If you regularly make espresso and want to choose your own beans, a machine with a grinder is worth considering, provided your household has room for it and is happy to maintain it. A capsule machine is still a good option when space and simplicity matter most. Soft coffee pods and portafilter machines are also worth considering, depending on the type of coffee you want and how hands-on you’re prepared to be.
If choosing your own beans and making coffee to order matter more to you than keeping things compact, it’s worth comparing a machine with a grinder against a capsule machine. UFC-Que Choisir also highlights how often you drink coffee as a factor in this choice.
A quick routine and limited worktop space may make a capsule machine the better fit. Check the machine’s dimensions and allow enough room to access its water tank.
A steam wand or milk system affects the steps you’ll need to take after making each drink. Compare the recipes available on the model you’re considering with the cleaning you’re happy to do.
For consistently good espresso at home, start with what matters most to you, then check how much space, hands-on preparation and maintenance each model requires.
| Criteria | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Coffee and consumables | Types of coffee accepted; availability of beans, capsules or compatible pods. | If I make espresso every day, I want to be able to buy the coffee format I’ve chosen without changing my routine. Around 29% of consumers put this need first. |
| Space and simplicity | Dimensions, including the clearance needed; preparation steps and noise. | In a small kitchen, I look for a machine that fits neatly and is quick to use. This is the main priority for around 29% of consumers. |
| Drinks and settings | Recipes available on the model; whether it has a steam wand or milk system. | If my household switches between espresso and milk-based drinks, I want features suited to the drinks we actually make. Variety of drinks comes first for around 21% of consumers. |
| Maintenance and waste | Cleaning and descaling requirements; access to a suitable collection scheme for used capsules. | I prefer to know what maintenance is involved and how to dispose of consumables before choosing a machine. Around 21% of consumers prioritise this. |
UFC-Que Choisir notes that a machine with a grinder takes up more space and makes more noise than a capsule system. These differences matter most if the machine sits on a shared worktop or is used early in the morning. With soft coffee pods, check which formats are compatible. For a portafilter machine, consider the steps involved in making each espresso.
The type of coffee, maintenance consumables and how often you make coffee all affect what the machine will require day to day.
Make a note of how many espressos your household prepares and check which consumables each model you’re considering needs.
A steam wand and a milk circuit don’t require the same cleaning routine. JURA, for example, recommends a dedicated cleaning process for its machines with a milk system.
If you only make milk-based drinks occasionally, compare the cleaning instructions for a steam wand and an integrated system before choosing.
Remember to allow time for cleaning after making milk-based drinks, too.
ADEME states that capsules thrown away with household rubbish go through the household waste disposal route, rather than automatically being collected separately.
Check what your chosen capsules are made from and what collection options are available near you.
Coffee machines are not included in the list of product categories covered by the repairability index, published by the ministry responsible for the ecological transition on 8 July 2025.
For the exact model, ask which spare parts are available and what repair options are offered.
Its bean-to-cup range includes the Magnifica, Dinamica and Eletta Explore lines, with features varying by range and model.
Depending on the series, its automatic machines may come with a classic milk frother or a LatteGo system.
The range includes machines designed for black coffee, as well as models equipped for milk-based drinks.
These Joybuy models let you compare two ways to make espresso without rigid capsules: a machine with a built-in grinder and one that uses ground coffee. Focus on the preparation steps and maintenance involved with each.
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Worth considering if you want to make espresso with a grinder and would like the LatteGo variant. Check the maintenance requirements for the EP2230/10, especially if you use the milk system.
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This bean-to-cup espresso machine is worth comparing if you’re looking for a routine without capsules. Before choosing it, check how much room you’ll need to fill and maintain the machine.
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Its built-in grinder makes it worth considering if you want to make espresso from beans. Measure the space you have available and check the model’s maintenance instructions before choosing.
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This portafilter machine is an option if you prefer to be more involved in making your espresso. The product name states 15 bar; confirm the tank capacity for the variant on sale, as the available specifications differ.
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Worth considering if you’d like to make espresso with ground coffee rather than using a built-in grinder. The machine is described as semi-automatic and has a milk-frothing function. Check the preparation steps and dimensions to make sure it suits your kitchen.
Rinse the trays and descale the machine according to its instructions. If you make milk-based drinks, clean the steam wand or milk circuit as directed by the manufacturer. JURA notes that milk residue contains proteins and fats, among other things.
No. ADEME states that capsules thrown away with household rubbish go through the household waste disposal route. Check what your capsules are made from and what local collection options are available.
Not based on the list of product categories published by the ministry responsible for the ecological transition on 8 July 2025: coffee machines are not included. Instead, ask about spare parts and repair options for each specific model.