If your household alternates between coffee beans, quick cups and the occasional milky drink, start by choosing a machine suited to the way you make coffee most often. Don’t assume that one appliance will accept every format. An automatic grinder is a good fit if you regularly make coffee from beans, while capsules and pods are convenient when simplicity matters most. UFC-Que Choisir also highlights the importance of regularly maintaining automatic machines. For milk, compare an integrated milk jug with a separate steam wand, considering how often you’ll use it, how much cleaning you’re happy to do and how much space you have.
Makes several cups on most days and wants to minimise the effort involved in each one, while being happy to maintain a grinder. UFC-Que Choisir’s guides and Les Numériques’ comparisons include these among the factors to consider.
Wants a simple way to make coffee, but needs to check that the chosen capsule or pod system suits the drinks they usually enjoy. UFC-Que Choisir and Les Numériques distinguish between the different types of machines and consumables.
Wants to froth milk without the extra upkeep of an integrated milk jug every time someone has a black coffee. Manufacturer product information and advice from UFC-Que Choisir can help you compare the different systems and their maintenance needs.
Start with how often you make coffee from beans, then check which formats the machine accepts, its milk-based recipes, the maintenance involved and the space it needs.
| What matters | What to check | Who is most likely to consider this ? |
|---|---|---|
| Regular use of coffee beans | Whether the machine has a grinder and the settings available on that model; how many cups you make each day. | If I make coffee from beans almost every day, I check that the machine is suited to how often I’ll use it. Around 31 % of consumers put regular use of coffee beans at the top of their list. |
| Speed and consumables | The exact name of the system the machine accepts and the drinks it offers; access to the water tank and drip tray. | If I want a cup with minimal effort, I make sure the system suits the consumables and drinks my household uses. Speed and compatibility are priorities for around 25 % of consumers. |
| Milky drinks | The recipes available on the specific model; whether it has a milk jug or steam wand, and which parts need cleaning after use. | If I only make cappuccinos occasionally, I compare an integrated milk jug with a separate steam wand, taking into account the steps involved and the cleaning required. Milky drinks are a priority for around 19 % of consumers. |
| Everyday maintenance | Access to the trays and parts of the coffee circuit; rinsing and descaling instructions. | To keep post-brew tasks to a minimum, I check which parts need rinsing, emptying or descaling. Maintenance is the main concern for around 13 % of consumers. |
| Space and number of appliances | The dimensions of the specific model and the space needed to access the tanks and trays; room for any accessories. | If worktop space is limited in my kitchen, I measure the available area and check that I can reach removable parts before choosing one or more machines. Available space and layout are priorities for around 12 % of consumers. |
A machine’s claim to make milky drinks doesn’t tell you how they’re prepared. The system and the parts you need to clean depend on the model and recipe.
Check which drinks the specific model actually makes, how they’re prepared and what maintenance is required in the product details and manual.
The consumable formats and the parts needed to make your drinks vary by system, so check what you’ll need to keep close at hand.
Vertuo, Original, soft pods and ESE are different systems. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes between machine types, while information from Nespresso France, Philips France and De’Longhi sets out which formats their models accept.
Check the exact name of the compatible system before choosing a machine or its consumables.
You may struggle to reach the water tank and trays even if the machine fits on your worktop. You’ll also need to consider how many appliances and accessories are needed.
Check the dimensions of the exact model and allow enough room to open and handle removable parts.
The Rivelia FEB4455.B and Dedica EC685.M EX:4 illustrate two different approaches: a grinder with a milk jug, or a manual portafilter machine that also accepts ESE pods.
The Philips EP3347/90 makes coffee from beans and comes with LatteGo, while the Senseo Switch HD6592/65 uses soft pods and can also make filter coffee.
The documented Vertuo Lattissima combines Vertuo capsules with milky recipes. Choose your capsule system before you choose a machine.
The Barista Express SES875BSS2EEU1A combines a portafilter, built-in grinder and manual steam wand for anyone who wants to take a hands-on approach to making coffee.
The Dolce Gusto range is a capsule option to consider if pre-portioned drinks suit your household’s habits. Les Numériques distinguishes this system from Nespresso and Senseo.
This selection includes capsule and pod machines, models with a grinder, and options with either an integrated milk system or a separate steam wand, so you can compare different ways to make coffee for your household.
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For households that favour a simple way to make coffee from capsules. This model uses the Nespresso Original system, which is not interchangeable with Vertuo capsules or Senseo pods.
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Worth considering if you want to make coffee with SENSEO pods rather than beans or capsules from another system. Check that these pods suit your household’s habits.
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For households that make coffee from beans and also enjoy milky drinks. The LatteGo system adds a milk jug and parts that come into contact with milk and need cleaning.
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For making coffee from beans and frothing milk when you want to. The steam wand requires hands-on use while preparing your drink, followed by cleaning.
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For households that want to make coffee from beans as well as milky drinks using an integrated milk jug. Parts that come into contact with milk need cleaning, so check the maintenance steps for this particular model.
No. Check the coffee system and the milk system separately for the specific model. The machines featured combine different functions, such as a grinder with a milk jug, capsules with a milk jug, or a portafilter with a steam wand. None of these combinations means the machine accepts every format.
Measure the space and check you can reach the trays and water tank before buying. Follow the model’s instructions for rinsing and descaling. If you use fresh milk, clean any parts that come into contact with it and follow the instructions for keeping it chilled. Maintenance schedules vary by machine.
No. When an individual buys goods from a professional seller, the statutory guarantee of conformity is compulsory and can be claimed from the seller. Any commercial warranty is additional and subject to its own terms. The Ministry of the Economy reiterated this in information published on 9 September 2026. Keep your proof of purchase and make a note of who the seller is.