For making short or long coffees quickly
You make coffee often and want to keep handling to a minimum. A pod machine may suit you, provided you choose a capsule or coffee pad format you’re happy to use regularly.
Who are these machines for?
For making milk-based drinks too
You want to make cappuccinos and similar drinks at home. Depending on the model, you may need to froth the milk yourself using a manual steam wand, or the machine may have an automatic system. The machine type alone won’t tell you which.
For keeping on top of maintenance and waste
You use your machine regularly and want to factor in maintenance, used portions and what happens to the appliance at the end of its life. Check these aspects for the system and model you’re considering.
How do the systems compare?
When making short or long coffees at home, start by considering the coffee a machine accepts and the steps involved in making a drink. Milk functions and available space can then help you choose between models in the same range.
Capsules
Consider this if: you prefer a guided preparation process using pre-portioned coffee.
Bear in mind: choosing the machine also commits you to a compatible capsule system.
Soft coffee pads
Consider this if: you want to make straightforward coffees without measuring or tamping the coffee.
Bear in mind: you’ll use pads designed for the machine, rather than beans or ground coffee in a portafilter.
Portafilter
Consider this if: you want to use ground coffee and have more control over the preparation.
Bear in mind: making coffee and cleaning up involve more steps than with pre-portioned coffee.
Bean-to-cup grinder
Consider this if: you want to use beans in a machine with a built-in grinder.
Bear in mind: UFC-Que Choisir says bean-to-cup machines generally take up more space and make more noise than capsule systems.
| Factor | What to check | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Coffee type and ease of use | Check the system used by the model, and which capsules, pads, beans or types of ground coffee it accepts. | If I often make a coffee between other activities, I want to know what’s involved and be able to find the right format for my machine. Around 33% of consumers put ease of use and compatibility first. |
| Milk-based drinks | Check whether it has a steam wand or an automatic milk system, and what cleaning is involved. | If I regularly make cappuccinos, I need to know whether I’ll froth the milk myself or leave it to the machine. This is a priority for around 25% of consumers. |
| Consumables, maintenance and waste | Check which consumables are compatible, what maintenance is recommended and how to sort used portions if you use them. | If I make several coffees a day, I want to keep on top of maintenance and dispose of used portions properly. Around 25% of consumers prioritise these practical considerations. |
| Space, noise and frequency of use | Measure the space available and the clearance needed to access the compartments. Check the water tank capacity and the room needed for your cups. | If I have a small worktop or make coffee repeatedly, I want to fill and use the machine without getting in the way of the rest of the kitchen. Space and frequency of use come first for around 17% of consumers. |
Things to bear in mind
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Buying a grinder without measuring the space
According to UFC-Que Choisir, bean-to-cup machines are generally bulkier and noisier than capsule systems. The machine’s overall dimensions alone don’t tell you how much room you’ll need to access the water tank and bean hopper.
Measure the available width, depth and height, then check how the parts of the model you’re considering open and come out.
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Assuming every espresso machine can froth milk
A manual steam wand, an automatic milk system and no milk function at all each suit different needs. A feature available on one model doesn’t mean other models from the same brand have it.
Check the drinks listed, what’s included and what cleaning is required for the exact model.
Depending on the machine, you may need a separate accessory to froth milk.
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Assuming recyclable capsules mean no waste
Used capsules still need to be sorted according to their material and the relevant local guidance. The electrical appliance will also need to go through the appropriate recycling route when it’s no longer in use.
Check ADEME’s guidance on your capsules and find out about local collection options for the appliance.
Brands to know by system
Nespresso
The Original range is an example of machines that use capsules from their own system to make espressos.
- Nespresso lists a 19-bar pump for its Inissia Original model. This specification alone doesn’t tell you how the coffee will taste.
- Check the capsule system used by the specific machine and whether it has any milk functions before choosing a model.
Philips / SENSEO
SENSEO offers machines that use soft coffee pads for a simple, fuss-free brew.
- Philips says that, on some Original Plus models, an intensity selector lets you choose between a longer coffee and a stronger one.
- Settings and features vary between models. Check which pads are suitable for the one you choose, too.
De’Longhi
The Magnifica range showcases bean-to-cup espresso machines, with different ways to prepare milk-based drinks depending on the model.
- De’Longhi offers Magnifica models with an automatic milk system.
- Don’t assume a machine has a milk function, offers particular drinks or has a certain footprint based on the range name alone.
Machines for different needs
These models cover capsule, portafilter and bean-to-cup brewing. Compare their coffee systems and how they prepare milk-based drinks to find the right fit for your routine.
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Philips 2200 Series EP2230/10 with LatteGo, glossy black
Consider this if you’d like to make coffee with a bean-to-cup machine and want a LatteGo model for milk-based drinks. Check which drinks it offers and what maintenance your routine will involve.
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KRUPS Nespresso Vertuo Pop with Aeroccino, Coconut White
Consider this if you prefer a Vertuo capsule machine and want an Aeroccino milk frother. Check that your chosen capsules are compatible with the Vertuo system, and make sure you have room for both appliances.
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De’Longhi Dedica Style EC685.BK, black
Consider this if you’d like to be more hands-on with a portafilter machine. Its name indicates a pressure of 15 bars, which isn’t enough on its own to judge the coffee in the cup. If water tank capacity matters to you, confirm it for this specific model before buying.
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De’Longhi Magnifica S Smart ECAM250.23.SB, silver
Consider this if you’d like an automatic bean-to-cup machine for making coffee at home. If you make milk-based drinks, check how this model froths milk and what cleaning is involved.
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De’Longhi Dinamica ECAM350.15.B, black
Consider this if you prefer an automatic bean-to-cup machine. If you make milk-based drinks, check the system included with this model rather than assuming it has an automatic milk function.
Frequently asked questions
Can every espresso machine make a cappuccino?
No. Check the milk function on the specific model. It may have a manual steam wand, an automatic milk system or no built-in milk function at all. UFC-Que Choisir only assesses milk frothers when they’re included.
Where should I put used coffee capsules in France?
For the aluminium or plastic capsules covered by its guidance, ADEME recommends putting them in the appropriate recycling bin, bag or container. Check the guidance for your capsules before applying it to a different format.
What warranty applies to a new machine bought from a business in France?
According to the French Ministry of the Economy, you can claim under the legal guarantee of conformity for two years for a new machine bought from a professional seller in France. Any commercial warranty is separate, so check what it adds to your legal protection.
What should I do with an old electric coffee machine?
If it still works, consider donating or repairing it. Otherwise, ecosystem says that electrical kitchen equipment can be taken to a suitable collection point. Find a local collection point or ask about take-back options when replacing your machine.