If you make several coffees at home, start by deciding which daily steps you’re happy to take: capsules or pods for a measured serving, a portafilter for handling ground coffee, or an automatic grinder to make coffee from whole beans at the touch of a button. Que Choisir found that, in the conditions of its comparison, a grinder can reduce the cost per cup compared with pods, but it takes up more space and needs more maintenance. Also compare the consumables, noise and cleaning requirements of the model you’re considering.
If you make several cups throughout the day, compare the ongoing cost of coffee or pods with the machine’s maintenance requirements. Que Choisir suggests a grinder as an option for coffee enthusiasts or those who drink a lot, but doesn’t set a specific number of cups as a rule.
If you want to make each cup with minimal adjustments, consider a capsule or pod machine. You’ll still need to choose a compatible format, fill the water tank and dispose of used portions.
If choosing ground coffee or beans, or making frothed milk, matters to you, compare the settings on the exact model and the cleaning they involve. Gifam presents a portafilter machine as a way to adjust the result using ground coffee.
Choose a system to suit the way you make coffee, then check that it fits your kitchen and daily routine.
Consider this if: you want a measured serving with minimal adjustments for each cup.
Be aware: your choice of coffee depends on the capsule format that’s compatible with the machine.
Consider this if: you prefer pre-measured portions to adding ground coffee yourself.
Be aware: you’ll need to choose pods that work with the model you buy.
Consider this if: you want to have more control over how you prepare ground coffee.
Be aware: measuring, handling and cleaning the portafilter are all part of making each cup.
Consider this if: you regularly use whole beans and want to make coffee at the touch of a button.
Be aware: Que Choisir notes that an automatic grinder takes up more space and makes more noise than a capsule system, and needs regular maintenance.
| Criteria | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Running costs | For the number of cups you make, compare the cost of compatible coffee or portions, as well as maintenance consumables. | When I make coffee every day, I want to keep my spending under control over time; around 29% of consumers put this need first. |
| Daily routine | Check the instructions for rinsing, emptying trays and cleaning the milk system, if there is one. | If I make coffee between other activities, I want to keep handling to a minimum without neglecting cleaning; this is the priority for around 29% of consumers. |
| Choice of coffee | Check which formats are accepted and which settings are actually available on the model. | If I want to serve different coffees at home, I prefer to choose the coffee and adjust how it’s made; around 24% of consumers value this control. |
| Space and noise | Measure the available space, allowing access to the water tank, and look for noise information specific to the model. | In a kitchen short on space, or if I make coffee early in the morning, size and noise come before other criteria for around 18% of consumers. |
Coffee, capsules and pods need replacing with every cup. In its comparison, Que Choisir found a lower cost per cup for a grinder than for pods, but the difference depends on the consumables you actually choose.
Compare your spending over the same period and for the amount you expect to drink, and remember to factor in the maintenance each system needs.
Making a drink at the touch of a button doesn’t mean you can skip cleaning the milk circuit. Que Choisir recommends rinsing the steam wand after every use, for example.
Read the model’s cleaning instructions before you buy, and check which parts need to be removed or washed after making a milk-based drink.
Que Choisir says that a grinder takes up more space and makes more noise than a capsule system.
Measure the space you’ll need to use and fill the machine. If noise matters in your home, look for a measurement for the exact model.
Sorting used capsules is part of the routine with a capsule machine. In France, ADEME says that aluminium or plastic capsules can go in the recycling collection for paper and packaging.
Check the local recycling guidance where you live and whether the system you choose offers any collection options.
A brand to consider for automatic bean-to-cup machines for home use.
The 2200 series includes the EP2230/10 LatteGo, an option to compare among machines with a grinder.
A brand to consider if you’re looking at a capsule system and want to find a collection point.
A brand to consider for making coffee with soft pods.
These machines showcase three ways to make coffee at home: using an automatic grinder with whole beans, using soft pods or choosing compatible capsules. If you’d rather work with ground coffee using a portafilter, include that option in your comparison too.
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Worth considering if you want a machine with a grinder and a milk function for your regular coffees. Check the cleaning routine for the LatteGo system and make sure the machine will fit in the space you have available.
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Worth considering if you prefer pre-measured Senseo pods. Check that your preferred pods are compatible with this model and that the water tank suits how often you make coffee.
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Worth considering if you want to choose your own beans and have a milk system. Before choosing this machine for frequent use, check the instructions to see what cleaning is needed after each milk-based drink.
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Worth considering if you want to make coffee automatically from whole beans. If you plan to use the steam wand for milk, remember to clean it after use and check the machine’s dimensions before buying.
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Worth considering if you prefer a capsule machine that makes each cup without measuring out ground coffee. Check that the capsules you want to use are compatible. With a 0.6 L water tank, how often you’ll need to refill it depends on how much coffee you drink.
No. A grinder is worth comparing if you want to use whole beans, but you’ll need to allow for its size, noise and maintenance. Que Choisir recommends it for coffee enthusiasts or those who drink a lot. If pre-measured portions are your priority, capsules and pods are still options to consider.
Start with the number of cups you expect to make and the compatible consumables you’d actually buy, then factor in maintenance. Que Choisir’s comparison of grinders and pods is based on the conditions of its test; it doesn’t replace working out your own costs.
Follow the instructions for the milk system on the model you choose. Que Choisir recommends rinsing the steam wand after every use. For a machine with a grinder, also check the manual for instructions on maintaining the trays and brew group.
ADEME says that aluminium or plastic capsules can go in the recycling collection for paper and packaging. You can also check whether the brand of the system you choose has a collection point near you.
Look for a take-back or collection scheme for electrical and electronic equipment through your local council or the retailer. The French Ministry for the Ecological Transition says this equipment is covered by a dedicated scheme for collection and recycling its materials.