Households that value a quick cup
You mostly make coffee one cup at a time and want to avoid measuring and tamping the coffee for every cup. Still, check that the available drink sizes suit your usual preferences.
Who are these machines for?
Households keeping an eye on running costs
You regularly serve several coffees and want to compare the cost of the machine, coffee and maintenance based on how much you actually drink, even if that means taking on a little more upkeep.
Households with varied tastes
You switch between different coffee sizes or make milk-based drinks. Your choice will depend in part on whether you want to handle the steps involved with a portafilter yourself or leave some of them to an automatic machine.
What should you compare?
For everyday use, start with the drinks people in your household actually have, then compare each system in terms of the steps involved, its capacity and the maintenance it requires.
Capsules
Worth considering : for easy, single-cup coffees from a compact machine.
Bear in mind : you’ll need to buy compatible capsules, and drink sizes will depend on the model you choose.
Soft pods
Worth considering : if you prefer pre-measured soft pods to other ways of making coffee.
Bear in mind : you’ll need to check which pods are compatible and how much they’ll cost for your level of use.
Portafilter
Worth considering : if you want to measure out ground coffee and take a hands-on approach to making it.
Bear in mind : you’ll need to fill and clean the portafilter after use.
Bean-to-cup grinder
Worth considering : if you want to use your choice of whole beans while automating some of the preparation.
Bear in mind : the initial investment, plus maintenance for the grinder and, where applicable, the milk system.
Filter coffee machine
Worth considering : if your priority is making a jug of coffee for several people.
Bear in mind : this won’t meet the same needs as an espresso machine for individual cups.
| What to consider | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost | Compare the cost of the machine, compatible coffee and maintenance for the same number of cups. | If we get through plenty of coffee each week, I want to make sure a low upfront price doesn’t hide expensive consumables. Around 25% of consumers would put overall cost at the top of their list. |
| Everyday convenience | Consider the steps needed before making a cup and the cleaning required afterwards. | When everyone makes their coffee at different times, I want a routine that’s easy to repeat. Convenience is said to be the priority for around 25% of consumers. |
| Choice of drinks | Check the available drink sizes and recipes, and whether there’s a milk system if you use one. | In a household with different tastes, I want to serve the coffees and milk-based drinks we actually enjoy. This choice of drinks would come ahead of other considerations for around 19% of consumers. |
| Serving your household | Compare the water tank, available space and how often you’ll need to refill it when making several drinks. | When several people are waiting for coffee, I want to be able to make one cup after another. If we prefer a jug, I’d look at a filter coffee machine instead. Around 19% of consumers would make serving several people their main priority. |
| Hands-on preparation | Check the portafilter, any included filters and the space you’ll need to use the machine. | If I want to measure and tamp the coffee myself, I’m happy to take on the preparation and cleaning that follow. Around 12% of consumers would put hands-on control first. |
Buying mistakes to avoid
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Choosing a compact machine without checking its drinks
A compact machine won’t necessarily make the coffee sizes or styles you want. Capsules, pods and ground coffee aren’t interchangeable unless compatibility is specified for the exact model.
Make a note of the drinks you usually have and their sizes before checking the programmes and compatible consumables.
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Comparing only the cost per cup
Cost per cup isn’t enough to choose between two systems if their machines and maintenance needs differ. No level of coffee consumption automatically makes a grinder the better-value choice for every household.
Over the same period and for the same number of coffees, add together the cost of the machine, the coffee you use and the maintenance for each option.
Remember to include descaling products and any filters you may need in your comparison.
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Underestimating water and milk maintenance
Descaling requirements vary by model and how you use it. A steam wand or milk system also means extra parts to clean. Automatic preparation doesn’t eliminate these tasks.
Check the manual for the model you’re considering to find out how to descale it and clean the milk system.
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Confusing a commercial guarantee with your statutory rights
In France, the Ministry for the Economy reminds shoppers that the statutory guarantee of conformity applies to new, second-hand and refurbished goods sold by a trader to a consumer. A commercial guarantee is separate from this right.
Check who the seller is and keep your proof of purchase. For spare parts, ask what availability the manufacturer states for the model.
Brands to know
There are no brand profiles to show in this section.
Coffee machines available on Joybuy
This selection includes bean-to-cup machines, a portafilter machine for hands-on preparation and a capsule machine. Start by choosing the preparation method that suits your household, then check the features of the model you’re considering.
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HiBREW H16 with grinder and milk system
For households that want to make coffee from whole beans and enjoy milk-based drinks without measuring out every serving by hand. The model name mentions six coffee varieties and a touchscreen; check the manual for instructions on cleaning the milk system.
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Philips EP2230/10 Series 2200 with LatteGo
For making coffee from whole beans and enjoying milk-based drinks with the LatteGo system. Before choosing this version, check that the milk-cleaning routine and maintenance products suit the way you’ll use it.
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DE'LONGHI Magnifica S ECAM22.140.B with grinder
For households that prefer whole beans and also want the option of frothing milk by hand with a steam wand. The wand needs cleaning after use, so check the manual for the model’s maintenance requirements.
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DE'LONGHI Dedica Style EC685.BK with portafilter
For anyone who prefers to measure out their coffee and use a portafilter rather than start a fully automatic preparation. The product name states a pressure of 15 bar. Check the tank capacity before buying, as information for this version varies.
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HiBREW H1C 6-in-1 capsule machine
For making individual coffees with a compact machine. The product name mentions several pod formats as well as ground coffee. Check exactly which consumables are compatible with the version being sold before choosing the ones you plan to use.
Frequently asked questions
How often should you descale a coffee machine?
Follow the instructions for your model: how often you need to descale depends on the machine and how you use it. Nespresso France recommends descaling its machines every 3 months or after around 300 capsules; this guidance doesn’t apply to every machine.
Does an automatic machine’s milk system need cleaning?
Yes, if it has a milk system that you use to make drinks. Philips France says the two parts of its LatteGo system can be rinsed under the tap or cleaned in the dishwasher. Check the manual for your chosen model for any other maintenance steps.
What guarantee applies to a coffee machine bought from a trader in France?
As the French Ministry for the Economy explains, the statutory guarantee of conformity applies to new, second-hand and refurbished machines sold by a trader to a consumer. You can make a claim through the seller, including if the item doesn’t match its description. This is separate from any commercial guarantee that may be offered.
What should you do with a broken electrical coffee machine?
Take it to a collection point for waste electrical and electronic equipment rather than putting it in your household rubbish. The ecosystem organisation provides information about this recycling scheme; check what take-back or drop-off options are available near you.