Start by choosing according to the steps you are happy to carry out for each coffee and for maintenance: capsules and pods offer a guided preparation process, while a portafilter requires more hands-on involvement. An automatic grinder takes care of grinding the beans, but adds the need to manage the coffee grounds and follow cleaning routines. To compare costs, add together the price of the machine, consumables or coffee bought at today’s prices, plus any filters and cleaning products, based on your actual number of cups.
When coffee is a regular part of your routine, the cost of consumables, descaling and daily tasks matters just as much as the machine’s advertised price. Compare the total cost based on your actual number of cups, rather than looking only at the purchase price. Que Choisir specifically lists the machine price, cost per cup, maintenance and waste among the key criteria to consider.
Switching to beans makes sense if you are happy to take on the extra tasks involved with a grinder, including managing the coffee grounds, cleaning and descaling based on your usage and water quality. Que Choisir and De’Longhi both highlight that these machines require a regular maintenance routine.
A portafilter machine could suit you if you are prepared to measure, tamp and clean up after brewing. De’Longhi describes this method as a process led by the user; it is less suitable when your priority is to minimise the number of steps for each cup.
Compare the four methods by starting with your routine: number of cups, the steps you are happy to carry out, available space and how you will deal with consumables after use.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Total cost based on number of cups | Compare the machine price, coffee or consumables, any filters and descaling products. Calculate the total over the same period and divide it by the expected number of cups. | I want to know what my usual consumption will really cost, without relying on an outdated average cost per cup. The figures published by Que Choisir in 2009 do not reflect current prices. |
| Maintenance and descaling | Check the model’s manual for alerts, descaling cycles, compatible products, trays and components that need cleaning. Find out whether water hardness affects how often maintenance is required. | My machine needs to fit into my routine, including emptying the coffee grounds from a grinder and carrying out descaling. De’Longhi states that this frequency depends on water hardness for the relevant Magnifica Evo models. |
| Waste and collection | Separate coffee grounds, capsules, pods and their packaging. Check the material used for the consumable and the guidance that applies in your local area or through the relevant collection scheme. | I want to know what I will do after each coffee. ADEME explains that composting paper capsules depends on suitable local solutions; a collection scheme must also be genuinely accessible. |
| Preparation steps and control | Choose between guided preparation with consumables, a portafilter that you fill and tamp, or a grinder that grinds the beans before extraction. Also check the storage space available for beans or consumables. | Depending on the day, I may prefer to reduce the amount of handling or keep more control over the preparation. Que Choisir distinguishes capsules, soft pods, portafilters and grinders as four machine categories. |
The cost benchmarks published by Que Choisir in 2009 illustrate different spending patterns, but do not reflect current prices, your serving sizes, promotions or chosen brands.
Build a basket using the products you will actually buy, then multiply it by the number of cups you expect to make over the machine’s ownership period.
For the relevant Magnifica Evo models, De’Longhi links descaling to an indicator light and water hardness; the process also involves managing certain trays and the water tank.
Before buying, check the manual for the exact model and find out which parts need emptying, which products are compatible and what cleaning routine is required.
Allow time for cleaning, as well as for any filters or descaling products specified for the model.
Where a capsule goes depends on its material and the solution available near you. ADEME specifically distinguishes the conditional composting of paper capsules from collection points.
Before buying, check which scheme applies to your chosen consumable, then plan for the space and sorting or drop-off step required.
A capsule-system brand, including Original and Vertuo, with drink formats offered through its capsule ecosystem.
A brand of soft-pod machines designed for guided preparation, with models offering one or two cups and, depending on the range, a descaling indicator.
A brand offering manual espresso machines with a portafilter, as well as automatic bean-to-cup espresso machines in France.
A brand active in the home coffee machine market, notably with the Baristina, which combines a grinder and portafilter.
This selection features a Joybuy espresso machine with grinder for regular use at home.
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An option to consider if you want to move from capsules to beans and are happy to manage the coffee grounds and follow a maintenance routine.
Check the cost and availability of the AquaClean filter if you plan to use one, as well as the space required on your worktop and access to the components that need emptying.
Calculate the total cost over the same period: machine, coffee or consumables, filters and any descaling products, then divide it by the actual number of cups you expect to make. Use comparable current prices for the products you buy; the Que Choisir figures published in 2009 are historical.
It adds the need to manage the coffee grounds and components linked to grinding or extraction, but the details depend on the model. For the Magnifica Evo models mentioned by De’Longhi, descaling is indicated by a light and its frequency depends on water hardness; check the manual for the exact model.
Yes. Not having a grinder does not remove the need for descaling. Senseo states that regular descaling is essential for its machines; follow the procedure and use the compatible product specified by your model’s manufacturer.
No. Recovery depends on the material, the collection scheme and the sorting or drop-off option available. ADEME gives specific conditions for paper capsules, for example, as well as dedicated treatment for capsules returned to a collection point; Nespresso’s announcement about its collection points does not cover other systems.