To cut down on capsules while still making espresso, choose a bean-to-cup machine if you prefer an automated brewing process using whole beans, or a portafilter machine if you’re happy to do a little more for each cup. A filter coffee machine is better suited to making a pot, but the result won’t be the same as espresso. Soft coffee pods make it easy to brew individual servings, but they’re still single-use consumables. According to Que Choisir, a grinder takes up more space and makes more noise than a capsule machine or filter coffee machine.
If you regularly make espresso, a grinder lets you replace capsules with whole beans. Bear in mind that you’ll need space and time for maintenance: Que Choisir notes that grinders are bulkier and noisier than capsule machines or filter coffee machines.
A capsule or soft-pod machine means less handling. Check which format the machine accepts before choosing your coffee, and if you keep using capsules, find out what collection options are available where you live.
If you often make a pot rather than individual espressos, consider a filter coffee machine or a hybrid model. Philips, for example, says its SENSEO Switch 2-in-1 makes a pot of filter coffee for up to 7 cups; this capacity applies to this model.
Start with the coffee you want to drink, then compare each format with your daily routine and the space you have available.
| Feature | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Type of drink | Choose between individual espresso and a pot of filter coffee. Check how many cups the machine makes per cycle. | I mainly serve espresso, or I’m more likely to need a pot for several people. |
| Brewing steps | Compare inserting a capsule or pod, preparing coffee with a portafilter and using the controls on an automatic grinder. | For everyday use, I’d rather keep handling to a minimum, or I’m happy to prepare each espresso using a portafilter. |
| Consumables and recycling | Check which coffee the machine accepts and how it’s packaged. For capsules, check the recycling label, local guidance and any brand-specific collection points. | I want to avoid single-use capsules, or have access to a collection scheme I can actually use. ADEME says that capsules thrown away with household rubbish are incinerated or sent to landfill. |
| Space and noise | Measure the space available, including the clearance needed to access the containers and water tank. Take grinding noise into account. | My machine needs to be easy to fill and clean in my kitchen. Que Choisir says a grinder is bulkier and noisier than a capsule system or filter coffee machine. |
| Maintenance and compatibility | Read the manual for cleaning and descaling instructions; check the exact capsule or pod format and which accessories are compatible with the model. | I want to be able to find compatible coffee and carry out the recommended maintenance. De’Longhi says descaling frequency depends, among other things, on water hardness. |
According to ADEME, capsules thrown away with household rubbish are incinerated or sent to landfill. A dedicated collection scheme only works if the relevant capsules are actually taken there.
If you keep using capsules, check your local recycling guidance and which collection schemes accept your brand. If you want to avoid individual packaging, consider machines that use whole beans or ground coffee instead.
Que Choisir notes that a grinder takes up more space and makes more noise than a capsule system or filter coffee machine. Depending on the model, the containers and accessible parts will also need cleaning.
Measure the space available, check that you can reach the water tank and containers, and read the maintenance instructions before choosing.
Also check which descaling products and filters, if any, are required for your chosen model.
Capsule machines and soft-pod machines don’t necessarily accept the same consumables, and not every format within a product family will fit.
Check the exact format in the machine’s manual, then make sure each pack is compatible before you buy.
A system of machines and aluminium capsules to consider if you want to keep using capsules and have access to a suitable collection scheme.
Soft-pod machines, including hybrid models that let you switch between an individual cup and filter coffee.
Automatic bean-to-cup machines to consider if you want to make espresso from whole beans.
Portafilter machines to consider if you’d like to take a more hands-on role in making espresso.
These Joybuy options show three ways to stop making every coffee with a capsule: espresso from whole beans, semi-automatic brewing and filter coffee. The last option won’t make the same kind of drink as espresso.
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With its built-in grinder, this model lets you make espresso from whole beans rather than capsules. Black Gloss finish; check how much space you’ll need to fill and maintain the machine.
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This option is for anyone happy to be more involved in making each espresso rather than using a capsule. Listed power: 1450 W; stated pressure: 19 bar. Check which coffee it accepts, the portafilter size and compatible accessories.
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This coffee machine is a good choice if you’d like to make filter coffee rather than capsule espresso. It has a stated 750 ml water tank and keeps coffee warm for 30 minutes. Check how many cups it makes and which type of filter is included.
No. Follow the guidance for your capsules and your local area. ADEME says that capsules thrown away with household rubbish are incinerated or sent to landfill, so check the recycling label and local guidance. Nespresso France also says it has dedicated collection points for its capsules.
Clean the parts specified in the manual and descale the machine according to the model’s instructions. For the Magnifica Evo, De’Longhi says descaling frequency depends, among other things, on water hardness; check the maintenance instructions for the machine you choose.