If you make espresso at home regularly, an automatic bean-to-cup machine is a good choice if you want to use whole beans and don’t mind cleaning the machine regularly. Capsules make preparation simpler, while a portafilter involves more hands-on steps. And if making espresso one cup at a time isn’t your main priority, a filter coffee machine is also worth considering.
A bean-to-cup machine could be a good option if you want to use whole beans and are happy to refill the machine, clean it and descale it. UFC-Que Choisir includes this type of machine among the options for coffee enthusiasts and people who drink a lot of coffee.
For them, fewer steps and a smaller footprint in the kitchen matter more than choosing their own beans or adjusting every cup. It’s worth checking which capsule format a machine accepts before you choose.
They should look at the recipes and settings available on the specific model. If milk-based drinks are part of your routine, cleaning the milk system should also factor into your decision.
Consider it: if you regularly make espresso from whole beans and want an automated process.
Bear in mind: you’ll need to refill the compartments, clean the machine and descale it as instructed in the manual.
Consider it: if fewer steps matter more to you than choosing your own beans.
Bear in mind: you’ll need to use consumables that are compatible with your chosen machine.
Consider it: if you’d like to be more hands-on when making each espresso.
Bear in mind: it involves more steps than using capsules or an automatic bean-to-cup machine.
Consider it: if making espresso one cup at a time isn’t your household’s main need.
Remember: a filter coffee machine isn’t automatically a substitute for a machine chosen specifically for making espresso.
| Consideration | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Regular access to supplies | Which capsule formats are accepted, or whether the machine uses whole beans; what you’ll need for your chosen routine. | When I make lots of cups, I want to be able to find coffee that works with my machine easily. Around 31 % of consumers prioritise having a regular supply. |
| Everyday convenience | What you need to do before and after each cup; how much worktop space you have. | When mornings are busy, I prefer a machine that takes little effort to use. Around 25 % of consumers put simplicity ahead of other considerations. |
| Choice of drinks | The recipes and settings on the exact model; whether it has a milk system and what maintenance it requires, if needed. | I want to switch between espresso and milk-based drinks without choosing features I won’t use. This variety is the main priority for around 19 % of consumers. |
| Maintenance and support | The manual, descaling instructions and access to accessories or parts for the exact model. | Before using a machine every day, I want to know what maintenance I’ll need to keep up with over time. Around 25 % of consumers put manageable maintenance first. |
Automatic preparation doesn’t mean you can skip cleaning the compartments or descaling. UFC-Que Choisir warns that ignoring a descaling alert can cause the machine to become blocked by limescale.
Read the manual for the model you’re considering and make sure the required tasks fit your routine.
Remember to allow for the recommended cleaning products and the time needed to use them.
Two machines that advertise cappuccino may use different milk systems, with parts that need rinsing or cleaning after use.
Check the programmed recipes, the type of milk system and the cleaning instructions for the exact model.
A filter coffee machine is designed for a different purpose. A capsule or portafilter machine also won’t, by itself, offer the same choice of beans and preparation options as an automatic bean-to-cup machine.
First decide whether you mainly want espresso made from whole beans, espresso with minimal effort or a more hands-on preparation method. Then compare models in the category you’ve chosen.
De'Longhi positions Magnifica as a range focused on simplicity, while other ranges, including Dinamica and Eletta Explore, offer a wider choice of recipes.
Philips provides a model-specific support page for its espresso machines with grinders, including the 5400 Series.
Melitta publishes manuals for its automatic machines and offers products for cleaning and descaling them.
These models represent three ways to make espresso at home: with an automatic bean-to-cup machine, a portafilter machine or a capsule machine. Focus your comparison on the preparation steps, the drinks you want and the maintenance required for each model.
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Worth considering if you regularly make espresso from whole beans and want an automatic machine with a grinder. If milk-based drinks are important to you, check what’s involved in using the steam wand and read the maintenance instructions for this model.
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Consider this if you want to make espresso from whole beans and use the LatteGo milk system. Check the recipes available on the EP2230/10, its cleaning requirements and the manual’s guidance on the AquaClean filter and descaling.
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Worth comparing if your household wants a choice of recipes made from whole beans: the model name lists six types of coffee and a milk system. Check the H16 manual to find out what cleaning is required.
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A portafilter option if you’d rather be more hands-on when making espresso than use an automatic grinder. The model is listed as 15 bar; check the water tank capacity for this specific model before you choose.
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Worth considering if you want to make coffee with capsules and don’t need a built-in grinder. The product description also mentions ESE pods and ground coffee, so check which formats are compatible before choosing your supplies.
No. How often you drink coffee matters, but you also need to choose a routine you’re happy to stick to. An automatic bean-to-cup machine is worth considering if you want to make espresso from whole beans regularly and are prepared to clean and descale it.
Yes. A filter doesn’t necessarily eliminate the need to descale. Philips says a machine with an AquaClean filter may still prompt you to descale it, while De'Longhi says water hardness and how often you use the machine affect how frequently this is needed. Follow the instructions for your model.
Check the tasks listed in the manual for the exact model: cleaning the compartments and water tank, descaling and, where relevant, maintaining the milk system. UFC-Que Choisir’s testing protocol takes into account the steps required to clean and descale machines with grinders.
Search for the exact model number on the manufacturer’s support site and check the manual, accessories and parts sections. Philips provides these resources for its 5400 Series, and Melitta publishes manuals for its automatic machines. Make sure the item you need is available for the model you’re considering.