If you regularly make coffee at home, choose capsules or pods for a fuss-free routine, a portafilter if you want to take charge of the preparation, or a grinder if you want to use coffee beans without grinding them yourself. Then compare compatible coffee, running costs, available space and maintenance. UFC-Que Choisir notes in particular that a grinder machine generally takes up more space and makes more noise than a capsule machine.
A bean-to-cup machine is worth considering if you’re happy to make room for a larger appliance and keep up with regular maintenance. UFC-Que Choisir’s guide says coffee made with a grinder costs less per cup than espresso made with pods; whether it’s worthwhile for your household depends on how much coffee you drink.
A capsule or soft-pod machine could suit you if you want to make coffee with minimal effort. Check the model’s dimensions, water-tank capacity and compatible coffee system before choosing.
A portafilter lets you choose your ground coffee and control each step of the preparation. You’ll also need to handle and clean the portafilter. De’Longhi describes its manual machines as appliances where the user takes charge of making the coffee.
UFC-Que Choisir identifies four main types: capsule machines, soft-pod machines, portafilter machines and bean-to-cup machines. Start with how many coffees you make and how hands-on you want to be each day, then look at the specific model.
| Priority | What to check | Think about your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Running costs | Compare the compatible coffee and its cost per cup on a like-for-like basis. Factor in cleaning products and any filters, too. | I make several coffees a day: ongoing costs matter just as much as choosing the machine. UFC-Que Choisir’s guide finds that coffee from a grinder costs less per cup than pods, though your household’s budget will depend on how much you use it. |
| Daily routine | Check what’s involved in making a drink, filling the machine and removing used coffee. A portafilter requires you to prepare the coffee yourself; automation in a grinder machine doesn’t eliminate the need for maintenance. | In the morning, I prefer to keep things simple; at other times, I might want to measure and tamp the ground coffee myself. |
| Space and capacity | Measure the machine and allow enough room to access the trays and water tank. Consider the tank capacity in relation to the number of drinks you expect to make, and check how noisy the model is. | If my kitchen is open-plan or my worktop is narrow, the machine’s size and noise could influence my choice. UFC-Que Choisir notes that grinders are generally larger and noisier than capsule systems. |
| Maintenance | Check how easy it is to access the drip tray, water tank and, depending on the model, brewing unit. Consult the instructions for cleaning, descaling and maintaining any milk system. | I want to be able to keep up with these tasks, even if making coffee is as simple as pressing a button. UFC-Que Choisir points out that how often you need to descale depends in particular on your water and how often you use the machine. |
| Compatibility | Check exactly which capsule or pod system the machine accepts. For used capsules, follow the recycling guidance for their material. | I want to be able to find coffee that works with my chosen machine, rather than relying on the brand name alone: Nespresso, for example, has separate Original and Vertuo systems. |
A machine used several times a day also means regular coffee purchases and, depending on the model, cleaning products. UFC-Que Choisir’s guide compares the cost per cup from a grinder favourably with espresso pods, but how often you use it affects whether it’s the right choice.
Compare the coffee that’s actually compatible with your machine and the maintenance it will need over several months, rather than looking at two machines in isolation.
The same brand name doesn’t mean two systems use the same coffee. Nespresso capsules labelled Original are made for Original machines, while Vertuo is a separate system.
Check the system name on the machine against the one on the coffee packaging, and do the same for soft pods.
A grinder machine makes coffee from beans, but its trays and, depending on the model, its brewing unit still need regular attention. UFC-Que Choisir also recommends adjusting how often you descale according to your water hardness and how often you use the machine.
Before you buy, check which parts are accessible and what the instructions say about cleaning, particularly if you make milk-based drinks.
UFC-Que Choisir describes grinders as generally larger and noisier than capsule machines. You’ll also need enough room to remove the water tank and trays.
Measure the available space, including room for maintenance, and look for a noise assessment of the model you’re considering.
A brand to consider for capsule machines, as long as you distinguish between Original and Vertuo.
A brand to consider for soft-pod machines designed for a fuss-free coffee routine.
A brand with both manual portafilter machines and automatic bean-to-cup machines.
This Joybuy selection includes bean-to-cup machines, capsule machines and a portafilter machine for making coffee at home. Compare each model against your routine; this list doesn’t cover every type mentioned above.
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A grinder machine for a bean-to-cup coffee routine. Before making room for it, check the space needed to use and clean it.
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This bean-to-cup machine is for people who prefer an integrated grinder to measuring out each coffee by hand. Compare its size and maintenance requirements with the space and time you have available.
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A capsule option for keeping preparation simple, with a 0.6 L water tank. Check that your chosen capsules are for the Nespresso Original system, not Vertuo.
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A portafilter machine for making coffee from ground beans and taking a hands-on approach. Check the water-tank capacity of the model being sold before relying on a particular number of cups between refills.
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This capsule machine is part of the Vertuo system and has a 0.6 L water tank. Choose it only if Vertuo capsules suit your routine; don’t assume it accepts Original capsules.
Compare the exact system name given for the machine with the one on the capsule packaging. Nespresso, for example, says its Original capsules are made for Original machines; Vertuo is a separate system.
Start by following the instructions and alerts for your machine. UFC-Que Choisir recommends descaling every two to three months on average, adjusting this according to water hardness and how often you use the machine. A grinder machine also needs its trays cleaned regularly and, depending on the model, its brewing unit.
ADEME says to put aluminium or plastic capsules in the recycling bin, bag or container for paper and packaging. Check what your capsules are made of before recycling them.
It could suit your routine if you prefer pre-measured coffee to preparing it by hand. With a portafilter, you fill and tamp the ground coffee before extraction; choose according to how much control you want and how hands-on you’d like to be.