Busy households short on space
You want coffee that’s quick to make, with minimal fuss, and a machine that fits on your worktop.
Which option suits you?
Regular coffee drinkers keeping an eye on running costs
You make enough coffee for the cost of consumables and the freedom to choose your coffee to influence your decision.
Coffee lovers who enjoy making their own
You’re happy to do a little more and clean up afterwards so you can choose your coffee and take a hands-on role in making it.
What sets the machines apart?
Que Choisir identifies four types of domestic espresso machine. Your choice will mainly depend on the space you have, how many coffees you make, the consumables involved and how much maintenance you’re prepared to do.
Capsules
Worth considering: if you want to make coffee quickly with minimal effort and have limited space.
Bear in mind: you’ll need to use a specific capsule format and buy consumables regularly.
Soft pods
Worth considering: if you want pre-portioned coffee and can easily find suitable pods.
Check: the format the machine accepts and the running costs of the model you choose.
Portafilter
Worth considering: if measuring and making your own coffee is part of the appeal.
Bear in mind: you’ll need to do more, allow time to learn and clean the portafilter.
Bean-to-cup
Worth considering: if you make coffee regularly and want to choose your own beans while keeping an eye on the cost per cup.
Bear in mind: the higher upfront cost, the space it takes up and the need for regular maintenance.
| Factor | What to check before buying | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Speed and space | Measure the space available and check the exact format of the capsules the machine accepts. | If every coffee needs to be ready quickly, with minimal effort in a small kitchen, simplicity comes first; around 31% of consumers would prioritise this. |
| Running costs and choice of coffee | Compare how many coffees you make with the cost of the beans you’re considering and the maintenance required for the grinder. | If I’m making more coffee as the weeks go by, I want to choose my own beans rather than rely on pre-portioned coffee; around 31% of consumers would put this freedom and running costs first. |
| Hands-on preparation | Check which coffee and accessories the machine accepts, as well as the space needed to use and clean the portafilter. | Making my own coffee matters more to me than saving a few steps; almost 23% of consumers would make this hands-on approach their priority. |
| Soft pods | Check which pod format is compatible, where you can buy the pods and how to maintain the machine. | I’d rather stick with pre-portioned coffee using soft pods that are easy to buy; around 15% of consumers would prioritise this format. |
What not to overlook
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Choosing capsules without checking their format
Que Choisir points out that many brands accept only one type of capsule. Two capsules looking similar doesn’t necessarily mean they’re compatible.
Check which format the machine uses, then find out where you can buy those capsules and what using them involves.
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Judging a bean-to-cup machine by its purchase price alone
Que Choisir notes that these machines have a high upfront cost, but that the cost per cup is lower than for a pod espresso machine in its guide’s comparison. Whether one is right for your household depends on how much coffee you actually make and which beans you choose.
Think about how much coffee you usually drink and check the rinsing, cleaning and descaling required for the model.
Remember to set aside time for maintenance, too.
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Assuming recycling cancels out the impact of single portions
ADEME recommends limiting individual packaging where possible. The end-of-life options for a capsule also depend on its material and the collection services available.
First, choose a coffee-making method that suits your daily routine, then check the recycling instructions for your consumables.
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Assuming a rating tells you how easy a machine is to repair
Don’t assume that a repairability or durability rating is available for the coffee machine you’re considering.
Instead, check what spare parts are available, what after-sales support is offered and whether the model can be repaired.
Brands to consider
There are no brand profiles to display in this section.
Machines available on Joybuy
These machines showcase four ways to make your everyday coffee: capsules, soft pods, a portafilter and a bean-to-cup machine. Compare the coffee format and maintenance involved before choosing a model.
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Philips EP2230/10 Series 2200 LatteGo, black
A bean-to-cup option for households that want to choose their own beans and make coffee regularly. Check how much space it needs and what maintenance is involved before buying.
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Philips Senseo CSA260/91 Maestro, deep red
For making pre-portioned coffee with soft pods. Check that it accepts SENSEO® pods and that they’re easy for you to buy.
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DE'LONGHI Magnifica Start ECAM220.21.WW, white
A bean-to-cup machine for coffee drinkers who prefer to buy whole beans for regular use. Before choosing, consider how much space it takes up and check the cleaning and descaling instructions.
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DE‘LONGHI Dedica Style EC685.M, silver
For coffee drinkers who want to get hands-on with a portafilter. Allow for the time needed to use and clean it, and check the reservoir capacity with the seller before buying.
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KRUPS Nespresso Essenza Mini, 0.6 L, 1200 W, white
For making coffee with capsules and minimal effort. Check that it’s compatible with Nespresso Original capsules and that you can easily buy them before choosing this machine.
Frequently asked questions
How often should you descale an espresso machine?
It depends on the machine, how often you use it and how hard your water is. De’Longhi highlights water hardness in particular for its bean-to-cup espresso machines. Follow any alerts and the instructions in your model’s manual.
Can coffee capsules be recycled in France?
ADEME says that aluminium and plastic capsules can go in the sorting bin, bag or container for paper and packaging. Check your local authority’s guidance and, if you use a specific collection scheme, which capsules it accepts.
Does a bean-to-cup machine need regular maintenance?
Yes. Rinsing, cleaning and descaling are all part of using one, as Que Choisir points out. Alerts or programmes on some models can help you keep on top of these tasks, but they don’t replace the steps set out in the manual.
Can you get the Bonus Réparation for a coffee machine in France?
Yes, if the machine is out of warranty, the fault meets the scheme’s conditions and you use a QualiRépar-approved repairer. ecosystem says the discount is 15 € for a filter or capsule coffee machine and 25 € for a fully automatic coffee machine. Check that your machine is eligible and confirm the applicable amount before arranging a repair.