For your daily coffee, start by thinking about the type of drink you want, how many cups you make and how hands-on you’d like to be. Capsules and pods make it easy to prepare one drink at a time, while a portafilter gives you more control over the preparation. A bean-to-cup machine uses whole beans, while a filter coffee machine is better suited to making a batch of longer coffees. Also compare the cost of consumables, the space you have, the water tank capacity and how much maintenance is involved.
If you want a simple way to make one drink at a time and a compact appliance, check the capsule or pod format and which consumables are compatible. UFC-Que Choisir lists size and ease of use among the factors to consider.
If your household makes several coffees a day, compare the number of cups per cycle, the water tank capacity, the consumables and the cleaning requirements. If you want to serve several long coffees in one go, a filter coffee machine is suited to a different use from a single-serve espresso machine.
If you’re happy to do a little more yourself, a portafilter lets you prepare coffee manually using ground coffee. A bean-to-cup machine grinds the beans for you, but still needs to be maintained.
Identify your main priority, then check the specifications of the exact model rather than relying on the type of machine alone.
| Priority | What to check before buying | Who is it most relevant to ? |
|---|---|---|
| Ease of use and size | Machine dimensions and the format of capsules or pods it accepts. | If I’m short on space and want to make a cup with minimal effort, I’ll look for a compact appliance and a pre-portioned format that suits me. Around 31 % of consumers are thought to prioritise ease of use and a small footprint. |
| Ongoing costs and maintenance | Consumables per cup, cleaning products and descaling instructions. | If I make coffee regularly, I’ll compare the cost of consumables and the maintenance involved over time. Around 31 % of consumers are thought to prioritise keeping these costs under control. |
| Several long coffees | Type of drink, number of cups per cycle and water tank capacity. | If I want to serve several long coffees in one go, I’ll check the stated capacity and number of cups made per cycle. Around 23 % of consumers are thought to prioritise this. |
| Control over your espresso | Ground coffee or beans, available settings and cleaning steps. | If I want to be involved in making my espresso, I’ll choose between the hands-on approach of a portafilter and the automatic grinding of a bean-to-cup machine. Around 15 % of consumers are thought to prioritise this level of control. |
Portion systems aren’t interchangeable just because they have similar names. Nespresso, for example, has separate Original and Vertuo systems.
Check the machine’s model number and the system or format shown on the consumables before you buy.
If the format isn’t compatible, you may have to choose different consumables from the ones you planned to use.
Coffee, consumables and maintenance all add to the cost of the appliance. A per-cup comparison is only useful when you’re comparing similar products and quantities.
Compare the consumables you’ll actually use over the same period, and follow the maintenance instructions for your model.
Remember to budget for descaling and, depending on the appliance and how you use it, any filter cartridges or cleaning products you need.
Drink size varies depending on the programme. A filter coffee jug and a single-serve espresso machine don’t serve the same purpose.
Check the drink volumes, the number of cups per cycle and the water tank capacity for the specific model.
The Essenza Mini range is an example of a capsule machine for making individual cups. Nespresso has separate Original and Vertuo systems.
The Original Plus CSA210/50 is an example of a machine that uses soft coffee pods to make individual drinks.
Two different models illustrate the options: the Dedica Style EC685.M EX:4 portafilter machine and the Magnifica S ECAM22.140.B bean-to-cup machine.
The Easy II filter coffee machine is an example of a jug-style machine for when you need several coffees rather than individual espressos.
This selection includes capsule machines and models with a grinder or portafilter for making coffee at home. Check the consumables format and features of your chosen model to make sure they suit the way you’ll use it.
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For making coffee regularly from beans, this model combines a built-in grinder with a choice of recipes.
The product description lists 13 grind settings, a 1,8 L water tank and customisable settings. The bundle includes 2 packs of Lavazza beans, 450 g.
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For making an individual drink with minimal effort, this model offers espresso and lungo options.
The product description lists a 0,7 L water tank. It specifies that the machine uses Nespresso Original or compatible capsules, and doesn’t accept other capsules or loose coffee.
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For making different coffee sizes using capsules, this Vertuo model offers a choice of cup sizes.
The product description lists five cup sizes and a 0,6 L water tank. This machine is described as using Nespresso Vertuo capsules.
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For switching between espresso and filter coffee with an appliance that has a built-in grinder, this model combines both functions in a 2-in-1 machine.
The title specifies a manual milk frother. The product description mentions weight-based dosing and assisted preparation.
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For making espresso with adjustable grind settings, this model combines a grinder with a portafilter machine.
The title lists 30 grind settings, while the product description specifies a 58 mm portafilter and a steam wand.
Don’t assume they are interchangeable: Nespresso presents Original and Vertuo as two separate systems. Check which system is indicated on the machine and the capsule box.
Clean the relevant parts according to the instructions and follow the descaling guidance for your model. UFC-Que Choisir notes that how often you need to descale depends, among other things, on water hardness and how often you use the machine ; an automatic function doesn’t eliminate the need for maintenance.
Compare the appliance price and the cost of the coffees you drink over the same period, then add the cost of any cleaning products you use. UFC-Que Choisir’s comparison published in October 2025 gives indicative costs per cup; these aren’t prices that apply to every brand, blend or purchase in 2026.
If you’re a consumer who bought from a professional seller, contact the seller. The French Ministry of the Economy and Finance states that the legal guarantee of conformity covers new, second-hand and refurbished goods ; it is separate from any commercial guarantee offered by the manufacturer.
For a distance contract between a professional seller and a consumer, the right to cancel generally gives you at least 14 days. Check the terms provided by the seller and any exceptions that apply to your purchase ; this right is separate from your rights if the product is faulty.