If you drink coffee at home regularly and want to choose your own beans, it’s worth comparing an automatic bean-to-cup machine with capsules and pods, provided you’re happy to keep it clean and work out the cost based on how much coffee you drink. Pre-measured portions are a good choice if you want to keep everyday effort to a minimum. A portafilter is better suited to those who want to take a more hands-on approach to making coffee.
If you make several coffees each week, compare the cost of the machine, coffee and maintenance based on how much you actually drink. A grinder lets you choose your beans, but regular use alone doesn’t necessarily justify the purchase.
If cappuccinos and lattes are regular favourites, consider how the milk is prepared as well as the drinks on offer. A manual steam wand and an automatic milk system involve different steps, and both need to be cleaned according to the machine’s instructions.
Capsules or pods may suit you better if you want to avoid grinding beans and some of the routine maintenance involved with an automatic bean-to-cup machine. However, check which portion format the machine accepts and what cleaning it requires.
Start with how many cups you drink, what you like to make and how much maintenance you’re prepared to do. Then compare the machines that meet all three needs.
| Factor | What to check | Consider your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Total cost | Compare the purchase price, the cost of coffee per cup and any maintenance products required. Use your usual number of cups for the calculation, and don’t assume that a lower cost per cup will always make up for the price of the machine. | I drink coffee regularly, so the difference in cost over time matters as much as the price of the machine. In October 2025, Que Choisir reported different per-cup costs for bean-to-cup machines and capsules; my own purchases will determine the result. |
| Drinks and settings | Check which recipes are actually programmed, which settings you’ll use and whether there’s a steam wand or dedicated milk system if you enjoy milk-based drinks. With a portafilter, consider how hands-on you want to be when making coffee. | In my household, we mainly drink espressos and long coffees—or we enjoy milk-based drinks often enough for how they’re made to influence our choice. |
| Maintenance | Check the manual for instructions on emptying and rinsing the trays, maintaining the brew unit, descaling and cleaning the milk system. Que Choisir points out that the trays and, less often, the brewing chamber need regular rinsing on automatic bean-to-cup machines. | I’d prefer to keep handling to a minimum, or I’m happy to maintain a bean-to-cup machine to make the coffee I want. If I froth milk regularly, cleaning it after use needs to be manageable day to day. |
| Space and convenience | Measure the space available and allow room to fill the water tank and remove the trays. For capsules or pods, check which format is compatible; with a bean-to-cup machine, remember to consider the noise from grinding. | My worktop space is limited, and I want to be able to fill and clean the machine without moving it. I might also prefer to take a hands-on approach with a portafilter rather than select an automatic recipe. |
A cheaper machine to begin with may lead to different costs over time. On the other hand, it may be difficult to recoup the extra cost of a grinder if you don’t use it often.
Compare machines based on how much coffee you actually drink, listing the cost of coffee and the maintenance products required for each model separately.
Starting an automatic recipe doesn’t eliminate the need to clean parts that come into contact with milk. This is particularly important if you make milk-based drinks every day.
Before choosing a milk carafe or steam wand, check the manual for instructions on rinsing and dismantling it.
Allow time to clean it after use, and factor in the maintenance products required for your chosen model.
A wide choice of drinks or profiles won’t necessarily be useful if your household mostly makes the same coffee every time.
Make a note of the drinks you prepare each week, then check that the machine has the recipes and controls you’ll actually need.
A machine may fit on your worktop but still be difficult to fill or clean beneath an overhead cupboard.
Measure the space needed to remove the water tank, access the beans and empty the drip tray and coffee grounds container.
The brand offers automatic bean-to-cup machines with a range of drinks and customisation options that vary by model.
Philips provides manuals, maintenance advice and parts information for its models, including the 5400 Series EP5441.
Melitta offers bean-to-cup machines with or without milk-drink preparation, depending on the model.
These options are for making the switch to beans at home. They let you compare different ways of preparing coffee and, depending on the model, milk-based drinks. However, they don’t replace working out your running costs compared with capsules, pods or a portafilter.
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Worth considering if you’re switching to beans and also enjoy milk-based drinks. The model name includes LatteGo; check the manual for the recipes available and how to clean the system.
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Worth considering if you enjoy a variety of drinks: the product name lists six types of coffee and a milk system. Check which recipes interest you and how to clean the milk system.
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This automatic bean-to-cup machine lets you choose your own beans at home. If you also make milk-based drinks, check how the milk is prepared and what maintenance it requires.
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Worth considering for automatically making coffee from beans. Before setting aside a place for it, check its dimensions and make sure you can access the trays. If you enjoy milk-based drinks, also check how to prepare them and clean the machine afterwards.
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The product name combines an integrated grinder, espresso and filter coffee. Check which drinks it can make if you like to switch between the two styles. If you enjoy milk-based drinks, check how the frother works before choosing this model.
If you drink coffee regularly, work out the cost based on how many cups you have rather than looking only at the price of the machine. To estimate how many cups it will take to recoup the extra cost, divide the price difference between the machines by the difference in cost per cup, then factor in the maintenance products required for each option. The figures published by Que Choisir in October 2025 won’t reflect your costs when you buy.
You’ll need to empty and rinse the trays regularly, maintain the brewing chamber or brew unit depending on the model, and descale the machine as instructed. After making a milk-based drink, follow the cleaning instructions for the milk system or steam wand too.
No. A manual steam wand is a good option if you want to froth the milk yourself. If you make milk-based drinks often, compare the steps involved in preparing and cleaning the wand with those for an automatic system before deciding.
According to ADEME, aluminium and plastic capsules should go in the recycling bin, bag or container for paper and packaging. For any other material, check the recycling guidance for the capsule you use.
If you buy a new machine from a professional seller in France, the statutory guarantee of conformity allows you to seek a remedy from the seller if the product does not conform to the contract. The Ministry of the Economy states that you have two years to make a claim. This guarantee is separate from any commercial warranty that may also apply.