Households looking to keep preparation simple
If you only have a short window to make an espresso, a capsule or pod machine saves you from filling and tamping ground coffee. Check which format the machine accepts before choosing your coffee, though.
Who is each type best suited to?
Households making several coffees a day
An automatic grinder lets you make coffee from whole beans without filling a portafilter for every cup. In return, you’ll need to allow space for the machine and keep up with regular rinsing, cleaning and descaling, as UFC-Que Choisir points out.
People who want hands-on control over preparation
A portafilter is a good choice if you want to select your ground coffee, fill the filter and tamp it yourself. You’ll repeat these steps for every drink and clean the machine after use.
What sets the machines apart?
To choose between capsules, soft pods, a portafilter and a grinder, start with your daily routine, then look at compatible coffee and the care the machine needs.
| What to consider | What to check | Who it suits |
|---|---|---|
| Ease of preparation | Compare the steps involved in making each cup and check whether the model you’re considering can make two cups at once. | When mornings are rushed, I’d rather not measure out and tamp the coffee: around 33% of consumers would put ease of use first. |
| Getting hold of coffee | Find out exactly which capsule or pod system the machine uses and check that compatible options are readily available. | If I choose pre-portioned coffee, I want to be able to find the right format without getting it wrong; compatibility would be the top priority for around 25% of consumers. |
| Control over preparation | With a portafilter, check which filters are included and how much space you’ll need to fill and tamp the coffee. | I prefer choosing my ground coffee and controlling how it’s prepared, even if that means a few extra steps: around 25% of consumers would prioritise this level of control. |
| Maintenance and size | Measure the space with any covers or compartments open, and check the manual for cleaning and descaling instructions. | In a small kitchen, a bulky or noisy machine would get in the way of my daily routine; around 17% of consumers would prioritise these considerations. |
What not to overlook
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Underestimating the maintenance of an automatic grinder
The bins and internal system of a bean-to-cup machine need regular attention. UFC-Que Choisir warns that you shouldn’t ignore a descaling alert, as limescale can block the system.
Before choosing, check the manual for the parts that need cleaning, how easy they are to access and the descaling instructions.
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Confusing capsule systems
Nespresso has two systems, Original and Vertuo, and their capsules should not be treated as interchangeable. So, a general claim that capsules are compatible with the brand isn’t enough to identify the right format.
Check the exact system name on the machine or in its manual, then look for it on the capsule packaging.
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Choosing a grinder without allowing for access
According to UFC-Que Choisir, automatic grinder machines generally take up more space and make more noise than capsule systems. This matters particularly in a small kitchen or if you make coffee early in the morning.
Measure the space you’ll need to open the covers and reach the tanks. If noise is a key concern, look for a noise measurement for the exact model.
Brands to know
Nespresso
A brand to consider if you’re looking at capsule machines and deciding between the Original and Vertuo systems.
- Nespresso describes Original as offering formats from ristretto to lungo, and Vertuo as offering formats from espresso to mug-sized coffee.
- Check which system the machine uses: the brand’s descriptions don’t mean the capsules are interchangeable.
Philips SENSEO
A brand to consider if your household is interested in soft pod machines.
- Philips says its Original Plus model can make one or two cups at a time.
- This feature applies to the model mentioned; check the features and compatible pods for the specific model you choose.
De’Longhi
The brand offers manual portafilter machines and automatic grinder machines – two options that involve different preparation steps.
- In the ranges featured by De’Longhi, you fill and tamp the portafilter by hand, while some grinder models make coffee from whole beans.
- The drinks available, milk system and maintenance requirements vary by model, so check the exact product details.
Krups
A brand to consider when comparing automatic grinder machines.
- The Krups manual for the EA815–EA817 series describes automatic preparation of espresso, coffee and ristretto.
- The features of this series may not apply to other Krups machines.
Bean-to-cup and capsule machines on Joybuy
These machines offer two ways to make espresso as part of your daily routine: use whole beans with an automatic grinder or make coffee with capsules. For each one, consider whether the maintenance and compatible coffee suit your habits.
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Philips Series 2200 EP2230/10 LatteGo, glossy black
For households looking to make coffee regularly from whole beans with a grinder machine. If you use the LatteGo milk system, check the manual for cleaning instructions and the space needed to access the removable parts.
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De’Longhi Magnifica Evo ECAM290.61.B LatteCrema, black
An automatic machine to consider if you prefer making coffee from whole beans and are also interested in a milk system. Check which drinks this specific variant offers, as well as the care needed for the LatteCrema system.
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De’Longhi Magnifica Start ECAM220.21.WW, white
Make coffee from whole beans without filling a portafilter for every cup. If you plan to froth milk, bear in mind that using the steam wand involves a manual step, followed by cleaning after use.
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De’Longhi Magnifica S ECAM22.140.B, black
An automatic grinder machine for making espresso regularly from whole beans. Check that you have enough room in your kitchen; frothing milk with the steam wand requires you to do it by hand.
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KRUPS Nespresso Essenza Mini, 0,6 L, 1 200 W, white
For making espresso with fewer steps using a capsule machine. Its tank is listed as 0,6 L; check that your chosen capsules are compatible with the Nespresso Original system and that the machine will fit in your chosen spot.
Frequently asked questions
Is an automatic grinder suitable for making several espressos a day?
Yes, if you want to make coffee from whole beans without filling a portafilter each time and can keep up with regular maintenance. UFC-Que Choisir notes that grinder machines need their bins cleaned and must be descaled when prompted; you’ll also need to check that you have enough space.
When should you clean and descale an espresso machine?
Follow the instructions for your model and pay attention to its descaling alerts: how often it needs descaling depends on factors including the machine and the water you use. For an automatic grinder machine, UFC-Que Choisir recommends regularly rinsing the coffee grounds and drip trays and not letting limescale build up.
Are capsules and pods interchangeable?
No. Choose coffee that’s specifically listed as compatible with your machine’s system. Nespresso, for example, distinguishes between Original and Vertuo, while soft pods for a SENSEO machine belong to a different system again.
What should you do if a machine bought from a retailer isn’t working properly?
In France, the legal guarantee of conformity covers new, second-hand and refurbished goods sold by a retailer to an individual, as explained by the Ministry of the Economy. Contact the seller to describe the problem and keep your proof of purchase; what happens next will depend on the specific circumstances of the product.