Households keeping an eye on the cost per cup
You regularly make several espressos and want to compare the ongoing cost of coffee and maintenance, even if that means considering a machine with a higher upfront price.
Who are these machines for?
Users who value simplicity
You want to make coffee quickly, without measuring it out by hand, and are happy to check that compatible capsules or pods are available.
Coffee lovers who value choice and control
You want to choose your coffee or have more control over how your espresso is made. A portafilter involves more hands-on steps, while a grinder means extra cleaning to factor in.
How do the four systems compare?
Capsules
Worth considering: if you prefer quick preparation with pre-portioned capsules.
Bear in mind: your choice of coffee depends on the compatible format, and regular capsule purchases add to the cost of use.
Soft pods
Worth considering: if you want a simple way to make coffee with soft pods, without having to adjust a grinder.
Bear in mind: you’ll need to choose pods that suit the machine and keep descaling it.
Portafilter
Worth considering: if you want to choose your ground coffee and have a hand in dosing and extraction.
Bear in mind: making coffee and cleaning up afterwards involve more hands-on steps.
Bean-to-cup grinder
Worth considering: if you regularly make several espressos and want to choose your own coffee beans.
Bear in mind: the higher initial outlay and the need to clean the machine regularly.
If your household often makes several espressos, start with your main priority, then compare models by checking the features that matter to you. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes between the four types of machine and points out that the cost of coffee per cup can affect whether a grinder is worthwhile when you use it regularly.
| Criterion | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of use | Based on the number of cups you usually make, compare the coffee or compatible portions and the maintenance consumables required for each model. | If I make several coffees every day, I want to know how much it’ll cost to make them over time; around 33% of consumers would put this cost first. |
| Ease of preparation | Check the steps involved in making several cups and the daily routine set out in the manual. | When several people use the machine, I’d prefer everyone to be able to make their coffee without measuring it out by hand; around 27% of consumers would put this ease of use first. |
| Choice of coffee | Check which format the machine accepts and, if you want to customise your drink, which settings the model actually offers. | I want to be able to change my coffee or adjust how my espresso is made; around 20% of consumers would prioritise this freedom of choice. |
| Maintenance and lifespan | Check the manual for descaling instructions, access to the parts that need cleaning and any steps required for a milk system. | Before using the machine regularly, I want to be able to clean its parts easily and know which steps I’ll need to repeat; around 20% of consumers would put maintenance first. |
What should you look out for?
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Comparing machines on purchase price alone
A machine used regularly to make several espressos also means ongoing purchases of coffee and maintenance products. UFC-Que Choisir notes that coffee beans can work out cheaper per cup than pods, but the costs for your household will depend on the products you choose and how many coffees you make.
Compare systems based on your usual consumption and the consumables listed in each model’s manual.
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Assuming a grinder is as easy to clean as a capsule machine
A grinder has additional parts, including a coffee grounds container and components involved in making the coffee. It still needs descaling, and if the machine makes milk-based drinks, the milk system also needs particular attention.
Before choosing a model, check its manual to see how to remove and clean the accessible parts, and how to descale it.
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Assuming recyclable capsules mean no waste
Every capsule you use still creates packaging that needs to be dealt with. ADEME provides sorting guidance for aluminium and plastic capsules, but the fact that they can be sorted does not, on its own, determine the environmental impact of a system.
If packaging matters to you, check which consumables the machine uses and the sorting guidance that applies where you live.
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Choosing a milk function without planning for cleaning
Making milk-based drinks means maintaining extra parts that come into contact with milk. UFC-Que Choisir recommends rinsing the steam wand after use, following the machine’s instructions.
Check whether your household will use this function and read the instructions for rinsing and dismantling the system on the model you’re considering.
Brands to consider
Nespresso
An option for households that want to make coffee with capsules compatible with their chosen machine.
- Nespresso France publishes maintenance and support guidance for its machines.
- Check whether the model uses the Original or Vertuo system, and which coffees are compatible. Nespresso France says descaling frequency depends on the water and how much the machine is used.
Philips SENSEO
A range to consider if you want to make coffee with soft pods and don’t need an integrated grinder.
- The pre-portioned format means you don’t have to measure out coffee for every cup.
- Check which pods suit the model. Philips France generally recommends descaling its SENSEO machines every three months; also follow the model’s instructions and take the water you use into account.
De’Longhi
A brand to consider when comparing bean-to-cup espresso machines and their model-specific maintenance procedures.
- De’Longhi France provides support and descaling guidance for its machines.
- De’Longhi France says descaling frequency depends in particular on water hardness. Check the manual for the model you’re considering to find out what other cleaning is required.
Krups
A brand to compare among bean-to-cup espresso machines, especially if limescale management matters to you.
- UFC-Que Choisir mentions Krups models fitted with a water tank filtration system.
- This feature may not be available on every model. Check whether the filter on your chosen machine needs replacing and how often.
Melitta
Another bean-to-cup espresso machine brand to consider, comparing the settings and maintenance requirements of each model.
- UFC-Que Choisir mentions Melitta models with a water tank filtration system.
- Don’t assume every model has this system; check which consumables you’ll need and whether the parts that need cleaning are easy to access.
Machines for different ways of making coffee
These Joybuy models let you explore three ways to make coffee at home: a bean-to-cup grinder, SENSEO pods and a portafilter. Before choosing, compare the coffee format and maintenance steps with your usual routine.
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Philips Series 2200 EP2230/10 LatteGo, bean-to-cup espresso machine
Worth considering if your household wants to make espresso with coffee beans and is also interested in milk-based drinks.
The model name indicates a grinder and the LatteGo system. Check the manual for cleaning instructions and compatible consumables.
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De’Longhi Magnifica Evo ECAM290.61.B LatteCrema
Worth considering if you’re looking for an automatic machine for the household’s espressos and are also interested in milk-based drinks.
This model is associated with the LatteCrema system. Check which drinks this version offers and read the manual for instructions on cleaning the milk system.
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Philips SENSEO Maestro CSA260/91, red
Worth considering if you prefer pre-portioned coffee to adjusting a grinder or using a portafilter.
SENSEO is part of the name of this Maestro version, but information about its consumable format varies. Confirm which pods or capsules are compatible with model CSA260/91 before buying.
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HiBREW H16, bean-to-cup espresso machine with milk system
Compare it with other bean-to-cup machines if your household wants to make espresso from beans and is interested in milk-based drinks.
The product name mentions a grinder and a cappuccino system. Check the H16 manual for the drinks it can make and the model-specific maintenance steps.
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De’Longhi Dedica Style EC685.BK, black portafilter machine
Worth considering if you prefer making your household’s espressos with a portafilter and are happy with the hands-on steps involved.
The water tank capacity is listed differently in information about this model; confirm it before deciding whether it suits the number of coffees you make at home.
Frequently asked questions
When is a bean-to-cup grinder a good choice for a household?
A bean-to-cup machine is worth comparing with pods or capsules if your household regularly makes several coffees and you’re happy to maintain it. UFC-Que Choisir says coffee made with a grinder can work out cheaper per cup than pod espresso. To help you decide, compare the number of cups you make, the coffee you choose and the consumables required by the models you’re considering.
Do capsule and pod machines also need descaling?
Yes, these machines need descaling too. Philips France generally recommends descaling SENSEO machines every three months, while Nespresso France says to adjust the frequency according to water hardness and how much the machine is used. Follow the instructions for your model.
How can you assess a model’s maintenance and repair options?
Check the manual for the specific model to find out whether the parts that need cleaning are easy to access and what descaling involves. Also look at the manufacturer’s information about support, maintenance parts and repair conditions. Don’t judge a machine’s reliability solely by whether these services are available.
Where can you dispose of used coffee capsules in France?
ADEME advises putting aluminium and plastic capsules in the recycling collection for paper and packaging. Also check your local authority’s guidance and, if you plan to use a collection point, which formats it accepts.