Busy households with limited space
If everyone wants to make a cup with minimal effort, start by comparing capsule and soft pod machines. Then check how much space each model takes up, which drinks it makes and which consumables it accepts.
Which type suits which household?
Households that make coffee regularly
If you’re making lots of cups, compare the cost of coffee and maintenance based on how often you use the machine, not just its purchase price. Portafilter and bean-to-cup machines are worth considering alongside single-serve options.
Households with varied tastes
If some of you prefer a short espresso while others like a long coffee or a milk-based drink, check the recipes and volumes available on the exact model. A milk system also means extra preparation and cleaning to factor in.
What should you compare before choosing?
Start with the drinks you make most often, then compare the everyday steps, consumables and maintenance involved with each type.
| Factor | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Preparation | Compare the steps needed to make one cup, then the next. With a portafilter machine, for example, you’ll need to fill and tamp the coffee. Check the controls on the model you’re considering. | In the morning, I prefer single-serve coffee with minimal effort; at other times, I can take the time to prepare it by hand. |
| Running costs | Calculate the cost of the machine, compatible coffee and maintenance products against the number of cups you expect to make. Que Choisir points out that the cost per cup can affect the choice between capsules and a grinder. | We make coffee often at home, so I want to know how much consumables and maintenance will cost over time. |
| Drinks | Check the coffee sizes, settings and recipes available on the exact model. For milk, distinguish between a manual steam wand and an integrated system. | A short espresso won’t suit everyone at home. I also need to check how to make a long coffee or a milk-based drink. |
| Space and capacity | Measure the space available and allow room to access the water tank and trays. Check their capacity against the number of cups you make between refills. | I want to fit the machine without getting in the way of using the worktop or having to refill it too often. |
| Waste | Check the individual packaging associated with your chosen coffee. In France, ADEME advises putting aluminium or plastic capsules in the recycling collection for paper and packaging. | If I want to avoid individual packaging, I’ll also compare ground coffee and beans, while planning how to deal with the used coffee grounds. |
| Maintenance | Check the instructions for rinsing, cleaning and descaling. Look separately at the parts of any milk system. Que Choisir includes cleaning as a maintenance factor for espresso machines. | A simple coffee-making process won’t help much if the cleaning afterwards doesn’t fit our routine. |
What should you look out for when buying?
-
Looking only at the machine’s price
Different types of machine can have different running costs, depending on how many cups you make and which coffee you choose. The comparisons published by Que Choisir are no substitute for working out the cost of your own consumables.
Estimate how many cups you usually make and compare the compatible coffee and maintenance products needed for each option.
-
Assuming all capsules will fit
Choosing a capsule machine determines which formats you can use. Don’t assume that two systems from the same brand are interchangeable.
Note the exact system used by the model, then check that it works with the capsules you plan to buy regularly.
-
Underestimating the cleaning involved
Portafilter machines, grinders and milk equipment all require different cleaning routines. Que Choisir highlights the importance of cleaning for keeping an espresso machine working properly.
Check the model’s instructions to find out which parts need cleaning, how to descale it and how to maintain any steam wand or milk system.
Remember to allow time for rinsing and budget for the maintenance products specified for the machine.
-
Confusing recyclable materials with no waste
A capsule is still individual packaging, even if its material can be recycled.
For aluminium or plastic capsules used in France, follow ADEME’s recycling guidance. If avoiding individual packaging is a priority, also consider machines that use ground coffee or beans.
Which brands represent these types?
A brand may offer several systems, so check the range and consumables for the specific model rather than assuming they all work the same way.
Nespresso
Nespresso describes Original and Vertuo as two distinct capsule machine systems.
- The brand highlights one-touch preparation across its Original range.
- Check whether your chosen machine uses Original or Vertuo capsules before buying your consumables.
Philips / SENSEO
The ranges mentioned include SENSEO soft coffee pods and Philips automatic machines. They are not all part of one brewing system.
- Philips describes its SENSEO machines as easy to use.
- Check the features and consumables for the specific model. A pod machine won’t necessarily offer the same features as an automatic one.
De’Longhi
De’Longhi offers manual portafilter machines and automatic machines with grinders.
- The brand describes how to fill and tamp the portafilter on its manual machines, and how its grinders prepare coffee from beans.
- Recipes, milk equipment and maintenance steps vary by model, so compare the instructions for the machines you’re considering.
Machines to explore on Joybuy
These models illustrate three options for your home: making single-serve coffee with a capsule machine, taking a hands-on approach with a portafilter, or using beans with a grinder. Compare each model with your coffee habits and the consumables it accepts.
Image unavailable
Philips Series 2200 EP2230/10 LatteGo, with grinder
If you’d like to use beans and make milk-based drinks too, check the recipes available on this model and the cleaning steps for the LatteGo system.
Image unavailable
Nespresso Vertuo Pop ENV90.B, 0.6 L
If you switch between short and long coffees, check the drink sizes and Vertuo capsules that suit your habits. The stated tank capacity is 0.6 L.
Image unavailable
HiBREW H1C 6-in-1 capsule machine
If you plan to use different types of single-serve coffee, check the exact capsule or pod varieties the H1C accepts, as well as any accessories you’ll need. The 6-in-1 name alone doesn’t confirm compatibility.
Image unavailable
De’Longhi Magnifica S ECAM22.140.B, with grinder
If you want to use beans with automatic preparation, compare the drinks and controls with what your household needs. Check the space required and cleaning steps separately.
Image unavailable
De’Longhi Dedica Style EC685.BK, portafilter machine
If you’d like to be more involved in making espresso, check which filters come with this portafilter machine and what steps are involved. Measure the space available before setting it up, too.
Frequently asked questions
Does a capsule machine always cost less to run than a grinder?
No. Running costs depend on the coffee you choose and how many cups you make. In an analysis published in 2025, Que Choisir gives approximate figures of 0,30 € per capsule and 0,10 € per cup with a grinder. Work out the figures again using your compatible consumables and planned maintenance costs.
Where should you dispose of aluminium or plastic capsules in France?
ADEME advises putting them in the recycling bin, bag or container for paper and packaging. Check what your capsules are made from before following this guidance.
Does an automatic machine mean there’s no cleaning to do?
No. Automatic preparation doesn’t remove the need for cleaning or descaling. Check the instructions to see which parts need maintenance and what steps are involved. Que Choisir treats cleaning as a key factor when assessing espresso machines.
Does the statutory guarantee of conformity apply to a machine bought from a trader in France?
Yes. When a trader sells a new, second-hand or refurbished product to a consumer, the statutory guarantee of conformity is compulsory, according to information published by economie.gouv.fr in September 2026. Keep your proof of purchase and the description of the model you ordered.