Capsule coffee drinkers with limited space
You usually make one coffee at a time and want to know whether another system would fit in your kitchen without making things less convenient.
Which option is right for you?
People who drink coffee regularly
You’d like more freedom to choose your coffee and want to compare the consumables you use every day with the maintenance involved in using a different machine.
People happy to prepare and look after their coffee
You’re considering ground coffee or beans and are happy to do a little more preparation or cleaning to move on from capsules.
What sets the machines apart?
To choose between capsules, soft coffee pods, a portafilter machine and a bean-to-cup machine, start by considering your available space and daily routine. Then compare the consumables and maintenance involved with each system.
| Consideration | What to check | Think about your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Space and preparation | Measure the space, including room to access the water tank and parts that need cleaning. Compare what’s involved in making one coffee or several in a row. | Is my worktop small, or do I want to make a coffee without preparing and cleaning a portafilter every time? |
| Consumables | Compare the coffee used per cup and how often you make coffee. UFC-Que Choisir says capsules and pods cost more than beans and ground coffee. Its comparison of bean-to-cup machines with pod machines looks at the cost per cup, not the total cost of owning and using the machine. | Do I make coffee often enough to look beyond the price of the machine and consider the consumables I’ll need to buy regularly? |
| Maintenance | Check the manual for your model for descaling instructions and details on accessing parts that need rinsing. For bean-to-cup machines, UFC-Que Choisir recommends regularly rinsing the used coffee grounds container and drip tray, as well as the brewing unit, depending on the model. | Would I be happy with a longer cleaning routine if I choose beans, ground coffee or milk-based drinks? |
| Coffee choice | Check which capsule or pod formats the machine accepts. For a portafilter machine, check which coffee and filters are compatible; for a bean-to-cup machine, look at the options available with the model you’re considering. | Do I want to try different coffees without relying on one pre-portioned format, or would I rather keep the convenience of ready-to-use portions? |
What should you look out for before switching?
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Looking at the machine alone
Your choice also affects the consumables you’ll need and the maintenance involved. UFC-Que Choisir reports a lower cost per cup for a bean-to-cup machine than for pod espresso, but this comparison doesn’t cover all the costs of using the machine.
Estimate how many coffees you make and, for the systems you’re considering, compare the coffee used, descaling requirements and any filters you may need.
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Underestimating the cleaning a bean-to-cup machine needs
The used coffee grounds container and drip tray need regular rinsing, and other parts may need cleaning too, depending on the model. UFC-Que Choisir recommends descaling the machine when prompted.
Check the manual for the exact model to see how easy it is to access parts that need rinsing and what you need to do after making a milk-based drink.
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Assuming all capsules will fit
According to UFC-Que Choisir, many capsule machines only accept one format. The system you choose will determine which consumables you can use.
Check which formats are compatible with the specific machine you’re interested in, rather than relying on a capsule’s appearance.
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Choosing a bean-to-cup machine without checking the space
A bean-to-cup machine needs space on your worktop, with enough room to access its tanks and parts that need cleaning. The right choice for occasional use may be different from the right one for making coffee every day.
Measure your available space and compare it with the dimensions of the model. Consider how often you’ll really use it before moving on from capsules.
A guide to the brands
There’s no brand information to show in this section.
Machines available on Joybuy
These options cover switching to a bean-to-cup machine or making coffee with a portafilter. If you’re deciding whether to move on from capsules, compare them with soft coffee pods too, and think about the routine you’d like to keep.
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Philips Series 2200 EP2230/10 LatteGo bean-to-cup coffee machine
Worth considering if you’d like to make coffee from beans and have the LatteGo milk system. Check how much space you’ll need and what’s involved in maintaining it before replacing your capsule machine.
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Black De'Longhi Magnifica Evo ECAM290.61.B LatteCrema
This automatic machine with the LatteCrema milk system is for anyone looking to move on from pre-portioned coffee while still enjoying milk-based drinks. Measure the space you have and check the manual for the cleaning routine for this model.
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White De'Longhi Magnifica Start ECAM220.21.WW
This Magnifica Start machine is worth considering if you’d like to switch from capsules to coffee beans. Check its dimensions against your available space and read the manual to see what maintenance is involved.
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Black De'Longhi Magnifica S ECAM22.140.B bean-to-cup coffee machine
Its built-in grinder makes this a good option if you’d like to use beans instead of capsules. Before choosing this model, check how much space you’ll need and what maintenance is required for the parts used to make your coffee.
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Black De'Longhi Dedica Style EC685.BK
Worth considering if you’d rather make espresso by hand than use capsules. Check which filters and coffees are compatible with this variant, and what’s involved in cleaning the portafilter and steam wand.
Frequently asked questions
Can a bean-to-cup machine lower the cost of your daily coffee?
UFC-Que Choisir says espresso made with a bean-to-cup machine costs less per cup than pod espresso. To decide whether switching is right for you, also consider how often you’ll use it and the maintenance it needs. The cost-per-cup comparison doesn’t cover all the costs of owning and using the machine.
How often should you descale a coffee machine?
First, follow the indicator and instructions for your model. UFC-Que Choisir recommends descaling every two to three months on average, depending on water hardness and how often you use the machine. Philips recommends descaling its SENSEO machines every three months; some models have a CALC light.
Does a bean-to-cup machine take as much effort to use as a capsule machine?
Not necessarily when you’re making your coffee: an automatic machine can start preparing it once it’s been filled. However, it needs a different maintenance routine. UFC-Que Choisir recommends regularly rinsing the used coffee grounds container and drip tray, then descaling the machine when prompted.
What should you check before buying a machine with a milk system?
Check the manual for your model to find out which parts you can access and how to clean the machine after making a milk-based drink. Also check the descaling instructions and make sure you have enough room to remove the tanks and trays.