If you make several coffees a day, first consider how many cups you’ll prepare one after another, the water capacity and how much maintenance your household is happy to take on. Capsules and pods make preparation simple; a portafilter machine involves more hands-on work, while a grinder needs regular upkeep. Also compare the drinks you want and the long-term cost of use.
When coffees are being made one after another, consider preparation time, tank capacity and how often the grounds container needs emptying. UFC-Que Choisir also assesses consistency between successive cups in its testing protocol.
If some people prefer espresso while others want a long coffee or a milky drink, check which recipes are available on the specific model. Parts used for milk add extra cleaning steps to your routine.
If you make several coffees each day, compare the consumables that suit your needs: capsules, pods, ground coffee or beans. Include the cleaning products required for the model you’re considering, rather than looking only at the initial purchase price.
To choose between capsules, soft pods, a portafilter machine and a grinder, start with your household’s actual coffee-making routine, then compare each system against the drinks you want and the maintenance you’re prepared to do.
| Criterion | What to check | What I need |
|---|---|---|
| Making drinks one after another | Compare warm-up time and the time it takes to make your usual drink. If needed, check whether the machine can serve two cups at once. UFC-Que Choisir also measures how consistently the volume is maintained between consecutive cups in its testing protocol. | Several people have coffee one after another, so I want to avoid long waits and interruptions while serving. |
| Capacity | Match the tank capacity to the volume of the drinks you make. Also check the capacity of the capsule or grounds container, depending on the system. | At busy times of day, I’d rather not have to refill or empty the machine between coffees. |
| Drinks | Check the recipes and sizes available on the specific model, as well as the steps involved in switching drinks or making milk-based coffees. | One person wants a long coffee, another an espresso: the drinks actually available matter more than the number advertised. |
| Running costs | Compare the cost of consumables for the same number of drinks, and factor in maintenance. UFC-Que Choisir notes that the cost per cup from a grinder can be lower than that of pod espresso; this does not give the total cost for each model. | If I make several coffees a day, the ongoing cost of coffee and consumables is an important part of my decision. |
| Maintenance | Find out which containers and parts need cleaning, how descaling works and what’s involved in cleaning milk systems. An automatic programme doesn’t mean there are no manual steps, so check what else you’ll need to do. | In a shared household, everyone should be able to handle routine maintenance rather than leaving it to the next person. |
| Space and handling | Measure the available space, including room to access the tank and containers. With a portafilter machine, you handle the coffee every time you make a drink; a grinder needs space for both the machine and its maintenance. | My worktop space is limited, but the machine still needs to be easy to fill and clean. |
A compact machine may need frequent refilling or emptying when you’re making several coffees in a row.
Compare the water tank and relevant container capacities with the number and size of drinks your household makes at one time.
As the number of coffees goes up, consumables and maintenance make a bigger difference to the long-term cost.
Use the same consumption scenario for each system, then add the cleaning products required for each model.
Depending on the machine, pods, capsules, descalers or filter cartridges may be recurring purchases.
Containers, accessible parts and components used for milk need regular attention. UFC-Que Choisir also recommends adjusting descaling to the water hardness and how often the machine is used.
Before choosing, check the model’s cleaning instructions, which parts can be removed and what still needs to be done by hand.
The Magnifica S Smart ECAM250.23.SB is one grinder model to consider if you make several coffees each day.
Soft pods are worth considering if your household mainly makes straightforward coffees and would sometimes like to serve two cups together.
The Vertuo Pop is an example of a capsule machine that offers several drink sizes in a compact design.
This selection includes espresso machines with grinders and a portafilter machine. Compare the steps involved in making and maintaining each one with your daily routine. It doesn’t include the capsule or soft-pod systems mentioned above.
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If your household also makes milk-based drinks, check whether the LatteGo system suits the recipes you want and the cleaning steps everyone can manage. If two people want a milk-based drink at the same time, check how the preparation process works before you buy.
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This model advertises six coffee varieties, which may appeal to households with different preferences. Check the names of the recipes, whether it can keep up with your morning routine and which cleaning tasks need doing regularly.
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If you make several coffees in a row, check the container capacities and how this model serves two cups. If you use the steam wand, remember to clean it after every use.
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For several coffees a day, De’Longhi lists a 1,8 L water tank and a grounds container that holds 14 pucks for this model. Check separately whether it can serve two cups, and allow time for the manual cleaning involved with the steam wand if your household makes milk-based drinks.
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A portafilter machine suits a household happy to get hands-on for every coffee, rather than looking for fully automatic preparation. Check the water tank capacity of the version you choose, and remember to rinse the filter and clean the steam wand after use.
Work out how many drinks you’ll make over the same period for each system, then add the coffee or doses you’ll need, along with the model’s maintenance products. UFC-Que Choisir notes that the cost per cup from a grinder can be lower than that of pod espresso. However, make sure you compare products that match the drinks your household actually makes.
First, follow the manual and any alerts from your machine. As a general guide, UFC-Que Choisir recommends descaling on average every two to three months, adjusting the frequency to suit your water hardness and how often you use the machine.
Take it to a suitable collection point for electrical and electronic equipment. The French Ministry for Ecological Transition says that a collection and recycling scheme for this equipment is available for household waste in France.