For straightforward coffee-making, consider capsule or pod machines. If you want to be more hands-on, look at a portafilter machine; if you want to use beans with an automated brewing process, consider a machine with a grinder. The type of coffee a machine takes, the consumables you’ll need to replace and the upkeep involved are just as important as the drinks it can make. Que Choisir notes in particular that the convenience of capsules and pods comes at a higher cost per coffee than using beans or ground coffee.
If you want a simple brewing process you can repeat easily, capsule and pod machines are worth considering. Que Choisir highlights how easy both types are to use; then check what’s involved with the specific machine you’re interested in.
If you make coffee several times a week, the choice of consumables, machine capacity and upkeep all become more important. Compare these factors with your usual coffee-making routine in mind.
A portafilter machine is a good fit if you’re happy to take a more hands-on approach. If you’d rather use beans with an automated brewing process, look at what a grinder machine can do; the drinks on offer and the upkeep required vary by model.
Start by deciding which type of coffee you want to use regularly, then consider the daily steps involved and how much upkeep you’re prepared to take on.
Worth considering: if you want to keep the number of steps involved to a minimum.
Bear in mind: you’ll need to regularly buy capsules that are compatible with the machine’s specific system.
Worth considering: if you want a simple brewing process using pods that fit your chosen machine.
Bear in mind: the choice of drinks and the number of cups you can make depend on the model.
Worth considering: if choosing your coffee and getting hands-on with the brewing process matter to you.
Bear in mind: measuring out the coffee, handling the portafilter and cleaning it will all be part of your routine.
Worth considering: if you want an automatic machine that makes coffee from whole beans.
Bear in mind: you’ll still need to refill the machine, empty the coffee grounds and carry out regular upkeep.
| Factor | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Ease of preparation | The type of coffee the machine takes and the steps needed to make a coffee with your chosen model. | If you want each cup to take as little effort as possible, an easy daily routine matters more than settings: around 25% of consumers prioritise this simplicity. |
| Consumables and running costs | Compatible coffee formats, where you usually buy them and which consumables you’ll need to replace based on how often you use the machine. | If I make coffee regularly, I want to choose what I use without overlooking repeat expenses; around 31% of consumers put this need first. |
| Hands-on preparation | Portafilter type, included filters and whether you’ll need a separate grinder. | Choosing my coffee and being involved in measuring it out matter more to me than reducing the number of steps: around 19% of consumers share this priority. |
| Drinks and serving | Drinks on offer, whether there’s a milk system, capacity and whether the specific model can make two cups at once. | In a household where people like different drinks or want coffee one after another, I want a machine that can keep up; around 25% of consumers prioritise this variety or capacity. |
Que Choisir notes that although capsules and pods are easy to use, they cost more than whole beans or ground coffee. This difference matters even more if you make coffee frequently.
Compare the consumables you’d actually buy, as well as the cleaning products recommended for each machine.
A soft-pod machine won’t necessarily take capsules, and Nespresso has separate Original and Vertuo systems.
Note down the machine’s full model number, then check the product details and manual to confirm which coffee format it takes before choosing your coffee.
Que Choisir links poor espresso machine maintenance with early breakdowns. The tasks involved depend on the machine and its features.
Check the manual to find out how to descale the machine and clean the parts you’ll use, including the milk system if there is one.
Remember to allow time for these tasks and budget for the cleaning products recommended for your model.
The drinks and features available vary from one grinder machine to another; a milk system also means more parts to clean.
Make a list of the drinks you usually prepare, then check that the model’s features suit your needs.
A brand to consider for capsule machines, with Original and Vertuo ranges to choose between depending on the drinks you like.
A brand to explore if you’re looking for soft-pod machines and a straightforward way to make coffee.
A brand to explore for espresso machines with grinders, with features that vary by range and model.
These Joybuy models include grinder machines, a portafilter machine and a Vertuo capsule machine. Compare the type of coffee they use and the upkeep involved before choosing a model.
Image unavailable
Worth considering if you want to make coffee from beans without using a portafilter. This white version is an automatic bean-to-cup espresso machine; check the drinks it can make and the upkeep required in the product details.
Image unavailable
Consider this if you’re looking for an espresso machine with a grinder and the LatteGo milk system. Check which drinks this model makes and how to clean its parts; the name of the milk system alone doesn’t tell you everything about the upkeep involved.
Image unavailable
This portafilter model is for anyone happy to take a more hands-on approach to making coffee. Its name indicates a rated pressure of 15 bar, but this alone isn’t enough to judge the coffee it makes. Check the tank capacity for this version before deciding whether it can keep up with the number of coffees you need to serve.
Image unavailable
Worth considering if you want to automate the process of making coffee from beans and have a milk system. The product name lists six drink options; check that they match the recipes you make, and find out how to clean the milk system.
Image unavailable
A machine to consider if Vertuo capsules suit your coffee-making routine. The 0.6 L tank listed in the product name is worth considering in relation to how many coffees you make; also check that the Vertuo capsules you want to use are available.
Check the system listed for the exact machine model, then check the system used by the consumable. The word ‘capsule’ or ‘pod’ on its own isn’t enough: Nespresso has separate Original and Vertuo systems, while Philips describes the SENSEO® Original Plus CSA210/50 as a pod machine.
Yes, if making coffee from beans and carrying out the necessary upkeep fit your routine. Check the model’s usable capacity, the drinks it can make and what’s involved in refilling, emptying and descaling it.
Follow the manual for your chosen model to clean and descale it, and to look after the milk system if it has one. Que Choisir links poor maintenance with early breakdowns; De’Longhi, for example, recommends regular cleaning and descaling for its Magnifica S.
Yes: use the exact model number in the brand’s support section rather than searching by the range name alone. Philips recommends this method for finding SENSEO® parts and accessories; then check that the items are compatible with the model and the country you’re buying it in.