Households making several coffees a day
You want to compare the ongoing cost of coffee, capacity and maintenance tasks before choosing. An Ipsos study published by Nestlé describes regular coffee consumption in France.
Who is this choice for?
People in a hurry in the morning
You want to keep the number of steps to a minimum and choose a drink format that suits you, while remembering that a simple preparation process doesn’t eliminate the need for cleaning.
Espresso lovers who want control over the brewing process
You prioritise control over how your coffee is made or freshly ground beans, and are happy to compare the steps involved, the space required and the maintenance.
What to compare
For your daily coffee, weigh up the total cost, time available, drinks you want, maintenance and the space you actually have on your worktop.
| Feature | What to check | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Total cost | Compare the current price of the machine and compatible consumables, the number of coffees you make and maintenance costs over the same period. | If I make several coffees a day, I want consumables and maintenance to fit my budget; around 25% of consumers say ongoing costs are their top priority. |
| Time and steps | Check the steps needed per cup, the formats on offer and the capacity of the water tank and containers. | On busy mornings, I want a coffee-making process that takes little effort; around 25% of consumers put speed and simplicity first. |
| Drinks and settings | Check which drinks and volumes the exact model offers, its settings and whether it has a milk system. | If I want to choose my type of coffee and control how it’s made, these settings matter more than speed alone; around 20% of consumers prioritise customisation. |
| Maintenance | Check the manual, descaling alert, access to the containers and which cleaning products are approved. | If I’d rather spend less time cleaning, I also check what needs to be done after each drink; around 15% of consumers prioritise keeping maintenance to a minimum. |
| Space and noise | Check the dimensions, allowing enough room to open the tanks and remove the containers. If you make coffee while the household is asleep, check how noisy the specific model is. | If my worktop space is limited or noise could disturb the household, I take these constraints into account before choosing; around 15% of consumers put them at the top of their list. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Comparing only the purchase price of the machines
The ongoing cost of consumables and maintenance matters too if you make several coffees a day. The figures published by UFC-Que Choisir on 13 October 2025 are based on its assumptions and aren’t current prices.
Compare prices at the time of purchase, using the same number of cups and the same time period for each option.
Remember to factor in regular purchases of consumables and cleaning products, as well as filters if the model uses them.
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Choosing consumables based only on the word “capsule” or “pod”
Original and Vertuo capsule systems are different, and soft pods are not the same as ESE pods, which are designed for some portafilter machines.
Check the machine’s full model number and the compatible system stated in its manual before buying consumables.
A consumable that isn’t compatible can’t be used with the system in question.
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Assuming an automatic programme means no maintenance
An alert or programme may tell you when an action is needed, but descaling and cleaning the relevant parts are still necessary.
Check the maintenance instructions for the model and make sure the containers and parts that need cleaning are easy to access.
Allow time for cleaning and make sure you have products that are compatible with the machine.
Brands to consider
Philips SENSEO
The Original Plus range is an example of soft-pod machines for home use.
- For the CSA210/11 model, Philips says you can choose between a long and an intense coffee.
- Pre-portioned coffee doesn’t remove the need to descale. Philips says the buttons flash to remind you on this range.
Nespresso
The Essenza Mini Crème Mat, as described by Nespresso, is an example of a compact Original capsule machine for espresso and lungo.
- Nespresso says this version is compatible with the Original system.
- Don’t assume this compatibility or the dimensions listed for the Crème Mat version apply to every Essenza Mini. Original and Vertuo are different systems.
De’Longhi
The Dedica Style represents the portafilter machines, while the Magnifica S ECAM22.140.B is an automatic bean-to-cup machine.
- De’Longhi describes the Dedica Style EC685.W EX:4 as suitable for smaller spaces. For the Magnifica S ECAM22.140.B, the brand lists features including a 1.8 L tank and an adjustable coffee length.
- These details apply to the models named and aren’t the results of independent tests.
Krups
The EA815 to EA817 series is an example of automatic bean-to-cup machines.
- The Krups manual for these series describes automatic espresso and coffee preparation.
- Check the exact model number and its maintenance instructions before comparing machines: the manual doesn’t cover every machine in the range.
Coffee machines available on Joybuy
This selection includes soft-pod and capsule machines, portafilter machines and automatic bean-to-cup machines, so you can compare the steps involved, drinks and maintenance to find the right fit for your daily routine.
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Philips Senseo CSA260/91 Maestro
Worth considering if you want pre-portioned coffee and a choice of recipes, with one or two coffees per serving.
The product listing specifies three recipes, a Memo function, a 1.2 L tank and a descaling indicator. Coffee is said to be ready in under a minute, and the removable parts are listed as dishwasher-safe.
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Philips EP2230/10 Series 2200 LatteGo
Worth considering if you regularly make drinks with coffee beans and want to adjust the grind, strength and volume.
The product listing specifies a 1.8 L tank, a 275 g bean capacity and a two-cup function. Espresso, coffee, cappuccino and hot water are listed; some LatteGo parts are dishwasher-safe. The AquaClean filter is listed as compatible but isn’t included.
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De’Longhi Dedica Style EC685.M
Worth considering if you want to make espresso yourself, using ground coffee or compatible ESE pods, according to the product listing.
The machine is listed as making one or two cups. The product listing gives a width of 149 mm, a removable 1 L tank, an adjustable steam wand and temperature and water-volume settings. It says to clean the steam wand after use.
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KRUPS Nespresso Essenza Mini 0.6 L, white
Worth considering if you want to make an espresso or lungo with a capsule machine and one-touch controls.
The product listing specifies two programmable cup sizes, a removable 0.6 L tank, a heat-up time of around 25 seconds and automatic ejection of used capsules into a container that holds up to six. It says the machine is compatible with Nespresso Original or compatible capsules, but not loose coffee or other capsules.
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De’Longhi Magnifica S ECAM22.140.B
Worth considering if you want to make several coffees with an integrated grinder and choose between beans and pre-ground coffee.
The product listing specifies an adjustable grinder, a two-cup function, a 1.8 L tank, a steam wand and a programme with descaling alerts. It also says to empty the used coffee grounds container and regularly clean the steam wand and drip tray.
Frequently asked questions
How can I compare the cost of a coffee without relying on an old per-cup figure?
Use the same drink size, annual number of cups and time period for each option. Check the current price of the machine, compatible consumables and cleaning products. The indicative figures published by UFC-Que Choisir on 13 October 2025 don’t show the price difference as at 23 October 2026.
Can I use Vertuo capsules in an Essenza Mini Original?
No. The Essenza Mini Crème Mat described by Nespresso is listed as compatible with Original capsules only. Always check the system and exact model number of the machine you’re buying.
When and how should I descale a Senseo Original Plus?
Philips says to start descaling when the buttons for one and two cups flash at the same time. For a Senseo, the brand recommends a citric-acid-based descaler and advises against using white vinegar. Follow the instructions for your specific model.
Does a coffee machine have to display a French repairability rating?
No. As at 18 August 2026, coffee machines aren’t included in the official list of product categories covered by the repairability rating, according to the Ministry of the Economy and Finance. The absence of a rating doesn’t mean a model can’t be repaired. Check the information provided about parts and servicing for the model in question.
Who is covered by the legal guarantee of conformity for a machine bought in France?
For goods sold by a trader to a private individual, the legal guarantee of conformity applies and is separate from any optional commercial warranty. The Ministry of the Economy and Finance says it covers new, second-hand and refurbished goods sold by a trader to a private individual. Keep your proof of purchase and details of the model sold.