For a coffee every day without measuring out the coffee, compare capsule and pod machines, starting with the type of coffee they use. A portafilter machine involves more steps for every cup. A bean-to-cup machine lets you use whole beans and automates most of the preparation, but you’ll still need to clean and descale it. To choose between them, consider how much coffee you regularly drink, how much space you have and the maintenance involved for your chosen model.
If you mostly make one cup at a time, compare capsules and soft pods by the type of coffee they use, how much space the machine takes up and what’s involved in looking after it. Que Choisir covers both types in its guide to espresso machines.
A portafilter machine that uses ground coffee is worth considering if you’re happy to measure out the coffee and clean up after brewing. If you use it every day, estimate how much coffee you’ll actually use rather than comparing the machines alone.
A bean-to-cup machine suits this style of preparation if you have enough space and are happy to rinse and descale it too. De'Longhi says that how often its bean-to-cup machines need descaling depends on water hardness.
Start with the steps you’re happy to take for every cup, then check the coffee format, space needed and maintenance routine for the specific model.
| Criteria | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Regular coffee consumption | Compare the number of capsules or pods in each pack. For ground coffee or beans, start with the amount you actually use per cup. Include maintenance and the machine itself in your comparison. | I make coffee every day, so I want to work out what my usual consumption will mean over time. |
| Steps involved and space needed | Check the dimensions, water tank and number of cups you can make, depending on the model. Capsules and pods save you measuring out coffee by hand; a portafilter machine requires you to handle ground coffee. | In the morning, I’d rather keep things simple without giving up too much space for the machine. |
| Compatibility | Check the exact capsule or pod system specified for the machine. Then make sure the coffee you plan to buy is compatible with that same system. | I want to be able to find the right format regularly, without mixing up Nespresso Original capsules, Vertuo capsules and SENSEO® pods. |
| Maintenance | Check the manual for approved descaling products, alerts, parts to clean and cycle duration. De'Longhi says that water hardness affects how often its bean-to-cup machines need descaling. | If I choose a bean-to-cup machine so I don’t have to measure out beans for every cup, I still need to make time for cleaning and descaling. |
With everyday coffee, you’ll need to buy more coffee and maintain the machine regularly. Comparing machines alone won’t give you the full picture of the buying and brewing routine.
Estimate how many coffees you drink, then compare the number of portions you’ll need or the amount of ground coffee or beans you’ll use. Check the maintenance requirements of the model separately.
A coffee product’s compatibility label applies to a specific system, not to every machine that uses pre-portioned coffee. For example, Senseo France describes the Senseo Original as a machine for SENSEO® pods.
Make a note of the system specified for the machine and look for the same label on the packs you want to use.
Nespresso recommends descaling every three months or after around 300 capsules. Philips recommends descaling applicable SENSEO® machines every three months. Always follow the instructions for the model you buy.
Before you buy, check the manual for approved products, alerts and rinsing steps.
Automatic grinding saves you measuring out beans for every cup, but it doesn’t mean you won’t need to clean the machine. De'Longhi says that the descaling cycle on its bean-to-cup machines can take 20 to 30 minutes, with frequency depending on water hardness.
Check the manual for the machine you’re interested in to find out which parts need cleaning and how to descale it.
A useful reference when looking at capsule machines, as long as you check which capsule range each model accepts.
A point of reference for soft pod machines; the Original model featured by Senseo France uses SENSEO® pods.
A brand to consider if you’re looking for a domestic bean-to-cup machine; features vary across its range.
These models include SENSEO® pod machines, capsule machines and bean-to-cup machines. Compare their coffee systems and maintenance requirements to find the right fit for your daily routine.
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For coffee made with pods, without measuring out the coffee for every cup, check that the SENSEO® pods you’re considering are compatible and find out how to descale this model.
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This model has a grinder and LatteGo system, making it a good fit if you want to use whole beans and are also considering milk-based drinks. Before choosing this version, check how much space it needs, how to clean its parts and the conditions for using the AquaClean filter.
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Its grinder makes it a good fit for regular coffee made with whole beans and automatic preparation. Measure the available space and check the manual for cleaning and descaling instructions suited to your water.
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This Vertuo capsule machine is a good fit if you prefer pre-portioned coffee. Make sure the capsules you want belong to the Vertuo range and check which drink sizes this version offers before you buy.
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For capsule coffee without measuring out the coffee by hand, check which Nespresso Original capsules are compatible with this model. Also, consult the manual to plan when to descale it.
Check the exact system specified for the machine, then look for the same wording on the coffee products. A capsule labelled as compatible with Nespresso® and a pod compatible with Senseo aren’t interchangeable. Also check which capsule range your chosen Nespresso model uses.
Nespresso recommends descaling every three months or after around 300 capsules. Philips recommends descaling SENSEO® machines every three months and says that, on applicable models, a CALC light may indicate that it’s time after around 400 cups. Follow your machine’s manual for the correct procedure.
It depends on the machine. De'Longhi says that the descaling cycle on its bean-to-cup machines can pause and resume, and may take 20 to 30 minutes. How often you need to descale it depends in part on water hardness. Check the instructions for the model you’re considering.