Limited worktop space and a quick brew
If you want to make a cup with minimal effort, consider a capsule or pod machine. Just make sure the coffee format you choose is compatible with the machine.
Which approach is right for you?
Hands-on preparation and milk-based drinks
A portafilter machine could suit you if you’re happy to measure out the coffee, handle and clean the filter and, depending on the model, use a steam wand. Make sure you measure the space needed around the machine, too.
Frequent coffee and keeping an eye on running costs
If you drink coffee regularly, compare the cost of beans with that of the coffee formats you usually buy. A grinder means you don’t have to choose a capsule system, but it does take up space and needs regular maintenance.
What sets these machines apart?
For everyday use at home, start with the drink you make most often, then check how much space you have and what maintenance the model requires.
| What to consider | What to check | Who it suits |
|---|---|---|
| Space and ease of use | Measure the width, depth and height, allowing room to access the water tank. For a capsule machine, check which system it’s compatible with. | When worktop space is limited, making a cup without a lot of steps becomes a priority; around 37% of consumers value this simplicity in a small space. |
| Long coffee or two cups | Check the drinks available and whether the specific model can make two cups at once. | In a household that mainly drinks long coffees or serves two people at once, these drinks may matter more than manual settings; around 18% of consumers put long coffees or two cups at the top of their list. |
| Hands-on preparation | Check which filters are included and whether there’s a steam wand if you make milk-based drinks. | If you want to choose your own ground coffee and have more control over the preparation, you’ll need to be happy with the handling and cleaning involved; around 18% of consumers prioritise this control. |
| Running costs and maintenance | Compare the cost of your usual coffee formats for the same number of cups, then check the machine’s depth and the maintenance tasks set out in its instructions. | If you make several coffees regularly, the long-term cost of the coffee may matter more than the speed of a capsule; around 27% of consumers prioritise running costs and the freedom to choose their beans. |
Choosing a type of machine doesn’t remove the need to check the specific model: a narrow machine isn’t necessarily shallow or low-maintenance. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes between capsule, soft pod, portafilter and grinder machines. Its guide to grinders notes that the cost per cup is lower than for pod espresso, but that doesn’t determine how much your own coffees will cost.
Things to bear in mind
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Assuming all capsule systems are the same
Compatibility depends on the system you choose. Nespresso says its Original capsules are compatible with its Original machines; this doesn’t apply to every capsule machine.
Check the exact system used by the model before choosing the capsules you plan to use regularly.
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Leaving coffee costs out of the comparison
If you use your machine frequently, your chosen coffee format affects its running costs. UFC-Que Choisir notes a difference between capsules and whole or ground coffee, but the cost for your household depends on the coffee and quantities you actually use.
Compare the formats you usually buy on a like-for-like basis, taking into account how many cups you drink.
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Judging how compact a machine is by its width alone
A narrow machine can still be deep. The De'Longhi Magnifica S ECAM22.140.B, for example, is 429 mm deep according to De'Longhi; this measurement doesn’t apply to all grinders.
Measure the width, depth and height of the space available, and leave enough room to access the water tank and trays. Check the instructions for cleaning and descaling, too.
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Choosing capsules without thinking about recycling
How you sort capsules for recycling depends on their material and the collection options available.
Check what the capsules you’re considering are made of, and follow the ADEME guidance as well as your local recycling instructions.
Brands to know
Nespresso
Worth considering if you’re happy to choose a specific capsule system for making drinks such as espressos and lungos.
- Nespresso says its Original aluminium or paper-based capsules are compatible with Nespresso Original machines.
- This stated compatibility doesn’t automatically extend to Vertuo or other systems.
SENSEO / Philips
An option for soft pods and long or intense coffees, depending on the drinks available on the model.
- Philips says the Original Plus CSA210/50 can make one or two cups.
- For the relevant SENSEO machines, Philips recommends descaling every three months.
De'Longhi
The Dedica Style EC685.M portafilter machine and Magnifica S ECAM22.140.B grinder machine show two different ways to make coffee at home.
- De'Longhi gives the Dedica Style EC685.M a width of 149 mm.
- The Magnifica S ECAM22.140.B is 429 mm deep according to De'Longhi, so measure your available space before considering this model.
Machines to consider on Joybuy
This selection includes capsule machines, portafilter machines and a model with a grinder, to suit different ways of enjoying coffee at home. Compare each machine with the space you have and the preparation steps you’re happy to take every day.
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KRUPS Nespresso Essenza Mini, 0.6 L, white
A straightforward way to make an espresso or lungo without handling a portafilter. The product title lists a 0.6 L water tank and 1,200 W power. Before choosing your coffee, check that it’s compatible with the Nespresso Original system specified for this model.
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HiBREW H10B, semi-automatic espresso machine
Worth considering if you’d like to take a more hands-on approach and use a portafilter. The product title lists 20 bar pressure and adjustable temperature; allow space to handle the portafilter and access the water tank.
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HiBREW H2B 5-in-1, capsules and ground coffee
A way to try different coffee formats without committing to just one type of capsule. The product title mentions hot and cold modes as well as 19 bar pressure; check which adapters are included, whether your coffee is compatible and how tall your cups are.
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Cuisinart EM160E Slim, espresso machine
For using ground coffee with a portafilter and taking on the preparation that goes with it. If space is limited, measure the available depth and the room needed to use the steam wand. If you’re starting with whole beans, check how you’ll grind them.
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Ninja Luxe Café Mini ES301EU, 2-in-1 espresso and filter coffee machine
Worth considering if you want to make coffee from whole beans using a built-in grinder, with the choice of espresso or filter coffee. Check the dimensions before making room for it on your worktop, as well as the exact milk-frothing system on this variant.
Frequently asked questions
Are Nespresso Original capsules compatible with all Nespresso machines?
No. Nespresso says its Original capsules are compatible with Nespresso Original machines. If you’re choosing between Original and Vertuo, check the exact system used by the machine and capsules before you buy.
How often should you descale a compact espresso machine?
Follow the instructions for your model, taking the water hardness and how often you use it into account. Philips recommends descaling the relevant SENSEO machines every three months; UFC-Que Choisir suggests that espresso machines need descaling every two to three months on average.
How can you compare coffee costs for different machines?
Compare the coffee formats you’d actually buy on a like-for-like basis, taking into account how many cups you drink. UFC-Que Choisir’s figures for France show that capsule coffee costs more than whole or ground coffee, but this doesn’t determine the cost of each drink in your home.
How should you recycle coffee capsules in France?
Recycling depends on the material. ADEME advises putting aluminium or plastic capsules in the packaging recycling bin. For paper capsules, check which composting options are suitable and follow local guidance.