If you regularly make espresso at home, an automatic grinder is a good choice if you want to choose your own beans and don’t mind cleaning its containers and internal components. Capsules mean less to do each day, while a portafilter machine is for those who want more control over the extraction. Whichever you choose, check the care requirements for the specific machine.
If you want to choose your own beans, an automatic grinder lets you do so without measuring out the coffee by hand for every cup. You’ll need to make room for the machine and clean its containers regularly, as Que Choisir points out.
A capsule machine could be a good fit if you want to make espresso quickly with minimal fuss. Check which capsule format it accepts and what care the model requires, particularly when it comes to descaling.
A portafilter machine is for those who want to adjust the grind and extraction themselves. It takes more steps to make a coffee, and you’ll also need to clean the group head and, if the machine has one, the steam wand.
For consistently good espresso, start by thinking about what you want to take care of yourself: choosing and storing the beans, keeping daily steps to a minimum or adjusting the extraction.
Worth considering: if you make espresso regularly and want to choose your own beans without measuring each cup by hand.
Bear in mind: you’ll need space on the worktop and will have to clean the containers, brewing unit or milk system, depending on the model.
Worth considering: if your priority is making coffee with minimal fuss and in a small space.
Bear in mind: you’ll need to check the capsule or pod format, sort the individual packaging and descale the machine as instructed.
Worth considering: if you want to control the dose, distribute the coffee grounds and adjust the extraction.
Bear in mind: making coffee takes more hands-on effort, and you’ll need to clean the extraction components and steam wand, if there is one.
| What matters | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Coffee choice and consumables | Types of coffee accepted; filters and care products suited to the model. | If I make espresso regularly, I want to choose my own beans rather than rely on a capsule format. Around 42% of consumers put this choice of coffee and consumables first. |
| Daily steps and size | Dimensions and access to the containers; rinsing and descaling instructions in the manual. | When space and time are limited, I prefer a machine that takes minimal effort to use. Simplicity and size are the priority for around 33% of consumers. |
| Extraction and milk-based drinks | Accessible settings and equipment for milk; cleaning the parts used. | To adjust the extraction or prepare milk myself, I’m happy to spend more time on preparation and cleaning. Around 25% of consumers prioritise this level of control and milk-based drinks. |
Capsules are still individual packaging. ADEME recommends avoiding single-serve portions where possible to reduce packaging waste.
If you choose capsules for convenience, check your local recycling guidance for the ones you plan to use.
Que Choisir points out that the coffee grounds and drip trays need rinsing regularly. Other parts, including the brewing unit and milk system, need care according to the machine.
Before choosing a model, check its manual to find out which parts need cleaning, how easy they are to reach and how to descale the machine.
Rinsing parts and cleaning the machine after a milk-based drink also take time each time you use it.
A similar diameter or shape isn’t enough to guarantee compatibility. Sage states that some of its parts are designed for specific models.
Note down the machine’s full model number and check the list of compatible models before choosing a basket, portafilter or other part.
The brand offers bean-to-cup espresso machines. Its care instructions for the Magnifica Evo Next give a practical example of the parts that need attention on this model.
For its capsule machines, Nespresso provides model-specific instructions for use and care.
Sage offers espresso machines and products for cleaning different parts of the equipment.
This selection includes automatic grinders for households that want to choose their own beans, as well as a capsule machine for those who prefer a simpler routine.
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Worth considering if you want to make espresso from beans and use the LatteGo system for milk-based drinks.
This model combines a grinder with LatteGo. Check how to clean the milk system and confirm exactly which accessories are included.
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Worth considering if you want to make espresso from beans and still have the option of preparing milk-based drinks.
This is the white ECAM220.21.WW version of the Magnifica Start. If you plan to prepare milk-based drinks, check what’s involved and how to clean this model.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for a bean-to-cup espresso machine for regular use and want to check whether it can prepare milk-based drinks.
The name identifies the black ECAM22.140.B version with grinder. Check the manual for care instructions and confirm which accessories are included.
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Worth a look if you want to choose your own beans and prepare milk-based drinks too.
The product description lists a grinder, milk system and touchscreen. Before choosing the H16, check which drinks it can make and how to clean the milk system.
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Worth considering if you’d rather make coffee with capsules than choose beans for every espresso.
The product description lists a 0.6 L water tank and a power rating of 1200 W. Check which capsule format it accepts and follow the manual for descaling.
Check the manual for instructions on cleaning the coffee grounds container, drip tray, water tank and brewing unit, as well as for descaling and caring for the milk system, if there is one. Que Choisir recommends rinsing the containers regularly; the exact steps depend on the model.
Yes, follow the machine’s instructions. Nespresso provides care instructions for each model, so check the manual for the one you choose rather than using instructions intended for a different machine.
Check how to clean the portafilter, basket, group head and steam wand, and how to descale the machine. Sage covers these steps in its range of care products; your machine’s manual explains which methods and products to use.
Capsules are individual packaging, even when a recycling scheme is available. ADEME recommends avoiding single-serve portions where possible. If you use capsules, check your local recycling guidance for the material they’re made from.