If several people usually drink filter coffee at the same time, start by comparing filter coffee machines according to their minimum and maximum capacity. For different drinks made one at a time, compare capsule machines, manual machines and bean-to-cup machines based on the steps your household is happy to take. Settings and recipes vary by model, while maintenance and, for capsule machines, pod compatibility are also key considerations.
Start with how you usually serve coffee: different cups made to order, several filter coffees prepared together, or a brewing method someone enjoys taking their time over.
If preferences range from espresso and filter coffee to milk-based drinks, compare the recipes actually available and how the machine prepares milk. A bean-to-cup machine with suitable drink options or a capsule system offering the sizes you want could be a good fit. Neither type guarantees every drink you might want.
If several people have filter coffee at breakfast or you often have guests, making a pot can save you from running a separate cycle for every cup. Also check the smallest amount the machine can make for days when only one person wants coffee.
A portafilter machine or a manual brewing method gives you a hands-on role in measuring, adjusting settings or pouring. This option assumes your household is happy to spend time on the preparation and cleaning.
Start with the drinks you make most often, then consider how many cups you need to serve. Preparation time, the steps involved and maintenance can then help you choose between machines that meet those first two needs.
| Criterion | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Variety of drinks | Available sizes and recipes; whether there is a milk system and how it works. | If everyone wants a different drink, I want our usual choices to be available without assuming the machine offers every recipe; around 29% of consumers rank variety as their top priority. |
| Several cups | Minimum and maximum capacity; one shared brew or individual cycles. | At breakfast, I’d rather make several filter coffees together, but I also want to make a smaller amount when I’m on my own; around 22% of consumers prioritise serving several cups. |
| Quick preparation | Steps before and after making a drink; filling and removing components. | On busy mornings, I want to keep measuring and handling to a minimum, without forgetting what needs putting away afterwards; this is the top priority for around 21% of consumers. |
| Hands-on preparation | Useful settings and accessories; steps needed for each cup. | I enjoy measuring my coffee or controlling the pour, even if it takes more attention; around 14% of consumers prefer to take an active part in making their coffee. |
| Maintenance and consumables | Cleaning instructions in the manual; required capsules, filters and other consumables. | I want a cleaning routine our household will actually stick to and consumables that suit our habits; for around 14% of consumers, this is the main consideration. |
If you serve several filter coffees together, take a closer look at filter coffee machines. For example, Melitta France lists a capacity of 2 to 10 cups for the AromaFresh Pro X. This range applies to that model, not to all filter coffee machines. If your household prefers individual drinks, compare the sizes offered by a capsule system, the steps involved in using a portafilter machine and the recipes available on each bean-to-cup machine.
A machine that’s easy to start doesn’t mean there’s no maintenance to think about. UFC-Que Choisir points out that the trays in automatic bean-to-cup machines need regular rinsing. After making a milk-based drink, also check the cleaning instructions for the milk system on the machine you’re considering.
A capsule’s shape alone doesn’t tell you whether it’s compatible. UFC-Que Choisir says most brands accept only one type of capsule; Nespresso, for example, has separate Original and Vertuo systems.
Check the machine’s exact system and look for a compatibility statement on the capsules you plan to buy regularly.
Making a drink on a bean-to-cup machine may involve very few steps, but the trays and brewing unit still need attention. A milk system adds its own cleaning tasks.
Check the model’s manual to find out which parts need rinsing, how to access the brewing unit and what descaling involves before choosing this type of machine.
A large carafe is useful when serving a group, but the minimum quantity matters just as much when the number of people varies. The markings and options for making smaller amounts differ by model.
Compare the smallest amount you regularly make with the stated operating range, then check the carafe’s usable capacity.
Making too much coffee every time also uses coffee and water your household doesn’t need.
ADEME says aluminium and plastic capsules can go in the packaging recycling stream in France. However, recycling them doesn’t remove the need to think about the individual packaging you use every day.
If you prefer pre-measured portions, plan how you’ll recycle them. If reducing packaging is your priority, also compare ground coffee, whole beans and reusable filter options.
These brands illustrate different ways to make coffee. Check the features and requirements of the specific model you’re interested in.
The brand offers the Original and Vertuo capsule systems for individual drinks. Nespresso describes Vertuo as offering sizes from espresso to a mug.
The brand’s automatic bean-to-cup machines include models designed for households that want to choose from different drinks. Philips France, for example, highlights user profiles on its 5500 Series.
The manual and semi-automatic range is for people who want to be involved in making espresso. The Classic EM450.M, featured by De’Longhi France, has a portafilter and an adjustable cappuccino system.
Melitta offers filter coffee machines, including some models with a built-in grinder, for making several cups of filter coffee.
Bodum’s manual coffee makers are for people who are happy to pour the water and keep an eye on each brew. The Pour Over, as described by the brand, has a 1,5 L capacity and a permanent stainless steel filter.
These models are mainly for drinks made one at a time: three automatic bean-to-cup machines, a capsule machine and a manual espresso machine. To choose between them, start with the drinks you want, then consider who will prepare the milk and take care of maintenance.
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Consider this if your household wants a bean-to-cup machine for individual drinks and plans to use the LatteGo system. Check which recipes this version offers and what cleaning the milk system and grinder involve.
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This bundle may suit a household looking for an automatic bean-to-cup machine and the Lavazza coffee named in the product title. If milk-based drinks are part of your routine, check the steps involved in making them and cleaning the wand afterwards.
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Consider this if your household prefers individual portions and wants an Aeroccino milk frother. Choose capsules compatible with the Vertuo system; the milk foam is prepared separately from the coffee.
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Consider this automatic bean-to-cup machine for coffees made to order rather than a shared pot. If you plan to make milk-based drinks, check the instructions for using and cleaning the steam wand in the model’s manual.
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Consider this if someone in your household wants to be involved in making espresso rather than having each drink prepared automatically. The portafilter and steam wand involve handling and cleaning after use; check the tank capacity for the model on offer.
Start by comparing filter coffee machines if you serve several filter coffees at the same time. Check the minimum quantity as well as the maximum capacity. If everyone wants a different drink, a machine that makes cups individually may suit your household better, although it will need to run several cycles.
Compare the exact system name on the machine with the compatibility information on each box of capsules. UFC-Que Choisir says most brands accept only one type of capsule, so don’t assume that Original, Vertuo and other formats are interchangeable.
Plan to rinse the trays and brewing unit components regularly, and clean the milk system after use according to the model’s instructions. UFC-Que Choisir highlights these tasks for automatic bean-to-cup machines. Check the manual for your chosen model to see which parts you can access and how to descale it.
Follow the schedule and instructions for your model, particularly if you live in a hard water area. For the relevant machines, Nespresso recommends descaling every three months or after around 300 capsules. This brand-specific guidance does not automatically apply to other machines.
ADEME says to put aluminium or plastic capsules in the recycling bin, bag or container for packaging. For capsules made from other materials, check the instructions for that type and the collection options available locally.