Busy households with limited space
A capsule or pod machine can suit a quick coffee routine, as long as it fits in your kitchen and you can find consumables that work with its system.
Which approach is right for you?
How often you drink coffee, how much space you have and how hands-on you want to be will all help you choose a system.
People who make coffee regularly
A machine that uses coffee beans or ground coffee is worth considering if you’re happy to make room for it and keep up with regular maintenance.
Fans of hands-on coffee making
A portafilter machine is for anyone who wants to fill, tamp and lock the filter into place themselves, rather than leaving those steps to an automatic machine.
What should you check before choosing?
Start with the steps you’re happy to take each morning, then look at the coffee format, the space you’ll need and the maintenance required for the specific model.
Capsules
Consider this if: you want to make a drink with minimal effort, once you’ve chosen a system whose capsules suit you.
Bear in mind: each drink uses an individual capsule, so check its format and the local recycling guidance.
Soft pods
Consider this if: you want a simple way to make coffee, particularly a longer coffee, depending on the model’s capabilities.
Bear in mind: the pod holder must match the pods you choose, and their material alone doesn’t determine how they should be recycled.
Portafilter
Consider this if: measuring and tamping ground coffee are part of the preparation you enjoy.
Bear in mind: these steps and cleaning the portafilter become part of your routine every time.
Automatic grinder
Consider this if: you want to use whole beans and let the machine handle some of the preparation.
Bear in mind: grinding, emptying the coffee grounds and cleaning are all part of using the machine.
| Priority | What to check | What matters to me |
|---|---|---|
| Steps and waiting time | Compare the controls you need to use, the stated time to make your chosen drink and whether the specific model can make two cups at once. | I want to make a coffee during a short break without measuring or tamping every time. |
| Coffee format | Check whether the machine uses capsules, soft pods, ground coffee or beans. If you’re using single-serve portions, confirm that they’re explicitly listed as compatible with the system. | I want to choose my coffee without finding out afterwards that the format I bought doesn’t work with my machine. |
| Space and water tank | Check the machine’s dimensions and how much room you’ll need to access the water tank and trays. Compare the tank capacity with the number of cups you usually make. | With a worktop that’s already busy, I want to fill the water tank and remove the trays without moving the machine. |
| Maintenance | Check the manual for rinsing, cleaning removable parts and descaling. If the machine makes milk-based drinks, check how to care for the relevant parts too. | I like being able to make a coffee quickly, but I also need to be able to clean the machine between uses. |
| Waste | Check what the capsules or pods are made of and follow your local authority’s guidance. ADEME says aluminium and plastic capsules can go in packaging recycling. | If I use single-serve portions every day, I want to know where to put their packaging. |
What mistakes should you avoid?
Even a machine that’s easy to use may require a specific coffee format, regular maintenance or careful sorting of waste.
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Assuming all capsules are the same
A capsule won’t work just because it looks right; its format must match the machine’s system.
Before buying consumables, check your machine’s model number and look for an explicit compatibility statement on the packaging.
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Forgetting the maintenance behind a quick coffee
The trays, water tank and parts that come into contact with coffee need attention too. Que Choisir includes cleaning in its assessment of espresso machines.
Check the model’s manual to find out which parts need cleaning, what you need to do by hand and how to descale the machine.
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Putting every paper pod in food waste
A pod’s material doesn’t guarantee that it will be accepted in your local collection. Légifrance states that each local authority decides which waste it accepts.
Check what the pod is made of, then check your local authority’s guidance before choosing how to dispose of it.
A guide to the brands
These brands offer examples of different systems. Always check the features and consumables for the specific model you’re interested in.
Nespresso
According to Nespresso France, the Original range focuses on making espresso at the touch of a button.
- Some Original models have a compact design.
- Original is a specific capsule system, so don’t assume a machine will accept other Nespresso formats.
SENSEO / Philips
SENSEO / Philips offers soft-pod machines, with drinks and cup capacity varying by model.
- Philips says its Original Plus model can make one or two cups in under a minute.
- That time and capacity don’t apply to the whole range; check the pod holder on your chosen model too.
De'Longhi
De'Longhi offers both manual portafilter machines and automatic machines with grinders.
- With a manual machine, you fill and tamp the portafilter yourself, as described by De'Longhi France.
- Preparation and maintenance differ between manual and automatic models, so compare the specific model you’re considering.
Coffee machines to consider on Joybuy
These models showcase three of the systems covered here: soft pods, capsules and automatic grinders. For each one, consider whether the coffee format and maintenance suit your routine.
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Philips SENSEO Maestro CSA260/91, intense red
Worth considering if you want to make coffee with soft pods and minimal effort. Check that your chosen pods are compatible with the pod holder, and find out how to descale the machine.
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KRUPS Nespresso Essenza Mini, 0.6 L, 1 200 W, white
A capsule option for keeping preparation simple. The water tank is listed as 0.6 L; check which capsule system it accepts and consult the manual for descaling instructions.
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Philips Series 2200 EP2230/10 LatteGo, glossy black
This model with a grinder is designed for making coffee from beans. If you’re interested in milk-based drinks, check how to clean the LatteGo system too. Confirm which accessories are included and how long your chosen drinks take to make.
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De'Longhi Magnifica S ECAM22.140.B, black
This automatic machine with a grinder is a good choice if you want to use whole beans. Before making space for it, check its dimensions and consult the manual for advice on emptying the coffee grounds, using the steam wand and descaling.
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Nespresso Vertuo Pop ENV90.B, 0.6 L, black
Worth considering if you want a Vertuo capsule machine with a water tank listed as 0.6 L. Check that it’s compatible with your chosen capsules, and find out how long drinks take to make and how to care for the machine.
Frequently asked questions
Can a capsule machine use any capsule?
No. Que Choisir identifies several different machine systems, and compatibility needs to be checked for each one. Check your machine’s model number and look for a compatibility statement on the capsules. Don’t rely on appearance alone.
Where should I put aluminium or plastic capsules in France?
ADEME says to put them in the packaging recycling bin, bag or container. Follow the recycling guidance for your address.
Can paper pods always go in food waste?
No, not automatically. Acceptance depends in part on local collection guidance: Légifrance states that each local authority can decide which types of waste it accepts. Check the guidance before putting your pods in food waste.
Does an automatic programme mean I don’t need to clean the machine?
No. A programme may handle some steps, but you’ll still need to follow the manual for the trays, removable parts and descaling. Que Choisir considers cleaning part of coffee machine maintenance.