If you regularly make espresso at home, first think about the steps and consumables you’re happy to deal with every day: capsules or pods for minimal preparation, a portafilter if you want more hands-on control, or a grinder if you want to use beans with automated preparation. Then compare ongoing costs, available space and cleaning. If you make milk-based drinks, check that the specific model has a milk function.
If you want to make a cup with minimal effort, start by comparing capsule and pod machines. Check their dimensions and the format of the consumables before choosing: straightforward preparation means buying compatible coffee doses.
At this frequency, the cost of coffee adds up alongside the price of the machine. It’s worth comparing a bean-to-cup machine with portion-based systems, taking maintenance and the number of cups you actually make into account. UFC-Que Choisir highlights this trade-off in its guide to bean-to-cup espresso machines.
A portafilter machine is a good fit if you’d rather take part in making your coffee than simply pop a dose into the machine. For milk-based drinks, look for a steam wand or milk system on the model you’re considering: this feature doesn’t automatically come with any one type of machine.
UFC-Que Choisir identifies four types of domestic espresso machine: capsule, soft pod, portafilter and bean-to-cup. The differences matter most when you’re deciding how the preparation steps and repeat purchases will fit into your household routine.
Worth considering: if you prefer single-serve preparation with minimal handling.
Bear in mind: you’ll need to keep buying capsules that fit your chosen system; formats aren’t automatically interchangeable.
Worth considering: if you’d rather insert a coffee pod than grind and tamp coffee yourself.
Bear in mind: the drinks and pods available depend on the system and model.
Worth considering: if measuring and preparing ground coffee is part of the experience you’re looking for.
Bear in mind: you’ll need to do more with each cup and clean the portafilter afterwards.
Worth considering: if you make coffee often and want to choose your beans without grinding them by hand.
Bear in mind: the machine will need regular maintenance, even when preparation is automated.
If you regularly make espresso at home, start with your main priority to narrow down the options, even if several factors matter to you.
| Factor | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Ease of use and size | Measure the space you have and compare the steps involved in making and clearing away a cup. | If you want your coffee ready with minimal effort and have limited worktop space, ease of use takes priority over settings; around 33% of consumers rank it first. |
| Ongoing costs and availability | Compare the compatible consumables for your preferred cup size and the number of drinks you usually make. | If you make several coffees a day, being able to choose where you buy your coffee and manage repeat purchases becomes key; around 27% of consumers make this their priority. |
| Control over preparation | Decide whether you want to handle ground coffee, choose your own beans or use pre-measured doses. | For around 20% of consumers who prioritise control, taking part in the preparation or choosing their beans matters more than saving a few steps. |
| Milk-based drinks and maintenance | Check that the machine has a milk function, and consult the instructions for cleaning and descaling. | If milk-based drinks are part of your routine, you’ll also need to be happy with the extra cleaning involved; around 20% of consumers put this first. |
A capsule machine will usually mean buying a compatible format. Nespresso has separate Original and Vertuo systems, for example, so the brand name alone doesn’t tell you whether a capsule will fit.
Check which capsules or pods fit the model you’re considering, what cup sizes it offers and where you plan to buy your supplies.
With everyday use, you’ll keep buying coffee, while maintenance requirements vary from machine to machine. Comparing the appliance alone doesn’t give you the full picture of your routine.
Compare your coffee and cleaning product needs separately, as well as milk if you make milk-based drinks, based on the number of cups you usually prepare.
A steam wand or milk system means extra cleaning. You’ll also need to descale the machine according to the model’s instructions and take factors such as water hardness into account.
Check the instructions to find out what to clean after making a milk-based drink, which parts can be removed and how to descale the machine.
The capsule material affects how it should be disposed of. ADEME distinguishes between aluminium or plastic capsules and paper capsules, which may also be handled differently depending on local facilities.
Check what the capsule is made from and follow your local authority’s recycling instructions rather than relying on the system’s brand name alone.
Its Original and Vertuo capsule systems are distinct, so check which one you need when choosing a machine and consumables.
The brand offers soft pod machines for single-serve coffee, with features that vary by model.
Its ranges include both manual portafilter machines and automatic bean-to-cup machines: two distinct ways to make espresso.
The brand offers automatic bean-to-cup machines, along with instruction manuals and resources on looking after them.
These models show three ways to make espresso regularly at home: bean-to-cup, portafilter and capsule. Compare each model based on how you want to prepare your coffee, the consumables it uses and the maintenance you’re happy to take on.
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Worth considering if you regularly make espresso from beans and want a LatteGo model for milk-based drinks. Check the instructions for cleaning requirements specific to this model.
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Choose your own beans while automating espresso preparation. De’Longhi lists a grinder, manual coffee strength adjustment and a steam wand among this model’s features; using the wand means an extra cleaning step.
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Worth a look if you prefer to take part in the preparation with a portafilter and don’t mind cleaning it after use. The model name indicates a pressure of 15 bar, but that figure alone doesn’t tell you what the espresso will be like in the cup.
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Worth considering if you want to keep preparation simple without committing straight away to just one type of coffee dose. The model name mentions capsules, pods and ground coffee; check exactly which formats it accepts before choosing your consumables.
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For making coffee with a capsule machine rather than a manual portafilter. The model name lists a 0,6 L water tank and 1 200 W power; check which capsule system it’s compatible with before buying.
Don’t assume they are: Nespresso says Vertuo capsules are designed for Vertuo machines. Choose your machine’s system, then check the compatibility information for each capsule.
Not if you want the same level of involvement in preparing your coffee: a pod machine uses pre-packed doses, while a portafilter machine requires you to prepare ground coffee. Choose based on the steps you want to take, not just the name given to the drink.
Start with the number of drinks you usually make and the consumable that’s actually compatible with each machine. Then factor in maintenance and milk, if you use it. Compare like-for-like cup sizes: a capsule, a pod and a portion of beans don’t automatically make the same drink.
Follow the cleaning instructions in the manual and descale the machine as directed, taking its requirements and your water hardness into account. If the model has a steam wand or milk system, check what needs to be done after each milk-based drink too.
According to ADEME, aluminium and plastic capsules go in the recycling bin for paper and packaging. Paper capsules can be composted at home or collected with food waste, depending on local facilities; check your local authority’s guidance.