You’re in a hurry and short on worktop space
If you mainly make one cup at a time, measure the space available before choosing a machine for its simplicity. Remember to allow room to fill the water tank and use the machine.
Which option is right for you?
Your household would rather avoid single-serve portions
Ground coffee or beans may suit your routine better if you’re happy to handle the preparation and cleaning your chosen machine requires. UFC-Que Choisir points out that different types of machine vary in these respects.
You’re mindful of coffee waste
Check what your consumables are made from and which disposal options are available locally. ADEME distinguishes, for example, between recycling aluminium or plastic capsules and composting coffee grounds and paper filters.
What should you prioritise?
First decide whether you want to make one cup on demand or several cups in one go. Then compare the machine’s actual footprint, consumables and cleaning requirements.
Soft coffee pods
Worth considering: for a simple way to make one cup, or two if the model allows it. Philips says its Senseo Original HD7806/53 can make one or two cups in under a minute.
Bear in mind: the pods and features need to suit the specific model you choose. The claim for this Senseo doesn’t apply to the whole range.
Capsules
Worth considering: if you want single-serve coffee and can find a model that fits your worktop.
Bear in mind: check the exact system before choosing capsules: Nespresso Original and Vertuo are two different systems.
Portafilter espresso machine
Worth considering: if you want to use ground coffee and don’t mind preparing the portafilter each time you make a drink.
Bear in mind: check the model’s instructions for cleaning and descaling. Descaling needs depend in part on the hardness of your water.
Bean-to-cup espresso machine
Worth considering: if you prefer to fill a machine with beans and water, then make drinks using its controls.
Bear in mind: UFC-Que Choisir says a grinder generally takes up more space and makes more noise than a capsule system or filter coffee machine. Its components also need regular cleaning.
Compact filter coffee machine
Worth considering: if you want to make several cups of ground coffee in one cycle.
Bear in mind: this type of machine is designed for a different need from a single espresso. Check how much coffee the model makes and how long it takes to brew.
| Criteria | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Speed and space | Compare the machine’s three dimensions with the space available, then check access to the water tank and whether it can make the number of cups you want. | If I only have time for one cup in the morning, the machine needs to fit on my worktop without making it difficult to fill. Around 36% of consumers prioritise this combination. |
| Consumable compatibility | Identify the exact system and the consumables it takes; also check which products you’ll need for cleaning and maintenance. | I don’t want to find out after buying that the portions for my machine don’t fit my routine. Having that choice comes first for around 29% of consumers. |
| Recycling and disposal | Check what the capsules are made from and follow local guidance. If you want to compost them, make sure there’s a suitable option available. | If I sort my coffee waste, I need a recycling or disposal option I can actually use at home. This is the top priority for around 21% of consumers. |
| Drinks and handling | Check which drinks the machine makes, what accessories you’ll need and which parts need cleaning after use. | I want to make drinks for my household without taking on a cleaning routine that doesn’t suit me. Around 14% of consumers prioritise their choice of drinks and the steps involved. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Choosing a capsule machine without identifying its system
The word ‘capsule’ alone doesn’t tell you whether they’ll be compatible. Nespresso Original and Vertuo are different systems.
Check the machine’s full platform name on its product page, then make sure you choose capsules that match it exactly.
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Assuming every capsule labelled compostable is suitable for your home
In France, ADEME distinguishes aluminium or plastic capsules, which go in packaging recycling, from paper capsules, which need a suitable composting option.
Check the material listed and the local guidance before choosing your consumables.
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Comparing machines by width alone
A narrow machine may need more depth or clearance to open its lid and fill the water tank.
Measure the available width, depth and height, then check that you can easily reach the parts you’ll use every day.
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Confusing automatic operation with being maintenance-free
A grinder has parts that need rinsing. For the Dedica range, De’Longhi says descaling can take around 25 to 30 minutes; this timing doesn’t apply to other models.
Check the instructions for the model you’re considering to find out which parts to clean, which products are suitable and what the descaling process involves.
Brands to know
Philips Senseo
The Senseo range includes machines that use soft coffee pods, designed in particular for making individual cups of coffee.
- Philips says its Senseo Original HD7806/53 makes one or two cups in under a minute.
- Check the features, dimensions and pods for the specific model you’re considering.
Nespresso
The brand offers systems including Original and Vertuo. Make sure you know which one you’re choosing when you pick a machine and capsules.
- According to Nespresso’s product page, the Essenza Mini Original in Matte Cream measures 8.4 × 33 × 20.4 cm.
- Don’t assume these dimensions or capsule format apply to another model; check its product page first.
De’Longhi
The Dedica range includes portafilter espresso machines, with cleaning instructions specific to the relevant models.
- De’Longhi provides guidance on adjusting Dedica’s descaling settings to suit water hardness.
- The process can take around 25 to 30 minutes. Check your model’s instructions for the steps and approved products.
Melitta
Melitta offers filter coffee machines and automatic bean-to-cup machines, designed for different coffee-making routines.
- The brand describes the Avanza as a compact automatic machine.
- Before choosing a model for a small kitchen, compare its dimensions and cleaning needs, and check how much space you’ll need to use it.
Coffee machines to consider on Joybuy
These machines offer several ways to make your morning coffee: soft pods, capsules, a portafilter or a grinder. Compare each one with the space you have and the steps you’re happy to take every day.
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Philips Senseo CSA260/91 Maestro, intense red
For your morning coffee, check that the pods compatible with this Maestro and the preparation steps suit your routine.
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KRUPS Nespresso Essenza Mini, white, 0,6 L, 1200 W
If you’re looking for a capsule machine for single cups, check which capsule system it uses and allow enough room to open the machine and fill its 0,6 L water tank.
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Nespresso Vertuo ENV90.B Vertuo Pop, black, 0,6 L
If you’re opting for a Vertuo capsule routine, check there’s enough space around this machine and choose capsules that match its system. Its water tank is listed as 0,6 L.
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Cuisinart EM160E Slim espresso machine
If you prefer making espresso with a portafilter, check the space needed to prepare your coffee and consult the instructions for this model’s cleaning requirements.
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Philips EP2230/10 Series 2200 LatteGo, glossy black
If you’re considering a machine with a grinder rather than single-serve portions, check its dimensions, access to the tanks and which parts need cleaning before making room for it in a small kitchen.
Frequently asked questions
Where should you dispose of coffee capsules in France?
According to ADEME, aluminium or plastic capsules should go in the recycling bin, bag or container for paper and packaging. Check what your capsules are made from and follow the local guidance.
Can you compost coffee grounds and filters?
Yes. ADEME lists coffee grounds and paper filters as compostable waste. For paper capsules, check whether home or shared composting, or a suitable food waste collection service, is available near you.
When should you descale a coffee machine?
How often depends in part on the model, how you use it and the hardness of your water. Check your machine’s instructions and alerts. For Dedica, De’Longhi says to take the water-hardness setting into account.
What should you do with a broken or end-of-life coffee machine?
If it breaks down, first see whether it can be repaired. If it still works, you could also consider donating it. To dispose of a machine, ecosystem offers a tool to help you find a collection point for electrical equipment.