For coffee you’ll make every day, start by thinking about how involved you want to be: capsules or pods make preparation simple, a portafilter lets you measure and tamp the coffee yourself, while a grinder automates the process using whole beans. You can then narrow down your options by considering the drinks you like, the space available, portion compatibility and cleaning – especially after making a milky drink.
If you mainly make espresso as part of a busy routine, a capsule or pod machine means you don’t have to measure or tamp the coffee. Just check which format it takes and how much space the machine needs.
If you make coffee often and would rather choose your own coffee than use single-serve portions, compare a grinder with a portafilter machine. A grinder needs space and regular maintenance; with a portafilter, you’ll be involved in making every cup.
If you like to be involved in the extraction or make drinks with milk, check the steam wand or milk system on the specific model. Remember to clean any parts that come into contact with milk, too.
Worth considering: if you mainly make espresso and want to keep handling to a minimum.
Bear in mind: your choice of coffee depends on which capsule system the machine uses.
Worth considering: for simple preparation, particularly if the cup sizes offered by the model suit you.
Bear in mind: you’ll need compatible pods and will still have to maintain the machine.
Worth considering: if measuring and tamping ground coffee is part of the experience you’re after.
Bear in mind: you’ll repeat these steps and clean the portafilter every time you use it.
Worth considering: if you want to choose your own beans while leaving the grinding and extraction to the machine.
Bear in mind: Que Choisir highlights the size and noise of these machines, as well as the maintenance they need.
| What to consider | What to check | What matters to consumers |
|---|---|---|
| Everyday steps | Compare the steps involved before your coffee is ready, as well as any rinsing or emptying afterwards. | If I make several coffees throughout the day, I want to keep repeated steps to a minimum. Around 27% of consumers would put speed and ease of use first. |
| Choice of coffee | Check which beans, ground coffees or portions are compatible with each machine. | I want to choose my coffee without relying on a single portion format. Around 33% of consumers would make this freedom their priority. |
| Extraction and milk | For a portafilter machine, consider the steps involved and the steam wand; for a grinder, check the recipes and how to clean the milk system. | If I often make milky drinks, I want to decide whether to froth the milk myself or let the machine do it. Around 20% of consumers would prioritise this choice of preparation method. |
| Pods and cups | Check the pod format and whether your chosen model can make one or two cups at a time. | I’d rather pop in a soft pod than grind or tamp the coffee, while still getting my usual cup size. Around 20% of consumers would put this simplicity first. |
A capsule that fits one machine won’t necessarily work in another. Nespresso, for example, has Original and Vertuo systems, which are designed for different drink sizes.
Check which system the model you’re considering uses, then make sure the matching capsules are easy to find where you usually shop.
Automated preparation doesn’t mean you can skip emptying and rinsing the parts specified by the manufacturer. Que Choisir also notes that a grinder takes up more space and makes more noise than a capsule system.
Measure the space available and check the cleaning instructions for the specific model, particularly for the brewing unit and milk system, if included.
Limescale can affect how well a machine works. Que Choisir points out that how often you need to descale depends on the water hardness and how much you use the machine.
Follow the alerts and instructions for your chosen model. Also check that the parts you need to rinse are easy to reach in your kitchen.
Recycling capsules doesn’t remove the individual packaging used for every drink.
If this matters to you, consider how much packaging your routine will generate. In France, ADEME advises putting aluminium or plastic capsules in the paper and packaging recycling bin.
The brand’s Original range is geared towards espresso, while Vertuo also offers larger cup sizes.
The SENSEO range includes soft pod machines designed to make coffee simply.
De'Longhi offers manual portafilter machines as well as automatic models with grinders.
These models cover coffee made from beans, soft pods, portafilters and capsules. Compare the steps involved in everyday use and the maintenance they need rather than assuming these systems are interchangeable.
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Worth considering if you regularly make coffee from beans and want the LatteGo system for milky drinks. Check that the cleaning steps suit your routine; if you want to use an AquaClean filter, confirm whether it’s included.
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Worth considering if you prefer SENSEO pods to measuring coffee by hand. Before choosing this model, check that its brewing options suit your usual cups and that you’re happy with the compatible pods.
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Worth considering if you want to automate coffee preparation from beans while still being able to make milky drinks. The model name lists six coffee varieties and touch controls; check the manual for instructions on maintaining the grinder and milk system.
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Worth considering if you want to prepare the espresso yourself using a portafilter and use a steam wand for milk. Allow time to fill and clean the portafilter and clean the wand; check the exact water tank capacity before choosing.
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Worth considering if your routine is mostly small coffees made with compatible Nespresso Original capsules. The product name lists a 0.6 L water tank and 1,200 W power; check that the capsule system and cup sizes suit your habits.
Not necessarily – how often you drink coffee isn’t the only thing to consider. A grinder lets you choose your beans and automates preparation, but you’ll also need space for it and time to maintain it. A capsule, pod or portafilter machine may better suit the steps you want to take.
First, follow the alerts and instructions for your model: how often you need to descale depends in part on the water hardness and how much you use the machine. Que Choisir suggests an average of every two to three months, while Philips recommends every one to two months, or when the flow rate drops, for its Philips/Saeco manual espresso machines.
According to ADEME, aluminium or plastic capsules can go in the paper and packaging recycling bin, bag or container. For other materials, check the guidance for the capsule you use and your local council’s instructions.
No. Even if making coffee involves very few steps, removable parts need cleaning and the machine needs descaling according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Que Choisir recommends regular maintenance for espresso machines, including capsule and pod models.