For regular coffee at home, first choose between the convenience of capsules or pods, the hands-on preparation of a portafilter machine and the automation of a bean-to-cup grinder. Then check which coffee formats the specific model accepts, how much space you have and what maintenance it requires. A machine that’s quick to use won’t necessarily suit your coffee-drinking habits.
How often you make coffee matters, but your choice also depends on the preparation steps and daily maintenance you’re happy to take on.
If you want to use beans and start brewing without filling a portafilter for every cup, consider an automatic machine. UFC-Que Choisir says that the containers and brewing chamber need regular rinsing. You’ll also need to allow enough space on your worktop.
Capsule and pod machines suit a routine with minimal handling. Be sure to choose the system at the same time as the machine, though: the format it accepts determines which coffees you can make.
A portafilter lets you measure and tamp your own ground coffee. If you’d also like a steam wand for milk, check that the model you’re considering has one and bear in mind that it needs cleaning after use.
Start with the drink you make most often, then consider how each system fits your space and cleaning routine.
| What to consider | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Drinks and preparation | Check which drinks the model can make and how many cups it can prepare. With a portafilter, you measure and tamp the coffee yourself; a grinder automates these preparation steps. | I mainly make short espressos, or I prefer a long coffee. If I regularly serve two people, being able to make two cups also matters. |
| Consumables | Find out exactly which capsule or pod system the machine uses and check which formats are compatible. For a portafilter, check which filters are included and whether it’s compatible with ESE pods. | I want to be able to find coffee that fits my machine easily, without assuming that two systems from the same brand take the same capsules. |
| Space and noise | Measure the width, depth and height, as well as the space needed to fill or remove components. UFC-Que Choisir says that grinders take up more space and are noisier than capsule systems. | I need to be able to use my worktop while making coffee. If noise matters in my household, I’ll check this for the specific model too. |
| Maintenance | Check how easy it is to reach the containers and water tank, and, for a grinder, the brewing chamber. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for rinsing and descaling. | Simple controls don’t mean there’s no cleaning to do: I’m looking for maintenance tasks that fit into my routine. |
| Packaging | If you choose capsules, plan how you’ll recycle them after use. In France, ADEME says aluminium and plastic capsules can go in the recycling for paper and packaging. | I’d prefer to avoid individually wrapped portions, or have a convenient place to sort my capsules for recycling. |
Your choice of coffee may be limited by the system the machine accepts. For example, Nespresso says that the Original machine referenced in its range only takes Nespresso Original capsules.
Check the exact system name on the product page and make sure it takes the capsules or pods you want to use before choosing a model.
A grinder can start brewing at the touch of a button, but its containers and brewing chamber need regular rinsing, according to UFC-Que Choisir.
Check how easy it is to reach the parts that need cleaning, as well as the rinsing programmes and descaling instructions for the model you’re considering.
A narrow machine takes up little worktop width, but you’ll also need space to handle the coffee, portafilter and cups. So the stated width alone doesn’t tell you everything about the space needed for coffee preparation.
Measure the available depth and height too, and leave room in front of the machine to prepare coffee and clean the portafilter.
Even if capsules can be recycled, you’ll still need to deal with individual packaging after every drink. ADEME says that in France, aluminium and plastic capsules go in the recycling for paper and packaging.
If you choose a capsule machine, keep a recycling container nearby. If you’d rather avoid single-serve portions, also consider machines that use ground coffee or beans.
These ranges illustrate different systems. Check the features of each model rather than assuming that every machine from a brand works in the same way.
The Original and Vertuo ranges cater for different formats. Nespresso describes Original as a one-touch way to make espresso, while Vertuo offers a range of sizes, including mugs.
The range of soft pod machines is aimed in particular at people who prefer a long or strong black coffee.
The brand offers both manual portafilter machines and automatic bean-to-cup machines with grinders.
These Joybuy models offer two ways to make espresso at home: an automatic bean-to-cup machine with a grinder and a manual portafilter machine. Compare them based on how hands-on you want to be and how much space you have.
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Worth considering if you want to use beans and enjoy automated brewing. LatteGo is included in the model name; check which drinks it can make and what maintenance fits into your routine.
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This automatic machine suits a routine based on coffee beans rather than manually filling a portafilter. Check its dimensions and how easy it is to reach the parts that need cleaning in your kitchen.
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This portafilter machine is for people who want to get hands-on with preparation. Allow space for making coffee and cleaning the machine afterwards, and check the water tank capacity for this version before choosing.
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This automatic bean-to-cup machine suits regular coffee making without having to fill a portafilter for every cup. Check where you plan to place it and what cleaning this model requires.
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This model is described as having a steam wand, pressure gauge and one- or two-cup functions for portafilter brewing. Check which filter formats it accepts and allow space to handle and clean the accessories.
No, not for aluminium or plastic capsules: ADEME says to put them in the recycling bin, bag or container for paper and packaging. Check your local authority’s guidance in case it has specific local arrangements.
It’s best to check the system before choosing a machine. UFC-Que Choisir points out that capsule compatibility varies between systems. Nespresso, for example, says that its Original machine referenced here only takes Original capsules.
UFC-Que Choisir recommends descaling on average every two to three months, depending on water hardness and, above all, how often you use the machine. Follow the alerts and instructions for your model to find out which steps to take and which products to use.
Measure the available width, depth and height, then allow for the space needed to fill the machine, remove its water tank and reach the drip tray. For a portafilter machine, leave a clear surface for preparing coffee and handling cups too.