If you make several coffees at home, start by thinking about the drinks you serve and how much hands-on preparation you’re happy to do each day. Capsules are convenient for quick single servings; an automatic grinder is a good choice if you want to use whole beans without preparing each cup by hand; and a portafilter gives you more control over the brewing process. If you mainly serve several long coffees at once, consider a filter coffee maker too. In every case, check the cleaning requirements, noise levels and compatible consumables.
The number of cups isn’t the only thing to consider when comparing machines: available space and how much hands-on preparation you want matter too.
An automatic machine with a grinder could suit you if you want to use whole beans and don’t mind filling and cleaning its containers. However, UFC-Que Choisir notes that this type of machine takes up more space and makes more noise than a capsule system or filter coffee maker.
A capsule machine is a convenient way to make a single cup with very little effort. Before choosing a system, check which capsule format it uses, how much space you’ll need to fill the machine, and whether there’s a suitable recycling or collection scheme in your area.
A portafilter lets you take a more active role in making your coffee. If you want to froth milk, check that the model has a suitable steam wand and that you’re happy with the cleaning it needs after use. The availability and settings of this feature vary between machines.
Start with the drinks you enjoy and how many cups you need to make. Then compare each option with the space you have and the cleaning routine you’re happy to follow.
| What to consider | What to check | What I need |
|---|---|---|
| How often you make coffee | Compare how many cups you can make in a row, the capacity of the reservoirs and what you need to do between drinks. If you often serve several long coffees at once, also check the capacity of a filter coffee maker’s carafe. | I serve several people at once, or I prefer to make a cup quickly whenever I fancy one. |
| Types of drinks | Check which drinks the exact model makes and whether it has a steam wand or milk system. A filter coffee maker is suited to long coffees, not individual espressos. | Depending on who’s at home, I want espresso, long coffee or drinks with milk. |
| Cleaning and noise | Check the manual for descaling instructions, access to the containers and how to clean parts that come into contact with milk. To compare noise levels, look for tests carried out under similar conditions: UFC-Que Choisir assesses, among other things, the rinsing and grinding cycles of automatic machines. | I need to be able to clean the machine without putting it off, and noise matters if I make coffee early in the morning. |
| Consumables and space | Check the capsule or filter size, whether you can easily buy them from your usual shops, and which cleaning products the machine requires. Also measure the space needed to fill the reservoir and remove the containers. | I want to find compatible consumables easily and be able to use the machine where I plan to put it. |
The containers, accessible parts of the coffee circuit and components that come into contact with milk all need regular attention. According to UFC-Que Choisir, machines with grinders are also noisier and take up more space than capsule machines or filter coffee makers.
Before buying, check the model’s manual. Find out how to descale it, access the containers and clean the milk system.
Allow time for rinsing and make sure you have the cleaning products specified in the manual.
Which capsules fit your machine and how to dispose of used ones are two separate questions. A collection scheme offered by a brand doesn’t guarantee that there’s a collection point near you.
Check which capsule format the machine accepts, then check the recycling guidance for the capsule material and whether there are any collection points nearby.
These brands offer examples of different options; check the features of the specific model you’re considering.
A useful reference when looking at capsule machines and used-capsule collection in France.
A useful reference for automatic espresso machines with grinders and their cleaning instructions.
A useful reference when comparing the settings available on some portafilter machines.
A useful reference for filter coffee makers and choosing the right filters.
This Joybuy selection includes automatic machines with grinders, a capsule machine and a portafilter machine to suit different ways of making coffee at home.
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An option with a grinder to consider if you regularly make espresso and also want to use the LatteGo milk system. Check the exact drinks menu for this model, along with what’s involved in cleaning the milk system components.
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This automatic machine with a grinder is suited to regular use of whole beans. If you make milky drinks, consider the steps involved and the cleaning needed for its steam wand. Also check that you’ll be able to access the containers where you plan to put it.
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Another machine with a grinder to consider if you make several coffees throughout the day. For milky drinks, allow for some hands-on preparation and cleaning the steam wand. Check the capacity of the containers to make sure they suit your routine.
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Worth considering if you mainly make single servings and have limited space. Check that it takes Nespresso Original capsules, that you have enough room to fill the machine and how often you’ll need to empty the used-capsule container.
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This portafilter machine is for anyone who wants to take an active role in making espresso. If you make drinks with milk, the steam wand also needs to be operated and cleaned after use. Check the reservoir capacity on the product page.
No. ADEME says aluminium and plastic capsules should go in the paper and packaging recycling scheme. Check what your capsules are made of and follow the recycling guidance where you live.
First check which capsule format you use, then look for a nearby collection point that accepts it. Nespresso France says it has more than 2,000 collection points for its used capsules in France, but this doesn’t guarantee that there’s one near you or that it accepts other formats.
Follow the instructions in the manual and any alerts on your model. For its espresso machines with grinders, De'Longhi France says the frequency depends on the hardness of the water. Your usage also affects your cleaning routine.
You can take an electric coffee maker to a collection point or recycling centre, or return it to a shop, following the options listed by the ministry responsible for the ecological transition. Don’t put it out with ordinary household waste.