Households that often make espresso
If you want to move on from capsules without dosing or tamping coffee for every cup, consider a bean-to-cup machine. This convenient preparation comes with cleaning and descaling to keep on top of.
Who are these options for?
Households mindful of running costs and packaging
Using beans means you can avoid individual capsules. Que Choisir’s comparisons show a lower cost per cup, but your choice of machine also depends on how often you drink coffee and how much maintenance you’re prepared to do.
Cappuccino and latte lovers
If you often make these drinks at home, compare the steam wand, traditional milk frother and automatic milk system. The preparation and cleaning involved matter just as much as the recipes on offer.
What sets these machines apart?
Automatic bean-to-cup espresso machine
Consider it: for regular espresso made from beans, with minimal effort for each cup.
Be prepared for: more cleaning, noise and counter space than with a capsule machine, according to Que Choisir.
Portafilter espresso machine
Consider it: if you want to make espresso with ground coffee and take a hands-on approach to preparation.
Be prepared to: fill and tamp the portafilter. To use whole beans, you’ll also need a grinder, unless the machine has one built in.
Filter coffee machine with grinder
Consider it: if you want to grind beans to make several cups of filter coffee.
Be prepared for: it won’t replace an espresso machine if espresso is what you’re after.
Capsule machine
Stick with it: if pre-measured coffee and a compact machine matter more to you than switching formats.
Be prepared to: keep buying individual portions, making sure they’re compatible with your machine.
| Priority | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Quick espresso from beans | Check that the machine grinds beans and find out what you need to do to make a cup. | I want to move on from capsules without filling and tamping a portafilter for every espresso; around 25% of consumers would put this convenience first. |
| Running costs and packaging | Compare how many capsules you use with how many beans you’d need, and remember to factor in the machine and its maintenance supplies. | Cutting down on individual portions and keeping an eye on regular spending matter more to me than extra features; this would be the priority for around 25% of consumers. |
| Cleaning and water | Read the machine’s cleaning and descaling instructions, along with its guidance on water filters. | If I make coffee often, I need to fit rinsing and descaling into my routine; around 19% of consumers would put this maintenance workload first. |
| Milk-based drinks | Compare the type of frother and the steps involved in cleaning any parts that come into contact with milk. | I regularly make cappuccinos and want to know whether I’ll need to froth the milk myself; for around 19% of consumers, the milk system would be their main consideration. |
| Space and noise | Measure the space needed to open the compartments and look for a noise test that covers grinding on the specific model. | In a small kitchen or when making coffee early in the morning, I don’t want to overlook the space needed or the noise of grinding; around 12% of consumers would make these their main concern. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Assuming an automatic grinder cleans itself
Automatic rinsing doesn’t remove the need to clean the compartments and, depending on the model, the brewing unit or parts that come into contact with milk. Que Choisir warns that putting off descaling can block the system.
Before choosing, check the manual to see which parts need removing, what the cleaning steps are and how to descale the machine.
Also factor in the time these tasks take and any maintenance supplies required for the model you choose.
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Comparing machines on purchase price alone
Que Choisir’s comparisons show a lower cost per cup with beans than with capsules. Whether this works out better for your household depends on how many coffees you make and what you spend on maintenance.
Work it out using your usual coffee consumption, the capsules you buy and the beans you’re thinking of choosing.
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Choosing milk drinks based on the number of recipes alone
A steam wand means frothing the milk yourself, while an automatic system adds parts that need cleaning. The number of recipes doesn’t tell you what’s involved.
Compare the milk preparation and cleaning steps for the specific models you’re interested in.
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Forgetting about the grinder’s size and noise
Que Choisir says an espresso machine with a grinder takes up more space and is noisier than a capsule machine or filter coffee machine. Grinding is also a separate noisy stage from rinsing.
Measure the space with the compartments open. If keeping noise down is important, look for a test of the chosen model while it’s grinding.
Brands to consider by machine type
De'Longhi
In France, De'Longhi offers automatic bean-to-cup espresso machines as well as portafilter machines.
- Its ranges let you compare automated preparation with a more hands-on approach; some models also offer milk-based drinks.
- Check the milk system, how it’s cleaned and the features of the exact model, rather than assuming the brand’s claims apply to every machine.
Philips
Philips offers bean-to-cup espresso machines with different milk preparation systems, including a traditional frother and LatteGo on selected ranges.
- This gives you the choice between frothing milk yourself and using a more automated system.
- Philips’ claims about quieter operation or quick cleaning apply to specific models and conditions. Check the steps involved and how noisy the machine is for the model you’re considering.
Melitta
Melitta offers both automatic bean-to-cup espresso machines and filter coffee machines with built-in grinders.
- These two ranges suit different drinks: espresso or filter coffee.
- Check the manual for each model to find out about its programmes and which parts need regular cleaning.
Severin
Severin offers, among other products, portafilter espresso machines and filter coffee machines with grinders.
- Some model specifications include a steam wand for espresso machines or grind settings for filter coffee machines.
- Features vary by model, so check the functions and dimensions of the machine you choose.
Bean-to-cup machines on Joybuy
These models are designed to make espresso from beans automatically. If you prefer the hands-on approach of a portafilter or want to make several cups of filter coffee, you’ll need to consider different things when choosing a machine.
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Philips 2200 Series LatteGo EP2230/10, glossy black
Worth considering if you want to switch to beans while keeping preparation automated, and are looking at options for milk-based drinks.
This variant’s name indicates a grinder and the LatteGo system. Check how to clean the milk system and, if noise matters, look for a grinding test of the EP2230/10.
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De'Longhi Dinamica ECAM350.35.W, white
Worth considering if you want to make espresso from beans automatically, while also comparing options for preparing milk-based drinks.
This variant is described as fully automatic. Check the manual for the steps involved in preparing milk-based drinks, and look for a test of this specific model if grinding noise is a deciding factor.
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De'Longhi Magnifica Start ECAM220.21.WW, white
Worth considering if your priority is espresso from beans and you’re happy to froth milk yourself.
This variant is described as a bean-to-cup espresso machine. The steam wand means you’ll need to prepare the milk yourself and clean it after use.
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De'Longhi Magnifica S Smart ECAM250.23.SB, silver
Worth considering if you want to keep espresso preparation automated while moving on from capsules, without expecting the same level of automation for milk.
This variant’s name indicates a grinder. Its steam wand means frothing the milk by hand and cleaning the wand after use.
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De'Longhi Dinamica ECAM350.15.B, black
Worth considering if you regularly make espresso from beans and prefer to froth milk for milk-based drinks yourself.
This variant is described as automatic. The steam wand requires hands-on preparation and cleaning after use. If grinding noise matters to you, look for a test of this specific model.
Frequently asked questions
Do you need to descale a bean-to-cup machine that rinses itself automatically?
Yes. Automatic rinsing doesn’t replace descaling. Que Choisir recommends following the machine’s alert, as limescale can block the system. Check the manual for instructions specific to your model.
What should you do with aluminium or plastic capsules in France?
ADEME advises putting them in the recycling collection for paper and packaging. Recycling them is a separate step from choosing not to buy individual portions any more.
Can coffee grounds from whole beans go in the compost?
Yes. ADEME lists coffee grounds as suitable for composting. Follow the guidance from your composting scheme or local food waste collection service.
What legal guarantee covers a new coffee machine bought from a business in France?
You can claim under the legal guarantee of conformity from the business seller for two years when you buy a new product. According to the French Ministry of the Economy, consumers don’t have to prove during this period that the fault existed on the date of sale.