If you make several coffees every day, a filter machine is well suited to brewing a batch of longer coffees, while capsule, pod, portafilter and grinder machines offer different ways to make drinks to order. Then compare the cost of the consumables you’ll actually buy, the cleaning involved and, for a grinder, the noise and space it takes up. No one system is right for every household.
If you regularly make short coffees, you’ll be choosing between ready-to-use portions and coffee beans or ground coffee. Ongoing costs and maintenance can help you decide between systems, as Que Choisir points out.
If you serve several cups one after another, compare brewing a pot with portion-based machines that can make one or two cups, depending on the model. Philips describes this option for the SENSEO Original Plus CSA210/50, while Melitta presents the LOOK range for filter coffee.
If you switch between short, long or milky coffees, check which recipes the machine offers and what you’ll actually need to do to make them. De’Longhi’s product information, for example, describes a traditional steam wand on some models. This doesn’t mean milk is prepared automatically.
If you make several coffees a day, start by choosing between brewing a batch of filter coffee and making drinks to order. Then compare the consumables, cleaning and space required.
| What matters | What to check | Who cares most about it |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of consumables | Compare the cost per cup of the products you’ll actually use, and include any filters or cleaning products you’ll need. | If I make coffee every day, I want to compare the cost of pods, ground coffee or beans without assuming that one system is always cheaper. Around 33 % of consumers prioritise ongoing costs. |
| Brewing pace and drinks | Check the pot’s capacity, how many cups can be made at once and which drinks the model offers. | If long, short or milky coffees are being made one after another, I want a machine that suits my household’s drinks and routine. Around 27 % of consumers prioritise serving the drinks they want. |
| Maintenance and noise | Check the instructions for cleaning the containers and brewing unit. If noise matters, look for measurements for the specific model. | If I choose a grinder, I want to know what regular maintenance is involved and take the noise during grinding into account. Around 27 % of consumers prioritise maintenance and durability. |
| Ease of use and size | Measure the space available and check that you can reach the tank and containers to fill or empty them. | If space is at a premium in my kitchen, I want to keep the number of steps to a minimum and fit the machine in without making it awkward to use. Around 13 % of consumers put simplicity and compactness first. |
The cost of your coffee depends on the consumables you choose and how many cups you make. Que Choisir notes that capsule prices can add to your spending, but this doesn’t prove that another system will always save you money.
Work out the cost of the products you’ll use for your chosen drinks, then factor in maintenance supplies.
The containers, brewing chamber and internal system all need care. Que Choisir also points out that machines with grinders can be noisy and take up more space.
Check the instructions for your model to find out what cleaning and descaling it needs. If noise is important to you, look for measurements taken for that specific model.
Nespresso Original capsules, soft Senseo-compatible pods and ESE pods are designed for different systems.
Check the format listed on the machine and each pack before buying your consumables.
The Magnifica S and Dedica Style ranges show two ways to make espresso: with an automatic grinder or a manual portafilter machine.
The Original Plus range uses soft pods, and is particularly suited to making long or strong coffees.
The Essenza Mini is part of the Original system, designed for espresso and lungo made one cup at a time.
The LOOK range is designed for ground filter coffee brewed in a pot.
This selection includes grinder machines for making espresso and a range of other coffees, as well as a filter coffee machine for brewing longer coffees in batches.
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For making espresso or longer coffees from beans, with the option to froth milk manually.
Features listed include 13 grind settings, a 1,8 L water tank and a removable brewing unit. The steam wand needs to be operated and cleaned after use.
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For households that want to make coffee from beans and switch between brewing coffee and steaming milk.
The product description lists 30 grind settings, a 2,8 L tank and two boilers that allow coffee extraction and steaming at the same time.
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For switching between espresso, coffee and cappuccino with a grinder machine and a detachable LatteGo system for easy cleaning.
Features listed include a 1,8 L water tank, a 275 g bean container, a removable brew group and a two-cup function. The two-cup function doesn’t apply to milk-based drinks.
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For brewing ground filter coffee in batches instead of making individual espresso drinks.
This drip coffee maker is listed for home use, with a 750 ml tank and a 30-minute keep-warm function.
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For making a range of drinks from beans and adjusting cup sizes to suit your household’s preferences.
Four options are listed: espresso, double espresso, Americano and cold brew. Features include a 1,5 L water tank, a 150 g bean container, strength and size settings, and a descaling programme. The product information specifies that there is no automatic cleaning cycle.
No. Check the exact system specified for the machine and on the packaging. Nespresso-compatible capsules and Senseo-compatible pods belong to different families, while ESE compatibility listed for the Dedica refers to another format.
Clean the coffee grounds and drip containers, maintain the brewing chamber as directed for your model and descale the machine according to its instructions. After making a milk-based drink, clean the steam wand too. Always follow the instructions for the model you buy.
Que Choisir has found cycle limits in the commercial warranties of some grinder machines, so check the terms for the model you’re considering. In France, the statutory legal guarantee of conformity is separate. The DGCCRF says it runs for two years from delivery of the goods, whether new or second-hand, subject to the applicable conditions.
According to ADEME guidance, aluminium and plastic capsules should go in the recycling container for paper and packaging. Check your local guidance for the format you use.
Coffee machines aren’t among the categories on the Ministry of the Economy’s list of products that must display this information. To compare repair options, find out whether parts are available, what repair services are offered and what after-sales support comes with the model.