If you make several coffees in a row, a capsule or soft pod machine keeps things simple, while a portafilter machine is a good choice if you’d like more control over the brewing process. A bean-to-cup machine lets you use whole beans and prepare your coffee at the touch of a button, but it takes up more space and needs regular maintenance. Whichever type you choose, check the water tank capacity and how easy it is to start brewing the next cup.
If you’re making one cup after another, focus on how easy the machine is to refill, how long it takes to heat up and what you need to do between brews. Que Choisir includes consistency between consecutive cups in its testing process for bean-to-cup machines.
Capsules and pods make it easy to measure out each serving. If you’d rather avoid individual packaging for every cup, consider whole beans or ground coffee too, bearing in mind the preparation and maintenance involved with each machine.
A portafilter machine involves more hands-on steps to make your coffee. A grinder automates some of the process, but you’ll still need to clean the containers and descale the machine. In either case, choose a routine your household can keep up with regularly.
Start by thinking about how many cups you make in a row, then compare the steps between brews, the types of coffee the machine accepts and the maintenance it needs.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Consecutive cups | Compare the water tank, heat-up time and steps needed to start the machine again. If comparable test results are available, check how consistent the volume and temperature are from cup to cup: Que Choisir measures these factors for bean-to-cup machines. | Several people will be making coffee one after another: I want to be able to fill the machine and make the next cup without a long delay. |
| Brewing method | Check whether the machine takes capsules, soft pods, ground coffee or whole beans. For pre-portioned coffee, check the exact compatible format; for a portafilter machine, consider the steps involved in dosing and cleaning. | I prefer pre-measured portions, or I’d like to choose my own beans or ground coffee and have more control over the brewing process. |
| Maintenance | Check how easy it is to access the water tank and containers, which parts need cleaning and how to descale the model. Philips says its Senseo machines need to be descaled regularly. | I’m looking for a cleaning routine we can stick to, even on days when we make several coffees. |
| Space and noise | Measure the space available and allow room to remove the tanks. Que Choisir says bean-to-cup espresso machines generally take up more space and make more noise than capsule machines. | The machine will sit on a narrow worktop, or its noise could be disruptive when the household is busy. |
| Packaging | Check what material the coffee portions are made from and find out which recycling guidance applies. In France, ADEME says aluminium and plastic capsules should go in the recycling collection for paper and packaging. | I’d like to reduce individual packaging, or make sure we can recycle the portions we use correctly. |
Making coffee at the touch of a button doesn’t mean you can skip emptying and cleaning the containers or descaling the machine. Depending on the model, other accessible parts may also need cleaning.
Check the manual for the model you’re considering and make sure you can easily access the water tank, coffee grounds container and brewing unit, if it’s removable.
Recycling instructions depend on the material the capsule or pod is made from. In France, ADEME says aluminium and plastic capsules should be recycled with paper and packaging.
Check what material the portions compatible with your machine are made from, then look up the applicable recycling guidance before throwing them away.
Que Choisir says bean-to-cup espresso machines are generally bulkier and noisier than capsule machines. You’ll also need to be able to reach the parts that need filling or removing.
Measure the space available, including the room needed to handle the containers and water tank. If noise matters in your household, look for comparable test results for the model you’re considering.
De’Longhi offers a range of automatic machines that make drinks using beans ground by the machine.
Philips offers bean-to-cup espresso machines as well as Senseo machines that use soft pods. The brewing method depends on the range you choose.
Nespresso is a well-known name in capsule machines and single-serve coffee.
These models showcase the four brewing methods covered here: grinder, soft pods, capsules and portafilter. If your household makes several coffees a day, compare each model with your serving routine, the space you have available and the maintenance you’re prepared to do.
Image unavailable
This bean-to-cup machine is a good fit if you want to use whole beans and enjoy an automated brewing process. If you’re making several coffees in a row, check the variant details for the water tank capacity and what you need to do between cups. You’ll also need to maintain the grinder.
Image unavailable
Soft pods are a good choice if you prefer pre-measured portions. Check which pod format this model accepts and how much room you’ll need to fill the water tank. As with other Senseo machines, you’ll need to descale it regularly.
Image unavailable
This machine makes coffee from whole beans and is designed for households that prefer an automated brewing process. Check that it will fit on your worktop and that the containers are easy to access for cleaning. The steam wand needs to be operated manually when making milk-based drinks.
Image unavailable
This capsule machine is designed for single-serve coffee. Its 0.6 L tank is worth considering if several people will be having coffee one after another: think about how often you’re happy to refill it and check which capsule format it accepts.
Image unavailable
This portafilter model is a good choice if you’re happy to handle and clean the portafilter between brews. Before choosing it for several coffees a day, confirm the water tank capacity for this variant: the available capacity information for this model is contradictory.
Compare the water tank, how easy it is to refill and how long it takes to make the next cup, rather than focusing only on the number of drinks available. For bean-to-cup machines, Que Choisir also measures how consistent the volume and temperature are between consecutive cups in its testing process.
Yes. The convenience of pods doesn’t mean you can skip descaling. Philips recommends regular descaling for its Senseo machines; follow the instructions in your model’s manual.
You’ll need to empty and clean the containers, maintain the accessible parts listed in the manual and descale the machine according to its instructions. Check the requirements for the exact model before buying, especially if you’ll be making several coffees every day.
ADEME says aluminium and plastic capsules should go in the recycling bin, bag or container for paper and packaging. For portions made from other materials, check the relevant recycling guidance.
Whether a machine can be repaired depends on factors including the model and the availability of parts. Nespresso says it offers support for its machines, but also notes that repairs or after-sales service may not be possible if the necessary parts are no longer available.