Households making several coffees a day
If you make one coffee after another, consider the coffee format and cleaning products as well as the steps involved in filling and cleaning the machine.
Who are these machines for?
Busy people who want to keep things simple
Being able to make a drink easily matters, particularly before work or between activities. You should also factor in filling and cleaning the machine between uses.
Fans of customisable or milky drinks
If you want to adjust your coffee or regularly make milk-based drinks, check the settings and milk system on the specific model, along with the cleaning it requires.
What sets the different options apart?
UFC-Que Choisir identifies four types of home espresso machine: soft pod, capsule, portafilter and bean-to-cup. If you make several coffees a day, your choice will mainly depend on which steps you’re happy to repeat and the practicalities of your home.
Capsules
Worth considering: if you want to make a pre-portioned coffee with minimal effort.
Bear in mind: your choice of capsules depends on which format the machine accepts.
Soft pods
Worth considering: if you’re looking for a pre-portioned coffee in this format.
Bear in mind: you’ll need to check the exact type of pod accepted by the model.
Portafilter
Worth considering: if measuring and tamping the coffee are part of the process you want to control.
Bear in mind: each coffee takes more steps to prepare, followed by cleaning the portafilter.
Automatic grinder
Worth considering: if you want to make coffee from beans regularly without measuring out each dose.
Bear in mind: grinding makes noise and the machine needs regular maintenance. UFC-Que Choisir also notes that it takes up more space than a capsule machine.
| Criterion | What to check | Consumers concerned |
|---|---|---|
| Regular supplies | Accepted coffee format; filters and cleaning products specified in the manual. | If I make several coffees a day, I want to be able to find the right pods or beans without constantly changing my habits. Around 33% of consumers put this first. |
| Everyday speed | How the machine starts, drink controls and the model’s automatic rinsing cycles. | Before heading out or between activities, I want to make my coffee without adding extra steps. This convenience is the priority for around 25% of consumers. |
| Settings and milk-based drinks | Recipes, available settings and the type of milk system on the model you’re considering. | If I like to vary the length of my coffee or often make a milk-based drink, I’d rather keep these options despite the extra cleaning involved. Around 25% of consumers prioritise customisation. |
| Space, noise and maintenance | Dimensions, including room to access the reservoirs; noise information for the specific model; maintenance tasks listed in the manual. | In a shared home or when people keep different hours, I need to be able to install and use the machine without causing too much disruption. Around 17% of consumers prioritise these considerations. |
Things to bear in mind
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Choosing a machine without considering ongoing purchases
If you make several coffees a day, you’ll need to buy pods or coffee, as well as any cleaning products required, on a regular basis.
Compare the formats you’ll actually use over the same period, and check the manual to see which consumables you’ll need.
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Assuming all capsules are compatible
UFC-Que Choisir points out that some machines only accept one type of capsule, which can limit your choice.
Check which exact format the machine accepts and make sure you can get hold of the matching capsules.
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Putting off cleaning the grinder or milk system
Rinsing, cleaning and descaling are all part of using these machines. UFC-Que Choisir recommends descaling a grinder when the machine prompts you to.
Read the maintenance instructions for the model you’re considering and check that the parts you need to clean are easy to access.
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Assuming automation means quiet operation
According to UFC-Que Choisir, an automatic machine with a grinder can be noisier and take up more space than a capsule machine. This may be a concern in a shared home.
Measure the space needed to open and fill the reservoirs. If noise is a deciding factor, look for information about the exact model.
Brands to consider for these needs
De'Longhi
The brand’s automatic grinder range includes models from Magnifica through to Dinamica, Eletta Explore and PrimaDonna.
- De'Longhi says some models offer milk-based drinks or hot and cold recipes.
- Check the recipes, milk system and maintenance requirements for the model you choose: these features aren’t available on every machine.
Philips
Depending on the model, the bean-to-cup range includes drink settings and different milk systems.
- Philips lists settings for strength, volume and grind on its EP2224/10 model.
- The classic frother described for the EP2224/10 should not be confused with the LatteGo system on another model.
Sage
Portafilter machines for people who want to be involved in preparing their coffee and frothed milk.
- Sage lists a 54 mm portafilter and a steam wand for its Bambino Plus.
- Allow time for measuring, tamping and cleaning, and check which accessories you’ll need for your chosen model.
Melitta
Automatic bean-to-cup machines, with cleaning products also available from the brand.
- Melitta offers cleaning tablets, descalers and products for milk systems.
- Check the manual for your chosen machine to find out which products are compatible and what maintenance it needs.
Krups
The brand offers automatic machines with grinders for making different types of coffee.
- The Krups manual for the EA815 to EA817 series describes automatic preparation of espressos, coffees and ristrettos.
- For a specific model, check the manual before relying on a particular recipe, milk system or maintenance procedure.
Machines available on Joybuy
These machines offer several ways to make coffee at home: an automatic grinder for beans, a portafilter for ground coffee, or a pod machine for fewer steps. Start by choosing how you want to make your drinks, then check the practical considerations for each model.
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Philips Series 2200 EP2230/10 LatteGo
Worth considering if you want to make coffee from beans regularly, including drinks prepared with a milk system. The model name indicates an integrated grinder and the LatteGo system. Check which recipes it offers and what cleaning involves as part of your routine.
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HiBREW H16 with grinder and milk system
Worth a look if you want to make different drinks without preparing every dose using a portafilter. This model is described as having a grinder, touchscreen and six types of coffee. Check the manual for instructions on cleaning the milk system.
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De'Longhi Dinamica ECAM350.15.B
Worth considering if you prefer an automatic coffee machine for making several drinks each day. Before adding this model to your routine, check which recipes it offers, what it uses for milk and what maintenance it requires.
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IAGREEA 20 bar with steam wand
Worth a look if you’re happy to make coffee by hand and want to froth milk. This machine is advertised with a steam wand and a rated pressure of 20 bar. Check which accessories are included and how much room you’ll need to prepare your drinks.
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HiBREW H1C 6-in-1 for pods and ground coffee
Worth considering if you want the convenience of pods but would also like the option of using ground coffee. The model name indicates compatibility with several formats, hot and cold drinks, and a rated pressure of 20 bar. Check exactly which capsules and pods it accepts before choosing your supplies.
Frequently asked questions
How can I compare the ongoing costs of different machines?
Compare each machine over the same period and for the same number of drinks. Note which coffee formats it accepts, then check the filters and cleaning products specified in each model’s manual.
Is an automatic grinder suitable for a shared home?
It may be, as long as it fits your space and the noise from grinding works with your household’s routine. UFC-Que Choisir says an automatic grinder can be noisier and take up more space than a capsule machine, so check these points for the model you’re considering.
What should I clean after making a milk-based drink?
Rinse or clean the steam wand or milk system after use, following the instructions for your model. The manual will also explain how to clean the drip trays and when to descale the machine.
How should you sort coffee capsules for recycling in France?
For aluminium or plastic capsules, ADEME says to use the sorting bin, bag or container for paper and packaging. Also check the capsule’s recycling label and the local collection guidelines where you live.