For a quick, single-serve coffee, a capsule or pod machine takes very little effort. If you want to serve several long coffees, a filter coffee machine with a jug may be a better fit. To enjoy a variety of drinks, check which recipes are compatible with your chosen system, then compare the consumables and cleaning requirements. An automatic bean-to-cup machine and a portafilter machine each involve different everyday tasks.
You usually make one or two cups and want to keep the steps to a minimum before heading out. Check that the consumables are compatible and compare their cost per use. UFC-Que Choisir highlights ease of use and the cost of each coffee as key factors when choosing a machine.
You want to offer something other than your usual coffee. Consider the range of individual recipes available separately from the machine’s ability to serve several long coffees at once: these meet different needs.
You use your machine regularly and want to compare the cost of drinks, whole or ground coffee, and the cleaning involved. UFC-Que Choisir also recommends considering ease of use and maintenance when choosing a machine.
Choose this if you mainly make one or two drinks at a time and want a simple preparation with minimal handling.
Keep in mind consumables must be compatible with the system. Some TASSIMO milk-based recipes require two T DISCs and two steps, according to TASSIMO.
Choose this if you regularly drink coffee made from whole beans and want to start brewing without measuring or tamping each cup.
Keep in mind the trays and other parts listed in the instructions need regular cleaning. UFC-Que Choisir also recommends following the machine’s maintenance instructions.
Choose this if you want to be involved in making your espresso and are happy to prepare cups one after another.
Keep in mind measuring the coffee and using the portafilter involve extra steps. Check the accessories and milk function for the specific model.
Choose this if you mainly serve long coffee to several people and want a jug sized to suit the number of cups.
Keep in mind a filter coffee machine cannot make espresso or hot chocolate on its own. To use the timer, you’ll need to have prepared the water, coffee and filter in advance.
| What matters | What to check before buying | Who values it most |
|---|---|---|
| Speed in the morning | Compare the steps needed for each cup, as well as filling and cleaning. Using the timer on a filter coffee machine means preparing the water, coffee and filter in advance. | If I want to make my coffee before heading out without too much handling, a simple brewing cycle matters too; around 25% of consumers prioritise a quick morning coffee. |
| Drinks for guests | Check which recipes are compatible and the capacity of the jug. TASSIMO says its T DISCs include coffee, tea and hot chocolate; the range depends on the system used. | When my guests ask for different drinks, I check what the machine can actually make; around 25% of consumers prioritise drinks and serving guests. |
| Cost per drink | Compare the price of the machine, compatible consumables and the number of servings per recipe over the same period. Some TASSIMO latte recipes use two T DISCs, according to TASSIMO. | If my household makes coffee every day, I want to work out the ongoing costs based on the recipes we usually make; around 20% of consumers put the total cost first. |
| Everyday maintenance | Check the instructions for details on the trays, brewing chamber, milk system and descaling. UFC-Que Choisir notes that the grounds and drip trays in an automatic machine should be rinsed regularly. | If I know I don’t want extra jobs after every drink, I check the cleaning instructions before choosing the features; around 15% of consumers prioritise easy maintenance. |
| Single-serve waste | Check the material the capsule or pod is made from and follow the ADEME sorting instructions for that type of waste. | If I’d rather avoid individual packaging for every serving, the preparation method and how to recycle the waste affect my choice; around 15% of consumers put waste from single-serve portions at the top of their concerns. |
Running costs also depend on the consumables and how many servings are needed for the drinks you regularly make.
Compare compatible consumables, servings per recipe and maintenance over the same period, based on how much coffee you actually drink.
Buying compatible consumables and sorting them by material adds extra steps.
Nespresso France distinguishes between the Original and Vertuo systems, designed for different coffee formats.
TASSIMO’s T DISC system offers a variety of individual drinks.
Features vary between SENSEO models, so don’t assume they apply across the entire range.
The models covered illustrate two different approaches: the bean-to-cup Magnifica Start ECAM220.21.B and the Dedica Style EC685.BK EX:4 with a portafilter.
According to Melitta, the AromaFresh X is a filter coffee machine with an integrated grinder and timer.
The options below include capsule machines, a machine that combines espresso and filter coffee, as well as manual espresso and pod machines. Compare the recipes, cup sizes and consumables to find the right fit for your routine.
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For quickly making a single serving of coffee with capsules compatible with Nespresso Original.
Espresso and Lungo sizes; removable 0.6 L tank and automatic ejection of used capsules.
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For choosing from several coffee sizes with a Vertuo capsule machine.
Five coffee sizes are listed, from espresso to mug size, with barcode recognition and one-touch brewing. 0.6 L tank.
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For switching between espresso and filter coffee with an integrated grinder.
The title also lists a manual milk frother. The removable parts are listed as dishwasher-safe.
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For making espresso at home and choosing one or two cups.
Features include a removable 1.1 L water tank and steam system.
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For making one or two cups with a SENSEO pod machine.
Three coffee recipes and a 1.2 L tank are listed; the product page says it can make two cups at once.
No. Choose consumables that are explicitly compatible with your machine’s system. Nespresso France distinguishes between Original and Vertuo, while TASSIMO says its T DISCs are designed for its own machines.
No. For the TASSIMO latte recipes described by the brand, preparation involves using a milk T DISC followed by a coffee T DISC. Check the recipe and how many servings are needed for the system you’re considering.
Rinse the trays and any parts listed in the instructions regularly, descale when prompted and clean the milk system after use. The exact steps vary by model. UFC-Que Choisir specifically notes that the grounds and drip trays should be rinsed regularly.
The statutory guarantee of conformity covers new, second-hand and refurbished goods sold by a trader to a consumer. The French Ministry of the Economy states that it lasts for two years from the date of purchase. This statutory guarantee is separate from any commercial guarantee.
For an electrical machine, the French Ministry for Ecological Transition lists collection points, recycling centres and retailers among the options; take-back arrangements in shops depend on the circumstances. For capsules, follow the ADEME sorting instructions for the material they’re made from.