Regular coffee drinker mindful of consumables
You make several coffees and want to choose a system by considering both the machine and the portions or coffee it uses. Que Choisir recommends weighing up these factors in light of your own needs.
Which system is right for you?
In a hurry in the morning
You want to keep everyday preparation simple, while bearing in mind that cleaning and descaling are still part of the routine. Philips says the SENSEO Original Plus has an indicator light to alert you when it needs descaling.
Enjoys a personalised brew
You want to choose your coffee, have a hand in how it’s prepared or try different drinks, and you’re happy to put in the effort and maintain the machine. Que Choisir describes a bean grinder as an option for choosing your coffee’s aroma, strength and volume.
What should you compare for your everyday coffee?
Capsule machine
Worth considering: if you want a pre-measured portion and minimal effort with every brew.
Check: which capsule system it accepts and what drinks the model can make.
Soft pod machine
Worth considering: if you prefer pre-measured portions in a soft pod format.
Check: the exact pod format and the machine’s recommended care instructions.
Portafilter machine
Worth considering: if you want to be involved in making your coffee rather than leaving the dosing to an automatic machine.
Bear in mind: you’ll need to measure the coffee and clean the portafilter. Some models, such as the De’Longhi Dedica Style EC685.M EX:4, also accept ESE pods, which are not SENSEO soft pods.
Bean-to-cup machine
Worth considering: if you make coffee often, want to choose your beans and prefer them freshly ground to order.
Bear in mind: Que Choisir says a grinder takes up more space and makes more noise than a capsule system. Cleaning and descaling are still necessary.
Que Choisir distinguishes between capsules, soft pods, portafilter machines and bean grinders. The right choice depends on your routine, the drinks you want and how much maintenance you’re prepared to do.
| What matters | What to check | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Ease of everyday use | Steps needed to make a drink; tank capacity if you make several coffees one after another. | If I want to make my morning coffee with minimal effort, around 33% of consumers prioritise a simple routine. |
| Suitable consumables | The format accepted by the model; whether it works with the portions or coffee you want to use. | If I make coffee regularly, I want to know exactly which consumables are compatible. Around 25% of consumers put this first. |
| Choice of drinks | Cup sizes and settings available; whether it has a steam wand if you make milk-based drinks. | If I want to choose my coffee or enjoy a variety of drinks, around 25% of consumers prioritise personalisation. |
| Maintenance and space | The machine’s dimensions; how easy it is to reach the parts that need cleaning and the descaling process. | If noise is a concern in my kitchen or I want to keep maintenance to a minimum, around 17% of consumers prioritise these factors. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Choosing without considering how often you’ll use it
The number of coffees you make and the type of consumables are among the factors that distinguish systems for regular use.
Think about your routine and check which consumables are suitable before settling on a format.
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Confusing capsules, soft pods and ESE pods
These terms refer to different types of consumables. The De’Longhi Dedica EC685.M EX:4 accepts ESE pods, while the Essenza Mini Matte White is listed as compatible with Nespresso Original capsules.
Make a note of the machine’s exact model and check which format it accepts before choosing your consumables.
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Assuming automatic brewing means no maintenance
Capsule, pod and grinder machines also need descaling. Some models also require you to clean the trays or the brewing unit.
Check the care instructions for the model you’re considering and make sure the parts that need cleaning are easy to reach.
Brands to know when comparing coffee machines
Nespresso
Worth considering if you’re looking for a compact Original capsule machine, such as the Essenza Mini Matte White, and this type of consumable suits your needs.
- According to Nespresso, the Essenza Mini Matte White offers two cup sizes, espresso and lungo, and has a 0,6 L tank.
- Nespresso says this model is only compatible with Nespresso Original capsules. It still needs descaling.
Philips SENSEO
Worth considering for domestic soft pod machines, particularly the Original Plus range.
- Philips provides support and descaling instructions for Original Plus models.
- For the Original Plus, Philips says that when the one-cup and two-cup button lights flash at the same time, it’s time to descale. Always check your model’s manual too.
De’Longhi
Its documented ranges make it easy to compare a Dedica Style portafilter machine with a Magnifica S bean-to-cup machine.
- According to De’Longhi, the Dedica EC685.M EX:4 is 15 cm wide and has a milk frother. The Magnifica S ECAM22.140.B grinds beans and has a traditional steam wand.
- Having a steam wand doesn’t mean milk-based drinks are made fully automatically. These features apply to the models mentioned and not to the entire brand range.
Coffee machines available on Joybuy
This selection includes capsule options, espresso machines with a portafilter or grinder, and a model that combines espresso with filter coffee.
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Nespresso EN80.CW Inissia capsule machine, cream white
Worth considering if you’re looking for a capsule machine to make espresso and lungo.
The product title lists a pressure of 19 bar, a compact design and a foldable drip tray. Check that the capsule system suits your needs.
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Nespresso Vertuo Pop ENV90.B capsule machine, black
Worth considering if you want a Vertuo capsule machine with a choice of drink sizes.
The title lists a 0,6 L tank and a compact design. Check that the Vertuo system is the one you want to use.
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Ninja Luxe Café Mini 2-in-1 ES301EU, espresso and filter coffee machine
Worth considering if you’re looking for a machine that combines espresso, filter coffee and an integrated grinder.
The model is also listed with a manual milk frother, so allow time for the extra steps involved in preparing your drink and rinsing it afterwards.
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De’Longhi Dedica Style EC685.M, silver
Worth considering if you want to be involved in making your coffee with a manual espresso machine and portafilter.
Cleaning the portafilter and steam wand after use is part of the routine for this model.
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Cuisinart EM640E, all-in-one espresso machine
Worth considering if you’re looking for an all-in-one espresso machine to make coffee at home.
The water tank is listed as non-removable. Check that this design suits your space and cleaning routine.
Frequently asked questions
How should I compare two systems if I drink coffee every day?
Compare them using the same number of cups, the same drink size and the same period of use. Also take into account the consumables and maintenance each system requires. Your household’s needs will determine what’s important to compare.
Do capsule or pod machines need descaling?
Yes. Check the machine’s manual. Nespresso recommends descaling its machines every three months or after around 300 capsules. For the SENSEO Original Plus, Philips indicates that it’s time to descale when the one-cup and two-cup button lights flash at the same time. How often you need to do this also depends on your water and how much you use the machine.
What should I clean after making a milk-based drink?
Follow the machine’s instructions and rinse the steam wand after use if your model has one. Que Choisir recommends following the manufacturer’s guidance. A manual wand and an automatic milk function involve different steps.
What legal protection applies when buying a machine from a professional seller in France?
The legal guarantee of conformity applies to new, second-hand and refurbished goods sold by a business to a private individual. The Ministry of the Economy states that it is mandatory, and the DGCCRF says you have two years from delivery of the goods to take action. It is separate from an optional commercial guarantee.
Where should I take the machine and its packaging at the end of their useful life?
Check the recycling information on the product or its packaging for the relevant collection instructions. These may vary depending on the machine, packaging and type of consumable.