If you want to make several coffees with minimal effort, capsules and pods make brewing simple, but you’ll need to choose a compatible format. An automatic grinder lets you use whole beans without measuring out ground coffee for every cup. A portafilter machine is a better fit if you’re happy to measure the coffee yourself and clean the parts after use. Whichever type you choose, check the care requirements for the specific model, especially if you make milk-based drinks.
A simple control can make a difference when you’re making cup after cup. Also compare the water tank capacity, the drinks on offer and the cleaning steps: quick preparation doesn’t mean there’s no maintenance involved.
An automatic grinder or a portafilter machine means you don’t have to buy individual portions every time. The choice then depends on whether you’d rather measure the coffee yourself or start brewing at the touch of a button.
Check the milk system on the model you’re considering. A steam wand and an automatic system involve different preparation and cleaning steps; simply having milk-based drinks on the menu doesn’t tell you what those steps are.
Que Choisir distinguishes between four types of espresso machine. To choose between them, start by thinking about what you want to do each day, then look at the consumables and the care requirements for the specific model.
| What to consider | What to check | What I need |
|---|---|---|
| Everyday brewing | Compare the number of steps needed for each cup, the drinks available at the touch of a button and the water tank capacity. Capsule and pod machines use pre-measured portions, while an automatic grinder makes coffee from whole beans. | I make several cups a day at home, so I’d prefer to keep handling to a minimum between drinks. |
| Choice of coffee | Check which capsule or pod format the machine accepts. With a portafilter machine, consider how you’ll use ground coffee; with a grinder, check the settings available on the model you’ve chosen. | If I want to change my coffee without being tied to a particular portion format, whole beans or ground coffee are a better fit for my routine. |
| Cleaning and maintenance | Check the manual for descaling and everyday cleaning instructions. Philips recommends two descaling cycles followed by a rinse for SENSEO; Sage provides guidance on cleaning the filter basket and group head on its relevant machines. | I can either do a few things after every coffee or prefer to group them together, but I need to know what the machine actually requires. |
| Milk-based drinks | Check whether the machine has a steam wand, a milk jug or another type of milk system, then find out how to clean it. Don’t assume that a milk function is automatic. | I switch between espresso and milk-based drinks, so how they’re made and cleaned matters just as much as whether they’re listed among the recipes. |
| Portions and recycling | Whole beans and ground coffee avoid the need for a capsule or pod with every cup, but you’ll still have coffee grounds to deal with. In France, ADEME says aluminium or plastic capsules should be sorted with packaging; check the guidance for the product you use. | I’d like to reduce individual packaging, or have a simple way to sort the portions I use. |
| Space available | Measure the space available and allow room to fill the water tank, add coffee and remove parts for cleaning. Check the dimensions of the exact model. | My machine needs to be easy to access in the kitchen, including when I’m filling the water tank or cleaning its parts. |
The machine you choose determines which capsules you can use. The word ‘capsules’ doesn’t guarantee that another format will fit.
Check the compatibility information for the exact model and the capsules you plan to buy.
Making coffee at the touch of a button doesn’t remove the need to rinse or descale the machine. Que Choisir highlights these regular tasks for automatic machines; De’Longhi says that how often you need to descale depends, among other things, on the hardness of your water.
Check the manual for the model to find out which parts need removing, which cycles to run and what’s involved in cleaning the milk system, if it has one.
Sage also recommends rinsing the filter basket and cleaning the group head on its relevant machines. If there’s a steam wand, that will also need cleaning.
Before choosing this type of machine, check the accessories and cleaning steps listed in the manual for the model.
Even if you recycle it, a capsule is still an individual portion that needs dealing with after you’ve made your drink. The capsule material determines which recycling instructions apply.
If you want to avoid these portions, start by looking at machines that use whole beans or ground coffee. Otherwise, follow the product’s recycling instructions and local guidance; ADEME says aluminium or plastic capsules should be sorted with packaging.
These brands offer examples of different types of machine and care systems to compare; features vary by model.
A useful brand to consider when comparing capsule machines and the formats they use.
A range of machines that use soft pods, offering a way to compare portion-based brewing and its care requirements.
Automatic bean-to-cup machines with different controls and milk systems across the range.
A brand to consider if you want to make espresso using a portafilter machine.
This selection includes four machines that make coffee from whole beans and one capsule machine for portion-based brewing. For each one, consider how the model fits your routine and the level of maintenance you’re comfortable with.
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Worth considering if you want an espresso machine with a grinder and LatteGo system for switching between drinks. Check the recipes available on this model and what’s involved in cleaning the milk system.
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This automatic machine with a LatteCrema system is worth considering if your household also makes milk-based drinks. Confirm the recipes available on the ECAM290.61.B variant and how to clean the milk system.
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If your household likes to switch between drinks, the H16’s product description lists six coffee varieties and a grinder. Check the manual to find out how to clean the milk system and care for the machine day to day.
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This ‘Bean to Cup’ model is designed for households that want to make coffee from whole beans. Check which drinks are available on the ECAM220.21.WW variant and what’s involved in maintaining it.
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Worth considering if you prefer capsule brewing to measuring out ground coffee. The product description lists a 0.6 L water tank and 1200 W power; check the exact format of compatible capsules and the care instructions.
Yes. Using pre-measured portions doesn’t remove the need to descale. For SENSEO, Philips recommends two descaling cycles followed by a rinse; check your model’s manual for the correct procedure.
According to ADEME, aluminium or plastic capsules should go in the recycling bin, bag or container for paper and packaging. For other materials, check the product guidance and the recycling or composting options available locally.
As ecosystem explains, an electric coffee machine that no longer works can be taken to a collection point for electrical equipment. If it still works or can be repaired, you could also look into reusing or repairing it.