For quick coffees with minimal effort, compare capsule and soft pod machines, checking carefully which formats they accept. A portafilter machine is a good choice if you want to be more involved in making your coffee; a built-in grinder may suit frequent use of whole beans, as long as you’re happy to accommodate and maintain it. In every case, compare the machine’s price with the ongoing costs for the amount of coffee you drink.
If you want to make coffee with minimal effort, compare how easy each machine is to use, the drinks it offers and the format of its consumables. Que Choisir Ensemble’s buying guide distinguishes, in particular, between capsule and soft pod machines.
Consider the cost of consumables based on how much coffee you drink, as well as the water tank capacity and the maintenance required. Que Choisir Ensemble points out that choosing a grinder also means taking regular maintenance into account.
If you want to have more control over the coffee in your cup, compare the grinder’s settings with the steps involved in using a portafilter, and consider how much time you want to spend on preparation.
Consider this if: you want a simple way to make espresso or lungo in a compact space.
Check: capsules are not interchangeable between systems; Nespresso’s Essenza Mini Crème Mat takes Original capsules.
Consider this if: you prefer a simple way to make longer or stronger coffees, perhaps two cups at a time.
Check: Philips says the SENSEO Original Plus CSA210/50 can make these drinks; soft pods are not capsules for other systems.
Consider this if: you want to take a hands-on approach to making your coffee and are happy to do the work involved in using a portafilter.
Bear in mind: the manufacturer lists the De’Longhi Dedica Style EC685.BK EX:4 as 15 cm wide, but its slim design doesn’t eliminate the steps involved in making and cleaning your coffee.
Consider this if: you regularly make coffee with whole beans and want an automated brew rather than having to use a portafilter.
Be prepared for: a bulkier appliance and regular cleaning of its components. De’Longhi lists a 1,8 L water tank for the Magnifica S ECAM22.110.SB.
To choose an espresso machine for regular home use, weigh up each priority against the features of the model you’re considering and how much coffee you drink.
| Priority | What to check before buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Speed and simplicity | Accepted format, drinks on offer and steps involved. | When coffees are being made one after another every day, I want to keep the steps to a minimum and choose a format that suits everyone at home. Around 26 % of consumers prioritise speed of preparation. |
| Running costs | The price of the machine and the cost per cup of the consumables you plan to use. | If several coffees are made each day, I compare the cost of the machine with the cost of consumables over time. Around 21 % of consumers prioritise the total cost. |
| Personalisation | Settings available on the model, the drinks you want and the time you’re willing to spend on manual steps. | To tailor the coffee to my preferences, I look at the available settings or how much control the machine gives me over manual preparation. Around 21 % of consumers put personalisation first. |
| Maintenance | Access to trays and removable parts, descaling and any maintenance required for the milk system. | If I’d rather keep maintenance to a minimum, I check what the model requires before choosing. Around 16 % of consumers prioritise ease of maintenance. |
| Space and water tank | Overall dimensions, clearance needed and stated water tank capacity. | With limited worktop space, I measure the available area and check that I can access the water tank. Around 16 % of consumers put the machine’s footprint first. |
The purchase price alone doesn’t reflect the cost of making coffee regularly; a grinder isn’t necessarily worthwhile for a household that drinks little coffee.
Compare the machine’s price with the cost of the consumables you’ll use over the same period, based on a realistic number of cups.
Remember to budget for regular coffee purchases and, depending on the model, cleaning products too.
Original capsules, soft pods and ESE pods are different formats with different compatibility requirements.
Check which format the exact model accepts and read the instructions before buying consumables.
Depth, height and access to the water tank matter too; a smaller capacity may mean more frequent refills.
Measure the space available and check the full dimensions and capacity of the exact model.
The material it appears to be made from isn’t enough to determine how it should be disposed of. In its 2025 article on the recyclability of capsules and pods, Que Choisir Ensemble says the paper pods it examined are not suitable for home composting.
Read the disposal instructions for the consumables you choose and check which collection options are available locally.
The Original range models featured here are for people who want to make espresso or lungo using a capsule system.
Soft pod machines in this range may suit you if you prefer a simple system for making one or two cups.
The models mentioned illustrate two different approaches: manual preparation with the Dedica Style EC685.BK EX:4 and an integrated grinder with the Magnifica S ECAM22.110.SB.
This selection includes capsule and soft pod machines, as well as models with grinders, so you can compare straightforward preparation, drink options and whole-bean coffee.
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Worth considering if you want a simple way to make espresso or lungo in a compact space.
The product name lists 19-bar pressure and a foldable drip tray. Nespresso Original or compatible capsules are listed; check the format before buying.
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Worth considering if you want to choose from several drink sizes with a capsule machine.
The product name lists a 0,6 L water tank. This model is specified for Vertuo capsules; don’t assume it is compatible with Original capsules.
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Worth considering if you want a machine that combines espresso, filter coffee and an integrated grinder.
The product name specifies a manual milk frother; bear in mind the steps involved if you make milk-based drinks.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for a Senseo machine that makes coffee using soft pods.
Before buying, check which pod format this model accepts and its specific maintenance instructions.
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Worth considering if you want to make coffee with an integrated grinder rather than capsules or pods.
The AquaClean filter is listed as compatible but is not included. The claim of descaling only after up to 5 000 cups is conditional on using this filter.
No, these formats aren’t interchangeable. Check which one the exact model accepts: the Essenza Mini Crème Mat is listed as compatible with Nespresso Original, the SENSEO CSA210/50 uses soft pods, and the Dedica EC685.BK EX:4 is listed as compatible with ESE pods as well as its portafilter.
Measure the space and check you’ll be able to access the water tank before buying. If you choose a grinder, allow time to clean the trays regularly and follow the model’s descaling instructions. If you use a steam wand for milk-based drinks, clean it as directed in the manual.
Compare the price of the machine separately from the cost per cup of the consumables you plan to buy, then factor in how many cups you usually drink. Cost comparisons published by Que Choisir Ensemble in 2025 are indicative and are not guaranteed prices for October 2026.
The statutory legal guarantee of conformity applies to new, second-hand and refurbished goods sold by a trader to a private individual. According to the DGCCRF, claims must be made within two years of delivery; an optional commercial guarantee is separate.
No, disposal depends on the product and the collection facilities available. In its article published in 2025, Que Choisir Ensemble says the paper pods it examined are not suitable for home composting. Read the instructions for your chosen consumable and check local collection options.