Start by choosing according to the type of coffee you drink and how much preparation you are happy to do each day: capsules and pods prioritise simplicity, a portafilter requires more hands-on steps, while a grinder lets you use coffee beans. If you mainly drink large mugs or jugs of long coffee, a filter coffee machine is worth comparing before investing in an espresso machine.
Capsule and pod machines are a good choice if speed, a compact footprint and simple operation matter more to you than customisation. According to Que Choisir, you should still check which consumable format is compatible and how much it will cost you on an ongoing basis.
A bean-to-cup machine or portafilter is suited to those who prepare coffee regularly and are happy to spend more time adjusting settings, cleaning and making space for the machine in order to use beans or ground coffee.
If your morning routine mainly involves large mugs or a coffee pot, compare a filter coffee machine with an espresso machine rather than automatically choosing a pressure-based machine.
Start with your usual drink, then compare the consumables system, the space available and the maintenance tasks you are prepared to repeat.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Everyday simplicity | Compare the portion type, controls, tank capacity and number of cups that can be prepared. Check the exact model’s product details to understand the refilling and handling required. | I want to prepare my coffee at a pace that suits me, without repeating tasks I would rather avoid every day. |
| Consumables and maintenance | Check the accepted format and the price of capsules, pods or beans, as well as descaling products and any water filter cartridges. | As well as the machine itself, I want to be able to plan for the regular purchases needed for each coffee and for its maintenance. |
| Maintenance that fits your routine | Check access to the coffee-grounds container, drip tray and brewing unit, as well as the descaling alerts. A steam wand must be rinsed after preparing milk drinks. | I am happy to rinse and descale the machine, provided these tasks fit into my daily routine. |
| Consumables compatibility | Identify the capsule or pod system specified by the manufacturer. For waste, follow the recycling guidance that applies in your local area and to the material concerned. | I want to know where to buy compatible consumables and how to recycle or dispose of them locally. |
| Type of drink | Distinguish between short espresso, milk drinks and long coffee. A grinder offers different settings depending on the model; a portafilter requires dosing and tamping; a filter coffee machine is mainly for long coffee. | I want to choose a machine suited to the drinks I actually prepare, without paying for features I will rarely use. |
An affordable machine may involve regular spending on capsules, pods, descaler or filter cartridges. Que Choisir notes that capsules can increase the overall cost depending on how the machine is used.
Compare compatible consumables, descaling products and any cartridges before comparing the machines themselves.
Consumables and maintenance products are part of the running costs.
Descaling, rinsing the trays and maintaining the milk system are still necessary. Que Choisir points out that limescale can block the system.
Choose an appliance whose alerts, access to the parts that need cleaning and required tasks suit your routine, then follow the instructions for the model.
Neglecting maintenance can mean more time spent cleaning or needing a repair.
The consumable may be limited to a specific format, affecting your choice and your everyday supply.
Note the system specified by the manufacturer, check which capsules or pods are compatible and make sure they are available through your usual shopping channels.
According to Que Choisir, grinders are generally larger and noisier than capsule systems or filter coffee machines, and require regular cleaning.
Measure your worktop and plan for rinsing, descaling and cleaning the trays before choosing this type of machine.
Using the machine may also require cleaning products and time dedicated to maintenance.
In France, the brand offers manual espresso machines, notably in the Dedica and La Specialista ranges, using ground coffee and, depending on the model, fresh beans.
Philips sells automatic bean-to-cup espresso machines, including variants of the 2200 Series with a milk system.
Senseo specialises in machines for soft pods, with models offering one or two cups and, for the Switch, an additional filter function.
This pairing is a useful reference for capsule machines designed to prepare portioned drinks.
Joybuy options for pod machines, capsule machines and bean-to-cup espresso machines designed for everyday coffee at home.
Image unavailable
For a pod-based routine with one or two cups and fewer refills.
1.2 L tank, one- and two-cup pod holders, Memo functions and descaling indicator. Uses SENSEO pods; check their availability and cost before buying.
Image unavailable
For preparing coffee and cappuccino from beans, with adjustable grind, strength and volume settings.
12-position grinder, 275 g bean hopper, 1.8 L tank and LatteGo system. Cleaning the brewing unit, trays and milk system is still necessary.
Image unavailable
For a quick espresso or lungo on a small worktop.
Two programmable volumes, removable 0.6 L tank and container for six used capsules. Works with Nespresso Original or compatible capsules.
Image unavailable
For switching between a short espresso and a longer coffee at the touch of a button.
Five drink sizes advertised, from 25 ml to 230 ml, 0.6 L tank and container for eight capsules. Requires Vertuo capsules.
Image unavailable
For using beans or ground coffee and occasionally serving two espressos.
Integrated grinder, 1.8 L tank, steam wand, descaling programme and two-cup preparation. Measure your available space and allow time to clean the wand and tray.
Yes. ADEME states that aluminium or plastic capsules should go in the recycling bin, bag or container for paper and packaging. However, follow the collection guidance that applies in your local area.
No. According to ADEME, home composting, shared composting or composting with food waste applies to paper capsules when a suitable solution is available near you. This guidance does not automatically apply to aluminium or plastic capsules.
First, follow the instructions and alerts for your model. Que Choisir states that descaling every two to three months may be recommended on average, depending on water hardness and frequency of use.
The DGCCRF does not list coffee machines among the five categories currently covered by the repairability index. When choosing, check the warranty, service terms and availability of parts for the exact model instead.
Because a machine may be designed for a specific system. Que Choisir highlights the importance of checking the accepted format; consult the manual, then make sure compatible consumables are available through your usual shopping channels.