If you make several espressos every day, choose capsules to cut down on the steps involved in each cup, a portafilter if you like to be hands-on with preparation, or a bean-to-cup machine if you want to use whole beans and automate most of the process. Your choice also depends on the drinks you actually enjoy, which coffee is compatible and how much cleaning your household is happy to do.
If different people make coffee throughout the day, pre-portioned coffee can cut down on the steps involved. However, check which capsule format the machine takes and where you’ll keep used capsules before sorting them for recycling.
A bean-to-cup machine lets you choose your beans without having to grind and measure each cup separately. This routine also means emptying the containers and maintaining the parts specified in the model’s instructions.
A portafilter machine is a good choice if you’re happy to measure out the coffee, fit the filter and clean it afterwards. A steam wand can be handy for milk-based drinks, provided you clean it after use.
If your household makes several espressos a day, start by thinking about which steps you’re happy to repeat. Then compare the drinks each machine can make and the care the specific model needs.
Worth considering: if pre-portioned coffee and minimal handling matter more to you than having a free choice of coffee.
Bear in mind: you’ll need a compatible format and a way to manage used portions.
Worth considering: if you want to be hands-on with preparation and use ground coffee.
Bear in mind: you’ll need to measure the coffee, handle the portafilter and clean it after every use.
Worth considering: if you want to choose your beans while automating most of the preparation.
Bear in mind: the space the machine takes up and the need to maintain its containers and brewing system.
| What to consider | What to check | What consumers are looking for |
|---|---|---|
| Steps involved in each cup | Compare the controls and how you fill the water tank and remove capsules or coffee grounds, especially when making several coffees in a row. | If several people make coffee throughout the day, I want to avoid repeating lots of steps for every cup; around 33% of consumers would put this ease of use first. |
| Choice of coffee | Check whether the machine takes a specific capsule format, ground coffee or whole beans. Nespresso Original and Vertuo are separate systems. | I’d like to be able to change my coffee without relying on a particular capsule format; this freedom would be the main priority for around 25% of consumers. |
| Drinks and settings | Think about the drink sizes your household actually uses and, for milk-based drinks, check the type of frother and how to clean it. | If my household switches between espressos and milk-based drinks, I want options to suit both; around 25% of consumers would put this variety first. |
| Cleaning and waste | Check the instructions for washing parts and descaling. With capsules, you’ll also need to sort them for recycling. | I prefer a routine where cleaning and waste are easy to manage every day; this would be the priority for around 17% of consumers. |
A capsule machine may require a specific format, while portafilter and bean-to-cup machines take different forms of coffee. This can be particularly important in everyday use if you make coffee often.
Before choosing, check the exact model to see whether it takes the capsules, ground coffee or beans you want to use.
A steam wand, a separate frother and an integrated milk system all work and clean differently. Automatic programmes don’t necessarily mean there’s no manual cleaning involved.
Check the instructions to see which parts need rinsing after making a milk-based drink and which need to be removed for cleaning.
Nespresso’s Original system is designed in particular for smaller coffee sizes, while Vertuo also offers larger sizes, depending on the machine. Capsules for the two systems aren’t interchangeable.
Choose the drink sizes you want, then check which system is specified on the machine and capsules.
According to De’Longhi, how often you need to descale depends in part on water hardness and how often you make coffee. The process varies by model.
Set the water hardness if your machine asks you to, and follow its instructions for descaling and compatible products.
The range includes both the Dedica portafilter machine and the Magnifica bean-to-cup machine, so you can choose how hands-on you want to be.
Original and Vertuo are separate capsule systems. Your choice will depend in part on the drink sizes you want.
Philips offers bean-to-cup machines with different milk preparation options, depending on the series.
These models show three ways to make several espressos at home: Vertuo capsules, a portafilter and machines that use whole beans. Compare how each model makes drinks and what care it needs before choosing.
Image unavailable
Worth considering if your household wants to make espresso from whole beans and use a LatteGo milk system. Check the instructions for the care steps needed for the drinks you choose.
Image unavailable
Worth considering if you want to make coffee from whole beans without measuring ground coffee into a portafilter for every cup. Check the model’s instructions for caring for the containers and brewing components.
Image unavailable
Worth considering if you prefer pre-portioned capsules and would also like an Aeroccino frother. Use capsules compatible with the Vertuo system, and remember to clean the frother and sort used capsules for recycling.
Image unavailable
Worth considering if you want to make espresso with a portafilter and are happy to handle and clean the filter. The title specifies a rated pressure of 15 bar; if tank capacity matters to your household, confirm the capacity of the version on sale before buying.
Image unavailable
Worth considering if you want to use whole beans to make espresso. If you also plan to make filter coffee or want a particular milk-frothing mode, confirm how these work on the ES301EU model before choosing.
No, aluminium and plastic capsules don’t need to be taken to a shop. ADEME advises putting them in the recycling bin, bag or container for paper and packaging. You can also use a collection scheme offered by a brand.
How often you need to descale depends in part on water hardness and how often you use the machine. Follow the settings, any alerts and the procedure given in your model’s instructions. De’Longhi says the frequency varies according to these conditions.
Not necessarily. Even with automatic programmes, some parts may need to be cleaned by hand. For the Magnifica Evo Next, De’Longhi specifies care for the drip tray, coffee grounds container, water tank, spouts and brewing unit. Check the cleaning steps for your model.
Compare the standby and automatic shut-off figures for the exact models you’re interested in. UFC-Que Choisir says its test protocols measure power consumption during preparation and in standby; results measured under the same conditions are more useful than a general claim.