If you mainly want to make coffee with minimal effort, compare capsule and pod machines. If someone in your household wants to measure and prepare ground coffee, consider a portafilter machine. An automatic bean-to-cup machine is better suited to regular use of whole coffee beans, provided you’re happy to maintain it. To compare models, check which drinks they make, which consumables they’re compatible with, how much space they take up and what cleaning they require.
If several people want to make coffee without measuring or tamping it, capsules and pods make everyday preparation easier. You’ll need to choose a system with compatible portions that suit your household’s habits.
If you regularly make coffee from whole beans and want to enjoy different drinks without preparing the espresso yourself, an automatic bean-to-cup machine is worth considering. Check the model’s recipes and maintenance requirements, especially for the milk system.
A portafilter machine is a good fit if you want to measure out the ground coffee, tamp it and get involved in the preparation. It’s right for you if you enjoy these steps and don’t mind cleaning up afterwards.
If your household enjoys espresso, longer coffees or milk-based drinks, start with what matters most day to day, then check the capabilities of the specific model.
| Criterion | What to check | Who it suits |
|---|---|---|
| Quick and easy coffee | Which capsule or pod format the machine accepts and which drinks it can make. | If everyone wants to make coffee without measuring or tamping, ease of use comes before customisation. Around 33% of consumers would put this need first. |
| Regular use and choice of coffee | Which coffee the machine accepts and the usual cost of your chosen consumables. | If you make coffee several times a day, choosing your own beans or ground coffee and keeping running costs under control become priorities. Around 25% of consumers would put this first. |
| Preparation and milk | Whether it has a steam wand or milk system, and what cleaning is needed after use. | If you want to make milk-based drinks or get hands-on with the espresso extraction, the preparation method matters more than speed alone. Around 25% of consumers would prioritise this. |
| Longer coffees and multiple cups | Available drink sizes, number of cups and water tank capacity. | In a household that switches between espresso, a larger cup and making coffee for several people, the available sizes could make all the difference. Around 17% of consumers would consider this a priority. |
A capsule machine won’t necessarily accept capsules from another system. Your choice determines which coffees your household can buy regularly.
Check the exact system, compatible capsules, their usual availability and the cost of using them.
A grinder, steam wand and milk system each need different care after you make a coffee. Descaling requirements also depend on the machine and how often you use it.
Check the model’s instructions to see which parts need cleaning, how to descale it and whether any filters need replacing.
An espresso button doesn’t tell you whether the machine can make a longer coffee or froth milk. Recipes and accessories vary by model.
Make a note of the drinks you make most often at home, then check their volumes and the milk system on the specific product page.
Filling the portafilter, preparing the ground coffee and cleaning the parts all take more effort than using a single-serve portion.
Choose this type if someone in your household genuinely wants to be involved in making coffee. Otherwise, compare more automated options.
Also check which preparation accessories are included with the model you’re considering.
The Original and Vertuo systems offer different capsule options and drink sizes. Nespresso positions Original around espresso, while Vertuo machines offer cup sizes up to a mug, depending on the model.
Philips offers SENSEO pod machines as well as espresso machines with grinders: two different ways to make coffee more easily.
De’Longhi has manual portafilter machines as well as automatic models, depending on how hands-on you want to be.
These Joybuy models represent the four types covered: bean-to-cup, soft pods, capsules and portafilter machines. Start by choosing the kind of preparation your household wants to use every day.
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Worth considering if your household wants to make coffee from whole beans and milk-based drinks without using a manual portafilter. Check that the cup sizes and milk system maintenance suit your habits.
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A pod machine for anyone who prefers a simple way to make coffee. Before choosing, check which pods are compatible and which drinks this model can make.
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Consider this model if you want to switch between different coffee sizes using Vertuo capsules and make milk foam with the included frother. The frother is a separate appliance that needs to be used and cleaned. Also check that the compatible capsules suit your habits.
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For households that prefer capsule coffee and a compact machine. The product name lists a 0,6 L tank and 1200 W power. Check that the tank capacity, available coffees and capsule system suit the way you plan to use it.
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Worth considering if someone wants to make coffee using a portafilter and use a steam wand to prepare milk. The 20 bar figure appears in the product name, but it doesn’t tell you on its own what the coffee will taste like. Check which accessories are included and remember to clean the machine after use.
ADEME advises putting aluminium or plastic capsules in the recycling bin for paper and packaging. For any other type of capsule, check the guidance for its material and your local collection scheme.
Que Choisir suggests descaling every two to three months on average, depending on water hardness and how often you use the machine. Always follow the instructions and alerts for your specific model first.
No. A filter doesn’t remove the need to follow the manufacturer’s descaling instructions. Also check how often the filter compatible with your machine needs replacing.
Check whether the model uses a manual steam wand, a separate milk frother or an integrated milk system. Then look at which drinks it can make and which parts need cleaning after preparing milk.