Busy coffee drinker
You want to make a cup with minimal effort. First, decide whether you prefer a long coffee or an espresso, then check the dose format and the ongoing cost.
Which type of machine is right for you?
Household that makes coffee often
You can compare the upfront cost of a grinder or portafilter machine with the ongoing cost of buying pods or coffee, while also considering the space needed and cleaning.
Fan of customisable drinks
You want to adjust the brewing process or make milk-based drinks. The options available and the steps involved depend on the specific model, not just the type of machine.
What should you compare before buying?
When choosing a coffee machine for home, consider the drinks you want, how often you’ll use it and how much time you’re willing to spend on preparation and cleaning.
| Criterion | What to check | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Everyday convenience | Check how many steps are involved, which drinks it makes and the exact format of capsules or pods it takes. | If I want to make a cup without measuring anything by hand, I’d choose a machine that takes compatible pre-measured doses. Consumers who put convenience first are estimated to account for around 29% of people choosing a machine for their everyday coffee at home. |
| Ongoing cost per cup | Compare the machine, coffee or compatible doses, and maintenance costs over the same period, based on how many cups you expect to make. | If I make several coffees a day, I compare the total cost with how often I actually use it, rather than looking only at the machine’s price. Consumers who prioritise ongoing costs are estimated to account for around 23% of this group. |
| Drinks and settings | Check the recipes and settings for the exact model, and whether it has a steam wand or milk system, including how it needs to be cleaned. | If I want to choose my drinks or adjust how they’re made, I check the model’s features and what’s involved in using them. Consumers who prioritise drinks and settings are estimated to account for around 18% of this group. |
| Available space | Measure the machine’s full dimensions and the space needed to fill, use and clean it. | If I have limited worktop space, I allow room to handle the machine as well as checking its stated width. Consumers who prioritise a compact footprint are estimated to account for around 18% of this group. |
| Maintenance | Check the manual to find out what needs cleaning, how to descale the machine and, where applicable, how to maintain the milk system. | If I want to spend less time cleaning, I check how easy it is to access the parts and what routine tasks are required. Consumers who prioritise low maintenance are estimated to account for around 12% of this group. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Choosing based only on the machine’s price
The cost of your coffee also depends on the pods or coffee you use, as well as maintenance. A grinder may cost more upfront, while the consumables vary between systems.
Compare each type over the same period and based on your usual number of cups. Include only consumables that are compatible with each model.
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Confusing capsules with pods
Formats aren’t interchangeable just because their names sound similar. Nespresso says the Essenza Mini Crème Mat takes Original capsules only, not Vertuo capsules.
Note down the machine’s full model number, then check which format is specified for each consumable.
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Assuming an automatic grinder needs no maintenance
An automatic machine still needs cleaning and descaling. For the Solo, Melitta describes a removable brewing unit, but this doesn’t eliminate the need for regular maintenance.
Check the manual and make sure you can access the parts that need cleaning, especially if you plan to use a milk system.
Regular cleaning takes time, and a milk system adds extra parts to maintain.
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Mistaking a product range name for a full model number
The features and drinks listed for one model don’t prove that another model in the same range has the same functions.
Compare full model numbers and check the specifications for the exact model you’re considering.
Brands to know
Nespresso
The brand offers Original and Vertuo systems, suited to different types and sizes of coffee.
- Nespresso says the Essenza Mini Crème Mat makes espresso and lungo and takes Original capsules.
- It doesn’t take Vertuo capsules, so check which system the model you choose uses.
Philips SENSEO
Soft pod machines are worth considering if you want a simple way to make coffee, particularly longer or stronger cups.
- Philips says the Original Plus CSA210/50 has an intensity selector and can make one or two cups.
- If you’re after a short espresso, check that the type of drink listed is what you’re looking for.
De’Longhi
The Dedica EC685.BK EX:4 is an example of a portafilter machine.
- For this model, De’Longhi lists a width of 15 cm and a steam wand.
- The EC685.BK EX:4 doesn’t have a grind setting. These specifications don’t apply to every machine from the brand.
Philips
The brand offers espresso machines with grinders, including models in the Series 3300 range, which you can distinguish by their model numbers.
- Philips lists six drinks and LatteGo for model EP3347/90.
- Don’t assume another Series 3300 model has these features based on the range name alone.
Melitta
The Solo is an example of a bean-to-cup machine designed, among other things, for making black coffee.
- Melitta lists a width of 20 cm, the ability to make two cups and a removable brewing unit for the Solo.
- The brand notes that regular cleaning is still needed. These specifications don’t prove that the machine tastes better than others.
NESCAFÉ Dolce Gusto
The brand offers capsule systems for different types of coffee and milk-based drinks.
- NESCAFÉ France lists espressos, lattes and cappuccinos among its range.
- Check which recipes are available and which capsule format works with the specific machine.
Machines available on Joybuy
This selection includes machines with built-in grinders, portafilter models and a compact option that takes capsules or ground coffee.
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Ninja Luxe Café Mini ES301EU, 2-in-1 machine with built-in grinder and manual milk frother
The built-in grinder lets you make espresso and filter coffee at home.
The model includes a manual milk frother.
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HiBREW H4D, portable coffee machine
Its stated compatibility with capsules or ground coffee gives you two formats to consider based on your usual coffee routine.
The stated pressure is 8 to 15 bar. The casing is described as washable and waterproof.
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HiBREW H7, espresso machine with grinder and 58 mm portafilter
The built-in grinder and steam wand are suited to making espresso and milk-based drinks.
The title lists 30 grind settings, 19 bar pressure, a pre-infusion function and temperature control.
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HiBREW H13, dual-boiler espresso machine, silver
The 58 mm stainless steel portafilter and steam wand are worth considering if you want to make espresso and milk-based drinks.
The model lists a dual-boiler system, a touchscreen LCD and temperature adjustment.
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HiBREW H10A, espresso machine with 58 mm portafilter
The steam wand is worth bearing in mind if you want to make milk-based drinks with this portafilter model.
The title lists a 58 mm stainless steel portafilter, pressure gauges and temperature adjustment for coffee and steam.
Frequently asked questions
Will an Original capsule work in a Vertuo machine?
Not with the Essenza Mini Crème Mat mentioned here: Nespresso says it takes Original capsules only and distinguishes between the Original and Vertuo systems. Check your machine’s model before buying capsules.
Does a soft pod machine make the same coffee as an espresso capsule machine?
Don’t assume the results are the same. Philips presents the Original Plus CSA210/50 as suitable for longer or stronger coffees. If you’re after a short espresso, compare the type of drink listed rather than relying on the word “pod” alone.
What should you check before installing and maintaining a grinder?
Measure the space needed to use the machine, then check the manual for instructions on filling, cleaning and descaling. For the Melitta Solo, the manufacturer describes a removable brewing unit and maintenance programmes, but regular cleaning is still required.
What protection applies in France if a machine bought from a trader is faulty or not as described?
The legal guarantee of conformity covers new, second-hand and refurbished goods sold by a trader to an individual. The French Ministry of the Economy states that you have two years to claim under it. This legal guarantee is separate from any optional commercial guarantee.
What should you do with an old electrical appliance?
The French Ministry for Ecological Transition lists several options, including taking it to a collection point or recycling centre, returning it to a shop or giving it to a social and solidarity economy organisation. Take-back arrangements in shops depend on the circumstances, so don’t put the machine in your household rubbish.