Households thinking of moving on from capsules
If you regularly make espresso, compare how much freedom you’ll have to choose your coffee, the preparation involved and the packaging associated with each system before switching machines.
Which option is right for you?
Regular coffee drinkers happy to look after a grinder
A grinder lets you choose your beans, but you’ll need to make room for it and follow the cleaning and descaling instructions in the manual.
Households choosing between espresso and long coffee
Think about which drink you make most often. A filter coffee machine suits long coffee, but won’t replace a machine designed for espresso.
What should you consider before changing machines?
Start with the drink you want to make, then consider the coffee formats, upkeep involved and space required to fit each option into your routine.
| Factor | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Type of drink | For espresso, compare capsules, soft pods, portafilters and grinders. If you don’t need espresso, also consider a filter coffee machine for long coffee. | Do I mainly make individual espressos, or long coffee for the household? This will determine which systems to compare. |
| Buying your coffee | Check the exact format of capsules or pods the machine accepts. With a portafilter, you’ll need ground coffee; with a grinder, check which beans it can use and what settings the model offers. | Do I prefer pre-portioned coffee, or do I want to choose my coffee and take on the preparation involved? |
| Upkeep | Check the manual for descaling and cleaning instructions for the trays, brewing unit and milk system, if there is one. With a manual portafilter, you’ll need to empty it after every use. | When I make several coffees a day, the steps required after each cup and the regular upkeep need to fit into my routine. |
| Space and noise | Measure the space available and check the machine’s dimensions. Que Choisir notes that a grinder takes up more space and makes more noise than a capsule system or filter coffee machine. | The machine will stay on my worktop. If I make coffee early or late, I’ll also need to consider the noise from grinding. |
Which mistakes should you avoid?
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Assuming a grinder only needs the push of a button
Making coffee may be automated, but the trays, coffee system and, depending on the model, milk components still need attention.
Before choosing a machine, check the manual to see what needs cleaning, how to descale it and what to do after making a milk-based drink.
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Assuming recyclable capsules mean no packaging
A capsule is still individual packaging, even if it can be put in the appropriate recycling collection.
If you want to reduce individually packaged portions, compare ground coffee and beans too. For capsules you keep using, follow the recycling instructions on the packaging. ADEME says aluminium and plastic capsules go in the paper and packaging recycling collection in France.
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Buying a reusable capsule without checking how it works
Filling and cleaning it can add extra steps to every brew. Que Choisir describes this process as fiddly and messy.
Check that the capsule you choose is compatible with your machine, then look at how it closes and how to clean it before adding it to your routine.
A guide to the brands
There are no brand guides to display in this section.
Machines and accessories available on Joybuy
These options include capsule machines, a machine that combines a grinder with filter coffee brewing, and a portable manual set. If you’re choosing a machine for regular coffee at home, focus on the coffee format, preparation steps and upkeep. The portable set is designed for a different kind of use.
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Ninja Luxe Café Mini ES301EU, espresso and filter coffee with grinder
Worth considering if you want to use beans for espresso and make filter coffee too. The ES301EU combines a built-in grinder with two brewing modes. Check the milk frother configuration before choosing this variant.
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HiBREW H1C 6-in-1, black capsule coffee machine
Worth a look if you want to switch between types of coffee using a single appliance. The H1C is described as accepting several pre-portioned formats as well as ground coffee. Check which formats are compatible with this particular variant and which adapters are included.
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KRUPS Nespresso Essenza Mini, 0.6 l, white
This machine is suited to making individual coffees if you want to use the Nespresso Original format. It offers programmable espresso and lungo volumes, with a removable 0.6 l tank. Check the capsule format you plan to use.
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Nespresso Vertuo Pop ENV90.B, 0.6 l, black
Worth considering for pre-portioned coffee if Vertuo capsules suit the drinks you want to make. The product details list several cup sizes and a 0.6 l tank. Check the machine’s dimensions if space is limited.
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STARESSO, manual espresso set with grinder
This set with a carry bag is better suited to manual brewing, particularly when travelling, than to an automated coffee routine at home. It includes an espresso maker and a coffee grinder. Consider the preparation and cleaning steps before choosing it for several coffees a day.
Frequently asked questions
Where should you recycle aluminium or plastic coffee capsules in France?
According to ADEME, put them in the recycling bin, bag or container for paper and packaging. Also check the recycling instructions on your capsule packaging.
How often should you descale an espresso machine?
Que Choisir recommends descaling on average every two to three months, depending on water hardness and how often you use the machine. Follow the procedure and alerts specified in your machine’s manual.