To choose a machine that suits different tastes, start with the drinks and type of coffee you want. Then consider how many cups you’ll make, how much hands-on preparation you’re happy with, how much space you have and the ongoing cost. Que Choisir Ensemble distinguishes between capsule, soft pod, portafilter and bean-to-cup machines. They suit different habits, and you’ll also need to factor in the cost of consumables and maintenance.
If you switch between espresso, long coffee and milk-based drinks, start with the recipes you actually want to make, then check the pod system and milk equipment on the exact model you’re considering. Que Choisir Ensemble identifies several types of machine, and they don’t all work with the same coffee.
Compare the cost of coffee and consumables over the same period, taking maintenance and descaling into account. Que Choisir Ensemble also recommends factoring in these considerations when choosing a machine for regular use.
If you want to measure out ground coffee and have a hand in making each drink, compare a portafilter machine with options that use ready-to-use pods. De’Longhi’s information for the Dedica Style EC685.BK EX:4 specifies a milk frother and no integrated grind setting.
To balance drink variety with ease of use, start by comparing the recipes and formats, then look at ongoing costs, speed, available space and maintenance. Que Choisir Ensemble covers these considerations in its guide to espresso machines.
Consider this if : you prefer ready-to-use pods and single servings. Nespresso France lists the Essenza Mini Original as suitable for espresso and lungo.
Keep in mind : capsules are system-specific, so it’s worth comparing their ongoing cost with how much coffee you drink.
Consider this if : you mainly make long or strong coffees. Philips says the SENSEO Original Plus CSA210/50 can make one or two cups.
Keep in mind : a soft pod won’t make the same style of short espresso as a portafilter machine, as Les Numériques explains in its comparison.
Consider this if : you want to choose your ground coffee and get involved in making your drink. De’Longhi’s Dedica Style EC685.BK EX:4 has a milk frother.
Keep in mind : this method involves more hands-on steps. If you’re using whole beans, you’ll need a separate grinder for the model documented by De’Longhi.
Consider this if : you regularly make several coffees and want to use beans without measuring out each cup by hand. Philips lists the 3300 Series EP3347/90 with the LatteGo system.
Keep in mind : include the purchase price and maintenance in your comparison, particularly if the machine has a milk system.
| Priority | What to check before buying | Consumers concerned |
|---|---|---|
| Coffee and drink compatibility | The recipes you want to make and the exact format of the capsules or pods the machine accepts. | When people in the household have different tastes, I want to avoid a system that limits everyone’s choices. Around 26 % of consumers prioritise having a wide choice of compatible drinks. |
| Regular coffee costs | Over the same period, add together the cost of the machine, coffee, filters and any maintenance products you’ll need. | If several coffees are made each day, I want to compare the total costs rather than just the price of the machine. Around 21 % of consumers put ongoing costs first. |
| Speed and ease of use | The controls, the number of cups it can make and the capacity of the exact model’s water tank. | When several people are waiting for coffee, I want to minimise the steps involved and the need to make drinks one after another. Around 21 % of consumers prioritise speed and simplicity. |
| Kitchen space | The machine’s dimensions and the space needed to fill the water tank or use its accessories. | In a small kitchen, I want to be able to set up and use the machine without taking over the whole worktop. Around 16 % of consumers put space-saving design first. |
| Maintenance | The steps set out in the instruction manual, particularly for descaling and cleaning the milk system, if there is one. | If I want to spend less time cleaning, I check what regular maintenance is required before choosing. Around 16 % of consumers prioritise low-maintenance machines. |
Coffee, pods and maintenance also contribute to the cost of use. Que Choisir Ensemble published cost-per-cup estimates in October 2025. These are a useful guide, but won’t replace a calculation based on the coffee you drink and how often you use the machine.
Compare the options over the same period, factoring in the number of cups you expect to make and the consumables you’ll need. Then check prices when you’re ready to buy.
Capsules or pods, any cartridges and maintenance products all contribute to your ongoing costs.
Formats depend on the system and model. Nespresso, for example, distinguishes between Original and Vertuo, while SENSEO machines use soft pods.
Check the full name of the compatible format on the product page and in the instruction manual for the model you’re interested in.
You’ll still need to descale and clean it, and a milk system may mean there are extra parts to clean.
Compare the instructions for each model, including those covering the trays, milk system and recommended consumables.
Regular cleaning and any cartridge replacements take time and require additional consumables.
These formats aren’t interchangeable : the models listed don’t all use the same type of pod.
Check the exact format the machine accepts rather than relying on a general term such as “pod”.
A range of Original capsule machines, including the Essenza Mini, which is listed for espresso and lungo.
Separate ranges for different needs : SENSEO Original Plus machines use soft pods, while the 3300 Series LatteGo makes drinks from beans.
The Dedica Style is a range of portafilter machines for people who want to make espresso by hand.
This selection includes capsule machines, bean-to-cup machines, a portafilter model and a soft pod machine, so you can compare different uses and ways of making coffee.
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Worth considering if you prefer ready-to-use pods for making espresso or lungo.
Listed with 19 bar pressure, a compact design and a foldable drip tray. Uses Nespresso Original capsules.
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Worth considering if you want to switch between espresso and filter coffee made from beans, and don’t mind frothing the milk by hand.
Integrated grinder and manual milk frother.
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Worth considering if you want to use ground coffee to make espresso and milk-based drinks, with some hands-on preparation.
Listed as a 3-in-1 model, with semi-automatic operation and a milk frother.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for a machine with a grinder and the LatteGo system for making milk-based drinks.
The model listed is the EP2230/10 Series 2200 LatteGo.
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Worth considering if you prefer SENSEO soft pods and want to make one or two cups.
Coffee made with soft pods isn’t equivalent to the short espresso extracted by a portafilter machine.
Not if you’re looking specifically for the type of short espresso made with a portafilter. Philips describes the CSA210/50 as a soft pod machine, and Les Numériques distinguishes SENSEO coffee from coffee made with a portafilter.
No. Philips says the EP3347/90 has the LatteGo system, while De’Longhi lists a milk frother for the EC685.BK EX:4. Check the equipment on the exact model you’re considering and what’s involved in cleaning it.
Start by following the machine’s instruction manual, and take the water hardness and how often you use it into account. In advice published on 13 October 2025, Que Choisir Ensemble recommends descaling on average every two to three months, depending on these conditions. Clean the trays and milk system too, if there is one.