If you make several coffees at home every day, a filter coffee machine is a good choice if you mainly brew long coffees to serve together. Capsules, a portafilter machine and a grinder are better suited to individual drinks, each with its own format and routine. Que Choisir notes that machines with grinders are generally larger and noisier than capsule systems or filter coffee machines. Also compare the maintenance you’re prepared to do and the cost of consumables for the number of cups you drink: the purchase price alone isn’t enough to judge the cost of use.
If you serve several cups at once, choose a carafe that suits the amount you’re brewing and make sure there’s enough room to fill and clean it. Melitta France’s product details for the LOOK® filter coffee machine include a carafe and a swing-out filter holder.
If everyone wants a different drink or serving size, check which recipes the model actually offers and what’s involved in cleaning it after making milk-based drinks. For example, Nespresso France’s product details for the Essenza Mini list two cup sizes.
Measure the available space, allowing room to access the water tank and containers. Que Choisir notes that machines with grinders can take up more space and make more noise than filter or capsule coffee machines.
Choose this if: you make several long coffees in one go and can choose a carafe size that suits your needs.
Bear in mind: you’ll need ground coffee, suitable filters, and to clean the carafe and filter holder.
Choose this if: you make drinks one at a time and want to keep daily handling to a minimum.
Bear in mind: check which portion system the model accepts, empty the used-capsule container and follow the descaling instructions.
Choose this if: you want to make individual espressos with ground coffee and don’t mind measuring it out and handling the portafilter.
Bear in mind: you’ll need to empty and clean the portafilter after brewing. Also check that the model’s milk frother suits the drinks you make.
Choose this if: you want to make espressos from beans ground by the machine and have room for the appliance.
Bear in mind: grinding can be noisier, and the care required for the containers, internal system and milk-related parts varies by model. Que Choisir notes that these machines are generally larger and noisier than filter or capsule coffee machines.
To compare the four options for everyday use at home, start with the drinks you make and your routine. Then check the space required, ongoing costs and maintenance involved.
| Criteria | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Drinks and serving routine | Recipes and serving sizes offered by the model; carafe or water tank capacity. | If several people want different drinks or serving sizes, check what the machine can make and how quickly it serves them; around 33% of consumers prioritise drinks and brewing speed. |
| Cost of use | Number of cups per year, current cost of coffee or portions, and required consumables. | If you make coffee every day, compare the cost of consumables against the number of cups you drink, rather than looking only at the machine’s price; around 25% of consumers prioritise ongoing costs. |
| Space and noise | Machine dimensions and the clearance needed to open or remove tanks and containers. | If you have a small kitchen, check the available space and whether noise during brewing could be an issue; around 25% of consumers prioritise size or noise. |
| Maintenance | Cleaning tasks, access to parts and the model’s descaling instructions. | If you want to spend less time cleaning, check what needs doing after each drink and what’s involved in descaling; around 17% of consumers prioritise easy maintenance. |
Coffee, capsules, filters and maintenance can all add to your regular costs. The example published by Que Choisir on 13 October 2025 compares the cost of some coffees per cup, but it isn’t a calculation of the current total cost of the machines.
Estimate how many cups you’ll make over the same period, then compare the consumables required for each option and factor in the maintenance expected for the model.
Portion systems aren’t necessarily interchangeable: Nespresso, for example, distinguishes between its Original and Vertuo systems.
Before buying capsules, check which system is listed for the exact model and what drinks it offers.
Rinsing doesn’t necessarily replace cleaning the containers, portafilter or parts used to make milk-based drinks. Descaling requirements also depend on the model’s instructions and how it’s used.
Check the manual to find out which parts need cleaning, how to access them and how to descale the machine before you choose.
Worth considering if you’re looking for a filter coffee machine with a carafe; features vary by model.
Worth considering for machines that make individual servings; check the Original and Vertuo systems separately.
Worth looking at for domestic portafilter machines; check the exact model and variant.
Worth looking at for automatic machines with a grinder, depending on your needs and available space.
This selection includes capsule machines for individual servings, as well as espresso machines with a grinder or portafilter.
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Make individual espressos or lungos with Nespresso Original capsules.
0.7 L water tank; container holds up to 11 capsules; folding drip tray; advertised pressure of 19 bar.
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Make individual servings with Vertuo system capsules; check this format if you already have capsules.
0.6 L water tank; described as compact in the product name.
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Switch between filter coffee and espresso at home with an integrated grinder.
The title lists a manual milk frother; bear in mind that you’ll need to use it if you make milk-based drinks.
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Make espressos from freshly ground beans; a steam wand is also listed for milk-based drinks.
The title mentions a 58 mm portafilter, 30 grind settings and 19 bar pressure.
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Make espressos with ground coffee and use the steam function for milk-based drinks.
The title lists a dual-boiler system, a 58 mm stainless steel portafilter and an LCD touchscreen.
No. Follow the instructions in the manual: how often you need to descale depends in part on the water you use and how often you use the machine. Clean the used-capsule container as instructed for your model, too.
Measure the available space and check the machine’s dimensions, as well as the room needed to fill or remove the water tank, containers or carafe. If you’re considering a grinder, bear in mind the noise while it’s grinding; dimensions won’t tell you how loud it is.
The legal guarantee of conformity applies to new, second-hand and refurbished goods sold by a trader to a private individual. The French Ministry of the Economy states that you have two years to request that it be applied; this guarantee is separate from an optional commercial warranty extension. Contact the seller and check the conditions that apply to your situation.
For aluminium or plastic capsules, ADEME advises using the recycling bin, bag or container provided for paper and packaging. Check the collection rules that apply in your local area and for the capsule material.