Busy households that mostly drink black coffee
If you want an espresso or a longer coffee with minimal fuss, compare capsule and soft pod machines. Check which cup sizes are available and how much room you’ll need to access the water tank.
Which approach suits you?
How much you want to do each morning and the drinks you make will help you choose the right system.
Households that switch between black coffee and milk-based drinks
A bean-to-cup machine with a milk system can automate some of the preparation. Also check which parts need rinsing after each use: an automated drink doesn’t mean there’s no cleaning to do.
Fans of hands-on coffee making
A portafilter machine lets you control the grind, dose and extraction; a steam wand also means preparing the milk yourself. This approach is a good fit if these steps are part of what you enjoy.
What should you look for day to day?
Start with the drinks you usually make, then consider each system alongside the cleaning involved and the space you have available.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Quick preparation | Check the available drink sizes, the controls you’ll need to use and, if you use beans, which steps are automated. A one-touch control doesn’t mean every type of drink is available. | In the morning, I want to make my usual coffee without adjusting the grind or measuring out coffee every time. |
| Milk-based drinks | Check whether the machine has an automatic milk carafe or a manual steam wand. Find out how to remove and rinse any parts that come into contact with milk. | If I often make cappuccinos, I want to know what I’ll need to do after each cup. |
| Cleaning and maintenance | Check the model’s manual for rinsing, removable parts, alerts and descaling. According to De'Longhi France, how often you need to descale a bean-to-cup machine depends in part on the hardness of your water. | A quick cleaning routine matters more to me than having a wide range of recipes. |
| Noise and set-up | Check the full dimensions, whether the lids can open and how easy it is to access the water tank. A grinder makes noise that you won’t get from a machine without one; a claim that a particular model is quieter doesn’t compare all machines. | I sometimes make coffee while other people are asleep, and the machine needs to be easy to fill on my worktop. |
| Coffee format | Check which formats the exact model accepts: whole beans, pre-ground coffee, capsules or pods. For Nespresso capsules, in particular, make sure you distinguish between the Original and Vertuo systems and the drink sizes they offer. | I want to make the amount of coffee I actually drink, using a format that works with the machine I choose. |
Things not to overlook
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Assuming a bean-to-cup machine only needs beans and water
The coffee grounds container and removable parts also need attention, as does the milk system on some models. Descaling is still necessary; De'Longhi France says how often it’s needed depends on the hardness of your water.
Before you buy, check the model’s manual for rinsing, alerts and compatible cleaning products.
Remember to allow time to empty the grounds container and clean the milk system, if your machine has one.
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Choosing a machine with a milk system based on the number of recipes
An automatic milk carafe and a manual steam wand involve different preparation and cleaning steps.
If you regularly make milk-based drinks, check how the milk system comes apart, how to rinse it and how to add the milk on the exact model you’re considering.
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Measuring only the machine’s width
A machine may fit on your worktop but leave too little room to open the lid, remove the water tank or empty a container. With a bean-to-cup model, also consider when the grinder will be running.
Measure the available width, depth and height, then check the manual to see what access the machine needs. If noise is a deciding factor, try to hear the model in use rather than comparing claims based on different methods.
A guide to the brands
These examples show how different systems work; check the features and cleaning requirements of each individual model.
De'Longhi
The bean-to-cup range includes machines with a steam wand and models with an automatic milk system.
- According to De'Longhi France, its automatic machines make drinks from beans ground by the machine at the touch of a button.
- The brand says how often you need to descale depends on the hardness of your water.
Philips
The LatteGo range includes bean-to-cup machines designed to make a variety of drinks, including milk-based options on models with the system.
- According to Philips France, the 3300 Series EP3347/90 combines a LatteGo milk system with a SilentBrew function.
- The noise-reduction claim applies to this model; it doesn’t tell you how noisy another machine will be.
Nespresso
Original capsule machines are designed for smaller coffees, while Vertuo offers other drink sizes.
- Nespresso France says the Essenza Mini Original makes a 40 ml espresso or a 110 ml lungo.
- Choose your system before buying capsules, and remember to descale the machine as recommended.
Senseo
Soft pod machines are designed for both short and longer coffees, with some models able to make two cups at once.
- Senseo France says its Original model makes one cup in 30 seconds and two cups in under 60 seconds.
- Senseo recommends descaling regularly and gives specific instructions for machines without a descaling light.
Sage
The portafilter range is for those who want more control over extraction and milk preparation.
- According to Sage France, the Barista Express with a thermal milk jug has an integrated conical burr grinder and 16 grind settings.
- The portafilter and steam wand need to be handled and cleaned according to how they’re used.
Machines to consider on Joybuy
This selection includes mainly bean-to-cup machines, plus a capsule machine for households that mostly make espresso or lungo.
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HiBREW H16, automatic espresso machine with grinder and milk system
Worth considering if you want to make coffee from beans and milk-based drinks with an automatic machine. The product description lists six types of coffee; check the exact recipes and how to clean the milk system before choosing.
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De'Longhi Magnifica Evo LatteCrema ECAM290.61.B, black
Its LatteCrema system is worth a closer look if milk-based drinks are part of your routine. Check the recipes available on this version, as the information provided varies on how many there are. Also check the instructions for cleaning the carafe.
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De'Longhi Magnifica Start ECAM220.21.WW, white
This bean-to-cup machine is worth comparing if you want to automate coffee preparation but still make milk yourself with the steam wand. Check that this step and cleaning the wand suit how often you make coffee.
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KRUPS Nespresso Essenza Mini YY2912FD, white, 0,6 L, 1200 W
This Nespresso Original capsule machine is worth considering if you mostly drink espresso or lungo and have limited space. Check that these drink sizes and the compatible capsules suit your needs; you’ll still need to descale it.
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De'Longhi Magnifica S ECAM22.140.B, black
This automatic machine with a grinder is another option for everyday coffee from beans. Its steam wand means you’ll need to prepare milk by hand; check the space you’ll need around the machine and the maintenance required for this model.
Frequently asked questions
Do bean-to-cup, capsule and pod machines need descaling?
Yes. These systems all need descaling, but how often depends on the model and how you use it. De'Longhi France says the frequency for its bean-to-cup machines depends in part on the hardness of your water. Senseo France recommends following the indicator or, for a machine without one, descaling every three months, up to six times a year. Follow your machine’s manual rather than another brand’s schedule.
Is a machine described as quiet necessarily suitable for a flat?
No. A noise-reduction claim applies to a specific model and doesn’t necessarily reflect how loud it will seem in your kitchen. If you make coffee early in the morning, consider whether it has a grinder and where you’ll put it. If possible, listen to the machine running before you buy.
How do you choose between Nespresso Original and Vertuo?
Start by thinking about the amount of coffee you usually drink and which capsules the machine accepts. Nespresso France describes Original as suited to smaller drinks such as espresso and lungo, while Vertuo also offers other sizes. Check that the capsules are compatible with the specific system before you buy.
Where can you recycle aluminium or plastic coffee capsules in France?
ADEME says aluminium or plastic coffee capsules should go in the recycling bin, bag or container for paper and packaging. Check what your capsules are made from and consult your local guidance if you’re unsure how to dispose of them.