In a household with different coffee habits, start by choosing a brewing method that everyone who’ll use and maintain the machine is happy with: capsules or soft pods for fewer steps, a portafilter for hands-on coffee preparation, or a grinder for automated brewing with whole beans. Then check which drinks you want, the format of the consumables and the cleaning required for the specific model. No one option suits every household’s habits in the same way.
If several people want to make an espresso, a longer coffee or a decaf quickly, consider portion-based systems and automatic machines. Check which drinks are available on the specific model you’re considering: the capsule or pod format can limit your options.
If coffee is made often, a bean-to-cup machine is worth considering. Bear in mind that you’ll also need to follow the cleaning and descaling instructions for the model.
If measuring the coffee, controlling the extraction or using a steam wand is part of the enjoyment, a manual portafilter machine could suit you. De’Longhi France explains that the user prepares the coffee with this method, so you’ll need to allow for the steps involved and the cleaning afterwards.
Capsule machines, soft-pod machines, portafilter machines and grinders differ first and foremost in how each cup is made. If people in your household have different habits, start with what matters most day to day, then check the details of the specific model.
Consider this if: several people want to make a cup with minimal effort.
Bear in mind: the machine uses a specific capsule system, which needs to match the drinks you want to make.
Consider this if: you want a simple, portion-based brew; some models can make one or two cups.
Bear in mind: soft pods aren’t interchangeable with rigid capsules.
Consider this if: someone wants to measure the coffee and take an active part in making it.
Bear in mind: this method takes more steps and practice than making a drink at the touch of a button.
Consider this if: your household wants to choose its own beans while automating the brewing process.
Bear in mind: consider the grinder’s noise and the maintenance required for the model you choose.
| Criteria | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Speed and ease of use | How many steps it takes to make a cup, and whether the model can make one or two cups. | When several people take turns making coffee, I want to make a cup without having to learn a long process. Around 29% of consumers would put ease of use first. |
| Regular use of consumables | The format accepted by the machine and how easy it is to find the capsules, pods or beans you want. | If I make coffee often, I don’t want to rely on a consumable that only suits some of the household. Around 29% of consumers would prioritise availability. |
| Choice of drinks and control | Drinks available on the exact model, settings and whether it has a steam wand. | I want to adjust how my coffee is made or prepare drinks with milk, even if that means more steps. Around 21% of consumers would prioritise this option. |
| Day-to-day maintenance | Rinsing and descaling instructions, cleaning the milk system and disposing of used portions. | A machine won’t suit me if its cleaning routine is difficult to fit into our day. Around 21% of consumers would put easy maintenance ahead of other criteria. |
According to UFC-Que Choisir, most capsule machines accept only one type of capsule. If your household switches between different coffees, you’ll need to take the machine’s system into account.
Make a note of the drinks you want, then check the machine’s product details and the capsule packaging to make sure the formats match.
Cleaning is part of the regular use of this equipment. De’Longhi France notes, for example, that descaling frequency depends on water hardness and the number of coffees made.
Read the instructions for the model you’re considering and make sure the required maintenance suits everyone who’ll use the machine.
Capsules are still individual portions that need to be dealt with after brewing. ADEME says aluminium and plastic capsules go in the recycling collection for paper and packaging.
If your household uses portions regularly, build recycling them into your daily routine and also consider making coffee with ground beans or whole beans.
A brand to consider for Original and Vertuo capsule machines.
A range to consider for brewing with soft pods.
A brand offering both manual portafilter machines and automatic bean-to-cup machines.
These Joybuy machines illustrate three brewing methods covered here: whole beans with a grinder, capsules and a manual portafilter. First choose the method that suits your household, then look at the model and its consumables.
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Worth considering if your household wants a grinder machine to suit different coffee habits. Check which drinks it makes and what maintenance the model requires.
Series 2200 model EP2230/10, LatteGo version.
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Worth considering for automated brewing with whole beans. If your household enjoys drinks with milk, check what steps are involved with this model.
Automatic bean-to-cup espresso machine, model ECAM22.140.B.
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Worth considering if your household prefers capsule coffee. Check that Vertuo capsules are suitable for the drinks everyone wants to make.
Vertuo capsule machine with a 0.6-litre water tank.
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Worth considering if your household wants to make coffee with capsules. Check which system it accepts before choosing your capsules.
Capsule machine with a 0.6 L water tank and a stated power rating of 1200 W.
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Worth considering if someone in your household wants to make coffee by hand or use a steam wand. These steps also mean cleaning the machine after use.
Stated pressure of 20 bar and a 50 Oz water tank; stainless steel finish.
No. Rigid capsules and soft pods are different systems. According to UFC-Que Choisir, most capsule machines accept only one type of capsule, so always check the compatibility details for the machine and the portions you choose.
Follow the instructions and, if your model has one, its alert rather than using the same schedule for every machine. De’Longhi France says frequency depends in particular on water hardness and the number of coffees made. A grinder or milk system may also need additional cleaning.
ADEME says aluminium and plastic capsules can go in the recycling bin, bag or container for paper and packaging. Check your local authority’s guidance so you can make recycling part of your routine at home.