For your daily coffee at home, start by choosing the routine that suits you: capsules or pods mean fewer steps; a portafilter gives you more control over how your coffee is made; and an automatic bean-to-cup machine uses whole beans without you having to measure or tamp them by hand. UFC-Que Choisir notes that portafilter and bean-to-cup machines generally cost more upfront, but this can be offset compared with capsules, depending on how much coffee you drink. Also check which consumables you’ll need and how much time you’re happy to spend on cleaning and descaling.
If you make a coffee every morning but don’t want to measure or tamp the grounds, capsules and pods make preparation easier. An automatic bean-to-cup machine can also reduce the number of steps while letting you use whole beans, though it’s worth checking its cleaning routine.
When you’re making more cups, compare the machine and its consumables based on how you actually use them. UFC-Que Choisir says that beans and ground coffee cost less than capsules and pods, while noting that portafilter and bean-to-cup machines generally cost more upfront.
A portafilter is a good option if you want to measure and tamp the coffee yourself. If you often make milk-based drinks, also check the steam wand or milk system on the model you’re considering, along with any extra cleaning steps it involves.
These four types of machine involve different daily routines. First decide whether you prefer pre-measured portions, hands-on preparation or coffee ground by the machine; then compare models based on your routine and how much maintenance they need.
Worth considering: if you want to make a short or long coffee with very little effort.
Bear in mind: your choice of coffee depends on which capsules are compatible with the system.
Worth considering: if you prefer a simple routine using pods designed for your machine.
Bear in mind: the pod format offers fewer ways to adjust your coffee than a portafilter.
Worth considering: if you want to choose your ground coffee and control the dose and tamping.
Bear in mind: making the coffee and cleaning the portafilter involve more steps.
Worth considering: if you drink coffee regularly and want to use whole beans without grinding and measuring them by hand.
Bear in mind: these machines generally cost more upfront and have several parts to maintain.
| Criteria | What to check | Who it suits |
|---|---|---|
| Everyday ease | Compare the steps involved in making a cup and emptying the parts you’ve used. | When mornings are busy, I want to make my coffee without measuring or tamping. Around 22% of consumers might put ease of use first. |
| Long-term cost | Compare the upfront cost with what you’ll spend on your usual consumables, based on how many coffees you make. | If I make several coffees regularly, the cost per cup matters to me. Around 29% of consumers might consider this their main concern. |
| Control over preparation | Check which coffee the machine accepts, what settings are available and, for a portafilter machine, which accessories are included. | I want to choose my coffee and have a say in how it’s made, even if it takes longer. Around 21% of consumers might put this control first. |
| Milk-based drinks | Check the type of steam wand or milk system and how it needs to be cleaned after use. | I often make cappuccinos or lattes and want a milk routine that suits me. Around 14% of consumers might make this a priority. |
| Maintenance and space | Measure the space, allowing room to access the water tank, and check the manual for cleaning and descaling instructions. | In a small kitchen, I want to be able to fill, clean and descale the machine easily. Around 14% of consumers might put this need first. |
According to UFC-Que Choisir, capsules and pods cost more than beans and ground coffee, while the higher upfront cost of a portafilter or bean-to-cup machine may be offset, depending on how you use it.
Compare the machine with the consumables you’d actually buy, taking into account how many coffees you usually make.
A milk carafe or steam wand means more parts to clean. Whether it’s worthwhile depends on how often you make milk-based drinks.
If you mainly drink black espresso, first check whether you’d use this feature. If you regularly use milk, look into the rinsing process and the parts you’ll need to remove.
De’Longhi notes that how often you need to descale depends, among other things, on water hardness. The routine will therefore vary depending on the machine and how you use it.
Check the model’s manual for instructions and compatible products.
Also allow time for descaling and, if your model uses them, replacing its filters.
Capsule and pod machines use a specific format. Finding coffee you like isn’t enough if it isn’t compatible with your machine.
Check the exact format and the products you want to drink. If recycling matters to you, also see what collection options are available nearby.
A brand to consider if you’re looking at capsule machines and their consumables.
The SENSEO range includes soft pod machines; other Philips ranges include automatic bean-to-cup machines, some with milk systems.
A brand worth considering among home bean-to-cup machines, particularly if you’re looking for whole-bean coffee recipes.
A brand to explore if you’re looking for a portafilter machine and want to take a hands-on approach to your espresso.
A brand featured among the home espresso machines and bean-to-cup machines reviewed by UFC-Que Choisir.
These Joybuy models show three ways to make coffee at home: an automatic bean-to-cup machine, a capsule machine and a portafilter machine. Compare the steps involved and the consumables each uses before choosing a model.
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If you want to use whole beans with fewer manual steps, this model combines a grinder with automatic preparation. The LatteGo system is also designed for milk-based drinks; check the recipes available on this model and the maintenance routine in its manual.
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This automatic machine may suit you if you want to make a range of drinks without grinding or measuring coffee by hand. Its product description lists six drink options and a touchscreen; check the manual for instructions on cleaning the milk system.
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This capsule machine makes coffee with very little effort. Its water tank is listed as 0,6 L and its power as 1200 W; check which capsule format it accepts before choosing your coffee.
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This model is for people who want to make espresso using ground coffee and a portafilter. The steam wand gives you the option of preparing milk-based drinks, but adds extra steps for use and cleaning; check which accessories are included and read the care instructions.
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This capsule machine may suit you if you want a simple way to make coffee using the Vertuo system. Its water tank is listed as 0,6 L; make sure Vertuo capsules are available for the coffees you want to prepare.
There’s no single threshold that applies to every machine and every coffee. UFC-Que Choisir says a bean-to-cup machine, which generally costs more upfront, may offset that difference compared with capsules. Compare the difference in upfront cost with the cost per cup, then factor in how much coffee you usually drink and the maintenance involved.
A milk system isn’t necessary if you mainly make black espresso. If milk-based drinks become part of your regular routine, compare a steam wand with a milk carafe, taking into account the steps you’re happy with and the cleaning needed after use.
No. De’Longhi notes that how often you need to descale depends, among other things, on water hardness. Follow the instructions and procedure in your model’s manual rather than using the same schedule for every machine.
No. The options available depend, among other things, on where you live. Nespresso says it offers collection points in France and that putting capsules in the yellow recycling bin is only possible in certain areas; check which option is available near you. This information applies to its capsules, not to all other formats.