For fuss-free coffee every day, take a look at capsule and soft-pod machines. If you want to be more involved in the brewing process, a portafilter machine may suit you better. A grinder lets you grind beans on demand while automating most of the preparation, but it needs space and regular cleaning. In every case, compare compatible consumables, running costs and the cleaning you’re happy to take on.
If you’d rather not measure or tamp coffee every morning, start by comparing capsule and soft-pod machines. A grinder also automates preparation from beans, as long as you’re happy to clean its components.
With a portafilter machine, you fill and tamp the ground coffee before brewing, as De’Longhi explains for its manual machines. This gives you more control over the preparation, but takes longer too.
If you make several coffees a day, compare the ongoing cost of the compatible coffee for each machine. Que Choisir highlights the difference between individual portions and beans or ground coffee. If you choose capsules, you’ll also need to sort them according to their material.
First, decide how much you want to do for each cup. Then check the everyday considerations: consumables, available space and cleaning. The four machine types identified by Que Choisir suit different priorities.
Worth considering: if you want pre-portioned coffee with minimal handling and compatible formats for your chosen system.
Bear in mind: you’ll need to buy compatible capsules regularly and sort them according to their material.
Worth considering: if you prefer a simple way to make a long or strong coffee; some SENSEO models make one or two cups.
Bear in mind: the pod format required by the machine and the adjustment options available on your chosen model.
Worth considering: if you want to fill and tamp the ground coffee yourself before brewing.
Bear in mind: there are more steps involved, and you’ll need to clean the portafilter after use.
Worth considering: if you want to grind beans on demand without preparing every cup by hand.
Bear in mind: Que Choisir notes that these machines take up more space and make more noise than capsule systems. You’ll also need to clean the parts specified by the manufacturer.
| Consideration | What to check before buying | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Speed and simplicity | Check the steps involved before and after making a cup, as well as the drink formats supported by the model. | I want to make my everyday coffee without measuring or tamping, and get on with my day quickly. Around 29% of consumers prioritise keeping the steps to a minimum. |
| Running costs and waste | Compare the consumables that work with each machine and any cleaning products required. Check how to sort the format you choose. | If I drink several coffees at home, I want to keep ongoing costs and packaging waste down. This is a priority for around 29% of consumers. |
| Control over preparation | See what steps and settings the model actually allows, and what cleaning is needed after brewing. | I’m happy to spend time filling and tamping ground coffee so I can have more say over my cup. Around 21% of consumers put this hands-on control first. |
| Beans and automation | Measure the space available, check what level of noise you can live with and make sure you can access the parts that need cleaning. | I want to use beans ground on demand without doing the whole process by hand. For around 21% of consumers, this is the main consideration. |
A compact machine may make serving coffee easier, but still not suit your everyday needs. Que Choisir points out that capsules and pods cost more per coffee than beans or ground coffee.
Compare the compatible formats with how much coffee you drink, then consider the cleaning steps and products needed for each system.
How often you need to clean your machine depends on factors such as water hardness and how often you use it. Que Choisir advises against neglecting descaling, to help prevent early breakdowns.
Before buying, check the maintenance instructions for the model and choose a routine you can stick to.
According to Que Choisir, a grinder can take up more space and make more noise than a capsule system. Parts such as the trays and brewing unit may also need cleaning, depending on the model.
Measure your worktop and the clearance beneath your cupboards, then make sure you can remove the parts that need maintenance.
How you sort them depends on the material. ADEME notes, for example, that aluminium and plastic capsules should go with paper and packaging in the appropriate recycling scheme.
Check what your capsules or pods are made from and follow the relevant sorting instructions.
Its capsule systems are designed for people who want pre-portioned coffee. The Vertuo range offers several cup sizes, depending on the compatible capsules.
Soft-pod machines make coffee simple. On the Original Plus featured by Philips, the controls let you choose a long or strong coffee and make one or two cups.
The brand offers both manual portafilter machines and automatic bean-to-cup machines. Your first choice is how much of the preparation you want to do yourself.
These Joybuy machines show three ways to make coffee at home: capsules, a portafilter and a grinder machine. Compare how each one works before choosing a model to suit your routine.
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Worth considering if you want to make coffee from beans with fewer steps than a portafilter machine, and are happy to maintain a grinder.
If a choice of drinks matters to you, check which options are available on this version.
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Worth considering if you want to be involved in making your espresso rather than leaving the entire brewing process to an automatic machine.
Check the reservoir capacity for this version before buying, and remember to factor in the cleaning involved with a portafilter.
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Worth considering if you prefer ready-to-use portions of coffee for your everyday routine.
The reservoir is listed as 0,6 L and the power as 1 200 W. Check that the capsules you plan to use are compatible with this machine’s system.
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Worth considering if you want to use beans without filling and tamping a portafilter for every coffee.
Allow time to clean the machine’s components and check its dimensions against the space you have available.
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Worth considering if you want espresso and filter coffee from one grinder machine, and are happy to clean the portafilter.
If you enjoy milk-based drinks, check how the milk system works on the version being sold before buying.
Start by comparing capsule and soft-pod machines, which use pre-portioned coffee. A grinder also automates preparation from beans, but you’ll need to clean its trays and other components, depending on the model.
Que Choisir says capsules and pods cost more per coffee than beans or ground coffee. To decide what’s right for you, compare the consumables compatible with the machines you’re considering and how much coffee you actually make.
Follow the instructions for your model, taking into account your water hardness and how often you use it. Que Choisir suggests descaling on average every two to three months, depending on these conditions. Philips recommends doing so roughly every three months for SENSEO machines, or more often if your water is very hard.
In France, ADEME advises putting aluminium or plastic capsules in the recycling bin, bag or container for paper and packaging. For capsules made from other materials, check the guidance for the consumable you use.
Before buying, check the reference numbers for essential parts, the maintenance tasks described in the manual and the repair terms for the exact model. The availability of maintenance accessories for a range doesn’t guarantee that every part is available for every machine in it.