Start by choosing according to the drinks you make, the number of cups you need and how much hands-on preparation you’re happy with each day. Capsules and coffee pods keep things simple, a portafilter lets you get more involved in the process, while an automatic bean-to-cup machine makes coffee from whole beans without you having to handle a portafilter. Then compare the cost of the machine, coffee and maintenance over the time you expect to use it. Finally, consider the space you have, the noise and the cleaning involved, particularly for milk-based drinks.
You prefer a consistent brew with minimal effort. The type of coffee pod or capsule, and whether the machine can make one or two cups, may matter more than advanced settings. Que Choisir Ensemble describes the different types of coffee machine, while Philips says the SENSEO Original HD7806/53 can make one or two cups.
You’re weighing up the cost of the machine against the cost of the coffee you’ll use, while also considering the maintenance required for a grinder. Que Choisir Ensemble describes bean-to-cup machines as an option for coffee enthusiasts and people who drink a lot of coffee, and points out that rinsing, cleaning and descaling are all part of their upkeep.
You’d like to adjust your espresso or make milk-based drinks. Distinguish between the hands-on steps involved with a portafilter and the settings and features actually available on the model you’re considering, as Sage and De’Longhi’s product details advise.
To choose a machine for your daily coffee at home, first identify your main priority from the trade-offs below.
| Priority | What to check before buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Speed and simplicity | Compatible capsule or pod format; check whether the specific model makes one or two cups. | If I want to make a cup before heading out without having to do lots of steps, I prefer a simple routine; around 25% of consumers put speed first. |
| Total cost | Machine and coffee costs over the same period; maintenance consumables and parts for the model. | When I make several coffees a day, I want to understand what this habit will cost over time; around 25% of consumers prioritise the total cost. |
| Control over your espresso | Whether it has a portafilter or grinder; the settings actually available for grind size and drinks. | If I like to tailor my coffee to the beans I’ve chosen, I prefer to have a say in how it’s made; around 19% of consumers put control over their coffee first. |
| Disposable pods and maintenance | Required type of coffee and packaging; sorting instructions for the material used in the consumable. | If I want to reduce individual packaging, I can consider whole beans or ground coffee, while bearing cleaning in mind; around 19% of consumers prioritise reducing disposable pods. |
| Milk-based drinks | Steam wand or carafe on the exact model; cleaning instructions for parts that come into contact with milk. | When I regularly make milk-based drinks, I want to know what preparation and cleaning steps to expect; around 12% of consumers make this their priority. |
The cost of coffee, maintenance consumables and any out-of-warranty expenses add up over time. Que Choisir Ensemble points out that the overall cost depends in particular on how many cups you make and how long you use the machine.
Compare the costs of each option over the same period, taking your actual consumption and the consumables recommended for the model into account.
A steam wand may require you to froth the milk manually, and any parts that come into contact with milk need to be cleaned properly.
Check whether the exact model has a steam wand or carafe, and read the relevant cleaning instructions.
Compatibility depends on the machine’s system. Sorting instructions also depend on the material: a capsule isn’t necessarily compostable.
Check which format the machine accepts and consult ADEME’s sorting instructions for the consumable and its material.
Grinding makes noise, and the trays and brewing components need regular attention. Que Choisir Ensemble notes these considerations for bean-to-cup machines.
Before choosing, consider the space available, how noisy the model is and which cleaning steps you’re prepared to carry out.
Nespresso has separate Original and Vertuo systems for its capsule machines. Check which coffee format is compatible with the model you’re considering.
SENSEO machines use soft coffee pods. The HD7806/53 is one example that can make one or two cups, according to Philips.
The Magnifica Start ECAM222.20.B is an example of an automatic bean-to-cup machine with drink settings and a traditional steam wand, according to the manufacturer’s product details.
The Barista Express combines a portafilter with an integrated grinder, according to the features listed by Sage.
This selection includes capsule machines, portafilter machines and automatic bean-to-cup machines, so you can make different types of coffee at home.
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For making measured espresso or lungo with minimal effort.
Compatible with Nespresso Original capsules. Two programmable cup sizes, a used-capsule container and a folding cup tray to fit taller cups.
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For making filter coffee or espresso, with an integrated grinder and portafilter.
The product details list an integrated conical grinder, weight-based dosing and a manual milk frother. Rinse the portafilter and milk jug after use.
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For making drinks from beans without handling a portafilter, including espresso and cappuccino.
The product details list 12 grind settings, strength and volume settings, and the LatteGo system. The brew group is removable, and the LatteGo parts can be taken apart and washed.
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For a more hands-on brewing experience, with a portafilter and integrated grinder.
The product details list 16 grind settings, a steam wand, a hot water function and a 2.2-litre tank. The portafilter needs to be handled and cleaned after extracting the coffee.
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For making several coffees from beans without using a portafilter.
The product details list 13 grind settings, strength, temperature and volume settings, and the option to make two coffees at once. The steam wand for milk-based drinks is operated manually.
Over the same period, add the cost of the machine, the coffee for the number of cups you expect to make, and the maintenance consumables required for the model. Consider potential parts and repairs separately: the examples published by Que Choisir Ensemble in 2025 aren’t costs that apply to every purchase.
Check that you have enough space and easy access to the tanks and trays, then follow the manual for your chosen model when cleaning and descaling it. A grinder machine also needs its trays and relevant parts emptied and cleaned. If it has a steam wand or milk carafe, follow the machine’s specific cleaning instructions.
Not necessarily. ADEME says aluminium and plastic capsules should go in the packaging recycling bin. It distinguishes these from paper capsules, which can be composted at home or put in a food waste collection where a suitable service is available nearby. Check the material your coffee comes in and your local sorting instructions.
According to the French Ministry of the Economy, the legal guarantee of conformity applies to new, second-hand and refurbished goods sold by a professional to a private individual; you have two years to make a claim. It covers conformity issues under the conditions set out by law. It doesn’t mean that all maintenance or breakdowns will be covered.
Don’t assume the same availability period applies to every machine. The DGCCRF explains that spare-parts availability requirements apply to certain categories of goods, and that the seller must tell you the stated availability period if the manufacturer has provided that information. Ask what applies to the model you’re considering before relying on a future repair.