If you regularly make espresso, start by choosing the coffee you want to use and deciding how much hands-on preparation you’re happy with each day. A bean-to-cup machine automates the process using whole beans, while a portafilter gives you more control over manual preparation. Capsules and pods make things simpler, but you’ll need to choose a compatible system. Whichever format you choose, check how much space the machine needs and what maintenance it requires.
You want to choose your own beans for espresso or longer coffees, and you’re happy to make room for a grinder and keep it maintained. Que Choisir notes, in particular, that a grinder takes up more space than a capsule machine.
You make one or two drinks at a time and want a simple routine in a small kitchen. A capsule machine could suit you, provided you check which capsule system it accepts.
You want to use ground coffee in a portafilter and have more control over the preparation. This also means emptying and cleaning the portafilter after use.
Worth considering : if you regularly use whole beans and want the machine to automate the preparation.
Bear in mind : according to Que Choisir, these machines take up more space and make more noise than capsule machines, and require model-specific maintenance.
Worth considering : if you want an easy way to prepare coffee using ready-to-use portions.
Bear in mind : the capsules you can use depend on the machine’s system, and used capsules need to be sorted appropriately.
Worth considering : if you want to make coffee with pods and, depending on the model, prepare one or two cups.
Bear in mind : you’ll need compatible pods and will have to descale the machine. Philips, for example, recommends regular maintenance for its SENSEO® machines.
Worth considering : if you want to use ground coffee and have a say in the dose and preparation.
Bear in mind : there’s more hands-on preparation and you’ll need to clean the portafilter. Check separately which other formats, if any, the machine accepts.
| What to consider | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Coffee choice and availability | Which formats the model accepts; whether the beans, ground coffee, capsules or pods you want to use are readily available. | If I make coffee regularly, I want to choose my coffee without being tied to a format that doesn’t suit me. Around 31% of consumers put this first. |
| Ease of use and space | Dimensions for the space you have in mind; cup sizes and access to the water tank. | In a small kitchen, I’d rather make a drink with minimal effort and fit the machine in without it getting in the way. Around 25% of consumers prioritise this over other considerations. |
| Maintenance | Descaling instructions; parts that need cleaning and how to contact support for the model you’ve chosen. | If I use the machine regularly, I need a cleaning routine I can stick to. Around 25% of consumers make maintenance their top priority. |
| Manual preparation | Compatible filter and coffee formats; cleaning steps after making a drink. | I want to be involved in making my coffee rather than always using a ready-to-use portion. Around 19% of consumers put this flexibility first. |
The format you choose determines which coffees you can use and which consumables you’ll need to buy regularly.
Decide whether you want to use whole beans, ground coffee, capsules or pods, then check that the specific model is compatible.
The containers and, depending on the model, the brew unit or milk system need cleaning. De’Longhi says that how often you need to descale depends, among other things, on water hardness and usage.
Read the instructions to find out which parts need maintaining and decide whether the routine suits you.
Used capsules need to be sorted according to their material. In France, ADEME says that aluminium and plastic capsules should go in with paper and packaging for recycling.
Check what your chosen capsules are made of and consult your local recycling guidelines.
In France, the legal guarantee of conformity covers new, second-hand and reconditioned goods sold by a business to a consumer, according to the Ministry of the Economy. It is separate from any additional commercial guarantee.
Make a note of the business you bought from, and keep your proof of purchase and the product description in case you need to report a lack of conformity.
The brand offers bean-to-cup espresso machines and manual machines for home use, with features that vary across its ranges.
A capsule system worth considering if you want to make espresso or lungo using ready-to-use portions.
A soft pod system for making coffee with ease, with drink options that vary by model.
These models offer several ways to make espresso at home: SENSEO® pods, whole beans, Nespresso capsules and a portafilter. One model also combines espresso and filter coffee. Start by choosing the format that suits your routine, then take a closer look at each model.
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Worth considering if you prefer to make coffee using the SENSEO® system. Check which pods are compatible with this model and how to descale it.
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An automatic espresso machine worth considering if you want to use whole beans. The advertised bundle also includes the Lavazza coffees named in the title. Make sure you have enough space for the machine and check its maintenance instructions.
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For anyone who wants to make espresso or lungo with capsules: the Joybuy listing for this model specifies both drinks. The water tank capacity is listed as 0,6 L and the power as 1200 W. Check capsule compatibility before buying.
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An espresso machine worth considering if you prefer to make coffee with a portafilter. Check which coffee formats this model accepts and what cleaning it needs after use.
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Worth considering if you want to make filter coffee as well as espresso. As this machine combines two functions, check you have enough space and read the maintenance instructions for each.
No, you need to choose capsules that are compatible with the system specified for your machine. Que Choisir points out that most brands only accept one type of capsule. Check the system name on the machine and the capsules.
Yes. Follow the alerts and instructions for your model rather than waiting for it to break down. De’Longhi says descaling frequency depends on water hardness and how often you use the machine. Philips also recommends regular descaling for its SENSEO® machines.
In France, ADEME advises putting them in the recycling bin, bag or container for paper and packaging. Check what your capsules are made of and consult your local recycling guidelines too.
Yes. In France, according to the Ministry of the Economy, this guarantee also applies to second-hand and reconditioned goods sold by a business to a consumer. If the product isn’t as described, contact the business you bought it from. Keep your proof of purchase and the product description.