Households that make coffee regularly
If you make several coffees regularly, compare the cost of consumables with the investment and maintenance involved in a grinder or portafilter machine. UFC-Que Choisir covers these types in its buying guide.
Who is each type of machine for?
Coffee lovers who want a simple routine
If you prefer pre-measured portions, check which format the machine accepts and whether you can easily buy the coffee you want. Capsule and pod systems are not all interchangeable.
Households mindful of everyday practicalities
If space, noise, cleaning or waste are important considerations at home, look at the specific machine and its consumables rather than relying on a general promise. UFC-Que Choisir notes, for example, that grinders take up more space and are noisier than capsule systems.
What should you compare before buying?
UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes between capsule, soft pod, portafilter and grinder machines. To choose the right one, compare how much effort each requires and which practical considerations matter most in your household.
Capsule machine
Worth considering: if you want to keep things simple and have limited space.
Bear in mind: you’ll need to use a specific capsule system, with packaging for every serving.
Soft pod machine
Worth considering: if you prefer pre-measured portions and the available format suits your routine.
Bear in mind: soft pods, SENSEO and E.S.E are different formats; check exact compatibility.
Portafilter machine
Worth considering: if you want to use ground coffee and have more involvement in the extraction process.
Bear in mind: you’ll need to handle the filter when filling and emptying it after making coffee.
Bean-to-cup machine
Worth considering: if you make coffee often and want an automatic machine that uses whole beans.
Bear in mind: UFC-Que Choisir notes that these machines take up more space and are noisier than capsule machines; cleaning is also part of the routine.
| Criteria | What to check before buying | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Total cost of coffee | Compare the price of the machine, the coffee used per cup and expected maintenance costs over the same period. | If I make a lot of coffee, I want to compare the ongoing costs with the price of the machine. Around 29% of consumers are said to prioritise total cost. |
| Format and replenishment | Check the system and consumable references: Original, Vertuo, SENSEO soft pods and E.S.E are different formats. | If I want to make coffee without complicated measuring, I check that I can use and buy the right format. Around 23% of consumers prioritise simplicity and compatibility. |
| Space, noise and maintenance | Measure the space needed to use and fill the machine; check how noisy the model is and what cleaning and descaling involve. | If I have a small kitchen or live somewhere where noise is a concern, I want to keep the machine’s footprint and maintenance tasks to a minimum. Around 18% of consumers are said to prioritise these considerations. |
| Control over preparation | Consider whether you’d rather fill a portafilter, adjust a grinder or select a pre-measured portion. | If I enjoy being involved in making coffee, I compare the steps and settings offered by each system. Around 18% of consumers prioritise control over their coffee. |
| Waste and lifespan | Find out what the consumable is made from and how it should be sorted for recycling; also check the machine-specific maintenance and repair information. | If I want to reduce individual packaging, I also check how to dispose of any waste left over. Around 12% of consumers are said to prioritise waste reduction. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Choosing based only on the price of the machine
The cost of making coffee regularly also depends on consumables and maintenance. UFC-Que Choisir notes that the number of cups you make affects how different types of machine compare.
Compare costs over the same period, based on the coffee you’d actually buy, then add any expected maintenance tasks.
Consumables and maintenance are ongoing expenses; the amount depends on the model and how you use it.
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Confusing capsules and pods
Original and Vertuo capsules belong to different systems. SENSEO and E.S.E pods are not interchangeable either: a machine designed for one format will not necessarily work with the other.
Check the exact machine reference and the format shown on the pack before buying consumables.
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Assuming an automatic machine needs no maintenance
A grinder needs cleaning and descaling. UFC-Que Choisir also points out that limescale and maintenance are important considerations when using these machines.
Read the model’s instructions and check how easy it is to access the parts that need cleaning before you choose.
Regular cleaning takes time and, depending on the model, may require maintenance products.
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Assuming every sorted capsule is recycled
Recycling instructions depend on the material and the facilities available; sorting packaging does not, by itself, guarantee that it will actually be recycled.
ADEME recommends following the relevant instructions for aluminium or plastic capsules and distinguishing between household recycling and dedicated collection schemes.
Brands and ranges to know
Nespresso
The Original system is an example of capsule machines designed for drinks including espresso and lungo.
- Nespresso says the Essenza Mini mentioned here uses Original capsules only.
- Don’t assume it’s compatible with Vertuo or judge the quality of the coffee based on the model’s specifications alone.
SENSEO / Philips
The examples here include SENSEO soft pod machines and Philips espresso machines with grinders.
- Philips says the Original Plus CSA210/50 makes one or two cups with SENSEO pods; the Series 2200 EP2220/10 has a removable brew group and adjustable grind settings.
- These features apply to the models mentioned, not the entire range. You should also consider the noise and maintenance involved with a grinder on the model you’re looking at.
De’Longhi
The Dedica Style EC685.W EX:4 is an example of a compact domestic portafilter machine, designed for ground coffee and E.S.E pods.
- De’Longhi states that the model mentioned is 15 cm wide.
- You’ll need to fill and empty the portafilter and clean the steam wand if you use it. E.S.E compatibility does not mean SENSEO pods will work.
Melitta
The Solo is an example of an automatic bean-to-cup machine for making short or long coffees.
- Melitta says the Solo is 20 cm wide, can make two cups at once and has a removable brewing unit.
- The brand recommends regular cleaning; these features don’t demonstrate that the machine has been measured as quiet or that it is more reliable.
Espresso machines available on Joybuy
This selection includes capsule machines, portafilter machines and automatic grinders for making coffee at home.
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Nespresso EN80.CW Inissia, cream white
Worth considering if you’re looking for a compact capsule machine for home use. The product description specifies Nespresso Original capsules, which are not interchangeable with Vertuo or soft pods.
The title mentions a pressure of 19 bar and a folding drip tray.
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HiBREW H11 semi-automatic espresso machine
Worth a look if you prefer a semi-automatic espresso machine and want to compare its features with your usual coffee-making routine.
The title states a power rating of 1450 W and a pressure of 19 bar. E.S.E is a different format from SENSEO soft pods.
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Philips EP2230/10 Series 2200 with LatteGo
Worth considering if you’re looking for an espresso machine with a bean grinder and the LatteGo system, as mentioned in the model name.
The product description states that the compatible AquaClean filter is not included.
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HiBREW H1B 6-in-1, 600 ml tank
Worth considering if you’re looking for a machine whose title lists several capsule formats as well as ground espresso coffee; check that it’s compatible with the consumable you want to use.
The title states a 600 ml tank, a pressure of 19 bar and hot and cold modes. The product description specifies that cups taller than 3.8 inches cannot be used.
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De’Longhi Magnifica S ECAM22.140.B
Worth a look if you want an automatic espresso machine with a grinder, as indicated by the model name.
The product description lists a steam wand, a descaling programme with alerts and a removable drip tray that is dishwasher-safe.
Frequently asked questions
Are Original and Vertuo capsules interchangeable with soft pods?
No, these formats are not interchangeable. Nespresso states that the Essenza Mini Crème Mat works only with Original capsules; the SENSEO Original Plus CSA210/50 uses SENSEO pods, while the E.S.E compatibility listed for a Dedica machine refers to a different format. Check the machine model and coffee packaging.
What should I allow for when setting up and cleaning an espresso machine?
Make sure there’s enough room to use and fill the machine, then follow the instructions for cleaning and descaling. Philips says the brew group on the EP2220/10 is removable; Melitta describes a cleaning and descaling programme for the Solo. Check the instructions for the model you choose.
Does a limit on the number of coffees covered by a commercial warranty affect my statutory rights?
No: a commercial warranty and the legal guarantee of conformity are separate. For a private individual buying in France from a professional seller, the Ministry of the Economy states that the legal guarantee is provided by the seller. UFC-Que Choisir has noted cycle limits in some commercial warranties for grinders, so check the terms for the model you’re considering.
Does a coffee machine have to display a repairability index in France?
No. The list of categories required to display one, published by the Ministry of the Economy, does not include coffee machines. When comparing models, look for available information on spare parts, the instructions and after-sales service.
Does putting a capsule in the recycling bin guarantee it will be recycled?
No. ADEME says aluminium and plastic capsules should be put in packaging recycling and also describes dedicated collection schemes; sorting alone does not guarantee that every capsule will actually be recycled. Follow the instructions for the material your consumable is made from.