To make espresso at home every day, start by deciding which steps you’re happy to repeat: inserting a capsule or pod, preparing the coffee yourself with a portafilter, or filling a machine that grinds the beans. Then check which coffee format the exact model accepts, how much space you have and what maintenance it requires. Automatic preparation doesn’t mean there are no other considerations.
The best place to start is with your routine, not the technology on its own. UFC-Que Choisir identifies four types of domestic espresso machine: capsule, soft-pod, portafilter and bean-to-cup.
If you want to make a pre-portioned drink without grinding or tamping, consider capsule and soft-pod machines. However, choose a system based on the coffee supplies you’ll be able to buy regularly. Capsule machines don’t all accept the same formats.
A machine with a grinder lets you use whole beans without measuring out each cup by hand. To see whether it’ll fit into your daily routine, also check how to fill it, run rinsing cycles and access the containers. De'Longhi notes that bean-to-cup espresso machines need regular maintenance.
A portafilter gives you control over dosing, tamping and making your drink. De'Longhi’s guide to manual machines explains that you carry out these steps yourself, so you’ll need to be happy with a few more tasks and the cleaning afterwards.
For everyday use, first decide how much of the preparation you want to do yourself. Then look at which coffee the machine accepts and whether its maintenance tasks will fit into your routine.
| What to consider | What to check before you buy | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Everyday ease of use | Compare the steps involved in making a drink and cleaning the machine afterwards. If you often make coffee for two, check whether it has a two-cup function. | When mornings are busy, I want to make coffee without measuring or tamping. Around 33% of consumers put this ease of use at the top of their list. |
| Coffee and consumables | Find out exactly which format the machine accepts and whether you can easily buy it from the shops you usually visit. Original and Vertuo, for example, are two separate Nespresso systems. | If I drink coffee every day, I want to be able to find the right format for my machine easily, without choosing the wrong system. This freedom of choice is the priority for around 27% of consumers. |
| Control over preparation | With a portafilter, check which types of coffee it accepts and which accessories are included. If you make milk drinks, also look at the steam wand. | I’d rather take the time to measure and tamp the coffee than insert a pre-portioned pod. Around 20% of consumers prefer to take an active role in preparing their coffee. |
| Beans and automation | Check which drinks the exact model makes, and how easy it is to access the water tank, containers and parts that need cleaning. | Several coffees are made at home every day, and I want to use beans without having to prepare each shot by hand. For around 20% of consumers, using beans with an automatic machine takes priority over other considerations. |
A capsule compatible with one system won’t necessarily work with another. Nespresso’s Original and Vertuo systems are different, so the brand name alone isn’t enough to tell you which capsules to use.
Before choosing a machine, make a note of its exact system and check that you’ll be able to buy the right capsules regularly.
A bean-to-cup machine can make a drink from whole beans once it’s filled, but you’ll still need to consider rinsing cycles, emptying the containers and descaling. De'Longhi explains that the tasks vary by model.
Check the instructions for the model you’re considering and make sure the water tank, coffee grounds container and drip tray are easy to access. If it makes milk drinks, also check how to clean the milk system.
These brands show the different ways to make espresso at home. Their ranges aren’t limited to a single type of machine, so always check the features and consumables for the specific model you’re interested in.
Two capsule systems, Original and Vertuo, with different drink options depending on the machine.
Soft-pod machines designed for quick, simple preparation.
A range that includes manual portafilter machines and bean-to-cup espresso machines.
Portafilter machines for those who want to be hands-on when preparing their coffee.
These models cover three of the coffee-making methods discussed here: using beans in an automatic machine, making espresso with a portafilter or inserting a capsule. If you prefer soft pods, apply the same compatibility checks to the model you’re considering.
Image unavailable
Worth considering if you want to make coffee from whole beans regularly without using a manual portafilter.
The model name indicates a grinder and the LatteGo system. Before buying, check which drinks the version on sale makes, which accessories are included and how to clean the milk system.
Image unavailable
Worth considering if you’d rather be hands-on when making espresso than use a capsule.
For this EC685.M version, check which types of coffee it accepts, how much worktop space it needs and the capacity of the water tank. You’ll also need to allow time for preparation and cleaning after use.
Image unavailable
Worth comparing if your household often makes coffee from whole beans and you want to cut down on the manual steps for each cup.
This model is described as an automatic machine with a grinder. Measure the available space and check the instructions for rinsing, cleaning and descaling.
Image unavailable
Worth considering if you want to make coffee with capsules and froth milk without using a manual steam wand.
This version combines the Vertuo system with an Aeroccino milk frother. Check how much space the whole set-up will take and choose Vertuo capsules: Original capsules aren’t compatible with this system.
Image unavailable
Worth a look if you’re after a capsule-based routine for making an espresso or lungo.
The product name indicates 19-bar pressure and a folding cup tray. Check how much space you have, what maintenance is involved and whether Original capsules are easy to get. They aren’t interchangeable with Vertuo capsules.
Choose a system based on the drinks you want to make and the capsules you’ll be able to buy regularly. Nespresso describes Original as suitable for ristretto, espresso and lungo, among other recipes, while Vertuo offers several cup sizes. The capsules aren’t interchangeable.
You’ll need to clean the containers and follow the rinsing and descaling instructions for your model. Depending on the machine, De'Longhi also mentions cleaning removable parts and milk accessories. Check what’s involved before choosing an automatic machine for everyday use.
Check the warranty terms for the specific product, how to request a repair and whether replacement parts are expected to be available. This information can differ between models from the same brand, so check the details for the one you plan to buy.