If you make coffee regularly and want to keep things simple, start by comparing capsule and pod machines, then check which consumables are compatible and how much each cup will cost. A portafilter machine is a good choice if you want to be more involved in making your coffee; an automatic grinder suits you if you want to use beans without grinding them separately for every cup. Either way, make sure you have enough space and factor in the maintenance required, especially if you also make milk-based drinks.
A good place to start is the coffee you make most often, followed by how many steps and how much maintenance you’re happy to take on each day.
If you mainly make coffee one cup at a time, ease of use and a compact machine may matter more than having lots of settings. With a single-serve system, though, check which capsules or pods it takes, and consider what using them regularly means for you.
If weighing out coffee and using a portafilter are part of the enjoyment, a manual machine is worth considering. You’ll also need space for preparing your coffee this way, and you’ll have to clean the machine afterwards.
If different people want different coffees, or you often make milk-based drinks, look at the features of the specific model rather than its machine type alone. With a grinder, noise, rinsing and cleaning the milk system can matter just as much as the choice of drinks.
Que Choisir identifies four types of espresso machine. First decide whether you prefer pre-portioned coffee, hands-on preparation or a built-in grinder. Then compare the practicalities of the model you plan to use every day.
Worth considering: if you prefer pre-portioned coffee and minimal preparation.
Bear in mind: choosing a machine commits you to a capsule system, so check compatibility and running costs.
Worth considering: if you want pre-portioned coffee in this type of pod.
Bear in mind: simple preparation doesn’t mean no descaling; also check which pod holders fit the model you’re considering.
Worth considering: if you want to measure out and prepare your own ground coffee.
Bear in mind: you’ll have more to do while making your coffee and when cleaning the portafilter.
Worth considering: if you regularly make coffee from beans and want the machine to grind them for you.
Bear in mind: you’ll need to rinse and clean various parts; also check the machine’s size and noise level.
| Factor | What to check before buying | What consumers care about |
|---|---|---|
| Preparation and size | Measure the available space and make sure you can still access the water tank. Also compare the steps involved in making your usual cup. | When worktop space is limited and I’m making coffee between other activities, I want to make a cup without setting up a whole coffee-making area. Around 31% of consumers would put ease of use and a compact size at the top of their list. |
| Running costs and consumables | Compare the cost of capsules or compatible pods based on how much coffee you drink, along with the maintenance products required for each model. | If I make several cups every day, I want to know what consumables and maintenance will cost over time. Around 25% of consumers would make keeping costs under control their priority. |
| Preparation and choice of drinks | Decide whether you want to measure and tamp the coffee yourself or have a choice of automated drinks. Only check for milk features if you’ll use them. | I switch between different coffees and want either to control how they’re made or to easily find the drinks I serve at home. Around 25% of consumers would make this flexibility their main priority. |
| Maintenance and noise | Check the manual for descaling, rinsing and cleaning instructions; if you’re considering a grinder, look for information about its noise level too. | In an open-plan kitchen or early in the morning, noise matters just as much to me as how long it takes to clean the machine. Around 19% of consumers would put keeping these inconveniences to a minimum first. |
Nespresso has separate Original and Vertuo systems, and says that its Original capsules are compatible with Original machines. So the brand name alone doesn’t tell you which capsules to buy.
Before choosing a machine, check the exact system shown on both the machine and the capsules you plan to use.
If you make coffee regularly, your choice of capsules or pods and the products needed to maintain the machine will affect its running costs. Comparing two machines without considering how much coffee you drink could hide this difference.
Estimate how many cups you usually make, then compare compatible consumables and the maintenance required for each model.
Automatic preparation doesn’t remove the need to descale the machine or clean parts that come into contact with coffee or milk. De’Longhi, for example, describes rinsing cycles for its bean-to-cup espresso machines; how often you need to descale also depends on the hardness of your water.
Before buying, read the instructions for the model you’re considering and check which parts need to be removed or cleaned after making your usual drinks.
If you plan to use a steam wand or milk system often, factor in the time needed to rinse and clean it.
Que Choisir assesses factors including noise and vibration while the machine grinds, rinses and dispenses coffee. Simple controls alone don’t tell you what to expect from these aspects of everyday use.
Check the dimensions and make sure you can access the trays and water tank. If you’ll be making coffee in a shared space, look for noise information about the specific model.
These ranges illustrate different systems and maintenance routines. Their features don’t replace checking the exact model you’re interested in.
Nespresso’s Original range offers coffee sizes from ristretto to lungo, while Vertuo caters for everything from espresso to a full mug.
SENSEO machines use soft coffee pods, and Philips provides maintenance guides as well as a catalogue of parts and accessories.
De’Longhi offers manual portafilter machines and automatic bean-to-cup espresso machines, depending on how hands-on you want to be when making coffee.
These models cover pod machines, Vertuo capsules, portafilters and built-in grinders. Compare them first by how you like to make coffee, then check the consumables and maintenance requirements for the model you’re interested in.
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Worth considering if you regularly make coffee with the SENSEO pod system rather than using a portafilter. Check which pods are suitable for this model and follow the descaling instructions in its manual.
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Worth a look if you want to use coffee beans and choose from the six coffee varieties listed for this model. Its product title mentions a milk system for cappuccinos and a touchscreen. Check the manual for cleaning instructions for the milk system, and make sure the machine suits your kitchen and routine.
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Worth considering if a built-in grinder suits the coffee you make regularly and you’d prefer an automatic machine to a manual portafilter. Before setting aside space for it, check its dimensions, noise level and the maintenance routine for the ECAM22.140.B.
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Worth a look if you want to be involved in making your coffee with a portafilter rather than choosing a pre-portioned drink. The product title states a pressure of 15 bar, but that figure alone doesn’t tell you how good the coffee will be. Before buying, check the water tank capacity, and make sure you have room for the machine and cleaning the portafilter.
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Worth considering if you prefer Vertuo capsules and would also like the Aeroccino milk frother listed with this machine. Check which Vertuo capsules you’ll use, and allow space for the frother and its cleaning. Original capsules belong to a different Nespresso system.
Check the exact system used by the machine and capsules, not just the brand. Nespresso says its Original capsules are compatible with its Original machines and distinguishes this system from Vertuo, so check both labels before buying.
Follow the instructions for your model, as how often you use it and the hardness of your water affect the maintenance required. Nespresso recommends descaling every three months or after around 300 capsules; Philips recommends doing so about every three months for the relevant SENSEO machines, and more often if your water is very hard.
Only use vinegar if the instructions for your model say it’s suitable. Check the manufacturer’s guidance to find the right descaling method and product for your machine.
Search for the exact model number to find its manuals and the parts or accessories available. Philips provides SENSEO support information and a parts catalogue, but check that the part you need is available for your specific model when you need it.