To keep things simple and save space, compare capsule machines with machines for soft coffee pods, checking which consumables are compatible with each model. If you make coffee often, also consider the ongoing cost and maintenance involved with a grinder or portafilter machine. A grinder automates the process using coffee beans, while a portafilter machine leaves more of the preparation to you.
If your machine gets regular use, the cost of the coffee and the effort involved in maintenance matter just as much as choosing the machine itself. Que Choisir Ensemble covers these points in its espresso machine buying guide.
If you want to make coffee with minimal effort, check the dimensions, how easy it is to access the water tank and the format of the consumables. Que Choisir Ensemble’s guide also explains the differences between capsule and soft coffee pod systems.
Portafilter machines and grinders involve different preparation steps. If you enjoy milk-based drinks, check whether the machine has a steam wand or milk frother, and how it needs to be cleaned. Que Choisir Ensemble covers these points in its guides and maintenance advice.
Worth considering if: you prefer quick, pre-portioned coffee, in a design that can be compact depending on the model.
Bear in mind: check which capsule format the machine accepts and how much the consumables will cost based on how often you use it.
Worth considering if: you want to make coffee with soft pods. Features such as making one or two cups at a time depend on the model.
Bear in mind: soft coffee pods are not automatically interchangeable with capsules or ESE pods.
Worth considering if: you want to measure out and handle ground coffee yourself, and have more control over the preparation.
Bear in mind: the portafilter and, where fitted, the milk wand need to be cleaned after use.
Worth considering if: you make coffee regularly and prefer an automated brewing process using whole beans.
Bear in mind: the coffee grounds container, accessible components and descaling all need regular attention.
| Criteria | What to check | Who is it most important to? |
|---|---|---|
| Ongoing coffee costs | Compare compatible coffee and maintenance costs over the same period and for the same number of cups. | If my household makes several coffees every day, I want to compare ongoing costs rather than just the price of the machine; around 27% of consumers prioritise the cost of use. |
| Ease of use and space | Check the dimensions, access to the water tank and how much you need to do between making one coffee and the next. | If I have limited space or time, I look for a machine that fits on my worktop and is easy to use; around 27% of consumers prioritise ease of use and a compact design. |
| Control over preparation | Check whether the machine uses ground coffee or beans, and what settings it offers. | If I want to choose my beans or have a say in how the ground coffee is prepared, the steps involved are part of my decision; around 20% of consumers put this control first. |
| Milk-based drinks | Check whether the machine has a steam wand or milk frother, and what cleaning instructions apply. | If I make cappuccinos, I check how the machine froths the milk and how to clean the equipment; around 13% of consumers choose a machine based on their needs for milk-based drinks. |
| Maintenance | Check the cleaning and descaling instructions for the specific model. | If I want the machine to fit into my routine, I check what regular tasks are involved before choosing; around 13% of consumers prioritise maintenance that suits their habits. |
The cost of coffee and maintenance builds up over time, which can make a real difference in a household that makes coffee often.
Compare systems over the same period and for the same number of cups, taking compatible consumables and maintenance tasks into account.
Remember to factor in buying coffee regularly, as well as the time needed for cleaning and descaling.
Capsules, SENSEO soft pods and ESE pods are different formats; a machine will not necessarily accept all three.
Before buying consumables, check the machine’s system and exact model number in the instructions.
Tasks vary by machine and may include cleaning the trays, water system, accessible brewing unit or milk equipment.
Check the instructions for your model and make sure its cleaning and descaling tasks fit into your routine.
Cleaning takes time and may require maintenance products. A fault may also mean arranging a repair.
Que Choisir Ensemble has noted that some grinder manufacturers set commercial warranty limits based on the number of coffees made. This does not mean the machine will stop working once it reaches that limit.
If you use your machine often, read the commercial warranty terms for the model you are considering and distinguish them from your statutory rights under the legal guarantee of conformity.
Nespresso Original machines, including the Essenza Mini, use capsules to make drinks such as espresso and lungo.
The SENSEO Original Plus CSA210/50 is an example of a machine that uses soft coffee pods.
The 2200 Series EP2225/10 is an example of an espresso machine with a grinder and adjustable settings.
The Dedica Style EC685.W EX:4 is an example of a domestic portafilter machine with manual preparation.
Krups models are available in the Dolce Gusto and espresso machine with grinder ranges.
This selection includes capsule machines, a portafilter machine and bean-to-cup machines for making coffee at home.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for a compact capsule machine that offers several advertised preparation formats.
The description mentions compatibility with different types of capsules, ground coffee and tea, as well as a 600 ml water tank.
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Worth considering if you want to make coffee with a portafilter and have a manual steam wand for milk.
The description lists compatibility with ground coffee or ESE pods, a width of 149 mm and a 1,6 L water tank. The portafilter and wand need to be cleaned after use.
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Worth considering if you prefer an automated process using whole beans and would also like a steam wand.
The description mentions a built-in grinder, a two-cup function, a 1,8 L water tank and a coffee grounds container advertised as holding enough for 14 cups. It also says to clean the wand, empty the grounds container and descale the machine when prompted.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for a Vertuo machine that makes different drink sizes using compatible capsules.
The description lists five cup sizes, capsule barcode recognition and a 0,6 L water tank. Check which Vertuo format it accepts and factor in the ongoing cost of capsules.
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Worth considering if you want a compact capsule machine with two programmable cup sizes: espresso and lungo.
The description lists a removable 0,6 L water tank and dimensions of 8,4 × 33 × 20,4 cm. It specifies that the machine uses Nespresso Original or compatible capsules.
Compare them over the same period and for the same number of cups, including the machine, compatible coffee and maintenance. The cost per cup depends on the coffee you choose, so it isn’t enough on its own to establish the total cost for your household.
Follow the instructions for the milk system. For a steam wand, Que Choisir Ensemble recommends rinsing it after every use. Also check the cleaning and descaling instructions for your specific model.
Don’t assume that it can. Philips describes the CSA210/50 as a machine for SENSEO pods, while De’Longhi separately lists ESE compatibility for the Dedica Style EC685.W EX:4. Check the instructions and exact model number before buying coffee.
The legal guarantee of conformity is mandatory for new, second-hand and refurbished goods sold by a professional to a consumer. The Ministry of the Economy distinguishes this right from any commercial warranty offered by the manufacturer. Check the terms that apply to your purchase.
The list of product categories covered by this labelling requirement, published by the DGCCRF on 26 June 2025, does not include coffee machines. To assess a particular model, find out about the availability of parts and servicing rather than attributing a regulatory index that does not appear on the list.