If you mainly make one espresso at a time and want to keep things simple, capsules are an option, as long as you’re happy with their specific consumable format. A portafilter machine is a good fit if you want to be more hands-on with preparation. A bean-to-cup machine automates your regular coffee routine, but it needs more space and maintenance. If your household mainly makes several cups of long coffee at once, consider a filter coffee machine instead of automatically opting for an espresso machine.
A bean-to-cup machine may suit you if you want to use whole beans and start brewing without grinding or measuring them by hand. However, you’ll need to factor in maintenance and check that its noise and size work for your household. UFC-Que Choisir highlights these two differences compared with capsule machines.
A portafilter machine leaves more of the work to you, from handling the ground coffee to cleaning up afterwards. If you’d also like to froth milk, check that the model you’re considering has a steam wand.
A capsule machine saves you from measuring out coffee for each drink. However, check which format it takes, which capsules you plan to use and how much space you’ll need to set it up.
Start with the drinks you actually make, then consider the daily steps involved and how much space the machine will need.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Coffee format | Check which capsule system the machine accepts, or whether it can use your preferred ground coffee or beans. If you choose capsules, find out what collection options are available nearby. | I want to be able to find the coffee I use easily and know what to do with the capsules after use. |
| Preparation | Compare the steps involved in measuring, making a drink and cleaning the equipment. A portafilter machine involves different hands-on work from a capsule machine or an automatic bean-to-cup machine. | Some mornings, I want to make a cup with minimal effort; at other times, I’d like to choose my ground coffee and prepare the extraction myself. |
| Milk-based drinks | Check whether the model has a manual steam wand or an automatic milk system, which recipes it offers and how its parts are cleaned. | If I often make cappuccinos, cleaning the milk system matters just as much as making the drink. |
| Maintenance | Check the manual for rinsing instructions, access to the trays, how to maintain the brewing unit if there is one, and descaling. According to UFC-Que Choisir, limescale can affect the temperature and extraction pressure. | I’d rather choose a machine whose maintenance routine I can keep up with day to day. |
| Space and noise | Measure the space needed to fill the tanks and remove the trays. Check the dimensions and, where available, comparable noise measurements: UFC-Que Choisir says a grinder takes up more space and is noisier than a capsule system or a filter coffee machine. | The machine will stay on my worktop, and grinding noise may matter when I make coffee early in the morning. |
| Coffee in the cup | To compare models, look for tests carried out using the same method. The test published by UFC-Que Choisir in January 2026 looks at factors including temperature and how consistently the volume is maintained across successive cups. | I’m looking for a consistently good espresso, without assuming that a pressure rating or a taste claim proves it. |
| Amount served | Decide whether you make individual espressos or several cups of long coffee at once. A filter coffee machine suits the latter, but it won’t replace a short espresso. | When several people want long coffee at the same time, my needs are different from when I’m making one espresso. |
These figures alone don’t tell you about the temperature or consistency from one cup to the next. The test published by UFC-Que Choisir in January 2026 examines several of these factors.
To compare the coffee in the cup, look for models assessed using the same test method and consider the drinks you usually make.
The trays and milk circuit need regular attention. UFC-Que Choisir also notes that limescale build-up can block the nozzles and affect extraction.
Read the manual before choosing a model. Check the rinsing, cleaning and descaling steps, as well as how easy it is to access the parts that need attention.
A capsule machine means choosing consumables that are compatible with its system. Collection options also depend on the capsules you use and what’s available near you.
Confirm the exact format before buying, then check the Info-tri guidance and collection points for your capsules.
You’ll also need room to fill it with water and beans, remove the trays and clean the machine. UFC-Que Choisir notes that a grinder is generally larger and noisier than a capsule machine or a filter coffee machine.
Measure the space around and above the appliance, then check the dimensions and noise information for the specific model.
These examples can help you compare formats and features to look out for; specifications vary by model.
Nespresso’s Original range includes machines and capsules designed for this system, including options for espresso and lungo.
According to its range information, De’Longhi offers automatic machines that make drinks using beans ground by the machine.
Some Philips grinder ranges combine coffee preparation with a LatteGo milk system.
The Severin KA 5978 portafilter machine is an example of another way to make espresso: take a hands-on approach rather than selecting a drink on an automatic bean-to-cup machine.
These models offer three ways to make espresso at home: automatic bean-to-cup, capsules and a portafilter. Start by comparing how each one works and the maintenance it involves.
Image unavailable
Worth considering if you want to make espresso regularly without grinding beans by hand, and also enjoy milk-based drinks. The model name mentions six coffee varieties and a touchscreen; check the manual for the drinks on offer, how to maintain the milk system and how much space you’ll need around the machine.
Image unavailable
This automatic model is for anyone who wants to make coffee from beans without using a portafilter for every cup. If milk-based drinks matter to you, check what’s involved in using the steam wand. Also check the dimensions, noise and maintenance requirements before deciding where to put it.
Image unavailable
This capsule machine is worth considering if you mainly make individual cups and want to avoid measuring out ground coffee. Its name gives the tank capacity as 0.6 L and the power as 1200 W; check that your chosen capsules are compatible with the Original system.
Image unavailable
Worth considering if you’re looking for a Vertuo capsule machine for individual drinks, including espresso. Its name gives the tank capacity as 0.6 L; check the drink volumes available with this variant against what you usually make, and choose Vertuo capsules.
Image unavailable
This portafilter machine is for anyone who wants to make espresso with ground coffee and is happy to do a little more by hand. Its name mentions a steam wand and cup warmer; the stated 20 bars alone aren’t enough to judge the coffee in the cup. Check how much space you’ll need and what’s involved in cleaning it after making milk-based drinks.
Check the machine’s dimensions and the space needed to fill it with water and beans, remove the trays and clean it. For noise, look for measurements taken using a comparable method: UFC-Que Choisir’s test method considers noise, vibration and stability, while any manufacturer’s claim should be checked against the specific model.
Compare machines tested using the same method rather than relying only on their stated pressure. The test published by UFC-Que Choisir in January 2026 looks at factors including temperature, consistency of volume across several cups, crema and flow rate.
Clean the trays and, depending on the model, the brewing unit and milk system. You should also follow the descaling instructions in the manual. UFC-Que Choisir explains that limescale build-up can block the nozzles and affect the temperature and extraction pressure.
For capsules, follow the Info-tri guidance on the product or packaging and check the collection options for their brand; Nespresso says it has collection points for its capsules in France. For the machine, check the Info-tri guidance and the take-back or collection options available locally.