If you make several coffees a day, a grinder could be a good fit if you want to choose your beans and prepare each cup without handling a portafilter. However, compare its purchase price and maintenance costs with the cost of pods over the time you expect to use it. Capsules and pods can be a simple, space-saving option, while a portafilter involves more hands-on preparation. The right choice also depends on the drinks you enjoy, the space you have and how much cleaning you’re prepared to do.
You want to compare the cost of the machine and the cost per cup over time, while choosing your own beans without preparing each coffee by hand. Que Choisir’s guides list cost, drinks and maintenance among the factors to consider.
You’re looking for a straightforward way to make coffee and a machine that fits your available space. If you’re considering a grinder, noise is also worth bearing in mind. Que Choisir notes that machines with grinders take up more space and make more noise than capsule systems or filter coffee machines.
You want to choose your coffee or make milk-based drinks, while distinguishing between automatic recipes and a steam wand that requires manual use. De’Longhi and Philips product information describes different features on different models.
Worth considering: if you make coffee often and want to choose your beans without measuring out each cup as you would with a portafilter.
Things to consider: the upfront cost, space needed, grinding noise and cleaning. Que Choisir highlights noise and size in particular compared with capsule systems.
Worth considering: if a simple brewing process and compact design suit the way you use your machine.
Things to consider: the ongoing cost of capsules and the format accepted by the machine; not all capsules are interchangeable.
Worth considering: if you prefer long or strong coffees made with soft pods.
Things to consider: the style of coffee and pod format, as well as the cost over time.
Worth considering: if you want to be hands-on with preparation and are happy to measure and handle the coffee for each serving.
Things to consider: the preparation steps and cleaning the portafilter. Compatibility with ESE pods does not mean that all soft pods will fit.
| Criterion | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Total cost based on the number of cups | Compare the machine price, coffee per cup, consumables and maintenance over the same period. For beans, calculate the cost using the dose you actually use. | If I make several coffees a day, I want to know whether buying a grinder fits my budget over time; around 33% of consumers put the total cost first. |
| Ease of use when making one coffee after another | Check how many cups can be made at once, the capacity of the reservoirs, the steps involved and how easy the machine is to clean. | When several people are using the machine, I’d rather keep handling and refilling to a minimum; around 27% of consumers prioritise everyday simplicity. |
| Choice of coffee and drinks | Check the recipes available on the exact model, and distinguish between automatic drinks and those made manually using a steam wand. | If people at home have different tastes or I want milk-based drinks, I check what the machine can actually make; around 20% of consumers prioritise a variety of drinks. |
| Maintenance and repairability | Check the manual for cleaning and descaling instructions, and see which parts and repairs are available for the exact model. | Before choosing a grinder, I want to know what maintenance and repairs may be needed; around 13% of consumers prioritise manageable maintenance. |
| Space and noise | Measure the space available and allow room to access the reservoirs. Look for comparable noise measurements if noise is a deciding factor. | In a small kitchen or a space where noise bothers me, I check the machine’s size and how the grinder operates; around 7% of consumers prioritise a quiet, uncluttered kitchen. |
A lower cost per cup doesn’t automatically make up for a higher purchase price. The result depends on how many drinks you make, the prices and the doses you use.
Compare each option over the same period, based on the number of cups you expect to make and the relevant maintenance and consumable costs.
Original capsules, SENSEO soft pods and ESE pods designed for certain portafilters are different formats.
Check which format the exact model accepts and how much the pods or capsules you plan to buy will cost.
A manual steam wand involves different steps from an automatic milk system. Que Choisir also highlights noise and maintenance as factors to consider. A marketing claim is no substitute for comparable noise measurements.
Check the model’s features and maintenance instructions, and look for comparable measurements if noise is likely to affect your decision.
The Magnifica S ECAM22.140.B and Dedica Style EC685.BK EX:4 models are examples of a home grinder and a portafilter machine respectively.
The Series 3300 EP3347/90 is an example of a grinder with a LatteGo system.
The Solo is worth considering if you’re looking for a bean grinder for making espresso and longer coffees, among other drinks.
The Pixie Original is an example of a compact capsule machine designed mainly for espresso or lungo.
The Original Plus CSA210/50 is an example of a soft pod machine for making longer or stronger coffees.
This selection features espresso machines with bean grinders, designed for making coffee regularly at home.
Image unavailable
Worth considering if you regularly make coffee from beans using the built-in grinder and manual steam wand.
The bundle includes Lavazza Tales of Napoli & Roma, 450 g (2 packs). The product description lists 13 grind settings, a 1.8 L water tank and a 250 g bean hopper. Milk-based drinks require manual preparation and cleaning of the wand.
Image unavailable
Worth considering if you want to make espresso and filter coffee with a built-in grinder.
The title mentions a manual milk frother; the product description lists weight-based dosing and adjustable grinding. The frother requires manual use.
Image unavailable
Worth considering if you’re looking for a built-in grinder and a choice of advertised recipes for making coffee at home.
The product description lists six drinks, 15 grind settings, a 1.5 L tank and a milk system. It also mentions a dual heating system; check the model’s product information for its features and maintenance instructions.
Image unavailable
Worth considering if you want a built-in grinder and a LatteGo system for the advertised milk-based drinks.
The product description lists 12 grind settings, a 1.8 L water tank and espresso, coffee and cappuccino recipes. The AquaClean filter is listed as not included.
Image unavailable
Worth considering if you want to make coffee automatically from beans and have the option to prepare one or two cups.
The product description lists a strength control dial, a steam wand and a descaling programme. Milk-based drinks require you to use the wand manually and clean it regularly.
Compare the options over the same period, including the machine price, the cost of coffee for the number of cups you expect to make, consumables and maintenance. In October 2025, Que Choisir gave an indicative cost of around 0,10 € per cup for beans, compared with 0,30 € for a capsule. These figures don’t guarantee what your coffee will cost or that you’ll save money, as prices, doses and additional costs vary.
Follow the instructions for your model. Que Choisir recommends regularly rinsing the coffee grounds and drip trays, cleaning the brewing unit if your machine allows it, descaling when prompted and rinsing the wand after using milk. The process and products required depend on the machine.
No. An optional commercial warranty does not replace the statutory guarantee of conformity. Que Choisir has noted that some manufacturers’ warranties include limits on the number of coffees made. In France, when an individual buys from a professional seller, the DGCCRF states that a claim under the statutory guarantee of conformity must be brought within two years of the goods being delivered, subject to the applicable conditions.
No. According to the DGCCRF, the obligation to make spare parts available applies to certain categories of goods. Check the information provided for the model you’re considering and whether the specific parts you might need are available.