If you want to make coffee with minimal effort, compare capsule and soft pod machines based on the drinks you enjoy and the consumables they accept. If you’d like to be more involved in the process, consider a portafilter machine or a bean-to-cup machine, depending on what you’re happy to do each day. Whichever you choose, check the cost for the number of cups you drink, the space you’ll need and the care required by the specific model.
Compare the ongoing cost of consumables with the number of cups you make, then weigh it against the upfront cost and maintenance of a portafilter or grinder. Que Choisir distinguishes between these machine types and how they’re used.
If you want a fuss-free way to make coffee, check the dimensions, how easy it is to access the water tank and which coffee formats the specific machine accepts. Que Choisir’s guides cover several portion-based and brewing systems.
Choosing your own beans or preparing coffee manually may matter more if you enjoy being involved in the process. Que Choisir presents a bean grinder as an option for coffee enthusiasts and people who drink a lot of coffee.
Choose this if : you usually make one cup at a time and want to keep handling to a minimum, provided the system accepts the capsules you want to use.
Bear in mind : the cost of capsules adds up with regular use. Nespresso says that the Inissia mentioned here accepts Original capsules only.
Choose this if : you want to make coffee easily with soft pods and the format suits your usual routine.
Bear in mind : Philips says the SENSEO Original Plus CSA210/50 can make one or two cups in under a minute. This is the manufacturer’s claim for this model only; it doesn’t apply to every machine, and soft pods aren’t necessarily suitable for a portafilter machine.
Choose this if : you want to add ground coffee yourself or, on some models, use an ESE pod.
Bear in mind : filling and emptying the portafilter involves a few extra steps. De’Longhi says the steam wand on the Dedica mentioned here is manual.
Choose this if : you drink coffee made from beans regularly and would rather start the brewing process than handle a portafilter for every cup.
Bear in mind : the grinder needs regular maintenance. Que Choisir says these machines can take up more space and be noisier than capsule machines.
To choose between the different types, start with what matters most in your daily routine: ongoing costs, time and effort, the drinks you want to make, practical considerations or control over the brewing process.
| Criterion | What to check before buying | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of regular coffees | Compare the machine, coffee and maintenance costs over the same period and for the same number of cups. | If I make several coffees every day, I want to compare ongoing costs rather than just the price of the machine. Around 25 % of consumers prioritise the cost of regular coffees. |
| Speed and effort | Separate the warm-up time from the time it takes to make a cup, and check whether you can make one or two cups at a time. | In the morning, if I want to serve a cup quickly with minimal effort, an easy routine comes before other features. Around 25 % of consumers prioritise speed and fewer steps. |
| Drinks and formats | Check which drinks and sizes the model can make, as well as how it prepares milk. | If I want to switch between espresso, longer coffees and milk-based drinks, I check what the model can actually make. This variety is a priority for around 19 % of consumers. |
| Space, noise and maintenance | Measure the space needed to fill the tank, remove the trays and use the accessories; check the care instructions. | In a kitchen where every bit of space counts, I also consider noise and how much maintenance I’m willing to do. Around 19 % of consumers put these practical considerations first. |
| Control over the brewing process | Choose between ground coffee in a portafilter, beans in a grinder or pre-measured portions; distinguish between ESE pods, SENSEO pods and Original capsules. | If I want to choose my coffee and have more of a hand in making it, I’m happy to take on the extra steps rather than look for a fully pre-measured routine. Around 12 % of consumers prioritise this level of control. |
The cost of consumables and how often you use the machine can change how the different types compare.
Compare the costs for the number of cups you make over the same period.
Original capsules, SENSEO pods and ESE pods are different systems on the models covered here.
Check the machine’s model number against the system shown on the coffee packaging.
An automatic grinder still needs cleaning and descaling.
Read the instructions and check that the parts you need to clean are easy to access before choosing.
The water tank, removable parts and any steam wand also need space to be used.
Measure the space around the machine and the room you’ll need to use it, not just the machine itself.
The Inissia mentioned here is an example of a capsule system for making Espresso and Lungo drinks.
The SENSEO Original Plus CSA210/50 represents soft pod machines in this selection of models reviewed.
The Dedica Style EC685.M EX:4 is an example of a manual portafilter machine that uses ground coffee or ESE pods.
The Solo silver 6774090_FR is an example of an automatic bean-to-cup machine.
This selection includes capsule machines, portafilter machines and automatic bean-to-cup machines, offering different ways to make coffee at home and different coffee formats.
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For making an Espresso or Lungo with a capsule and minimal effort; this model uses Nespresso Original capsules.
Two cup sizes are listed, along with automatic ejection of used capsules, a 0,7 L water tank and a fold-away drip tray. The container holds 11 used capsules.
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Worth considering if you want to choose between several cup sizes and start brewing at the touch of a button; this model uses Vertuo capsules.
Five cup sizes are listed, along with barcode reading, automatic capsule ejection and a 0,6 L water tank.
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For making coffee from beans and choosing from a range of drinks, including milk-based drinks made using the LatteGo system.
This model features an adjustable grinder, can make two coffees at once and has a 1,8 L water tank. The brewing unit is removable and some parts are dishwasher-safe; the compatible AquaClean filter isn’t included.
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Consider this if you want to prepare coffee yourself using ground coffee or an ESE pod; filling and emptying the portafilter involves manual steps.
This model is listed as suitable for one or two cups, with three temperature settings, adjustable water volume and a manual steam wand. Check the tank specifications for the exact reference.
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For making coffee from beans using the built-in grinder, or using pre-ground coffee, without handling a portafilter for every cup.
Features include making two cups at once, adjustable grind settings and a descaling programme with alerts. The steam wand needs to be operated manually to froth milk.
Use the same period and number of cups for both, and add together the cost of the machine, the portions or coffee you’ll actually use, and maintenance. A general comparison can’t set a payback period that applies to every household.
No, the models covered here use different systems. The Inissia mentioned here accepts Nespresso Original capsules only, the Dedica mentioned here accepts ground coffee and ESE pods, and the CSA210/50 is a SENSEO pod machine. Check the machine’s reference and the consumables’ packaging before you buy.
Follow the model’s instructions to clean the parts that collect coffee grounds and drips, descale the machine as required, and clean the steam wand after use. An automatic grinder doesn’t remove the need for these tasks.
The legal guarantee of conformity covers new, second-hand and refurbished goods sold by a business to a private individual. The French Ministry of the Economy states that you have two years to claim under it. This legal guarantee is separate from any optional commercial warranty.
No. As of 18 August 2026, coffee machines aren’t among the categories for which the French Ministry of the Economy says this index is compulsory. The absence of an index doesn’t prove that a model can’t be repaired; check the availability of parts and the after-sales service terms.