If you make coffee at home often, choose capsules or coffee pads for a simple routine, a portafilter if you want more control over the brewing process, or an automatic grinder if you want to use beans with fewer steps for each cup. Before choosing, check which coffee formats the machine accepts, how much space you have, which milk-based drinks it can make and what maintenance the instructions recommend.
If you mainly make espressos or long coffees and want a quick routine, portioned coffee formats are worth considering. Que Choisir highlights how easy capsules and coffee pads are to use; just make sure you check which format your chosen machine accepts.
If you make coffee often, an automatic grinder lets you start with beans you’ve chosen yourself. You’ll also need to allow enough space for the machine and be prepared to clean the trays and other parts listed in the instructions.
A portafilter machine may suit you if you want to control the dose and tamping. If you’d like to steam milk, check that the model has a steam wand and that you’re happy with the cleaning steps; features vary by model.
Start by thinking about how you want to make and buy your coffee, then check the features and maintenance requirements of the specific model.
| What matters | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Quick preparation | Drinks you can make at the touch of a button, accepted coffee format and the steps needed after each cup. | When I’m making one coffee after another in the morning, I want a quick brew without adjusting the dose each time; around 29% of consumers would make simplicity their priority. |
| Getting your coffee | Exact compatibility with capsules or coffee pads, or whether you can use the beans you prefer. | If I make coffee often, I want to be able to find my usual format while still choosing my own coffee; around 29% of consumers would put this flexibility first. |
| Milk and adjustments | Whether it has a steam wand or milk system, the drinks it can make and the parts that need rinsing. | If I regularly make cappuccinos or want to adjust the milk froth myself, I’m happy to put in a few extra steps for each cup; around 21% of consumers would put these options first. |
| Beans and maintenance | Dimensions and clearance for the reservoirs, access to the trays and cleaning instructions. | I want to use beans without adding lots of extra steps, as long as I can fit and maintain the machine at home; around 21% of consumers would make this balance their main priority. |
A capsule or coffee pad that isn’t compatible with the machine won’t make the coffee you want.
Check the exact format it accepts, then make sure you know where you can usually buy compatible portions.
The trays and some parts that come into contact with coffee need regular cleaning. Que Choisir recommends rinsing the grounds and drip trays, as well as the brewing unit, depending on the model.
Check the instructions to see which parts need cleaning, when to descale the machine and which products are approved.
A manual steam wand and an automatic milk system involve different preparation and cleaning steps.
Check how your usual drink is made and which parts need rinsing after use.
A machine may fit on your worktop but still leave too little space to fill it with water or beans and remove the trays.
Measure the width, depth and height, then allow enough room around any removable parts.
A range of capsule machines for espresso and lungo, worth considering if the capsule system suits your habits.
Coffee pad machines for households that prefer this portioned format.
The Magnifica range includes automatic bean-to-cup machines for making coffee from beans.
Portafilter machines to consider if you want more control over how your espresso is made.
This Joybuy selection features an automatic bean-to-cup machine to consider if you want to make espresso regularly at home.
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Worth considering if you want an automatic machine that makes espresso from beans. For long coffees or milk-based drinks, check the drink settings and maintenance steps in the instructions for this model.
A grinder is worth considering if you want to choose your own beans and make coffee regularly without measuring out ground coffee for every cup. However, check that you have enough worktop space and are happy with the cleaning required by the instructions.
Yes, follow the instructions for your model. Nespresso France recommends descaling its machines every three months or after around 300 capsules and advises checking the manual; this schedule doesn’t automatically apply to other brands.
Clean the trays regularly and follow the instructions for the milk system after making a milk-based drink. Que Choisir notes that the grounds and drip trays, as well as the brewing unit depending on the model, need to be rinsed regularly.
Don’t put it out with your household rubbish. The French Ministry for Ecological Transition recommends taking it to a collection point or recycling centre, or returning it to a retailer for electrical equipment. Check which option is available near you.