To make several espressos at home, choose capsules or soft pods if portion-by-portion preparation matters most; a portafilter if you want to be hands-on; or a bean-to-cup machine if you want to combine whole beans with automated preparation. According to Que Choisir, coffee can cost less per cup with a bean-to-cup machine than with pods, but you should also factor in the machine’s purchase price, the space it takes up and its upkeep. Whatever you choose, check the water tank capacity and, for portion-based systems, which format the machine accepts.
If you serve several espressos every day, compare the cost per cup with the machine’s purchase price and upkeep. Que Choisir suggests that a bean-to-cup machine is worth considering if you drink a lot of coffee, but you’ll still need to work out the costs for your household.
Capsules and soft pods let you make one portion at a time. If you like the sound of that simplicity, check which format the machine takes and what you need to do between cups, particularly when it comes to emptying used portions.
A portafilter lets you use ground coffee and get hands-on with the preparation, but you’ll need to fill and rinse it. A bean-to-cup machine lets you choose your beans while automating the preparation, but it also needs regular upkeep.
If you regularly make several espressos at home, Que Choisir recommends comparing ease of use, space requirements and the cost of each coffee. The four types of machine each handle these considerations differently.
Worth considering: if you want to make each cup with minimal effort.
Bear in mind: which capsules you can use depends on the machine’s specific system, and portion costs add up over time.
Worth considering: if you want a portion-by-portion routine without having to grind or measure out coffee.
Bear in mind: you’ll need to buy the pod format designed for the machine and factor in descaling.
Worth considering: if you want to choose your ground coffee and be involved in making it.
Bear in mind: emptying the used coffee and rinsing the filter and portafilter after use mean a few more steps.
Worth considering: if you regularly make several coffees and want to automate the process using whole beans.
Bear in mind: according to Que Choisir, the initial purchase price is higher. You’ll also need to allow for space and clean the trays and, depending on the model, the brewing unit.
| What matters | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Long-term cost | For the same number of cups, compare the price of each machine, compatible coffee or portions, and maintenance supplies. | When I make several coffees a day, I want to know whether a higher initial outlay will pay off over time. Around 36% of consumers may put the overall cost at the top of their list. |
| Everyday convenience | Check how easy it is to make successive cups, the water tank capacity and what you need to do after use. | If I serve coffee at different times of day, I prefer a routine that involves little handling between cups. Convenience may be the top priority for around 29% of consumers. |
| Space and compatibility | Measure the room needed to open and remove the trays; check the exact capsule or pod format. | In a kitchen where space is tight, I need to be able to fill and clean the machine without moving it, then find the right portions. This may be the top priority for around 21% of consumers. |
| Coffee choice | Check whether the machine accepts your preferred ground coffee or beans, as well as its settings and accessories. | I prefer to choose my coffee and decide how much effort I want to put into preparing it. Around 14% of consumers may prioritise this freedom of choice. |
A capsule labelled as compatible with Nespresso Original won’t necessarily work with Vertuo or another system.
Make a note of the machine’s model number and check the system shown on the capsule packaging before buying a batch.
For a household that regularly makes several coffees, portions, beans and upkeep also affect the long-term cost. Que Choisir says that coffee costs less per cup with a bean-to-cup machine than with a pod espresso machine, but that doesn’t set a threshold that applies to every household.
Compare how many coffees you make in a year, the coffee you actually buy and the maintenance supplies needed for the models you’re considering.
A machine may fit on your worktop but leave too little room to open the lid, remove the water tank or empty the trays. A small tank may also need frequent refilling when several people use the machine.
Measure the space with all the necessary openings in mind, and check the water tank and tray capacities for the exact model.
The used-coffee and drip trays need regular cleaning. For models with an accessible brewing unit, De’Longhi recommends washing it at least once a month, depending on use.
Check the manual for the model you’ve chosen to see which tasks are needed after every use, and which relate to descaling and periodic cleaning of the brewing unit.
Nespresso machines use capsules; the machine’s specific system determines which ones are compatible.
Philips offers SENSEO pod machines as well as bean-to-cup espresso machines, so the right choice depends on the routine you’re looking for.
De’Longhi offers automatic bean-to-cup machines, with features that vary between ranges and models.
As soon as you regularly make several coffees, compare the total cost for your own usage rather than just the machine’s purchase price. Que Choisir says that coffee can cost less per cup with a bean-to-cup machine than with a pod espresso machine. The cost for your household will depend on factors such as the number of cups, the coffee you choose and the upkeep each model requires.
Every type of machine needs descaling in line with its manual, but day-to-day tasks differ: emptying used portions from capsule or pod machines, rinsing the filter and portafilter on a manual machine, or emptying the used-coffee and drip trays on a bean-to-cup machine. Cleaning the brewing unit depends on the model; De’Longhi recommends washing it at least once a month when it’s accessible.
No. The capsule must be compatible with the machine’s system. Don’t assume that a capsule labelled for Nespresso Original will work with Vertuo. Check the machine’s model number and manual, as well as the information on the capsules.