If you only make a cup of coffee now and then, start by thinking about the steps you’re happy to take and the space you have available. Pods make preparation simpler, while ground-coffee espresso involves handling a portafilter. A filter coffee machine is a good choice if you also serve several people. An automatic grinder is mainly for those who want to use whole beans; according to Que Choisir, this option takes up more space and makes more noise than a capsule system or filter coffee machine.
If the machine sometimes goes unused for several days, simple preparation and minimal cleaning may matter more than the number of features. Que Choisir describes capsule machines as compact, but do check that you’re happy with the format of consumables they use.
In a flat, measure your worktop and allow enough room to access the water tank. Que Choisir says an automatic grinder is generally noisier and bulkier than a capsule system or filter coffee machine. To assess a specific appliance, look up its dimensions and, if noise is a deciding factor, find a comparable noise measurement.
If you mainly need several cups when people come over, a filter coffee machine can save you from making each cup individually. Melitta, for example, says its One Therm has a setting for making 2 to 5 cups. Also check that filter coffee is the kind of drink you want.
Start with how you use your machine most often, then consider what changes when you have guests: how much coffee you need to make, the steps involved and the space it takes up. The number of cups you drink each week, on its own, isn’t enough to justify an automatic grinder.
| Consideration | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Preparation and maintenance | Compare the steps involved for each cup and the cleaning required after a period without use. | When I make coffee only occasionally, I want to get the machine ready to use again without a complicated routine. Around 36% of consumers prioritise this simplicity. |
| Space and noise | Measure the width, depth and height, including the space needed to access the water tank. For noise, look for a measurement for the specific model. | If my worktop is narrow or I make coffee early, size and noise matter more than extra features. This is the main concern for around 29% of consumers. |
| Serving guests | Check how much coffee the machine actually makes and what you need to do to serve several cups. | I don’t drink much coffee on my own, but I want to serve several people without making each cup individually. Around 21% of consumers put this occasional need first. |
| Consumables and repairs | Check the format of the pods or capsules, which parts are compatible and what repair options are available for the model. | Before choosing a capsule system or a more complex appliance, I want to know how to maintain it and get replacement parts. For around 14% of consumers, these options are the top priority. |
Que Choisir describes it as noisier and bulkier than a capsule system or filter coffee machine. This doesn’t tell you how loud a particular model is.
If noise is a key concern at home, compare measurements taken using a clearly explained method for the appliances you’re considering.
A machine also needs to fit in depth and leave enough room to fill and clean its parts. Dimensions vary between models, even within the same category.
Measure the space you have, then check all three dimensions and how far the accessible parts open.
A capsule format won’t necessarily fit another machine from the same brand: Nespresso, for example, has separate Original and Vertuo systems.
Check which capsules are compatible with the model and how you can buy and recycle the used capsules.
Nespresso says that some repairs depend on parts being available. De’Longhi directs repair requests to its approved service centres, but this doesn’t mean every part is available for every appliance.
Before you buy, check the manual, compatible parts and support options for the exact model number.
Worth considering if you prefer capsule coffee and want to look into the maintenance services available.
Worth a look if you want to make coffee from whole beans with an automatic machine and are happy to maintain it.
Worth considering for ground-coffee espresso if you don’t mind filling and cleaning a portafilter.
Worth considering for filter coffee, particularly when you have guests over from time to time.
These appliances offer two ways to make coffee now and then: pods or capsules for an individual cup, and electric or manual filter coffee using ground beans. Start by choosing the type of drink and preparation steps that suit you.
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A pod machine for making one cup at a time, with the option to make a second for someone else. Check that SENSEO pods are the system you want to use; if noise is a deciding factor, compare a measurement for this model.
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Worth considering if you mainly make a single espresso or lungo. The product name specifies a 0.6 L tank and 1,200 W power. Check that you have enough space and choose capsules compatible with the Nespresso Original system.
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This Vertuo capsule machine is designed for individual use with minimal preparation. Its name specifies a 0.6 L tank. Check the cup sizes available for the ENV90.B and use the corresponding Vertuo capsule system.
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Its stated 300 ml capacity makes it more suitable for brewing a small amount of ground coffee for yourself than for serving several guests at once. Filter coffee involves handling ground coffee and cleaning the parts you’ve used.
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This manual coffee maker could suit you if you want to make filter coffee for guests without a dedicated electric machine. The 1 L carafe has a permanent filter. You’ll need to heat the water separately, pour it carefully and check that the carafe fits in your chosen spot.
There’s no universal number of cups to make the decision for you. If you only use your machine occasionally, choose a grinder if making coffee from whole beans matters enough to you to outweigh the space, noise and maintenance. Que Choisir highlights the first two of these drawbacks compared with capsules and filter coffee.
No. Coffee machines aren’t among the categories covered by the display requirement outlined by the French Ministry of the Economy. Before buying, check the manual, compatible parts and repair options for the model you’ve chosen instead.
No, you should follow your local council’s recycling guidelines. Nespresso France also offers collection points for used capsules, so check what’s available near you.
The statutory guarantee of conformity covers new, second-hand and refurbished goods sold by a business to a private individual. The DGCCRF says that claims must be brought within two years of the goods being delivered. Any additional commercial guarantee offered by the seller does not replace it.