If you regularly make espresso at home, a machine with a built-in grinder is a good choice if you want to choose your own beans and are happy to deal with the cleaning, noise and space it requires. Capsules and soft pods mean fewer steps, provided you check which format the machine takes. A portafilter is better suited to anyone who wants to measure and tamp the coffee themselves.
How often you make espresso matters, but your choice also depends on how much you want to do each day.
If you want to switch from capsules or soft pods to choosing your own beans, consider a machine with a grinder, bearing in mind the worktop space it needs and the maintenance involved. Que Choisir also distinguishes between capsules, soft pods and portafilter machines among the home coffee systems available.
If you want to make coffee without filling or tamping a portafilter, compare capsule and soft pod machines. Check the format the machine accepts and the drinks offered by the model you’re interested in.
A portafilter is a good choice if you want to fill it with ground coffee and tamp it yourself. De’Longhi France describes these steps for its manual machines; they’re part of the routine you’ll need to follow for every espresso.
First, think about which preparation steps you’re happy to do. Then check the consumables, drinks and maintenance requirements for the specific model.
Worth considering: for regular espressos when you want to use your choice of beans.
The trade-off: Que Choisir notes that a grinder takes up more space and makes more noise than a capsule system. Cleaning it is also part of the routine.
Worth considering: if you prefer a pre-measured dose and minimal handling.
Check: the capsule system determines which consumables you can use.
Worth considering: if you’d rather make coffee with a pod than measure out ground coffee.
Check: the pod format the machine accepts and its features, which vary by model.
Worth considering: if you want to control how much ground coffee you use and how firmly you tamp it.
The trade-off: you’ll repeat these steps every time you make a coffee, along with cleaning the parts you’ve used.
| Criteria | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Preparation steps | Check whether the machine grinds beans, uses a capsule or pod, or requires you to fill and tamp a portafilter. Look at the settings needed for the drinks you usually make. | I’d rather choose my own beans, or simply make an espresso without measuring out the coffee. If I want to tamp ground coffee myself, a portafilter is the right choice. |
| Maintenance | Check the instructions for rinsing, emptying the trays and descaling. If you make milk-based drinks, also find out how to clean the milk carafe or steam wand. | Cleaning needs to fit into my routine, especially if I often make drinks with milk. |
| Noise and space | Measure the space available and check the model’s dimensions. To compare grinder noise, look for measurements taken using the same method: Que Choisir’s test covers rinsing, grinding and dispensing. | Making coffee early in the morning shouldn’t disturb anyone at home, and the machine needs to fit on my worktop. Que Choisir notes that a grinder is noisier and bulkier than a capsule system. |
| Consumables | For capsules or pods, identify the exact format the machine accepts and check where to buy the ones you want to use. For a grinder, check which beans are suitable for the machine. | I want to be able to find the right coffee for my machine easily, without mixing up two capsule systems. |
| Drinks you want to make | Check the recipes and cup sizes listed for the specific model. If you want milk-based drinks, look at the system provided and how to clean it. | If I also make cappuccinos or longer coffees, these drinks need to be available on the variant I choose. |
The trays, descaling and, where applicable, parts that come into contact with milk all need regular attention. Que Choisir warns that neglecting to descale the machine can lead to a build-up of limescale and blockages.
Before choosing, check the instructions for the model: find out which parts need rinsing, how to descale it and how to clean the milk system.
Not every capsule is compatible with every machine. Nespresso, for example, has Original and Vertuo systems, which are designed for different drink formats.
Check the exact name of the system, then make sure the capsules and coffee sizes you want are compatible with the machine you’re considering.
How you sort capsules for recycling depends in part on the material they’re made from. In France, ADEME advises putting aluminium and plastic capsules in the recycling collection for paper and packaging.
Check what your capsules are made of and follow the recycling guidance that applies where you live.
These brands offer examples of different systems. Features and cleaning requirements still need to be checked for each model.
De’Longhi France offers machines with built-in grinders as well as manual portafilter machines.
Melitta France offers automatic bean-to-cup machines, including the Purista range.
Nespresso France has two capsule systems: Original and Vertuo.
These models let you compare machines with built-in grinders for regular espressos, as well as a portafilter machine for a more hands-on approach. Compare their features and maintenance requirements based on the drinks you want to make.
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Worth considering if you want to switch to beans and make milk-based drinks too: this grinder machine is part of the LatteGo range. Check which drinks it makes and how to clean the parts used for milk.
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This automatic machine with a LatteCrema system could suit households that switch between espresso and milk-based drinks. Check which recipes are available on the ECAM290.61.B variant and how to clean the milk system.
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An option for making espresso from beans in an automatic machine. If you also want to use pre-ground coffee or steam milk, check that these features are available on the variant you choose and factor in cleaning the relevant parts.
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This automatic machine combines a grinder and milk system with a touchscreen; its product description lists six coffee varieties. If these drinks are important to you, check the recipe list and the cleaning and descaling instructions for the H16.
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This portafilter option is for anyone who prefers to prepare coffee themselves rather than use a built-in grinder. Before choosing the EC685.BK variant, check which coffee formats it accepts, how much space it needs and what cleaning involves.
Yes, if you want to use beans and are happy to clean the machine regularly. Que Choisir also notes that espresso machines with grinders are noisier and bulkier than capsule systems, so check that these factors work for your kitchen.
You’ll need to clean the trays, descale the machine as required and, if you make milk-based drinks, clean any parts that come into contact with milk. Follow the instructions for your model for the frequency and method of each task.
No. Check the format it accepts before choosing your capsules. Que Choisir notes that most brands accept only one type of capsule; Nespresso, for example, has Original and Vertuo systems.
ADEME advises putting them in the recycling bin, bag or container designated for paper and packaging. Check what the capsules are made of and follow the recycling guidance that applies where you live.