Busy mornings
If you want a short espresso with minimal effort before heading out, a pod machine fits the bill. Check which pod system it uses and make sure the pods you plan to buy are readily available.
Which option is right for you?
Regular coffee bean drinkers
A bean-to-cup machine lets you choose your beans and, depending on the model, adjust your drink or prepare milk-based coffees. You’ll need to make space for it and keep up with the regular cleaning recommended by UFC-Que Choisir.
Those looking to avoid disposable pods
A refillable pod could suit you if you’re happy to fill, empty and clean it. UFC-Que Choisir advises checking its design and compatibility with your machine before buying.
What should you compare?
If you drink espresso regularly at home, start by thinking about the task you’re happy to repeat every day: loading a pod, maintaining a grinder or filling a reusable pod. If you’d rather measure out ground coffee yourself, a portafilter machine is another option, though it involves more steps.
| Factor | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Everyday speed | Which pod format the machine accepts and the cup sizes it offers. | When I’m short on time, I want a short espresso without measuring out coffee or clearing away the grounds. Around 36% of consumers would put this convenience first. |
| Choice of beans | Useful settings and the maintenance required for the grinder you choose. | If I make espresso often, I’d rather choose my own beans, even if the machine takes up more space and needs more cleaning. This would be the top priority for around 29% of consumers. |
| Disposable pods | Whether a refillable pod is compatible with your machine and whether a convenient recycling option is available. | I want to cut down on disposable portions and am happy to fill and clean a pod, as long as I don’t risk using one that’s unsuitable for my machine. This would be the main concern for around 21% of consumers. |
| Variety of drinks | Available formats and settings, plus how to clean any parts that come into contact with milk. | At home, I also make longer coffees or milk-based drinks and want features I’ll actually use. Around 14% of consumers would prioritise this variety. |
What should you look out for?
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Relying on the word ‘compatible’ alone
A refillable pod must be suitable for the exact system and model of your machine. UFC-Que Choisir notes that some machines may have to work harder with pods that have fixed lids.
Check your machine’s model number and compare the manufacturer’s guidance with the details of the pod you’re considering.
Remember to factor in the time it takes to fill, empty and clean the pod; some systems use disposable film.
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Forgetting about the jobs you’ll repeat
With pods, you’ll need to keep buying replacements; a grinder needs its trays rinsed and its descaling instructions followed. According to UFC-Que Choisir, these tasks are part of regular use of an automatic machine.
Think about how each routine fits with the number of espressos you usually make, and check the instructions for the model you’re considering.
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Assuming recycling happens automatically
A pod will only be sorted or collected if you actually take the necessary steps. ADEME also recommends avoiding individually wrapped products where possible.
Check the sorting guidance for your pods and whether there’s a collection point that’s convenient for you.
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Choosing a milk function without considering the cleaning
A steam wand or frother means extra parts to clean after making milk-based drinks; automatic coffee preparation doesn’t get rid of these jobs.
Choose this feature if you’ll really use it, and read the cleaning instructions for the exact model.
Brands to know
Nespresso
The brand’s Original system focuses on ristretto-to-lungo sizes, while Vertuo also caters for larger cups.
- These formats let you choose a system to suit the drinks you like.
- The system determines which pods you can use, so don’t assume a refillable pod will be compatible.
Philips
Its bean-to-cup range includes machines with settings and, depending on the model, a milk frother. The Series 2200 EP2225/10 is one example, with two drink options.
- Philips lists strength and volume settings for the EP2225/10.
- Check the accessories and maintenance requirements for the exact model; these features aren’t available across the whole range.
De’Longhi
The brand offers several bean-to-cup ranges, including Magnifica, Dinamica, Eletta and PrimaDonna, each with different drink options.
- Its ranges make it easy to compare the coffee and milk features you’ll actually use.
- De’Longhi recommends rinsing and, where the model has a removable infuser, cleaning it regularly. Check the relevant instructions.
Machines for making espresso without pre-filled pods
These Joybuy models include bean-to-cup machines for choosing your own coffee beans, as well as a portafilter machine for preparing ground coffee yourself. They offer two ways to avoid pre-filled pods, each with different preparation and cleaning routines.
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Philips Series 2200 EP2230/10 LatteGo, glossy black
For regular bean-to-cup espresso, with a LatteGo system if you also make milk-based drinks.
Check the instructions for the maintenance required for this model. The AquaClean filter is listed as compatible but isn’t included.
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De’Longhi Magnifica Start ECAM220.21.WW, white
Choose your own beans and make espresso without handling a portafilter for every cup.
Check how much room it needs on your worktop and what cleaning is required in the instructions.
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HiBREW H16, grinder and milk system
Make espresso from beans while still having the option to prepare milk-based drinks.
The model name lists six coffee varieties and a touchscreen. Check the instructions for cleaning the grinder and milk system.
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De’Longhi Magnifica S ECAM22.140.B, black
Make espresso with the integrated grinder; the steam wand is also useful if you regularly prepare milk-based drinks.
Check it will fit in your kitchen and allow time to clean the wand and drip tray as instructed.
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De’Longhi Dedica Style EC685.BK, black
Prepare espresso yourself using ground coffee instead of pre-filled pods. With a portafilter, you’ll need to measure out the coffee and clean the parts you use.
The product name states 15 bar. Check the water tank capacity for this variant before buying, as the available information is inconsistent.
Frequently asked questions
Will a refillable pod work with every pod machine?
No. You’ll need to check it’s compatible with the exact system and model of your machine. UFC-Que Choisir points out that refillable pods vary in design, and some machines may have to work harder with fixed lids. Check the guidance from both manufacturers before buying.
What maintenance does a bean-to-cup machine need?
UFC-Que Choisir recommends regularly rinsing the grounds and drip trays, as well as descaling the machine when required. If your model has a removable infuser, follow the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions too.
Where can I recycle aluminium or plastic coffee pods in France?
ADEME advises putting them in the recycling bin, bag or container for paper and packaging. Also check your local authority’s sorting guidance and, if you’d prefer to drop them off, the collection options available for your pod system.
Is a collection point a convenient way to recycle my pods?
It can be, if you’re able to drop off your pods regularly. Nespresso lists collection points across France for its used pods; check that they accept your system and are easy for you to get to before relying on one as your usual option.