If you make coffee at home regularly, start by deciding how you want to prepare it: capsules or pods mean fewer steps for each cup; a portafilter lets you measure and tamp the coffee yourself; and an automatic grinder machine grinds the beans inside the machine. Then check which consumables are compatible, how much space you have and what maintenance the specific model needs. Que Choisir notes that an automatic grinder machine is bulkier and noisier than a capsule system.
If you make a coffee between other tasks, a pre-measured portion saves you from filling and tamping a portafilter. An automatic grinder machine also makes coffee from beans, but you’ll need to consider the cleaning involved and the space it takes up.
Your choice also determines whether you’ll regularly use capsules, pods, ground coffee or beans. For single servings, how the packaging should be disposed of depends on the product and local recycling guidance, as ADEME and Que Choisir point out.
With a portafilter, you fill and tamp the ground coffee before brewing, as described by De'Longhi. If you’d rather leave those steps to the machine, consider a portion-based system or an automatic grinder machine, while bearing in mind that each type of machine needs its own care.
Start with the steps you’re happy to take for each cup, then check the consumables and maintenance required for the model you’re considering. The four categories identified by Que Choisir involve different levels of participation in the preparation.
| Feature | What to check | What matters to consumers |
|---|---|---|
| Steps per cup | Check whether the coffee is pre-measured, whether the portafilter needs filling and tamping, or whether the machine grinds the beans. Check which drinks the model can make. | When I make coffee between other tasks, I want to avoid a lengthy process for every cup. Around 27% of consumers would prioritise this everyday convenience. |
| Compatible consumables | Check which capsule or pod format the machine accepts, or what type of coffee it uses, and whether the products you want to buy are readily available. | If I drink coffee regularly, I want to be able to find the right consumables for my machine without switching systems. Around 27% of consumers would consider this continuity their main priority. |
| Involvement in the preparation | Decide whether you want to fill and tamp a portafilter yourself or leave the grinding and preparation to the machine. | I prefer to take a hands-on approach when making an espresso, even if it means a few extra steps. Around 20% of consumers would put this involvement first. |
| Space and maintenance | Measure the available space and check that you can access the containers. Read the cleaning and descaling instructions, as well as the disposal guidance for the consumables. | In a kitchen where space is limited, I also need to be comfortable with the noise, cleaning and everyday waste management. Around 26% of consumers would put these considerations first when choosing. |
A portion-based machine ties you to a compatible format, while a portafilter and a grinder use ground coffee and beans respectively.
Before choosing, check exactly which format the machine accepts and whether you’ll be able to buy the products you need for regular use. Also check the manual for compatible cleaning products.
Que Choisir notes that the composition of a capsule or pod alone doesn’t determine whether it can go in your home compost.
Read the Info-tri label and the guidance for the specific consumable, then check which collection options are available in your area. Only put a product in your home compost if this is explicitly stated as a suitable option.
Que Choisir says an automatic grinder machine takes up more space and makes more noise than a capsule system. The containers and other parts listed in the manual also need regular cleaning.
Measure the space available, including the room needed to fill and remove the containers, then read the cleaning instructions for the model you’re considering.
With a manual machine, you need to fill and fit the portafilter yourself; De'Longhi also describes tamping the ground coffee.
Choose this type if these steps are part of the preparation you want to do. Otherwise, compare portion-based systems and automatic grinder machines based on the maintenance you’re happy to take on.
These steps take time with every cup, even when the machine is ready to use.
A brand to consider if you’re looking at capsule machines and compatible systems.
A brand associated with machines that use Senseo soft pods.
A brand with both manual portafilter machines and automatic grinder machines.
These models cover the four ways of making coffee featured here: soft pods, beans ground by the machine, a portafilter and capsules. Start by choosing the system whose steps and maintenance suit you, then compare the options within that category.
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Worth considering if you’d like to make coffee with Senseo soft pods rather than fill a portafilter. Check that the pods you plan to use are compatible, and remember to descale the machine as instructed in the manual.
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This grinder machine is for anyone who prefers to use beans without filling a portafilter for every cup. The model is called LatteGo; if you make milk-based drinks, check the manual for instructions on cleaning the milk system.
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Worth considering if you’re happy with the steps involved in making coffee manually with a portafilter. This version is listed as having 15 bar pressure; check the tank capacity and the space needed for installation before choosing the model.
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If you want to make coffee with capsules, check that the capsules you plan to use are suitable for this Essenza Mini’s Nespresso Original system. It’s listed as 0,6 L and 1 200 W; check the manual for descaling instructions.
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This version is for anyone who wants to use Vertuo capsules to make coffee at home. It’s listed as 0,6 L; measure the space available and check the model’s dimensions before setting it up.
It depends on the machine and how you use it, so follow the manual and any alerts on your model. Nespresso France recommends descaling every three months or after around 300 capsules. Philips recommends descaling Senseo machines every three months, while De'Longhi says water hardness affects how often its grinder machines need descaling.
Not necessarily: check that the specific consumable is labelled as suitable for home composting. Que Choisir distinguishes this from products intended for industrial composting or a dedicated collection scheme. Also check the Info-tri label and the options available in your area.
For aluminium or plastic capsules, ADEME recommends using the recycling bin, bag or container for paper and packaging. For other materials or products with specific disposal instructions, check the Info-tri label and find out which recycling facilities are available locally.
It depends on how much space you have and how much noise you’re comfortable with from the model you choose. Que Choisir says an automatic grinder machine is bulkier and noisier than a capsule system. Measure the space available, remembering to leave room to access the containers and water tank.