If you make several coffees a day, capsules and pods require very little effort, but you’ll need to check which formats are compatible. A portafilter gives you more control over the preparation process. A bean-to-cup machine automates the process, but you’ll need to make room for it and put up with the noise and maintenance—drawbacks noted by Que Choisir.
A bean-to-cup machine is worth considering if you want to use whole beans without preparing every cup with a portafilter. Bear in mind that you’ll need space for the machine and time to maintain it. Que Choisir also notes that grinding can be noisy.
Capsules and pods save you from measuring and tamping the coffee. Before choosing a machine, check exactly which format it takes and what drinks it can make.
A portafilter is a good choice if you’re happy to measure out ground coffee and clean the accessories after use. If you’d rather start with whole beans and do less hands-on preparation, consider an automatic grinder instead. For milk-based drinks, check the features of the specific model.
Start with the drinks you make most often, then check which coffee formats the machine accepts and what maintenance you’re happy to carry out regularly.
| Criteria | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Preparation and compatibility | Check which format the machine takes: capsules, soft coffee pods, ground coffee or whole beans. Consider what you’ll need to do between cups and whether you can make two coffees at once. | In the morning, I’d rather make coffee without measuring or tamping, so I’ll check which consumables are compatible before choosing a capsule or pod machine. |
| Drinks and settings | Check the drinks available on the exact model, such as lungo, espresso or milk-based recipes. If you want milk drinks, look for a steam wand or a dedicated system, and check what cleaning it involves. | If different people want different drinks, I’ll check the recipes and settings on the model rather than relying on the range name alone. |
| Maintenance | Check how easy it is to access the trays and brewing unit, the descaling instructions and, where applicable, how to clean the milk system. Que Choisir recommends descaling a grinder when prompted by the machine. | I want to know which parts need cleaning after making coffee each day and which tasks take a little longer. |
| Space and noise | Measure the available space, including room to refill the reservoirs. If noise is a concern, look for measurements for the specific model: Que Choisir notes that grinding adds noise. | In a small kitchen or early in the morning, the machine’s size and noise level can matter just as much as how it makes coffee. |
A machine designed for a specific system won’t necessarily accept other formats. For example, Senseo says its Original machine uses Senseo pods.
Check the exact name of the system your model accepts before choosing your coffee.
The trays, brewing unit (depending on the model) and any parts that come into contact with milk all need regular attention. Que Choisir warns that limescale build-up can block the system.
Check the model’s instructions to find out how to access the parts, what needs cleaning and how to descale the machine.
Allow time in your routine for cleaning and descaling, especially if several people use the machine every day.
In France, the Ministry for the Economy explains that the legal guarantee of conformity applies to goods sold by a business to a private individual. It is separate from a commercial guarantee. Que Choisir has noted that some grinder manufacturers’ guarantees set limits based on the number of coffees made.
Read the terms of any advertised commercial guarantee and keep your proof of purchase. If a product is faulty or does not conform to its description, contact the retailer under the legal guarantee.
The Original range is an example of a pre-dosed capsule system. Check that the capsules you have in mind are compatible with the machine.
Senseo says its Original machine uses Senseo pods and can make one or two cups.
De'Longhi’s range of domestic bean-to-cup machines includes the Magnifica S, which is described as offering two drinks and a steam wand.
Philips is one of the brands to consider for a domestic bean-to-cup espresso machine, particularly if milk-based drinks are part of your routine.
These Joybuy models represent the four preparation methods covered here: capsules, soft coffee pods, portafilter and whole-bean grinder. Compare the coffee formats they use and the steps involved to find one that suits your household’s routine.
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Worth considering if your household wants an automatic grinder and also makes milk-based drinks. Check the instructions for the drinks available on this model and how to maintain the LatteGo system.
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A pod machine for anyone who’d rather avoid measuring coffee by hand. Check which pod format this model accepts and what drinks it can make before choosing your coffee.
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This automatic grinder is for households that want to use whole beans without preparing every coffee with a portafilter. De'Longhi’s Magnifica S has a steam wand, which also needs cleaning after making milk-based drinks. Make sure you have enough space for the model being sold.
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A portafilter machine to consider if you want to prepare your own ground coffee and clean the accessories after use. The title lists 15 bar, but the reservoir capacity varies between descriptions, so check the listing for the model you choose.
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A capsule machine to consider if you prefer pre-dosed coffee and have limited space. The title lists a 0,6 L reservoir and 1200 W power. Check which capsule format is compatible and what drinks this model can make.
Don’t assume the two systems produce the same extraction. Senseo lists a pump pressure of 1 bar for its Original model, which is designed for its pods. Choose a portafilter if you want to measure out ground coffee and control the preparation process.
Clean the trays and accessible parts regularly, as well as the milk system if you use it. Follow the model’s descaling instructions: Que Choisir warns that limescale build-up can block the system.
According to the ADEME’s guidance, aluminium and plastic capsules should go in the packaging recycling. For paper capsules, check the composting requirements and local collection options.
No. The Ministry for the Economy explains that the legal guarantee of conformity applies when a business sells goods to a private individual. A commercial guarantee is separate and may have its own terms and conditions. Read those terms, but contact the retailer if you’re making a claim because the product is faulty or does not conform to its description.