Households that often make black coffee
If you regularly make espresso or long coffees and want to choose your own beans, consider a bean-to-cup machine, bearing in mind the cleaning it requires.
Who are these machines for?
Households that switch between black coffee and milky drinks
If you also want to make cappuccinos or latte macchiatos, compare the recipes available, how the milk is prepared and which parts need cleaning. A steam wand and an integrated milk system involve different steps.
Households that prefer a straightforward brew
Capsules and soft pods are worth considering if you prefer ready-to-use portions and minimal adjustments. Check which format the machine accepts and how easy it will be to get hold of your chosen supplies.
What should you compare?
UFC-Que Choisir identifies four types of espresso machine: bean-to-cup, capsule, soft-pod and portafilter. Start with the drinks you make, then see how each system fits into your routine.
| Criterion | What to check | How you’ll use it |
|---|---|---|
| Milky drinks | Check the recipe list for the exact model. See whether it has a manual steam wand, a separate milk frother or an integrated milk system, and check which parts need rinsing. | I want to switch between black coffee and cappuccinos without finding out after buying that making a milky drink involves steps I wasn’t expecting. |
| Coffee and portions | Compare the formats each machine accepts: beans for a bean-to-cup machine, compatible capsules or pods, or ground coffee and suitable filters for a portafilter machine. Check where you can buy your chosen coffee. | Choosing my own beans or ground coffee matters to me. If I prefer ready-to-use portions, I want to be able to find the right format easily. |
| Cleaning and maintenance | Find out which parts need cleaning after making coffee or using milk, how easy they are to access, and what the descaling instructions say. How often you need to descale depends in part on your water and how much you use the machine, according to UFC-Que Choisir. | Cleaning needs to fit into my routine, especially if I make milky drinks every day. |
| Making several cups in a row | Check the water tank capacity, controls and how easy it is to make several cups one after another. UFC-Que Choisir’s testing protocols include checks on how consistently the machine dispenses successive drinks. | When several people want coffee, I’d rather not have to refill the machine often or deal with complicated settings. |
What should you watch out for?
-
Assuming every milky drink is made automatically
A steam wand, a separate milk frother and an integrated milk system all involve different preparation and cleaning steps.
Check the recipes available on the model you’re considering, how you’ll prepare the milk and which parts need rinsing after use.
-
Overlooking which coffee formats the machine accepts
Choosing a portion-based machine determines which capsules or pods you’ll need to buy. Depending on its filters, a portafilter machine may take ground coffee or a specific type of pod.
Before choosing, check which formats are compatible with the exact model and how easy it is to get hold of them.
-
Putting off cleaning
Water tanks, drip trays and milk accessories add extra cleaning to your routine. UFC-Que Choisir includes cleaning in its testing protocols.
Check how easy the parts are to access, what alerts the machine gives you and the descaling instructions for the model. Don’t assume the same descaling schedule suits every machine.
Brands worth knowing
De’Longhi
According to the models featured by De’Longhi, its French range of bean-to-cup espresso machines includes options with a steam wand and others with an automatic milk-frothing system.
- According to the brand, some models offer milky drinks and user profiles.
- Check the exact model to see how many recipes it offers, how the milk is prepared and what cleaning is involved.
Nespresso
The brand offers capsule machines for different cup sizes. According to Nespresso, its Vertuo Lattissima has an integrated milk system.
- Nespresso says the Vertuo Lattissima can make drinks such as cappuccinos and latte macchiatos.
- These features aren’t available on every model. Check which capsule system the machine accepts, too.
Philips SENSEO
Philips SENSEO offers machines for soft pods. According to Philips, the range also includes the Switch HD6592/05, which can make coffee from pods or as filter coffee.
- The Switch HD6592/05 offers two brewing modes, according to the manufacturer.
- For this model, Philips recommends descaling every three months and advises against using vinegar. Check the instructions for any other model.
Machines to consider on Joybuy
These models show three ways to enjoy different coffees at home: bean-to-cup, capsules and a portafilter machine. Above all, compare how each one prepares milk, what consumables it needs and how much cleaning will suit your household.
Image unavailable
Philips Series 2200 EP2230/10 with LatteGo
A bean-to-cup option for anyone who wants to make coffee from beans and try milky drinks with the LatteGo system, too. Check the drinks available on this particular version and what maintenance it involves for your needs.
Image unavailable
HiBREW H16 with grinder and milk system
This bean-to-cup machine offers six types of coffee and touch controls. If you plan to make milky drinks regularly, check which recipes are available, how the milk system works and what cleaning it involves.
Image unavailable
De’Longhi Magnifica S ECAM22.140.B
Worth considering if you want to switch to beans but still have the option to prepare milk with a manual steam wand. This takes a little hands-on effort, as does cleaning the wand, so check which drinks this model offers.
Image unavailable
KRUPS Nespresso Vertuo Pop with frother, Coconut White
A capsule option for making coffee, with milk frothed separately in the accessory. Check that the Vertuo format suits the way you buy your coffee, and bear in mind that preparing the milk is a separate step.
Image unavailable
De’Longhi Dedica Style EC685.BK
This portafilter machine is for anyone happy to make their coffee and froth their milk by hand. Check which filters suit your coffee, how to clean the steam wand and the water tank capacity on the version available.
Frequently asked questions
Does it make sense to switch from capsules to a bean-to-cup machine?
Yes, if you make coffee often, want to choose your own beans and are happy to clean a grinder regularly. Before switching, compare the drinks available and the maintenance involved with the model you’re considering.
Will a capsule machine always make the milk for a cappuccino?
No. How the milk is prepared depends on the model, and you may need a separate accessory. Nespresso says the Vertuo Lattissima has an integrated milk system. For any other model, check the recipes available and what cleaning is required.
How often should you descale a coffee machine?
Follow your machine’s instructions: how often it needs descaling depends in part on the hardness of your water and how much you use it. UFC-Que Choisir gives an average of every two to three months, depending on these conditions. Philips recommends descaling the SENSEO Switch HD6592/05 every three months and advises against using vinegar on this model.
Where can you dispose of aluminium or plastic capsules in France?
ADEME advises putting these capsules in the recycling bin, bag or container for paper and packaging. This guidance applies to aluminium or plastic capsules.