If you make espresso regularly, a capsule machine keeps things simple, a grinder lets you choose your own beans if you’re happy to maintain it, and a portafilter is a good fit if you want to dose the coffee yourself. Check which consumables are compatible and what cleaning each machine requires. A filter coffee maker is only worth considering if you’re no longer looking for espresso.
If you make espresso often and want to choose your own beans without relying on a particular capsule format, consider a grinder. Be prepared to rinse the parts specified in the instructions. Que Choisir particularly recommends regularly cleaning the grounds and drip trays.
A capsule machine lets you use pre-portioned coffee. It’s worth considering if you’d rather not handle ground coffee, as long as you check which capsule format it accepts and how easy it is to buy compatible capsules.
A portafilter is a good fit if you’re happy to load the ground coffee, prepare the filter and empty the used grounds as part of your daily routine. If the machine has a steam wand, check what cleaning is needed after each milk-based drink, too.
Start with the drinks you actually make, then compare the steps involved, consumables and cleaning requirements for each type of machine.
| Consideration | What to check | Think about your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Steps per cup | Compare pre-portioned capsule coffee, automated preparation with a grinder and manually loading a portafilter. Check how to empty the used grounds or capsule bin. | Do I prefer to press a button, or am I happy to prepare and empty a filter for every espresso? |
| Coffee and compatibility | Check which types of coffee the machine accepts: beans, ground coffee, coffee pods or capsules. For a capsule machine, confirm the exact format before choosing your capsules. | If I like trying different beans, I don’t want to rely on one capsule format. If I choose capsules, I want to be able to buy ones that fit my machine easily. |
| Maintenance | Check which trays need rinsing, the descaling process and, where relevant, how to clean the steam wand or milk system. According to De’Longhi France, how often you need to descale a bean-to-cup machine depends in part on water hardness. | I’m happy to do these jobs if they fit the amount of time I want to spend maintaining the machine after making coffee and milk-based drinks. |
| Available space | Measure the space you have and check that there’s room to fill the water tank, add coffee and remove the trays. | If my worktop space is limited, I need to be able to use and clean the machine without moving it every time. |
| Capsule waste | Check what the capsules are made from and follow your local recycling guidance. In France, ADEME says aluminium and plastic capsules can go in the paper and packaging recycling collection. | If I use capsules every day, I want to know where I can drop off used capsules near me. |
| Type of drink | Bear in mind that a short espresso is different from a larger amount of filter coffee. For milk-based drinks, check what functions the machine offers and how to clean them. | If I mainly drink espresso, a filter coffee maker won’t suit my main needs. If I mostly want larger amounts of longer coffee, I can reconsider my options. |
The coffee you use, descaling and any water filters are all part of regular machine use, beyond simply making a cup.
Before choosing between capsules, beans and ground coffee, check which consumables work with the model and what maintenance it requires.
The machine’s capsule format determines which capsules you can use.
Check which system the model uses and where you can buy the corresponding capsules.
Que Choisir recommends regularly rinsing the grounds and drip trays on a grinder, and cleaning the brewing unit less often. A milk system adds extra cleaning steps specific to the machine.
Check how easy it is to access the parts that need rinsing, how to descale the machine and what to do after making a milk-based drink.
Making a larger amount of filter coffee is not the same as making a short espresso.
Make a note of the drinks you make most often. If espresso is still your main choice, compare grinders, capsule machines and portafilters first.
A brand to look at if you’re considering a bean-to-cup machine and want to check its maintenance instructions.
A brand whose French support site offers usage and maintenance advice to help you choose the right model.
A brand to consider if you want to check the maintenance instructions for a capsule machine and the collection options it offers.
These Joybuy models showcase three ways to make espresso at home: with a bean grinder, capsules or a portafilter. Compare how to use and maintain each one to see which suits your routine.
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This grinder machine is designed for anyone who wants to make espresso regularly using beans, and perhaps enjoy milk-based drinks with LatteGo, too. Check which parts need cleaning after making these drinks and which maintenance products are recommended for this model.
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A bean-to-cup espresso machine to consider if you prefer automatic preparation to loading a portafilter for every cup. For milk-based drinks, remember to factor in handling and cleaning the steam wand.
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Pre-portioned capsules are a good choice if you’d rather not load ground coffee for every cup. The water tank is listed as 0.6 L. Check the exact capsule format the machine accepts and remember to clean it regularly.
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This automatic machine with grinder offers six coffee varieties and includes a system for milk-based drinks. If you plan to use these features often, check what cleaning is required for the coffee and milk systems.
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This portafilter model is suited to anyone happy to prepare and empty the filter for every shot. If you use the steam wand, remember to clean it after use, too. Check the water tank capacity for the version being sold.
ADEME says to put them in the paper and packaging recycling bin, bag or container. Check your local authority’s guidance and, if you’re considering the brand’s take-back scheme, make sure there’s a collection point you can get to.
Follow the alert and instructions for your model. De’Longhi France says that, for its bean-to-cup machines with a digital display, descaling frequency depends in part on water hardness. Check the guidance for your own machine, too.
Check how easy it is to access the grounds and drip trays, the descaling process and which consumables are compatible. Que Choisir recommends regularly rinsing these trays and cleaning the brewing unit less often. If you make milk-based drinks, check the corresponding cleaning instructions, too.
Yes. Nespresso France says that how often you need to descale depends on water hardness and daily use. Check your machine’s instructions: using capsules doesn’t mean you can skip maintenance.