For pre-portioned coffee, compare capsule machines with soft-pod machines. If you want more control over the extraction, look at portafilter machines, while a bean-to-cup machine lets you choose your beans and automates much of the preparation. Whichever type you choose, check the drinks on offer, any milk system, compatible consumables, the space required and the care needed for the specific model.
When you make several cups at home, the number of steps involved, the consumables and the cleaning all matter when choosing a machine. In an OpinionWay survey for Delta Cafés, conducted on 18 and 19 June 2025 among 1,042 adults representative of the French population, 81% said they drank coffee every day. This does not indicate a preference for any particular type of machine.
If you want to make a coffee between tasks, consider the space available, access to the water tank and how easy the machine is to clean after use. Insee reported that 22% of private-sector employees worked from home at least once a month in early 2024; this figure does not tell us which type of coffee machine they choose.
If cappuccinos and other milk-based drinks are regular favourites, check the recipes available on the exact model, the type of milk frother and which parts need cleaning. A manual steam wand and an integrated milk system require different steps.
Start with the drinks you make most often, then compare each type of machine with your everyday routine and the space you have available.
| What to consider | What to check | How you use it |
|---|---|---|
| Everyday preparation | Compare the steps involved with a capsule, soft pod, portafilter and automatic grinder. Also look at how to fill and empty the containers. | I make several coffees throughout the week and want a routine that’s easy to keep up with. The OpinionWay survey for Delta Cafés, conducted on 18 and 19 June 2025, found that 81% of the 1,042 adults surveyed, representative of the French population aged 18 and over, said they drank coffee every day. It did not measure their preference for a simple-to-use machine. |
| Drinks on offer | Check the recipes listed for the exact model, as well as the volume settings. For milk-based drinks, find out what type of frother it has and how to clean it. | At home, some people prefer a short coffee, while others like a longer coffee or a milky drink. The advertised recipes should match what we actually make. |
| Choice of coffee | Check which capsule or pod format the machine accepts. For a portafilter, check which coffee and filters are intended for use; for a grinder, look at the settings available. | If I want to choose my own beans or ground coffee, I don’t want to find out after buying that the machine requires a specific consumable. For example, Nespresso says its Original capsules are compatible with its Original machines. |
| Space available | Measure the width, depth and height of the space. Make sure there’s room to fill the water tank and remove the containers. | My worktop space is limited. A machine that fits in the space available should also be easy to fill and clean. |
| Care and cleaning | Check the instructions for rinsing, descaling and removable parts. If the machine makes milk-based drinks, find out what needs to be done after each use. | I prefer to know what I’ll need to do after each coffee, especially if I regularly use a milk frother or grinder. |
A manual steam wand and an integrated milk system involve different preparation and cleaning steps.
Check the recipes, type of frother, removable parts and rinsing instructions for the model you’re considering.
If you use milk often, allow time to clean the system after use, too.
Different systems aren’t automatically interchangeable: Nespresso says its Original capsules are compatible with its Original machines.
Before choosing, identify the machine’s exact system and the consumables you want to use.
A water tank or container that’s difficult to remove can make everyday use less convenient, even if the machine fits on your worktop.
Measure the space for width and depth, and check the clearance beneath any wall cupboards. Then consult the instructions to see how the lids open and the parts are removed.
The Original range pairs its machines with a specific capsule format, making it worth considering if you want pre-portioned coffee.
De’Longhi offers bean-to-cup machines that make coffee from beans.
Philips offers bean-to-cup machines as well as SENSEO pod machines: two different ways to make coffee, depending on your habits.
This selection mainly features machines with grinders, along with one portafilter model. Compare their recipes and cleaning requirements to find the right fit for the way you make coffee at home.
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If you switch between coffee and milk-based drinks, check that the recipes available on this version suit your habits. It pairs a grinder with the LatteGo system; check the instructions for cleaning the latter.
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If you like to mix things up, check the exact list of six advertised drinks before choosing. This automatic machine has a grinder and milk system; check what cleaning each one requires.
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If you also make filter coffee, this 2-in-1 version with a grinder is worth comparing with machines dedicated to espresso. Check the type of frother, its cleaning instructions and the space required for installation.
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This automatic machine is worth comparing with pre-portioned systems if you want to make coffee from beans. If you’d also like to froth milk, check what’s involved in using its manual steam wand, as well as the space needed around the machine.
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If you want more hands-on control over making espresso, compare this portafilter machine with automatic models. It has a steam wand, so allow for the preparation and cleaning steps involved. Check the capacity of the water tank on the version available.
ADEME says aluminium and plastic capsules should go in the sorting bin, bag or container for paper and packaging. Check what your capsules are made of before sorting them.
Take it to a collection point for waste electrical and electronic equipment. The Ministry for the Ecological Transition describes the ‘one-for-one’ take-back scheme when you buy a product of the same type. Check the take-back arrangements offered by the retailer.
Depending on the model, the containers, water tank and parts used to prepare milk may need different care. UFC-Que Choisir’s testing protocol looks at factors including ease of use and cleaning. Check the instructions for the specific machine to find out what you’ll need to remove, rinse and descale.