For a quick coffee in a small kitchen
You want to make coffee with minimal fuss and need a machine that’s easy to fit into your kitchen. Portion-based systems are worth considering if you’re happy to use consumables designed for the machine.
Who are these machines for?
For more freedom to choose your coffee
You make coffee regularly and want to compare portion-based formats with ground or whole-bean coffee. Also consider how much preparation and maintenance each machine requires.
For customising your drinks
You’re happy to spend time on adjustments and cleaning. If you make milk-based drinks, check what you’ll need to do after each use of the steam wand or milk system.
How do the four systems compare?
Que Choisir compares capsules, soft pods, portafilter machines and bean-to-cup machines. For regular use, start by thinking about how hands-on you want to be, then check the space available, the consumables required and the maintenance involved for the model you’re considering.
Capsules
Worth considering if: you prefer portioned coffee and a compact machine.
You’ll need to accept: your choice of coffee depends on which capsule system is compatible with the machine.
Soft pods
Worth considering if: you want pre-portioned coffee without adjusting the grind or tamping it down.
You’ll need to accept: you must check which pod format is suitable for your chosen machine.
Portafilter machine
Worth considering if: you want to measure out and prepare your own ground coffee.
You’ll need to accept: the portafilter must be emptied and cleaned after making coffee.
Bean-to-cup machine
Worth considering if: you want to use whole beans and let the machine handle the preparation.
You’ll need to accept: the machine takes up space, and its containers, water system and, depending on the model, brew group need regular maintenance.
| Consideration | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Quick preparation and available space | Measure the space you have and check which capsule or pod format the machine accepts. | If you want your coffee ready with minimal effort in a kitchen where space is at a premium, simplicity matters more than custom settings. Around 33% of consumers put this first. |
| Choice of coffee and consumables | Compare the formats compatible with each machine and the consumables you’ll use regularly. | If I drink coffee often but don’t want to rely on just one portioned format, I want to be able to choose the coffee I like. This is the top priority for around 25% of consumers. |
| Settings and milk-based drinks | Check which settings are available and, if needed, the type of steam wand or milk system and how to clean it. | If I want to have more control over how my coffee is made or prepare milk-based drinks, I’m happy to put in a little more effort. Around 25% of consumers prioritise this level of control. |
| Whole beans and machine maintenance | Check how easy it is to access the containers and brew group, as well as the water-hardness setting and descaling process for the model. | I want to make coffee from whole beans without grinding them separately, and I’m happy to clean the machine regularly. This is the main consideration for around 17% of consumers. |
What to check before you buy
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Buying a bean-to-cup machine without checking the maintenance
The coffee-ground and drip trays need regular rinsing. Que Choisir also highlights the importance of descaling; according to De’Longhi France, how often you need to do this depends in part on water hardness.
Check the model’s manual to see how easy it is to access the parts that need cleaning, adjust the water-hardness setting and follow the descaling steps.
Allow time for these tasks and check whether the model needs a filter or any specific cleaning products.
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Assuming all capsules are interchangeable
Que Choisir says that most capsule-machine brands accept just one type of capsule. So a drink name or the shape of a machine isn’t enough to confirm compatibility.
Check exactly which system your chosen model accepts before buying capsules.
Brands to consider by machine type
De’Longhi
Worth considering if you’re comparing a portafilter or bean-to-cup machine and want to check the maintenance instructions for each model.
- De’Longhi France provides guidance on descaling the Dedica range and cleaning certain automatic machines.
- The steps and parts involved vary by model, so check the manual for the machine you’re considering.
Philips / Saeco
Worth considering for a bean-to-cup machine if access to cleaning and descaling instructions is an important part of your decision.
- Philips France offers support by model number and information on maintaining Saeco machines.
- Check whether the specific model uses a filter and which procedure you need to follow.
Krups
Worth considering when comparing capsule machines.
- For any model you’re considering, the capsule system and manual are useful points of comparison.
- The Dolce Gusto Movenza model featured in a Que Choisir test is no longer on sale, so that test can’t be used to draw conclusions about a different model.
Machines to consider on Joybuy
This selection includes bean-to-cup machines, capsule machines and a semi-automatic espresso machine. Compare each model based on the kind of preparation you want and the checks relevant to its use.
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Philips EP2230/10 Series 2200 LatteGo, glossy black
Worth considering if you want to make coffee from whole beans regularly using an automatic machine.
The EP2230/10 is part of the Series 2200 range and is called LatteGo. Check the manual for instructions on cleaning the milk system and descaling the machine.
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DE'LONGHI Magnifica S Smart ECAM250.23.SB, silver
Worth considering if you want to use whole beans in an automatic espresso machine.
Before choosing this model, check the manual for instructions on cleaning the brew group and descaling this specific model.
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HiBREW H1C 6-in-1, black
Worth considering if you want portioned coffee but would like to compare several coffee formats.
The product description lists several types of capsule as well as ground coffee. Check exactly which formats are accepted by the H1C variant you’re buying before choosing your coffee.
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ochama semi-automatic, removable 0.9 L water tank
Worth considering if you want to be hands-on with making espresso and have a steam wand for frothing milk.
The product name specifies a removable 0.9 L water tank and a pressure gauge. Check which preparation accessories are included and how to clean the steam wand for this model.
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KRUPS Nespresso Essenza Mini, white, 0.6 L
Worth considering if you prefer a capsule machine that makes coffee with minimal effort.
The product name specifies a 0.6 L water tank and 1200 W power. Check exactly which capsule format this model accepts before choosing it.
Frequently asked questions
Is a bean-to-cup machine worth choosing if you drink coffee regularly?
A bean-to-cup machine is worth comparing with portion-based systems if you want to use whole beans and are happy with the space it takes up and the maintenance it needs. Que Choisir highlights it as an option for coffee enthusiasts and people who drink a lot of coffee. However, how often you use it isn’t enough on its own to determine which model to choose.
What should you check on a bean-to-cup machine if your water is hard?
Check the manual for the model you’re considering to find out how to set the water hardness and start the descaling process. De’Longhi France says that how often you need to descale depends on local water hardness; the steps and products required vary by model.
Which parts of a bean-to-cup machine need regular cleaning?
According to Que Choisir, the coffee-ground and drip trays need regular rinsing. Also check the instructions for your model on cleaning the brew group or brewing chamber, descaling and caring for any parts that come into contact with milk.
Does a steam wand or milk jug need special cleaning?
Yes. Clean any parts that come into contact with milk after use, following the manufacturer’s instructions. Before buying, check whether the wand or jug can be removed and what rinsing procedure the manual recommends for that model.