If you drink several coffees a day, choose a system based on the steps you’re happy to repeat. Capsules and pods make preparation simple, a portafilter gives you more scope for manual control, and a grinder automates the process using whole beans. Also check the format of the consumables, the space you have available and the cleaning involved: these considerations matter just as much as preparing a single cup.
If several people make coffee and would rather not measure or tamp the grounds for every cup, capsules and pods are worth considering. A grinder also automates preparation, but it needs more attention when it comes to cleaning, as UFC-Que Choisir points out.
When you make several coffees a day, choosing between individual portions, ground coffee and whole beans affects what your household needs to buy regularly. UFC-Que Choisir recommends considering how often you’ll use the machine and the maintenance it requires, not just the machine itself.
A portafilter is for anyone who wants to fill it and prepare each coffee themselves. A grinder lets you choose your beans while automating some of the steps; according to UFC-Que Choisir, you’ll also need to consider noise, size and cleaning.
Worth considering: if you want to keep the steps involved in making each cup to a minimum.
Bear in mind: the coffees available depend on the capsule system you choose; formats are not automatically interchangeable.
Worth considering: if straightforward preparation, particularly for one or two cups, matters more to you than manual control.
Bear in mind: the drinks you can make and the pods you can use depend on the exact model.
Worth considering: if measuring the coffee and controlling the brewing process are part of what you enjoy.
Bear in mind: these steps and cleaning the portafilter take time every time you use it.
Worth considering: if you want to choose your beans without making each cup by hand.
Bear in mind: UFC-Que Choisir highlights the noise and size of grinders; cleaning is also part of the routine.
| Factor | What to check before buying | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Quick preparation | Compare the steps needed for each cup and the usable capacity of the water tank. | When several coffees are made one after another, I want to avoid measuring and cleaning between each one. Around 25% of consumers put this convenience first. |
| Regular consumables | For the same drink, compare the portions or amount of coffee used, as well as the cleaning products required. | When I make coffee every day, I want to choose what I buy regularly without relying on a single format. This is the top priority for around 31% of consumers. |
| Manual control | Check which filters are included, how much room you need to make the coffee and whether there’s a steam wand if you plan to use one. | I’d rather spend time measuring the coffee and controlling the extraction than make every coffee at the touch of a button. Manual control is the priority for around 19% of consumers. |
| Beans and automation | Look for a review of the exact model that covers noise, and check the manual for cleaning instructions. | I want to try different beans without making every cup by hand, as long as I can fit the cleaning into my routine. Around 25% of consumers prioritise this combination. |
If you make several coffees a day, capsules, pods, beans or ground coffee become regular purchases. Some machines also need cleaning products.
Start with the number of cups you usually make and compare drinks of the same volume. Then note the consumables and accessories each system requires.
Grinding creates noise, while the containers and coffee circuit need regular attention. UFC-Que Choisir takes noise and cleaning into account when assessing these machines.
If your kitchen is open-plan or you make coffee early, look for a review of the exact model and check its manual for cleaning and descaling instructions.
Allow time to empty and clean the parts specified by the manufacturer, too.
Pod and capsule machines use specific formats: a capsule or pod won’t automatically work in a different system.
Check which format the model accepts and make sure you can buy the consumables you want from your usual retailers.
How it is processed depends on how you sort it. ADEME distinguishes between capsules according to their material.
Check what the capsules you’re considering are made of and follow the sorting instructions for your local area.
Nespresso offers Original for espresso and lungo, and Vertuo for drinks ranging from espresso to a mug-sized coffee.
Philips describes SENSEO as a range of soft-pod machines designed for straightforward coffee-making at home.
De’Longhi offers manual portafilter machines as well as automatic bean-to-cup machines.
Sage offers manual and automatic espresso machines that focus on control over the brewing process.
If you make several coffees at home, these models let you compare three approaches: soft pods, a portafilter and automatic preparation using whole beans. Start by comparing the steps involved and the cleaning you’re happy to do every day.
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Worth considering if you regularly want to make coffee from whole beans and use the LatteGo system for milk-based drinks.
Check which drinks the EP2230/10 variant offers, along with the maintenance and accessories you’ll need.
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Worth considering if you prefer making coffee every day with soft pods rather than measuring out the coffee yourself.
Check that the pod format you plan to use is compatible and find out what descaling this model requires.
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This bean-to-cup coffee machine is suited to households that want to automate preparation rather than fill a portafilter for every cup.
If noise or milk-based drinks matter to you, look for reviews of the model and check the steps involved in making and cleaning it.
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Worth considering if you want to take a hands-on approach to making espresso with a portafilter.
The product title states a pressure of 15 bar. Check the tank capacity for the EC685.BK variant and allow time to clean it after use.
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Worth considering if you want to make coffee from whole beans and select drinks directly on the machine.
The product name states that it offers six types of coffee and a system for milk-based drinks. Check the manual for cleaning instructions, and find out how noisy it is if your coffee-making times make this important.
Yes, if the noise from the model you choose is acceptable for your household. UFC-Que Choisir says grinders are noisier and take up more space than a capsule system or filter coffee machine. Look for a review of the exact model if you make coffee early or in an open-plan room.
Expect to empty and clean the containers, then follow the model’s instructions for the coffee circuit and descaling. If you use a milk wand, clean it after use according to the manual; how often you need to do anything else depends on the machine.
Check what they’re made of and the instructions for your local area. ADEME says aluminium or plastic capsules can go in the packaging recycling bin; other collection options may depend on the type of capsule and where you live.
Contact the seller and keep your proof of purchase. France’s Directorate-General for Competition Policy, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Control states that the statutory guarantee of conformity applies to new, second-hand and refurbished goods sold by a business to a private individual. It is separate from any retailer’s voluntary returns policy.