If you make several espressos a day, start by choosing how much time you want to spend on each one. Capsules and pods keep things simple, while a portafilter gives you more hands-on control. A bean-to-cup machine is worth considering if your household drinks coffee regularly and wants to adjust its settings, provided you’re happy to keep on top of the maintenance. Also compare the space available, compatible consumables and running costs based on how much coffee you actually drink.
If you want to make an espresso without grinding or measuring out the coffee, consider capsule and pod machines. Que Choisir describes capsule models as quick and compact; however, check the dimensions and the consumable format accepted by the specific machine.
When you make several coffees a day, your choice of beans or pods affects the running cost. In its guide, Que Choisir presents bean-to-cup machines as an option for enthusiasts and people who drink a lot of coffee, with a lower cost per cup than pod espresso machines. The cost for your household will depend on what you buy and how much you drink.
If you like to fine-tune the extraction or make milk froth, look at portafilter machines equipped for these tasks. Some grinders also offer adjustable settings and milk-based drinks. Features vary by model, as do the parts you need to clean after each use.
For a household making several espressos a day, the main trade-offs are how many steps each coffee takes, which consumables you use and how much maintenance you’re prepared to do. Each system meets these priorities differently.
Consider if: you want a quick espresso and a compact machine.
Bear in mind: you’ll need capsules compatible with the machine and will have to replace them as you use them.
Consider if: you want a straightforward way to make coffee; some models can make two cups at once.
Bear in mind: the choice of drinks and pods depends on the system and model.
Consider if: you want to control the dose and extraction, or use a steam wand if the machine has one.
Bear in mind: making coffee and cleaning the portafilter involve more steps.
Consider if: you make espresso regularly and want to choose your beans and adjust your drinks.
Bear in mind: you’ll need to clean the parts you use and descale the machine as instructed for that model.
| Consideration | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Speed and size | Machine dimensions, space needed to remove the water tank and whether it can serve two cups. | If everyone has coffee at a different time, I want to make it quickly without taking up too much worktop space; around 25% of consumers would prioritise this. |
| Ongoing running costs | Compatible consumables and how much coffee your household actually uses. | If we make several espressos a day, I want to keep track of what pods or beans will cost over time; around 31% of consumers would make this their priority. |
| Settings and drinks | Strength and cup-size settings, as well as whether the chosen model has a milk system and how it works. | In a household where everyone has different tastes, I want to be able to customise our coffees without assuming every recipe is available; around 25% of consumers would prioritise this flexibility. |
| Everyday maintenance | Access to the trays and water tank, cleaning the milk system and descaling instructions. | With a machine we use every day, I want cleaning tasks that fit into my routine; around 19% of consumers would put this first. |
Choosing a machine also means choosing capsules, pods, beans or ground coffee. Que Choisir compares the cost per cup of grinders with that of pod espresso machines, so how often you use the machine matters when comparing them.
Start with the number of coffees your household makes and the consumables you’d actually buy for each system.
A milk-based recipe, user profile or grind setting may be available on one model but not another. The features described by Sage and De’Longhi apply to specific models.
Check the full model number, the drinks it offers and the cleaning involved for the features you’re interested in.
An automatic programme doesn’t necessarily mean you won’t have to empty the trays or clean parts that come into contact with milk. De’Longhi says that how often its grinders need descaling depends, among other things, on water hardness.
Check the model’s instructions to see which parts need rinsing, emptying or removing, and when to descale.
Cleaning the milk system and running descaling cycles also take time between uses.
Used electric coffee machines should be taken to an electrical and electronic equipment collection point, not put out with ordinary household waste.
If you’re replacing an appliance in France, look into a take-back scheme, collection point, recycling centre or reuse organisation that can accept it in its current condition.
A brand to consider if you’re looking at a capsule machine and want to plan ahead for maintenance.
A range of soft pod machines for those who want an easy way to serve coffee.
A brand to consider if you’re looking for a portafilter machine and want more control over how your espresso is made.
A brand with a range of automatic grinders, whose features vary by model.
These machines show three ways to make espresso regularly: a bean-to-cup grinder, soft pods and a portafilter. Compare how each one works and what maintenance it needs against your household’s priorities.
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Worth considering if you regularly make espresso using a grinder and would also like a LatteGo system. If you want to serve two milk-based drinks at the same time, check the limit stated for this model and make sure the cleaning steps suit you.
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Consider this if you want to combine an automatic grinder with the LatteCrema milk system. If several people want different drinks, check which recipes this model offers before choosing.
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An option for making coffee from beans regularly without having to grind each dose by hand. If you plan to use the steam wand listed for this model, remember to clean it after making milk-based drinks.
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Worth considering if you prefer soft pods and a straightforward way to serve coffee, particularly when two people want a cup at the same time. Check that the pods are compatible with SENSEO® and that you have enough space around the machine.
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Consider this if you want to make espresso with a portafilter and have more control over each coffee. Check that the water tank holds enough for the number of cups your household expects to make; the portafilter and steam wand also need cleaning after use.
Not necessarily for your household: it depends on how many coffees you make and which consumables you choose. In its guide, Que Choisir gives a lower cost per cup for a grinder than for pod espresso; compare the cost of beans, pods and maintenance based on how you use your machine.
Choose a model with settings and drinks that suit your needs rather than relying on the machine type alone. Some grinders offer adjustable cup sizes or milk-based recipes; a portafilter machine with a steam wand is a good fit if you want to froth the milk yourself.
Follow the manual and the machine’s alerts: how often you need to descale varies depending on the machine, how much you use it and the hardness of your water. De’Longhi highlights the importance of water hardness for its grinders; check the instructions for your specific appliance.
Take it to an appropriate electrical equipment collection point rather than putting it out with ordinary household waste. The French Ministry for Ecological Transition lists collection points and recycling centres; depending on the condition of the appliance, you could also consider a reuse organisation.