For people who often make coffee from whole beans
You want to customise each coffee without measuring and tamping the grounds every time. An automatic bean-to-cup machine is a good fit if you’re happy to clean its components regularly.
Which type suits your needs?
For people who want a quick, simple brew
You want to keep the daily steps involved in making coffee to a minimum. With a pod machine, first check which format it accepts and whether you’ll be able to keep using the pods in the long term.
For households serving several cups at once
You’re more likely to make a pot of filter coffee than several espressos in a row. Capacity in litres, the carafe and how easy the machine is to clean matter more than a stated number of small cups.
What should you look for?
For regular use at home, first decide whether you want individual espressos or coffee by the pot. Then consider the maintenance involved and which consumables you’re happy to use.
| Feature | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Automatic coffee from whole beans | Drink settings and access to the parts that need cleaning on the model you’re considering. | If I often make coffee from whole beans, I want to avoid measuring out each cup, even if that means maintaining the machine regularly. Around 29% of consumers would prioritise this automation. |
| Pod coffee | The pod format accepted and the recycling instructions for the pods you’ll use. | I want to make a cup without measuring the coffee or handling the grounds each time. Around 21% of consumers would put this convenience first. |
| Espresso with a portafilter | Whether the model works with ground coffee or pods, and whether it has a steam wand if you want to froth milk. | For my espressos, I’d rather choose the coffee and prepare it myself, even if it involves a few extra steps. Around 29% of consumers would prioritise this level of control. |
| Filter coffee by the pot | Capacity in litres and the type of carafe, depending on how much you need to make and when you’ll serve it. | When I need to serve several cups, I’d rather make a pot than brew several individual coffees in a row. Around 21% of consumers would put this need first. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Assuming an automatic grinder needs hardly any maintenance
The bins, brewing components and, where applicable, the milk system all need regular attention. De’Longhi also notes that descaling frequency depends, among other things, on water hardness.
Check the manual for the model you’re considering to find out which parts need rinsing, when to descale and how to clean its milk system.
Allow time for these tasks and budget for the cleaning products recommended for your model.
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Assuming all pods should be recycled in the same way
Recycling instructions depend on the pod material and the options available locally. Some brands also offer a collection scheme.
Check what the pods you plan to use are made from, then look up your local council’s recycling guidance or the relevant collection scheme.
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Choosing a filter coffee machine based only on its stated number of “cups”
This figure may refer to small servings. Moulinex coffee machine product pages also give the capacity in litres, which is more useful when judging how much coffee you can serve.
Compare the capacity with your usual servings, and check that the carafe and keep-warm function suit the way you serve coffee.
Brands to consider for these needs
De’Longhi
The brand offers espresso machines with portafilters, as well as automatic bean-to-cup models.
- Its support pages explain how to maintain different ranges of machines.
- Check the descaling procedure and frequency for the exact model, as water hardness is one factor that affects them.
Philips
Philips offers automatic bean-to-cup espresso machines, including some models with a milk system.
- Philips support provides manuals and maintenance information for individual models.
- Check which drinks the specific model can make and which parts need cleaning, particularly if you use the milk system.
Melitta
Melitta offers both bean-to-cup machines and filter coffee machines, catering to different ways of serving coffee.
- The brand explains how to clean its automatic machines.
- Choose the type of machine that suits the drinks you want, then check the maintenance instructions for your chosen model.
Nespresso
Nespresso is worth considering if you prefer a pod machine and want to explore the collection options offered by the brand.
- Nespresso France lists collection points for its pods.
- Check which format your machine accepts and the recycling guidance in your local area.
Moulinex
Moulinex filter coffee machines include models designed to brew coffee by the pot.
- Some Moulinex product pages list features such as a timer or insulated carafe.
- Features and capacity vary by model, so check the details of the machine you’re considering.
Coffee machines available on Joybuy
These models illustrate the four types of coffee-making covered here: filter coffee by the pot, automatic espresso with a grinder, espresso with a portafilter and individual drinks made with pods. First choose the system that suits the drinks you usually make, then check the specifications of the model you’re considering.
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Hkoenig MG30 Silver programmable coffee machine
Worth considering if you want to make filter coffee by the pot for several cups. The model name indicates that it has a timer; check its capacity in litres against your usual servings.
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De’Longhi Dinamica ECAM350.15.B automatic coffee machine, black
Worth considering if you want to make individual coffees automatically from whole beans. Before choosing this model, look at the settings you need and the cleaning it requires.
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De’Longhi Dedica Style EC685.BK, black
Worth considering if you want to make your own espressos using a portafilter. Before you decide, check which filters are compatible with this model and the capacity of its water tank.
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Philips Series 2200 EP2230/10 LatteGo, black
Worth considering if you make coffee from whole beans and also want to use a milk system. Check which recipes this model can make, and remember to clean the LatteGo components after use.
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HiBREW H2B 5 in 1 Hot/Cold
Worth considering for making individual drinks. Hot/Cold modes are listed in the model name. Check exactly which pod formats and other consumables work with the supplied adapters, as well as the maximum cup height.
Frequently asked questions
Should you descale a coffee machine on a fixed schedule?
Not necessarily. As De’Longhi notes for its machines, how often you need to descale depends, among other things, on water hardness and how much you use the machine. Follow the alert and instructions for your model, and set the water hardness if that option is available.
Where can you take used coffee pods in France?
How to recycle them depends on the pod material and your local guidance. ADEME provides information by waste type; also check your local council’s instructions and, if you use a brand collection scheme, which pods it accepts.
What should you check to maintain or repair your machine?
Check the manual, which accessories and parts can be identified, and what repair options are available for the model you choose. ADEME has a tool to help you find repairers and repair cafés nearby.