Busy households in the morning
If you want to make coffee with minimal effort, capsules and pods are worth considering. Make sure the format suits you, though: you’ll need to buy consumables that work with your chosen system.
Which machine is right for you?
Coffee lovers who like to get hands-on
A portafilter lets you fill and tamp ground coffee yourself. If you’d rather use whole beans but avoid these steps for every cup, consider an automatic bean-to-cup machine instead.
Households keeping an eye on consumables and maintenance
If you use your machine frequently, check what you’ll need to replace, clean and descale. The type of coffee, individual packaging and maintenance tasks vary depending on the machine type and model.
What should you check before choosing?
Start with the drink you make most often, then compare the daily steps, compatibility and maintenance involved with each machine.
| Factor | What to check | What I need |
|---|---|---|
| Preparation | Compare the steps needed to make one cup and, if relevant, two. A capsule or pod machine means you don’t have to fill and tamp a portafilter; an automatic bean-to-cup machine makes coffee from whole beans. | In the morning, I’d rather press a button than prepare a measure of ground coffee. |
| Drinks | Check the available drink sizes and whether the model has features for milk-based drinks. Nespresso says Original includes sizes from ristretto to lungo, while Vertuo offers sizes from espresso to mug. | I often drink a large coffee, or I want to make a milk-based drink without assuming every machine can do so. |
| Compatibility | Check the exact capsule or pod system and the reference for any accessories. For example, Nespresso says the Vertuo Up only takes Nespresso Vertuo capsules. | I want to be able to find the coffee format I’ve chosen easily and avoid buying incompatible consumables. |
| Size | Measure the space you have and check the machine’s dimensions. Make sure you’ll also have room to fill the water tank and remove parts for cleaning. | My worktop space is limited: the machine needs to fit without making everyday use awkward. |
| Maintenance | Check the model’s rinsing, cleaning and descaling requirements. Que Choisir notes that automatic machines need regular maintenance; also check which parts and accessories are compatible. | I can maintain the machine, but I want to know which tasks I’ll need to do often and which parts I’ll need to remove. |
What mistakes should you avoid?
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Assuming all capsules are interchangeable
A capsule from the wrong system may not work in your machine. Nespresso, for example, says its Vertuo Up only works with Nespresso Vertuo capsules.
First decide which drink sizes you want, then check the machine’s product details and the capsules to confirm which system they use.
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Forgetting about the consumables you’ll need to replace
Capsules, pods, whole beans and ground coffee each call for a different shopping routine. Some models also need specific maintenance products or accessories.
Before choosing, make a note of the compatible coffee type and check the model’s manual for any maintenance items you’ll need.
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Expecting a portafilter to work like an automatic bean-to-cup machine
With a portafilter, you need to fill and tamp the ground coffee before brewing, as De’Longhi explains. An automatic bean-to-cup machine skips these steps each time you make a drink.
Choose a portafilter if you want to take part in this step. If you’d rather use whole beans with a more automated process, consider a bean-to-cup machine.
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Putting off checking the maintenance requirements
Rinsing, cleaning and descaling are all part of regular coffee machine use. Accessories can also depend on the exact model reference: Philips, for example, asks for the model number to identify compatible SENSEO® parts.
Read the manual before buying and find out which parts need removing, which tasks are done by hand and which accessories fit your model.
A guide to the brands
Nespresso
Worth considering if you’re looking at a capsule machine and deciding between the Original and Vertuo systems.
- Nespresso says Original includes sizes from ristretto to lungo, while Vertuo offers everything from espresso to mug.
- Check the system used by the model: the French product page for the Vertuo Up says it only takes Nespresso Vertuo capsules.
SENSEO® / Philips
A brand to consider if you’re interested in soft coffee pods and making coffee at the touch of a button.
- Philips says its SENSEO® Original HD7806/40R1 makes one or two cups in under a minute; this applies to that specific model.
- According to Philips, you’ll need the machine’s exact reference to find compatible pod holders and other accessories.
De’Longhi
The brand offers both portafilter machines and automatic bean-to-cup models: two different ways to make coffee with ground coffee or whole beans.
- De’Longhi describes the portafilter process as one where you fill and tamp the coffee yourself; its automatic models let you start a drink at the touch of a button.
- Check the drinks available, milk features and maintenance requirements for each model.
Coffee machines available on Joybuy
These models showcase the four ways of making coffee covered here: automatic bean-to-cup, soft pods, capsules and a portafilter. Compare their systems and the steps involved with your daily routine.
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Philips Series 2200 EP2230/10 LatteGo
This machine with a grinder is designed for anyone who wants to make coffee from whole beans without filling a portafilter for every cup. If milk-based drinks are important to you, check the recipes available and how to clean the LatteGo system.
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Philips SENSEO® Maestro CSA260/91, red
This soft pod model suits a routine where you’d rather use a ready-to-go coffee portion than fill a portafilter. Check that the pods you plan to use are the right format, and confirm which accessories are compatible with the CSA260/91.
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De’Longhi Magnifica Evo ECAM290.61.B LatteCrema
This automatic machine with a grinder lets you use whole beans without the steps involved with a portafilter. Check which drinks this variant makes and what cleaning it requires, particularly if you plan to use the LatteCrema system.
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Nespresso Vertuo Pop ENV90.B, black, 0.6 L
This Vertuo capsule model is a good fit if you prefer a ready-to-use portion of coffee. Check that Vertuo capsules and the drink sizes available on this model suit your habits. If several people will use it, bear in mind that its water tank holds 0.6 L.
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De’Longhi Dedica Style EC685.BK, black
This portafilter machine is a good choice if you want to prepare ground coffee yourself and don’t mind cleaning the parts after use. If the water tank capacity will affect your choice, check the model’s product page before ordering.
Frequently asked questions
Will a capsule machine take any capsule?
No: compatibility depends on the system. Nespresso, for example, says its Vertuo Up only takes Nespresso Vertuo capsules. Check the machine’s system and the capsules’ system before choosing them.
What’s the difference between Nespresso Original and Vertuo for drinks?
Nespresso says Original includes sizes from ristretto to lungo, while Vertuo offers sizes from espresso to mug. First choose the sizes you’ll drink regularly, then check that the capsules are compatible with your chosen model.
Can I use ground coffee in a portafilter machine?
Yes: you put ground coffee in the portafilter, then fill and tamp it before brewing, as De’Longhi explains. This avoids the need for capsules, but you’ll need to carry out these steps and clean the portafilter.
What maintenance does a bean-to-cup espresso machine need?
You’ll need to rinse, clean and descale it regularly. Que Choisir highlights the importance of these tasks for automatic machines; check the model’s manual to find out which parts, including the coffee grounds container, need emptying or cleaning.
Where should I recycle coffee capsules in France?
According to ADEME, aluminium or plastic coffee capsules go in the recycling bin, bag or container for paper and packaging. Check your local council’s guidance to make recycling part of your daily routine.