Busy households making one cup at a time
If you want to keep the steps before each coffee to a minimum, compare capsule and pod systems. They’re simple to use, but you’ll need to replace compatible consumables.
Who are these machines for?
How often you make coffee isn’t the only thing to consider: how many cups you serve at once and how involved you want to be in making each one also affect your choice.
Regular coffee drinkers mindful of consumables and waste
If coffee is a regular part of your day, check which type of coffee the machine takes and what you’ll do with the grounds, pods or capsules afterwards. ADEME, for example, describes a dedicated collection scheme for capsules returned to collection points.
Espresso and milk-based drink fans
If you want more control over how your coffee is made or enjoy frothing milk, compare the features of portafilter and bean-to-cup machines model by model. A steam wand or milk system still needs to be cleaned, so check what’s involved.
What matters for everyday use?
First, decide whether you’d prefer to make one cup at a time, brew a pot of filter coffee or have more control over how your espresso is made. Then check what’s involved in using and maintaining your chosen machine at home.
Coffee capsules
Worth considering: if you mainly make one cup at a time and want to keep handling to a minimum.
The trade-off: you’ll need to replace compatible capsules and check what collection options are available near you. ADEME describes how capsules returned to collection points are processed.
Soft coffee pods
Worth considering: for simple coffee-making, with one or two cups at a time depending on the machine. Philips describes this use for its SENSEO Original HD7806/12 model.
The trade-off: your choice of pods depends on the compatible system, and you won’t have the same hands-on control as with a portafilter machine.
Portafilter machine
Worth considering: if you want more control over making espresso and, depending on the model, a steam wand for frothing milk.
The trade-off: filling and cleaning the portafilter adds steps every time you make coffee. Check separately whether the machine has a grinder.
Automatic bean-to-cup machine
Worth considering: if you want to grind beans on demand without preparing a portafilter yourself.
The trade-off: the brew group and, where included, the milk system need regular care. Que Choisir also notes that these machines can be bulky and noisy.
Filter coffee machine
Worth considering: if several people want filter coffee served from a carafe.
The trade-off: this type of machine won’t meet your needs if you’re after a short espresso. If you sometimes make smaller amounts, check the minimum capacity and the model’s settings.
| Consideration | What to check | Consumers concerned |
|---|---|---|
| Consumables and waste | Which coffee the machine takes and what local options are available for grounds or capsules. | If I make coffee often, I want to know which consumables I’ll need to replace and how to deal with the waste after each cup. Around 33% of consumers make this a priority. |
| Ease of use | The steps needed for each cup and what you need to do afterwards. | When my day gets off to a busy start, I’d rather make coffee without grinding or tamping every time. For around 27% of consumers, ease of use comes before other considerations. |
| Espresso and milk | The settings you can actually adjust and whether the machine has a steam wand or milk system. | I want to have more control over my espresso or make a milk-based drink, even if that means spending time on cleaning. This is a priority for around 27% of consumers. |
| Making several cups | The carafe capacity and whether there’s a setting for smaller quantities. | When several people have coffee together, I’d rather brew a pot than make each cup separately. Around 13% of consumers prioritise this way of making coffee. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Underestimating the upkeep of a grinder or milk system
Descaling isn’t always the only maintenance involved. Philips support pages also cover cleaning the brew group and removing coffee oils, depending on the machine. De'Longhi says that how often you need to descale depends on the water hardness.
Read the manual for the model you’re considering and check which parts need cleaning, what programmes are available and what you’ll need to do after making a milk-based drink.
Allow time to clean the brew group and, if your machine has one, the milk system.
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Assuming all coffee capsules can be recycled in the same way
ADEME describes a dedicated process for capsules returned to collection points. Nespresso says that putting its capsules in the yellow recycling bin depends on your area.
Before choosing a capsule machine, check your local council’s guidance and which collection points you can use.
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Choosing milk-based drinks you won’t make
A steam wand and a milk system involve different steps, and features vary from one model to another. A feature you rarely use may still mean another part to clean.
Start with the drinks you actually make at home, then check how the milk system you’re considering works and how to clean it.
Brands to know by machine type
These brands showcase different types of machines, but a feature on one model won’t necessarily be available across the whole range.
Nespresso
A capsule machine brand with a collection scheme in France.
- Nespresso says it offers collection points for its capsules.
- The brand says its capsules can only go in the yellow recycling bin in certain areas, so check the guidance for your address.
SENSEO
A soft pod system for simple coffee-making, with one or two cups at a time depending on the model.
- Philips says its SENSEO Original HD7806/12 model can make one or two cups in under a minute.
- Check that the pods are compatible with your chosen machine. This system doesn’t offer the manual adjustments of a portafilter machine.
De'Longhi
A brand to consider for bean-to-cup espresso machines and manual espresso machines for home use.
- The Magnifica range includes machines with grinders. Check the drinks and milk features offered by the specific model you’re interested in.
- De'Longhi notes that descaling is part of machine maintenance and that how often it’s needed depends on water hardness.
Philips
A brand with both SENSEO pod machines and LatteGo bean-to-cup espresso machines.
- Philips offers bean-to-cup espresso machines with a choice of drinks. The recipes available depend on the model.
- The Series 5400 support guide covers descaling, cleaning and brew group maintenance. Check the instructions for the model you choose.
Melitta
A brand to look at for filter coffee machines with a range of carafe styles.
- Melitta offers coffee machines with glass or thermal carafes, as well as models designed for smaller quantities.
- The 2–5 cup setting described for the Melitta One Therm shouldn’t be assumed to be available on other models.
Sage
A brand to consider if you want a portafilter machine that lets you take control of your espresso and froth milk.
- Sage describes a portafilter and steam wand on some models, including the Bambino Plus.
- Check each model for a built-in grinder, the settings available and how the steam wand works.
Machines for different routines
These Joybuy machines include automatic bean-to-cup, portafilter and SENSEO pod models. Compare them based on the drinks you make and how much hands-on preparation you’re happy with day to day.
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Philips 2200 Series EP2230/10 LatteGo with grinder, glossy black
Worth considering if you regularly want to make coffee from beans and would like a milk system. Before making it part of your routine, check what’s involved in cleaning the coffee brew group and LatteGo components.
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De'Longhi Magnifica S ECAM22.140.B with grinder, black
Worth considering if you want to make espresso from beans as part of your routine and are happy to maintain a grinder. If you’d also like to froth milk, check what’s involved in using the steam wand and measure the space you have for the machine.
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De'Longhi Dedica Style EC685.BK portafilter machine, black
Worth considering if you’d like more control over making espresso rather than starting each cup with an automatic programme. Allow for the steps involved in using the portafilter and steam wand, and check the water tank capacity of this model before choosing.
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HiBREW H16 automatic machine with grinder and milk system
Worth considering if you’re looking for a bean-to-cup machine that also makes milk-based drinks. The model offers six drink options; check that they suit your routine and read the manual for guidance on maintaining the grinder and milk system.
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Philips SENSEO Maestro CSA260/91 pod machine, deep red
Worth considering if you prefer a machine that keeps handling to a minimum rather than one that lets you adjust a portafilter. Choose pods that are compatible with the SENSEO system and descale the machine as instructed for this model.
Frequently asked questions
How do you maintain a coffee machine with a grinder?
Follow the descaling and cleaning instructions for your chosen model. De'Longhi says that how often you need to descale depends on water hardness. Philips support guidance shows that maintaining some machines also involves cleaning or lubricating the brew group. A milk system may need extra care.
Can you put all coffee capsules in the yellow recycling bin?
No. First check the guidance for your local council and the type of capsule you use. ADEME describes how capsules returned to collection points are processed, while Nespresso says that putting its capsules in the yellow recycling bin depends on your area.
What can you do with coffee grounds after brewing?
ADEME lists coffee grounds as food waste, which can be added to a suitable composting scheme. Follow the guidance from your local council or the composting scheme you use.
Which machine should you choose to serve several cups at once?
If your household prefers filter coffee served from a carafe, start by comparing filter coffee machines and their capacities. If you sometimes make smaller quantities, check whether there’s a dedicated setting. Melitta describes a 2–5 cup setting for its One Therm, but that feature isn’t necessarily available on its other models.