For households that want to keep things simple
If you often make a cup of coffee but don’t want to measure out coffee each time, consider a capsule or pod machine. Check which format it accepts and what cleaning is needed after brewing.
Which setup suits your household?
For households that enjoy a variety of drinks
If you switch between espresso, lungo and even milk-based drinks, compare the recipes available on the specific model and its milk system. The parts you need to rinse after use matter just as much as the options shown on the machine.
For households keeping an eye on ongoing costs
If you make several coffees every day, compare capsules or pods with ground or whole-bean coffee based on how much you drink. Que Choisir recommends considering the running costs, not just the price of the machine.
What should you compare?
Each of the four systems suits a different routine. First decide how much hands-on preparation you’re happy with, then check the consumables, drinks and space required.
Capsules
Worth considering: if you want to make a cup using a pre-measured serving.
Bear in mind: the coffees available depend on which capsule system is compatible with the machine.
Soft pods
Worth considering: if you want pre-portioned coffee, especially if you make one or two cups without complicated settings.
Bear in mind: although Que Choisir describes soft pods as standardised, you still need to check which format each model accepts.
Portafilter
Worth considering: if you prefer to prepare your own ground coffee rather than use a pre-portioned capsule.
Bear in mind: preparing and cleaning the filter adds steps each time you use it.
Bean-to-cup grinder
Worth considering: if you use whole beans and want the machine to automate grinding and brewing.
Bear in mind: the reservoirs, grounds container and other parts of the machine need regular cleaning.
| Criteria | What to check | What consumers are looking for |
|---|---|---|
| Everyday simplicity | Compare the steps involved before and after making each coffee, as well as how easy it is to reach the parts that need cleaning. | If I’m making coffee between other activities, I want to avoid a long series of steps. Around 31% of consumers would put simplicity first. |
| Running costs | Compare the cost of portions or coffee with how much you drink, and factor in any cleaning products recommended in the instructions. | If I drink coffee often, I want to know how much each cup costs me. This would be the main priority for around 25% of consumers. |
| Choice of drinks | Check which formats are actually available and, for milk-based drinks, look at the milk system and how it needs to be cleaned. | If my household switches between espresso, lungo and milky drinks, I’m looking for a machine that suits those habits. Around 25% of consumers would prioritise this variety. |
| Space and capacity | Measure the space needed to open the reservoirs and compare their capacity with the number of coffees you make. | With a narrow worktop, I want to reach the containers without moving the machine, while keeping refills to a minimum. This would be the main need for around 19% of consumers. |
Mistakes to avoid before buying
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Looking only at the price of the machine
A capsule machine may cost less upfront, but the price of the portions adds to the running costs. According to Que Choisir, a portafilter or bean-to-cup machine can work out more economical than capsules, depending on how often you make coffee.
Think about how many coffees you usually make, then compare the cost of coffee and compatible cleaning products for each system.
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Buying portions before checking the format
Capsules aren’t interchangeable across all machines. Even with soft pods, you need to check which format the model you choose accepts.
Check the exact name of the system in the instructions before stocking up on capsules or pods.
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Underestimating maintenance
Descaling is part of the regular care routine, while a grinder or milk system may mean extra containers and parts to clean.
Before buying, check the instructions to find out which descaler is suitable, how easy the parts are to access and how to rinse the milk system, if there is one.
Brands to know for each system
Nespresso
A brand to look at if you’re comparing Original and Vertuo capsule machines.
- Nespresso positions Original for shorter coffees and Vertuo for a range of sizes, from espresso to mug-sized drinks, depending on the machine.
- Check the exact capsule system and cup sizes before choosing: the two ranges aren’t interchangeable.
Philips SENSEO
A range to consider if you want to make coffee with soft pods.
- Philips says that the relevant SENSEO models can make one or two cups at the touch of a button.
- Philips recommends descaling the relevant models every three months. Also check which pod format they accept.
De'Longhi
A brand to consider if you’re looking for automatic bean-to-cup machines.
- De'Longhi describes models that make coffee from beans ground by the machine; some ranges also offer milk-based drinks.
- Recipes, milk functions and parts to maintain vary by model. Compare the instructions and space requirements before buying.
Machines to consider on Joybuy
These models give you a look at three of the systems covered: bean-to-cup grinders, capsules and portafilters. Start by choosing the system that suits your routine, then compare the features of each machine.
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Philips Series 2200 EP2230/10 LatteGo, black
Worth considering if you want an automatic machine that makes coffee from whole beans. It has a grinder and a LatteGo milk system; check which recipes are available and what cleaning they involve.
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De'Longhi Magnifica S ECAM22.140.B, black
Worth considering if you want an automatic machine with a grinder for your everyday coffees. If milk-based drinks are important to you, check the steps involved and how to clean the milk system. Also measure the available space to make sure you can reach the reservoirs.
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HiBREW H16, grinder and milk system
Worth a look if you’re after automated brewing from whole beans and would also like milk-based drinks. The product name advertises six drink options: check which recipes suit you and what the instructions say about cleaning the milk circuit.
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KRUPS Nespresso Essenza Mini, 0.6 L, 1 200 W, white
Worth considering if you prefer capsule coffee and are short on space. The reservoir is listed as 0.6 L; check that the Nespresso Original system is compatible with the capsules you want to buy.
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De'Longhi Dedica Style EC685.BK, black
Worth considering if you’re happy to put in the extra steps involved with a portafilter. The product name lists 15 bar pressure. If reservoir capacity is important for your routine, confirm the capacity of the version on sale before buying.
Frequently asked questions
Can you use the same capsules in every machine?
No. Que Choisir says that most capsule-machine brands only accept one type of capsule. Check the exact name of the system in the instructions before buying several packs.
How often should you descale your machine?
Follow the instructions and alerts for your model when descaling. Philips recommends descaling the relevant SENSEO machines every three months; this frequency doesn’t automatically apply to other machines.
Which parts of a bean-to-cup machine need cleaning?
Check how easy it is to access the drip tray, reservoirs, coffee grounds container and brewing unit, if it’s removable. Que Choisir takes these parts and automatic programmes into account when assessing how easy bean-to-cup espresso machines are to clean.
Where should you recycle aluminium or plastic capsules in France?
ADEME advises putting aluminium or plastic capsules in the recycling bin, bag or container for paper and packaging. Check what material your capsules are made from before sorting them.
Does a new machine bought from a trader come with a legal guarantee in France?
Yes. According to the French Ministry of the Economy, the statutory legal guarantee of conformity applies to goods sold by a trader to a private individual, including new machines. Keep your proof of purchase and the product description so you can report any lack of conformity to the seller.