of consumers. |
Two filter coffee makers can differ in capacity and programming; maintenance features also vary from one bean-to-cup machine to another. The 10-cup capacity Melitta lists for its EasyTop Timer does not apply to all filter coffee makers.
Check the capacity, dimensions, useful morning features and parts to clean for the specific model you are considering.
For espresso machines, UFC-Que Choisir’s testing protocol distinguishes between activities such as rinsing, grinding and dispensing. A noise level quoted for one model does not necessarily cover every stage or apply to another machine.
If noise could disturb your household, look for information about the exact model and the stage that matters to you.
Individual capsules and coffee sold by weight do not represent the same quantity of drinks. Filters and cleaning products also depend on the machine you choose.
Start with the drinks you usually make: note the amount of coffee used, the consumables required and the maintenance involved.
What you need to do after each drink is part of using a capsule machine. In France, ADEME advises putting aluminium or plastic capsules in the recycling bin, bag or container.
Make space for used capsules and check the recycling instructions on their packaging.
A brand to consider when comparing filter coffee makers and bean-to-cup machines, among other options.
A brand to consider if you are comparing bean-to-cup machines and customisation options.
A brand worth considering when looking at bean-to-cup espresso machines and the maintenance they require.
These products cover several ways to make coffee at home: bean-to-cup espresso, capsules, manual espresso and a cafetière. First choose the brewing method that suits your mornings, then check the specifications of the model.
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Worth considering if you want to make coffee from beans and are also interested in milk-based drinks. Check the maintenance steps, the consumables supplied, and the noise and preparation time if these factors will influence your choice.
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For making individual drinks with capsules when space is limited. The product name lists a 0.6 L reservoir and 1,200 W of power. Check that the capsules you plan to use are compatible with the Nespresso Original system.
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Consider this for individual drinks if you want to compare machines that use different consumable formats. Before choosing it, confirm exactly which adapters and capsules are compatible, particularly for ESE pods and ground coffee. Also check that your cup will fit under the outlet.
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For making coffee by hand to share, without capsules. This 1 L cafetière is listed as making 8 cups. It requires hot water and must not be placed on a heat source or used in a microwave.
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For anyone who wants to be involved in making an espresso rather than simply selecting a capsule drink. The product name lists a removable 1.1 L reservoir. Before buying, confirm that the voltage and mains frequency are suitable for your home, and check whether it includes a grinder if you plan to use beans.
Start by considering how many drinks you need to make and how much effort you are willing to put in before choosing the type of coffee. When comparing consumables for different machines, take account of the amount used for your usual drinks, the packaging, any filters required and the model’s maintenance needs.
According to ADEME, aluminium or plastic capsules should go in the recycling bin, bag or container. Check the product’s recycling instructions too, so you can make this part of your routine.
Clean the parts specified in the model’s manual and descale the machine according to its instructions. De'Longhi also recommends servicing its bean-to-cup espresso machines every year or two, depending on how often they are used. This is the brand’s recommendation.
Depending on what is available, you could take it to a collection point, a recycling centre, a retailer or a social and solidarity economy organisation. The French ministries responsible for the ecological transition list these options for collecting electrical equipment. Check the arrangements at your chosen location.
No. A commercial warranty or extended warranty is optional. The National Institute of Consumption distinguishes these from statutory warranties. Check the terms of the contract on offer and do not confuse it with the rights that apply whether or not you take out the warranty.