If you make several coffees a day, start by choosing between the convenience of individual portions, the hands-on approach of a portafilter machine, and a bean-to-cup machine with a grinder. Capsules and pods mean fewer preparation steps, while a portafilter requires more input; a bean-to-cup machine combines grinding with automated preparation. Whichever you choose, compare compatible consumables, the space available, tank capacities and the care required for the model you’re considering.
If several people make coffee at different times, a capsule or soft-pod machine lets you prepare one portion at a time. Compare the systems compatible with each machine, as well as the care it requires, even if the day-to-day preparation seems straightforward.
If you make coffee several times a day, compare the consumables you actually plan to use: capsules, pods, ground coffee or beans. A portafilter machine could suit you if everyone is happy to prepare each espresso by hand.
A bean-to-cup machine is a good option if you want to use beans without measuring and tamping the coffee for every cup. However, check how much space it needs, and what cleaning and descaling involve for that particular model.
Start with the number of drinks you make and the steps everyone in your household is happy to take each day. Then check the requirements of each specific machine.
| What to consider | What to check | Your household’s needs |
|---|---|---|
| Consumables | Check the exact type of capsule or pod the machine takes, or which ground coffee and beans you can use. Compare the consumables you’ll need for the number of coffees you make. | We make several coffees a day, so I want to be able to get compatible consumables and keep track of what each drink involves. |
| Preparation | Individual portions keep preparation simple, as Que Choisir points out. With a portafilter machine, check the steps involved in dosing and tamping; with a bean-to-cup machine, look at its preparation controls. | In the morning, we’d rather keep handling to a minimum. At other times, we’re happy to take a little longer and make an espresso by hand. |
| Care and maintenance | Check the manual for rinsing, parts that need cleaning and descaling instructions. Que Choisir recommends descaling every two to three months on average, but always follow the instructions for your machine. | I want to know who will clean the machine and whether the descaling cycle can be run without getting in everyone else’s way. |
| Space and capacity | Measure the space available and make sure you can access the machine to remove the tank or trays. Check the water tank capacity for the specific version you’re choosing, rather than assuming it matches another machine in the range. | We share our worktop, so the machine needs to fit and be easy to refill when several people use it. |
With a single-serve machine, your household is committing to the capsule or pod format that the model accepts. This matters even more when you make several drinks every day.
Check the exact system before buying, then compare the compatible consumables you plan to use regularly.
Descaling is still a job to plan for, even if your machine has a guided programme. For example, De’Longhi says the procedure for one of its bean-to-cup machines takes 20 to 30 minutes; this won’t apply to every model.
Read the manual for the machine you’re buying to find out which products are approved, what rinsing is required and what you’ll need to do during the cycle.
The machine’s footprint isn’t the only thing to consider: you’ll also need room to fill the water and beans, and to remove the parts that need cleaning.
Measure your worktop and check that you can access the tanks and trays on the model you’re considering.
In France, the Ministry of the Economy explains that the statutory guarantee of conformity applies in particular to new goods sold by a business to an individual. The DGCCRF distinguishes this compulsory protection from an optional commercial guarantee.
Check who the seller is, keep your proof of purchase and read the terms of any commercial guarantee. Don’t confuse it with your statutory rights.
A useful reference point when comparing capsule machines and the corresponding capsule system.
The Senseo range lets you explore soft coffee pods for home use.
The brand offers both manual portafilter machines and bean-to-cup machines: two different ways to make coffee.
These models represent the four types covered: bean-to-cup machines, soft-pod machines, capsule machines and portafilter machines. They aren’t ranked against one another; first choose the preparation style that suits your household, then check the specifications of the version you’re considering.
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Worth considering if your household would prefer a bean-to-cup machine to a manual or single-serve option. Check the space it needs, the drinks it makes and the care required for this version.
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This bean-to-cup machine is another option for making coffee with beans every day. Before finding a place for it in your kitchen, check its dimensions and the care instructions for the ECAM220.21.WW version.
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This Senseo option is for households that want to make coffee with soft pods. Check the compatible format, tank capacity and descaling instructions for the CSA260/91 model.
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If your household is considering a capsule machine, compare the 0,6 L tank with the number of coffees you make between refills. Check which capsule system is compatible and how to descale this machine.
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This portafilter machine is suited to a household happy to be involved in making every coffee. Check the tank capacity of the EC685.BK version before deciding whether refilling will be practical for several users.
It depends on the water you use, how often you use the machine and the instructions for your model. Que Choisir recommends descaling every two to three months on average. Follow your machine’s alerts and manual to plan when to do it.
No. A filter doesn’t necessarily mean you can skip descaling. Philips says, for example, that machines using its AquaClean filter still need descaling after eight filter cycles. Check the instructions for your model and remember to replace the filter if you use one.
In France, the Ministry of the Economy says that the statutory guarantee of conformity is compulsory when a business sells a machine to an individual. The DGCCRF explains that a commercial guarantee is optional and supplements statutory guarantees. Check who the seller is and read the terms of any additional protection separately.
The tank capacity helps you work out whether refilling will be convenient when several people use the machine. Check the capacity of the specific version, as well as how the tank is removed once the machine is in place.