Households that make coffee regularly
You make several coffees at home and want to weigh up the cost of consumables, using whole beans and the maintenance involved with a grinder.
Who are these machines for ?
Espresso lovers who want minimal fuss
You want to make a short coffee quickly and need to check that the capsule or coffee pod format suits your habits.
Households that switch between different drinks
You alternate between short and long coffees, or milk-based drinks. Check the recipes and cleaning requirements for the specific equipment on the machine.
What should you compare ?
Capsule machine
Choose this if : you want to make an espresso or lungo with minimal effort, or would like more cup sizes with a Vertuo system.
Bear in mind : capsules depend on the specific system; Original and Vertuo capsules are not interchangeable.
Soft coffee pod machine
Choose this if : you prefer a long coffee that’s simple to make. Philips says some SENSEO Original models can make one or two cups.
Bear in mind : a SENSEO pod is neither a capsule nor an ESE pod for a portafilter machine.
Portafilter espresso machine
Choose this if : you want to measure out your own ground coffee. De’Longhi also states that the documented Dedica Style is compatible with ESE pods.
Bear in mind : preparation is more hands-on, and the parts you use need cleaning.
Bean-to-cup machine
Choose this if : you make coffee regularly and want to use whole beans without grinding each dose separately.
Bear in mind : a grinder doesn’t eliminate maintenance, and you’ll also need space for the machine.
| Criteria | What to check | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Time and effort | Compare the steps involved in making and clearing away each cup, as well as whether your chosen model can make two cups at once. | When you make several coffees in a busy routine, reducing the number of steps can make a difference. Around 25% of consumers prioritise the time and effort involved in making coffee. |
| Maintenance | Check the instructions for cleaning after use, parts that come into contact with milk and descaling. | If you want to know what tasks will become part of your routine, check them before choosing. Around 20% of consumers put maintenance first. |
| Cost per coffee | Compare the machine and compatible consumables over the same period, based on the number of cups you usually make. | For a household that drinks coffee regularly, the cost of consumables can influence the choice. Around 20% of consumers prioritise the cost of coffee. |
| Drinks and preparation | Check which drinks are listed for the exact model, and whether milk is prepared manually or with dedicated equipment. | If you switch between short, long or milk-based coffees, you can look for recipes that suit your habits. Around 20% of consumers prioritise drink variety and control over preparation. |
| Space available | Measure the space you have, including room to fill the water tank, remove the trays and handle the portafilter. | In a kitchen with limited worktop space, the machine’s dimensions and access to its tanks can determine your choice. Around 15% of consumers prioritise a compact design. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Buying capsules or pods based on the brand name alone
Original, Vertuo, SENSEO, ESE and A Modo Mio refer to different systems or formats. If you choose a pack without checking compatibility, it might not work with your machine.
Check the format shown on the machine and on each pack before comparing the cost per cup.
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Assuming an automatic grinder needs no cleaning
An integrated grinder doesn’t eliminate maintenance. A machine with milk equipment may also need its carafe or pipes cleaned.
Check the instructions for the complete model reference and identify the steps involved for the drinks you’ll actually make.
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Identifying a machine by its product name alone
Specifications for machines called Dedica Style EC685.BK do not always apply to the same version. De’Longhi lists a 1.1 l tank for the EC685.BK EX:4, while the Joybuy listing for the EC685.BK states 1.6 l.
Before buying, check the full model reference and the specifications that matter for your needs.
Brands to know when comparing machines
Nespresso
Its two capsule systems cater for different cup sizes.
- Nespresso France positions Original for short coffees and Vertuo for a range of cup sizes.
- According to Nespresso France, Vertuo capsules are only for Vertuo machines. Check the system before buying consumables.
Philips SENSEO
The documented range uses soft coffee pods, particularly for making long coffees.
- Philips says the documented SENSEO Original model can make one or two cups.
- Philips recommends regular descaling. Philips France lists reference HD7806/42 as discontinued.
De’Longhi
The models covered here show the portafilter and bean-grinding options.
- De’Longhi says the documented Dedica Style accepts ground coffee and ESE pods; the documented Magnifica Start has an integrated grinder.
- The preparation and maintenance steps, as well as the equipment for milk, vary by model reference.
Lavazza
The A Modo Mio system is another capsule range to consider.
- Lavazza says its A Modo Mio capsules are compatible with machines in this range, and offers decaffeinated coffees among its options.
- Don’t assume this format will work with another capsule range. Check the exact coffee reference too.
Machines available on Joybuy
The models below include bean-to-cup machines, a portafilter machine and a Vertuo capsule system, so you can compare whole-bean use, manual preparation and pre-measured coffee.
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Philips EP2230/10 LatteGo, Series 2200
Worth considering if you’re looking for a bean-to-cup machine with the LatteGo system.
Check the drinks it offers and the cleaning steps for this version before choosing.
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De’Longhi Dedica Style EC685.BK
Worth considering if you want to make coffee with a portafilter and prefer a hands-on approach.
Check the full model reference and tank capacity: De’Longhi lists 1.1 l for the EC685.BK EX:4, while the Joybuy listing for the EC685.BK states 1.6 l.
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De’Longhi Magnifica Start ECAM220.21.WW
Worth considering if you want a bean-to-cup machine for your regular coffee routine.
If you plan to make milk-based drinks, check the recipes and equipment on this model.
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De’Longhi Magnifica Evo ECAM290.61.B
Worth considering if you’re looking for an automatic machine with a grinder and LatteCrema system.
The description for this version specifies that the milk system needs cleaning after use, as well as rinse and descaling cycles.
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Nespresso Vertuo Pop ENV90.B, black, 0.6 l
Worth considering if you’re looking for a Vertuo capsule machine that caters for different cup sizes.
The product name specifies a 0.6 l tank. Nespresso France says Vertuo capsules are for Vertuo machines only, so check the format of your consumables.
Frequently asked questions
Will an Original capsule work in a Vertuo machine, or a SENSEO pod in an ESE portafilter machine ?
Don’t assume these formats are interchangeable. Nespresso distinguishes between Original and Vertuo, and its Vertuo capsules are for Vertuo machines only; SENSEO and ESE are different formats. De’Longhi states that the documented Dedica Style is compatible with ESE pods. Check the format specified for the machine and coffee you’re considering.
Do capsule or coffee pod machines need no maintenance ?
No, these machines still need maintenance. Philips recommends regularly descaling SENSEO models in line with the instructions for the specific reference. Parts that come into contact with milk also need appropriate cleaning; De’Longhi notes this for Magnifica Start models fitted with a LatteCrema carafe.
How can I compare costs if my household doesn’t always drink the same number of coffees ?
Compare each option over the same period, using your usual consumption. Take the machine, coffee compatible with its system and cleaning products into account, then check prices when you’re ready to buy.
What rights apply when buying a new machine online from a professional seller in France ?
For a new item bought from a professional seller, you can claim under the legal guarantee of conformity for two years. The Ministry of the Economy and Finance also states that distance purchases generally come with a withdrawal period of at least 14 days, subject to the applicable conditions and exceptions. Any commercial warranty is in addition to your statutory rights.
Can you put your old coffee machine in household rubbish ?
Look into take-back options for waste electrical and electronic equipment rather than putting your old machine in household rubbish. The DGCCRF describes a ‘one-for-one’ take-back scheme when you buy replacement equipment; check the arrangements offered by your seller.