If you make espresso regularly, a grinder is a good fit for households that want to choose their own beans and are happy to have a bulkier, noisier machine that needs more upkeep than a capsule machine, as noted by Que Choisir. Capsules offer a convenient, portioned preparation method with minimal handling, while a portafilter is better suited to those who want to control the extraction. Soft pods are another portion-based option, while a filter coffee machine makes a different type of coffee from espresso, as iFixit explains.
If you make several short coffees at home, your choice will depend on factors such as whether you prefer beans or pods, how much space you have and what sort of upkeep you’re happy to do. Que Choisir presents bean-to-cup machines as an option particularly suited to people who drink a lot of coffee.
For cappuccinos and similar drinks, check whether the model you’re considering has a milk system and what type it is, then find out how to clean it after use.
A capsule machine is worth considering if portion-based preparation and a more compact appliance are your priorities. Que Choisir notes that a grinder takes up more space and makes more noise than a capsule system.
Start with the drinks you actually make, then consider how each preparation method fits the space you have and the daily upkeep you’re prepared to do.
| Priority | What to check | My needs |
|---|---|---|
| Preparation method | Compare automatic grinders, capsules, soft pods and portafilter machines based on the steps involved. Que Choisir distinguishes between these four types of espresso machine. | I make espresso regularly: would I rather choose my own beans, use pods or adjust the extraction myself? |
| Space and noise | Measure the available space and make sure you can access the containers. According to Que Choisir, a grinder is bulkier and noisier than a capsule system or a filter coffee machine. | My worktop space is limited, or the noise during preparation could disturb others. |
| Upkeep | Check which containers and reservoirs need cleaning, whether the brewing unit is accessible, and what rinsing and descaling are required. Check separately how to clean the milk system. | I want the upkeep involved to fit the time our household can set aside each day. |
| Milk-based drinks | Check whether the model has a milk system, a steam wand or neither. Find out how to prepare drinks and clean the equipment; Que Choisir assesses milk frothers when they are included. | If we make cappuccinos, I want to know whether we’d rather use a steam wand or the system built into the machine. |
| Coffee used | For pod machines, confirm which format they accept and whether the relevant consumables are readily available. Que Choisir describes soft pods as standardised, but you should still check which format your chosen machine accepts. | I want to be able to find coffee that suits the machine and switch between different coffees to suit our tastes. |
| Long coffee or espresso | Decide whether espresso is essential before considering a filter coffee machine. iFixit distinguishes filter brewing, a gentle or slow method, from espresso preparation. | We mainly drink long coffee: a filter coffee machine could work if we’re happy to do without espresso. |
Que Choisir points out that a grinder takes up more space and makes more noise than a capsule system or a filter coffee machine. You’ll also need to be able to access its containers and parts for cleaning.
Measure the space, including the room needed to remove reservoirs and open access panels for upkeep, then check what cleaning the model requires.
A steam wand and an integrated milk system involve different steps, and making milk-based drinks also means extra cleaning.
Decide whether you’d rather control the milk frothing yourself or keep handling to a minimum, then check exactly what equipment the machine has and how to clean it.
Filter coffee is made differently from espresso, as iFixit explains. It suits a different preference in coffee.
If espresso is important to your household, compare grinder, capsule, soft-pod and portafilter machines instead.
These Joybuy options include grinder machines and machines that make coffee from pods. Compare how they work with the upkeep involved and the space available in your home.
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For households that switch between espresso and milk-based drinks and want to use beans: the model name indicates that it has a grinder and the LatteGo system. Check how much space it needs and what upkeep is involved before choosing.
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This machine is for households looking to try different portion-based preparation methods. Its product name mentions hot or cold drinks, ESE pods and ground coffee; check that it has the adapters you need for the consumables you plan to use.
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An option to consider if your household regularly makes espresso from beans. If you’d also like to make milk-based drinks, check what handling and cleaning this model requires.
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This capsule machine is suited to those who prefer portion-based preparation. Check that the capsules you want to use are compatible with the machine and that the 0,6 L reservoir capacity suits your needs.
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This model combines a grinder and a milk system for households that enjoy a variety of drinks; its product name advertises six types of coffee. Check how the milk system works and what cleaning it requires.
A grinder is worth considering if your household makes espresso regularly, wants to choose its own beans and is happy to maintain the machine. Que Choisir particularly recommends this type of machine for people who drink a lot of coffee, while noting that it takes up more space and makes more noise than a capsule system.
Yes, if portion-based preparation and less handling matter more to your household than choosing your own beans. Check which formats the machine accepts and whether you can get hold of the capsules you want to use.
First, check that the model has the milk system you want to use, then find out how to prepare drinks and clean it. Que Choisir only assesses milk frothers on machines that have them, so you shouldn’t assume that every model includes one.
Yes. Check that you can access the reservoirs, containers and parts that need cleaning, and find out what rinsing and descaling the model requires. Leave enough space to carry out these tasks once the machine is installed.