If you want to make individual coffees quickly and with minimal effort, capsules or soft pods are worth considering, as long as you check which formats and compatible consumables are available. If several people drink coffee regularly, a portafilter gives you more hands-on control, while a grinder automates preparation using whole beans. According to Que Choisir, these options can reduce the cost per cup compared with capsules, but a grinder takes up more space and needs more maintenance. Whichever type you choose, check the serving sizes, how well it handles consecutive drinks and what cleaning the model requires.
If everyone makes their coffee at a different time, individual portions and simple controls can cut down on the steps involved. Do check, though, that the system you choose supports the coffee formats everyone in your household drinks.
If you make several cups a day, compare the long-term cost of consumables with the time needed to fill, use and maintain a portafilter or grinder. Que Choisir notes that the cost per cup can vary considerably between a grinder and capsules.
If people keep different hours, check the noise and vibration levels of the specific model, as well as how easy it is to access the containers and carry out descaling. These are among the points covered in Que Choisir’s test protocol, and are particularly useful to consider when several people share responsibility for looking after the machine.
Start with the drinks you actually make at home, then consider how each type fits your daily routine, how often you’ll use it and how much space you have.
| Priority | What to check | What to consider for your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Drink formats | Check the serving sizes, cup-length settings and, for a single-serve machine, which coffees are compatible with its system. A steam wand or milk system means extra cleaning. | Some of us prefer espresso, while others like a longer coffee, so the model we choose needs to offer both. |
| Shared use | Check the capacity of the water tank and containers, whether you can make two cups at once, and how well the machine handles several drinks in a row. Que Choisir measures how consistent the serving volume is between consecutive cups, among other things. | If several people make coffee in the morning, I want to avoid having to refill the machine or change the settings between cups. |
| Preparation steps | Capsules and pods require compatible consumables. With a portafilter, you need to add and tamp ground coffee; a grinder makes coffee from whole beans once you’ve filled the machine. | I can put in a few minutes of hands-on work for each cup with a portafilter, or opt for simpler controls when several people take turns. |
| Running costs | Compare the cost of consumables based on how many coffees you drink, then factor in the maintenance required for each model. Que Choisir says a grinder can lower the cost per cup compared with capsules, but the difference won’t be the same for every coffee or machine. | We drink coffee regularly, so the cost of pods, beans or ground coffee matters just as much as how often we’ll use the machine. |
| Maintenance and noise | Check which containers need rinsing, how to descale the machine and, if it has a milk system, how to clean it. For a grinder, also consider its size and noise: Que Choisir describes both as greater than with a capsule system. | The machine will sometimes be used early in the morning, so I want to check how noisy it is and choose a maintenance routine everyone can manage. |
| Consumables and waste | Check which capsule or pod system the machine accepts. For aluminium or plastic capsules, ADEME advises putting them in the recycling bin for paper and packaging in France, and recommends avoiding individually wrapped items where possible. | Before choosing individual portions, we want to know where to buy compatible consumables and how to recycle the waste they create. |
Compatibility determines which coffees you can use. For example, Nespresso says that its Vertuo Up machine only accepts Nespresso Vertuo capsules.
Make a list of the coffee formats everyone at home drinks, then check the machine’s exact system and which capsules are available before you choose.
You pay for a portion with every cup, while a portafilter or grinder involves different preparation and maintenance steps. So the comparison means something different if you only drink coffee occasionally than if you make several cups every day.
Start with how often you actually drink coffee and compare the consumables compatible with each option. Don’t automatically apply the difference Que Choisir found between grinders and capsules to pods or ground coffee.
Containers and descaling need regular attention. Que Choisir recommends, among other things, rinsing the containers regularly and rinsing the steam wand after every use.
Check the care instructions for the specific model, including how to access the brewing unit and what needs to be done after making a milk-based drink.
A recycled capsule is still individual packaging. ADEME recommends avoiding mini portions and individual packaging where possible.
If you choose capsules, check what they’re made from and how to recycle them where you live. For coffee grounds, find out whether your household has access to composting.
These brands illustrate different systems. Check the features and compatibility of the machine you’re considering rather than relying on the brand name alone.
Nespresso positions Original as a system for classic espresso, while Vertuo covers a range of sizes, including mugs.
In France, Senseo offers machines that use soft pods, as well as pod ranges that include classic, extra-long and espresso coffees.
De’Longhi offers manual espresso machines with a portafilter, as well as automatic machines with a grinder.
These models cover two of the four types compared: a Vertuo capsule machine and espresso machines with grinders. If you share a household, compare their drink formats and cleaning routines with your habits.
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This machine with a grinder and LatteGo system is worth considering if people at home also enjoy milk-based drinks. Before choosing it, check the available drinks and adjustable volumes, as well as the steps involved in cleaning the milk system.
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This bean-to-cup espresso machine is designed for households that prefer automatic preparation to using a portafilter. If milk-based drinks are important to you, check what’s involved in using the steam wand. Don’t assume it has an automatic milk system.
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This automatic machine with a grinder could suit a household that wants to make coffee from whole beans. If people at home alternate between short and long coffees, check the volume settings on this model. Also take a look at the cleaning and descaling instructions.
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Its five cup sizes suit households that enjoy different amounts of coffee. This machine uses the Vertuo system, so check which capsules are compatible and available, and how often you’ll need to refill the tank for the drinks you make.
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This machine features touch controls and offers six drink options, which could appeal to a household with varied tastes. Before choosing this model, check the available settings and, in particular, the instructions for cleaning the milk system.
Yes, if its system and capsules offer both sizes. Nespresso positions Original as a system for classic espresso and Vertuo as covering sizes from espresso to mug. Check the serving sizes available on the model and which capsules are compatible.
ADEME advises putting them in the recycling bin, bag or container for paper and packaging. Check what your capsules are made from and follow the recycling guidance for your area.
Yes. ADEME lists coffee grounds as compostable waste. Follow the guidance for your home composter or the communal composting scheme you use.
Rinse the containers regularly and descale the machine when prompted, following Que Choisir’s advice. Check the manual for instructions on cleaning the brewing unit. If you use a steam wand, rinse it after every use.
Check the coffee formats, tank and container capacities, settings, and cleaning tasks each person will need to take care of. If you make several cups in a row or use the machine at different times, also consider how consistent it is, along with noise and vibration levels. Que Choisir includes these points in its test protocol.