If several people drink filter coffee one after another, a coffee maker with a carafe lets you prepare everyone’s cups together. For an individual break, capsules mean fewer steps. A manual espresso machine requires hands-on preparation, while an automatic bean-to-cup machine makes it easier to brew from whole beans but needs more space and maintenance. UFC-Que Choisir also describes it as noisier than a capsule machine or filter coffee maker.
If several people want a cup at the same time, consider how much coffee the machine makes in one go, how it serves it and how easy the water tank is to access. A shared carafe and individual drinks suit different routines.
For a quick break between tasks, the steps involved in making a drink matter just as much as putting the machine away and cleaning it. Also think about where you’ll place it if its noise could be distracting in your workspace.
If people in your household want different settings or milk-based drinks, compare the features of each model and the parts that need cleaning. These options vary from one machine to another, even within the same range.
Worth considering: if several people drink filter coffee around the same time and a shared carafe suits everyone.
Bear in mind: the coffee is made for the group rather than customised cup by cup; how long it stays warm depends on the model.
Worth considering: if you want to make an individual drink with just a few steps during a work break.
Bear in mind: each machine uses a particular capsule system, so check which one it takes before choosing your drinks.
Worth considering: if you make one or a few drinks at a time and want to be involved in preparing them.
Bear in mind: you’ll need to measure out the coffee, handle the portafilter and clean it after use.
Worth considering: if you regularly make individual drinks from whole beans and want the settings offered by the model you choose.
Bear in mind: UFC-Que Choisir notes that these machines are noisier and bulkier than capsule or filter coffee machines, and need regular maintenance.
To choose between these types, start with how coffee is served throughout the day. Then check what each machine will mean for your space and daily routine.
| Consideration | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Serving several people | How much coffee it makes in one go, and whether it can serve two cups at once if that matters to you. | When everyone at home has coffee one after another, I want to avoid starting a whole new brew for every cup. Around 29% of consumers would put serving a group at the top of their list. |
| Individual breaks | How many steps it takes to make a drink and which type of consumable the machine uses. | Between tasks, I want to make a single cup without spending my break measuring out coffee. Around 21% of consumers would prioritise speed for individual drinks. |
| Customisation | The drinks and settings actually offered by the model, and how its milk system works, if it has one. | If everyone prefers a different drink, I want to be able to tailor the recipes rather than serve the same coffee to everyone. Around 29% of consumers would put this need first. |
| Space and maintenance | Dimensions, including the room needed to open the tanks; access to parts that need rinsing and descaling instructions. | In a kitchen that doubles as a workspace, I don’t want a bulky or difficult-to-clean machine to make the day more complicated. Around 21% of consumers would prioritise easy installation and maintenance. |
A capsule made for a different format may not work with the machine you choose. UFC-Que Choisir notes that most brands only accept one type of capsule.
Before choosing a machine, check which format it takes and which coffee capsules you want to use.
You’ll then need capsules that are compatible with that system for every drink you make.
The trays need regular rinsing, and milk components mean extra steps, depending on the model. UFC-Que Choisir says that neglecting to descale a machine can cause it to stop working.
Check the manual for the model you’re considering to see which parts are easy to reach, what needs rinsing and how to descale it.
Allow time for these tasks, especially if you often make milk-based drinks.
A machine may fit on your worktop but still not leave enough room to remove its water tank, fill its bean hopper or handle its portafilter.
Measure the depth, the clearance beneath your cupboards and the space needed around any parts that open.
Worth looking at if you want a filter coffee maker that brews a shared carafe.
Worth considering if you want to make individual drinks using a capsule system.
Offers manual espresso machines as well as automatic grinder models, which you can compare according to how you want to make your coffee.
Worth comparing if you’re looking at bean-to-cup machines and care about settings, milk-based drinks or the preferences of several users.
Another brand to consider when comparing automatic bean-to-cup machines.
These models offer three ways to make coffee at home: espresso from whole beans, an individual capsule drink or filter coffee. Compare how they serve coffee with the number of cups you make and the maintenance steps you’re happy to take.
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Worth considering if you want to make a range of individual drinks from whole beans. The product name lists six drinks, a milk system and a touchscreen. Check the manual to see what’s involved in cleaning the milk system.
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Worth considering if two people want coffee at the same time: Joybuy France says this model has a function that lets you make two coffees simultaneously. It’s an automatic machine that uses whole beans, so check its dimensions and the space needed for maintenance.
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Worth considering if you regularly make drinks from whole beans and have room for a machine with a 2.8 L tank. The product name mentions a dual boiler and a 20 bar pump. Check what cleaning involves, especially for parts used with milk.
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Worth considering for an individual coffee break with minimal fuss. This Vertuo capsule machine offers one-touch brewing and capsule code recognition. Choose capsules that are compatible with this system.
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Worth considering if you want to make filter coffee in a small household. The product name states that it keeps coffee warm for 30 minutes. If several people will be serving themselves one after another, check that it makes enough for your cups and find out which filter to use.
First, check which coffee or capsules are compatible, then whether you’ll need filters and any products required to maintain your chosen model. To compare day-to-day costs, start with the number of drinks you actually make and check how many consumables each one uses.
Follow the manual and the descaling alert for your model rather than using the same schedule for every machine. De’Longhi France says that, for its bean-to-cup machines, how often you need to descale depends in part on water hardness. The trays and, depending on the model, other parts also need regular rinsing.
According to ADEME, aluminium and plastic capsules should go in the recycling bin, bag or container for paper and packaging. Also check the recycling information on the packaging of the product you use.
It may be suitable if its size, noise and maintenance needs work for your workspace. UFC-Que Choisir describes automatic bean-to-cup machines as generally noisier and bulkier than capsule or filter coffee machines. Check the dimensions and details of the model you’re considering.