Start by choosing the machine that best suits the coffee you serve most often: a filter coffee maker for brewing several large cups at once, a capsule machine for individual cups in a small space, a portafilter machine if you want to control the preparation, or an automatic bean-to-cup machine for individual coffees made from beans. If you make several coffees every day, also check how much space you have and which cleaning tasks you’re happy to repeat. According to Que Choisir, a bean-to-cup machine takes up more space and makes more noise than a capsule machine or filter coffee maker.
If you make several coffees throughout the day and want to use beans without filling a portafilter for every cup, an automatic bean-to-cup machine could be a good fit. However, you’ll need to be comfortable with the noise from grinding, the space it takes up and the regular maintenance, as Que Choisir points out.
A filter coffee maker lets you brew a whole pot rather than making one cup after another. Choose the capacity to suit the amount you actually serve. Moulinex, for example, describes this kind of use for its Morning filter coffee maker.
A capsule machine could suit you if you mainly make one cup at a time and want a simple routine. Check which capsule system it works with, how much room it needs and how to sort used capsules. Nespresso provides care instructions for its machines.
If you make several coffees a day, start with the type of coffee you serve most often. Then consider the space available and the tasks involved after each brew.
| Consideration | What to check | Best suited to |
|---|---|---|
| Individual coffees made from beans | Check which drinks it makes and how easy it is to access the coffee grounds and drip trays, as well as the parts that need cleaning. | I make coffees separately throughout the day and would rather have a machine that grinds the beans than fill a portafilter each time. Around 33% of consumers prioritise this. |
| A quick cup in a small space | Check the dimensions, compatible capsule system and water tank capacity. | In a small kitchen, I want to make a single cup with minimal effort, even if that means using dedicated capsules. Speed and a compact design come first for around 25% of consumers. |
| Long coffees served together | Compare the pot’s capacity with the amount you usually make, and check whether it keeps coffee warm if cups are served at different times. | When several people want a long coffee at the same time, I’d rather make a pot than brew each cup separately. Around 25% of consumers prioritise this way of serving coffee. |
| Manual espresso preparation | Check which coffee the portafilter accepts, whether it has a steam wand if you need one, and what cleaning the instruction manual recommends. | I’m happy to measure the coffee and clean the portafilter because I want to control how my espressos are made. Around 17% of consumers prioritise this hands-on approach. |
According to Que Choisir, a bean-to-cup espresso machine takes up more space and makes more noise than a capsule machine or filter coffee maker. Regular use also means looking after the trays and descaling the machine.
Measure the space you have, allowing room to open the tanks, then check the instruction manual to see which parts need removing, rinsing or maintaining.
Depending on the model, also allow time for rinsing, descaling and maintaining the brewing unit.
A capsule machine needs a compatible capsule for every cup and creates individual packaging that needs sorting for recycling.
Check the capsule system before choosing a machine, and find out how to sort the capsules based on their material.
A filter coffee maker is suited to brewing several long coffees at once, but its capacity and any keep-warm function need to match your household’s habits.
Compare the pot’s capacity in litres with the amount you usually brew, then check how long that model keeps coffee warm.
Que Choisir’s testing also looks at serving volume, temperature, cleaning and noise. The pressure rating alone doesn’t tell you what it’s like to use every day.
Consider which settings you’ll use, how easy the machine is to clean and, if it matters to you, the results of noise tests.
Worth considering for a bean-to-cup espresso machine or a traditional portafilter machine, depending on how much of the preparation you want to automate.
Worth considering if you’re looking for an automatic bean-to-cup machine or a pod system, but be sure to compare the different ranges.
Worth considering if you want to make individual espressos or lungos with a capsule machine.
Worth considering if you mainly serve several long coffees brewed in a pot.
These machines cover the four brewing styles featured here: automatic bean-to-cup, capsules, portafilter espresso and filter coffee. Start by comparing them based on the type of coffee you make most often.
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Worth considering if you regularly make individual coffees from beans and want an espresso machine with a grinder. This model is labelled LatteGo; check which drinks it makes and what cleaning it requires in the product details and instruction manual.
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Another option for individual coffees made with an automatic machine. If milk-based drinks are important to you, check which drinks this model makes and how to maintain its LatteCrema system. Make sure you also have enough space for it.
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Worth considering for individual coffees if you prefer a capsule machine. The variant name indicates a 0.6 L tank and 1,200 W power rating. Check which capsule system it’s compatible with and how to descale it before choosing.
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Worth considering if you want to make your espressos with a portafilter rather than an automatic control. You’ll need to take care of the preparation and cleaning yourself. Check this model’s instruction manual for descaling advice and compatible accessories.
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Worth considering for brewing filter coffee to serve from a pot. The product name lists a 750 ml tank, 600 W power rating and a keep-warm function said to last 30 minutes. Check the instruction manual for the pot’s separate capacity and the conditions for keeping coffee warm.
Choose a filter coffee maker if you usually serve several long coffees at once. An espresso machine is better suited to making individual cups throughout the day. For espresso, choose between capsules, a portafilter and a grinder based on the preparation and maintenance tasks you’re happy to take on.
Clean the coffee grounds and drip trays regularly, and descale the machine as instructed for your model. Que Choisir highlights the importance of cleaning, while De’Longhi France notes that water hardness affects how often its bean-to-cup machines need descaling. Check the instruction manual for other parts that need maintenance.
No, returning them to a shop isn’t the only option. According to ADEME guidance updated on 1 October 2026, aluminium or plastic capsules can go in the recycling bin, bag or container for paper and packaging. For paper capsules, check which composting or food waste collection options are available locally.
Follow your machine’s instruction manual. The frequency depends in part on water hardness and how many coffees you make. For its traditional espresso machines, De’Longhi France recommends descaling every month or every two months if the water is very hard, and every three or six months if it’s soft. These intervals don’t automatically apply to other models.