If you make espresso regularly and want to use whole beans without grinding each dose separately, an automatic bean-to-cup machine could suit you, as long as you’re happy to make room for it, put up with the grinder noise and keep up with regular maintenance. Capsules are better suited to a simple routine in a small space; a portafilter gives you more hands-on control over the preparation, while a filter coffee machine is designed for a different kind of coffee.
An automatic machine with a grinder lets you use whole beans without preparing every dose in a portafilter. You’ll need to make room for the machine and keep up with its cleaning routine. UFC-Que Choisir also points out that a grinder is noisier and takes up more space than a capsule system or filter coffee machine.
If cappuccinos are part of your routine, check the milk system on the specific model and what you’ll need to do after each use. A manual steam wand and an automatic milk system involve different preparation and cleaning routines.
If a compact machine and quick preparation matter more to you than using whole beans, it’s worth comparing capsule machines. If you mainly drink filter coffee, look at machines designed specifically for it.
Start with the drinks you actually make, then check how much space you have and what maintenance tasks you’re happy to take on day to day.
| Priority | What to check | Think about your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Type of coffee | Check that the machine makes the drink you want: espresso from a bean-to-cup machine, capsules or a portafilter, or filter coffee. With a portafilter, you’ll also need to prepare the ground coffee. | I mainly make short espressos, so a filter coffee machine wouldn’t suit me as well. If I mostly drink filter coffee, I don’t need to choose an automatic espresso machine for that reason. |
| Preparation | Compare one-touch preparation on an automatic or capsule machine with the dosing, tamping and cleaning involved with a portafilter. Check the controls on the model you’re considering. | If I’m making several espressos in a row, I might prefer to keep handling to a minimum. On the other hand, preparing each dose myself may be part of the experience I’m looking for. |
| Space and noise | Measure the available space and allow room to access the water tanks and trays. For noise levels, look for a test of the exact model: UFC-Que Choisir says that an automatic machine with a grinder is noisier and bulkier than a capsule system or filter coffee machine. | In a small kitchen, I need to be able to fill and clean the machine without constantly moving it. Grinder noise also matters if I make coffee while other people are asleep. |
| Maintenance | Check how easy it is to reach the grounds container, drip tray and brewing unit, and read the rinsing and descaling instructions. If the machine makes milk-based drinks, check separately how to clean the milk circuit or steam wand. | Before adding a machine to my routine, I want to know which tasks I’ll need to do after making regular coffees and which extra steps are required after a cappuccino. |
| Milk-based drinks | Check whether the specific model has a steam wand or milk system, which drinks it offers and how to clean the system afterwards. | If I make cappuccinos regularly, how the milk system works matters more to me than the total number of recipes listed. |
| Packaging | If you use capsules, check what they’re made from and how to sort them for recycling. ADEME says that aluminium and plastic capsules can go in the recycling collection for paper and packaging. | I want to take single-use packaging into account without assuming that a recyclable capsule creates no waste. |
According to UFC-Que Choisir, an automatic machine with a grinder generally takes up more space and makes more noise than a capsule machine or filter coffee machine. These differences can affect how practical it is in a small kitchen or early in the morning.
Measure your worktop and leave enough room to remove the trays and fill the tanks. For noise levels, look for measurements of the exact model.
Milk-based drinks mean you’ll need to clean a steam wand or milk circuit, following the machine’s instructions. An automatic cleaning programme won’t necessarily eliminate every manual step.
Compare a manual steam wand with an automatic system based on how often you make milk-based drinks, then read the care instructions for the model you’ve chosen.
Also allow time for rinsing and, if specified in the instructions, any cleaning products for the milk circuit.
A capsule is still individual packaging, even if it can be put in a recycling collection. ADEME recommends avoiding single portions where possible and choosing packaging that suits your consumption.
If you use capsules, follow the recycling guidance for their material. If packaging is an important factor in your choice, compare whole beans and ground coffee too, based on what your household actually uses.
These are broad product categories; always check the features and maintenance requirements of the specific model you’re interested in.
De'Longhi’s Magnifica range includes automatic bean-to-cup machines designed for making espresso.
Melitta France’s range covers several ways of making coffee, including filter coffee machines, espresso machines and whole-bean coffee machines.
JURA offers automatic home machines that make speciality coffees from whole beans at the touch of a button.
These machines are designed for making espresso from whole beans; the Ninja model also makes filter coffee. Compare the controls and drinks listed for each model before choosing.
Image unavailable
Worth considering if you want to make espresso from whole beans and use the LatteGo system. Check the drinks on offer and cleaning routine for this model.
Image unavailable
This automatic machine with a grinder is worth considering if you enjoy milk-based drinks as well as espresso. Confirm which drinks the ECAM290.61.B model makes and how to maintain its LatteCrema system.
Image unavailable
The product description mentions six types of coffee and touch controls. If you make different kinds of drinks, check the exact recipes and cleaning steps in the H16 manual.
Image unavailable
This espresso machine with a grinder is designed for making coffee from whole beans at home. If you also want to make milk-based drinks, check how the steam wand works and how it needs to be cleaned.
Image unavailable
This model has a built-in grinder and makes both espresso and filter coffee. It’s worth a look if you enjoy both at home; check the type of milk frother included with the ES301EU model before buying.
It could be a good fit if you’re keen to use whole beans and are happy to maintain an automatic machine, but using it less often doesn’t mean you can skip those tasks. If you’d prefer a compact machine and a simple routine, compare capsule machines too. If you mainly drink filter coffee, look at filter coffee machines.
You’ll need to empty and clean the trays, rinse the machine and descale it according to the model’s instructions. Milk-based drinks also mean cleaning the steam wand or milk circuit. UFC-Que Choisir includes cleaning and descaling among the aspects it assesses when reviewing espresso machines.
A steam wand is a good option if you’re happy to froth the milk yourself. An automatic system reduces the preparation steps, but adds a circuit that needs cleaning. Check the system on the specific model and how to clean it, especially if you make cappuccinos regularly.
In France, ADEME advises putting aluminium or plastic capsules in the recycling bin, bag or container for paper and packaging. Check your local council’s guidance to use the right local recycling service.