If you want the freedom to change your coffee without having to find a compatible capsule, start by comparing portafilter machines that use ground coffee with bean-to-cup machines that grind whole beans. Capsules and coffee pods generally require fewer steps, but the format must match the machine exactly. A portafilter involves more hands-on preparation, while a grinder means maintaining several components.
If you’d like to switch between coffees, roasters or decaf without having to find a specific capsule format, consider portafilter machines that use ground coffee and bean-to-cup machines that use whole beans. They differ in how you prepare and maintain them, so check which routine you’re happy to follow.
If you use your machine regularly, buying coffee and cleaning products is part of the decision, not just the machine itself. Find out which consumables you’ll need and estimate how much you’ll use based on your usual routine.
Capsules and coffee pods may suit you if you want to keep preparation to a minimum. However, check which system the machine accepts, along with the disposal and recycling guidance for the consumables you choose.
To choose between the four categories identified by UFC-Que Choisir, start with the type of coffee you want to buy, then consider the preparation and maintenance you’re happy to take on every day.
Consider this if: you prefer a quick, straightforward preparation.
Bear in mind: your choice of capsules depends on the machine’s exact system, according to UFC-Que Choisir.
Consider this if: you want pre-measured coffee; some SENSEO models can make two cups.
Bear in mind: a pod must be listed as compatible with the machine’s system; its shape alone isn’t enough.
Consider this if: you want to choose your own ground coffee without relying on a dedicated capsule.
Bear in mind: preparation is more hands-on, and you’ll need to clean the portafilter after use.
Consider this if: you want to buy beans from different origins while automating some of the preparation.
Bear in mind: you’ll need to maintain the components listed in the instructions. For its Magnifica Evo Next, De’Longhi specifically mentions the used coffee grounds container and the brewing unit.
| Criteria | What to check | Who it suits |
|---|---|---|
| Freedom to change your coffee | The format accepted by the specific model: ground coffee, beans, capsules or pods. For pre-measured formats, check the compatibility information on the consumable. | I want to switch between coffees or roasters without having to find a suitable capsule. Around 33% of consumers would make this freedom their priority. |
| Ongoing purchases | The consumables you’ll need for your usual coffee-making routine, and the cleaning products recommended by the manufacturer. | I make coffee at home regularly and want to plan for the purchases that come with the machine. This would be the top concern for around 27% of consumers. |
| Everyday convenience | The steps required before and after each drink; if you serve two people, check which functions the model offers. | In the morning, I prefer to keep the number of steps to a minimum, even if that limits my choice of consumables. Around 20% of consumers would put this convenience first. |
| Drinks, cleaning and waste | The drinks the machine actually makes, the parts that need cleaning and, for pre-measured consumables, their material and local disposal guidance. | I want the drinks I like to fit with the maintenance I can manage and the way I dispose of used consumables. This would be the main concern for around 20% of consumers. |
UFC-Que Choisir points out that capsule machines are designed for specific formats. For example, Nespresso says that its Original capsules are made for Nespresso Original machines. The brand name alone doesn’t tell you which system they fit.
Before choosing a machine, note the name of its system and look for an explicit compatibility statement on the consumables you plan to buy.
Without checking, you could end up with capsules that won’t work in your machine.
Coffee and cleaning products will remain part of using the machine. Pre-measured formats, ground coffee and beans don’t necessarily make the same number of servings or the same types of drinks.
Start with the number of coffees you usually make and compare drinks of a similar volume. Also check which cleaning products the instructions recommend.
Disposal guidance depends, among other things, on the material the consumable is made from. ADEME distinguishes between aluminium or plastic capsules and paper capsules, and recommends checking which recycling or composting options are available locally.
Check the material of the product you’re considering, then look up the guidance for your local area or the details of any collection point you could use.
For the Magnifica Evo Next, De’Longhi also describes cleaning the drip tray, used coffee grounds container, dispensing spouts and brewing unit. The exact tasks vary depending on the model.
Read the instructions before buying to see which parts you can access, how to clean them and how much space you’ll need around the machine.
An example of a brand offering several capsule systems, including Original and Vertuo.
A range to consider if you want to use soft pods designed for the SENSEO system.
A useful reference for looking at bean-to-cup preparation and the cleaning routine for an espresso machine with a grinder.
These models show two ways to enjoy coffee without a dedicated capsule: a portafilter machine for ground coffee, or a built-in grinder for whole beans. For each machine, check the product details to see which formats it accepts and what maintenance is involved.
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For making coffee from beans rather than dedicated capsules. This model is described as an espresso machine with a grinder and LatteGo system. Check the instructions for its cleaning routine.
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For those who want to use beans in an automatic espresso machine with a grinder. If you plan to make milk-based drinks, check the instructions for how to use and clean the steam wand.
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For choosing your own ground coffee and making it with a portafilter. The model title specifies a nominal pressure of 15 bar, but this figure alone doesn’t tell you what the coffee will taste like. Check the tank capacity on the product page, and remember to clean the portafilter after use.
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For using whole beans in an automatic machine and making milk-based drinks. The model name features the LatteCrema system. Check the instructions for cleaning the milk circuit, and make sure the machine accepts pre-ground coffee if you’d like to use that too.
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For those who want to make espresso or filter coffee from beans. The model name indicates that it has a built-in grinder. If milk-based drinks or pre-ground coffee matter to you, check the relevant features on the product page and in the ES301EU instructions.
A portafilter machine that uses ground coffee or a bean-to-cup machine that uses whole beans is a more direct choice than a capsule system. Check which formats the specific model accepts. In particular, don’t assume that a grinder can also use pre-ground coffee.
No. The material and the options available near you determine what to do. ADEME advises putting aluminium or plastic capsules in packaging recycling and distinguishes between composting options for paper capsules. Also check local guidance and the instructions for the specific product.
Expect to do more than just descale the machine, and check the instructions for the model you’re considering. For the Magnifica Evo Next, De’Longhi mentions the drip tray, used coffee grounds container, water tank, dispensing spouts and brewing unit among the parts to clean. The tasks vary from machine to machine.