You’re short on time and space
If you want to make a single coffee with minimal effort on a small worktop, compare capsule machines and, depending on the drink you prefer, soft pod machines.
Who are these machines for?
You like to be involved in making your coffee
If choosing your coffee and adjusting the settings matter more to you than speed, consider portafilter machines and bean-to-cup models. A portafilter machine requires more hands-on effort for every cup.
Your household makes coffee regularly
If you make several coffees regularly, check how easy it is to buy the consumables, and consider how much space, noise and maintenance you’re happy with. Que Choisir highlights these considerations in particular for machines with grinders.
What should you look for?
First, decide between pre-portioned coffee, making it by hand and beans ground by the machine. Then consider the practicalities of your chosen system.
Capsules
Consider this if: you want a quick individual coffee with minimal effort.
Bear in mind: the capsules you can use depend on the machine’s exact system.
Soft pods
Consider this if: you want pre-portioned coffee, particularly if you prefer longer coffees.
Bear in mind: the pod format must match the machine, and descaling is still necessary.
Portafilter
Consider this if: you want to measure out the coffee and be hands-on with the extraction.
Bear in mind: making and cleaning up after each coffee takes a few extra steps.
Bean-to-cup
Consider this if: you want to use coffee beans while automating much of the preparation.
Bear in mind: according to Que Choisir, these machines take up more space and are noisier than capsule systems. Their containers and internal parts also need maintenance.
| What to consider | What to check | Who is this for? |
|---|---|---|
| Everyday ease of use | Check which capsule or pod system the machine accepts and what you need to do after making each coffee. | When there’s little time in the morning, making a cup without measuring or tamping the coffee becomes a priority; around 33% of consumers put ease of use first. |
| Coffee choice and settings | For a machine with a grinder, check the settings available; for a portafilter machine, look at the accessories included and the steps involved in making coffee. | If you want to choose your coffee and take an active part in making it, control matters more than speed; around 25% of consumers prioritise this. |
| Buying consumables | Check which formats are compatible and whether they’re available where you usually shop. | If you make coffee frequently, it’s essential to be able to find the right consumables without relying on a format you assume is compatible; around 25% of consumers make this their top consideration. |
| Space, noise and maintenance | Measure the space available and check that you can access the containers. Consult the manual for descaling and, if applicable, the milk system. | In a small kitchen, or if noise and cleaning affect your routine, these practicalities matter more than the settings; around 17% of consumers put them first. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Buying capsules before checking the system
A compatibility claim doesn’t necessarily apply to every machine from a brand. For example, Lavazza specifies that the capsules described here as compatible with Nespresso are intended for the Original system, not Vertuo.
Check the machine’s exact system, then look for the same compatibility information on the capsules before buying them.
A capsule made for another system may not work in the machine you choose.
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Choosing a machine without checking its consumables
Capsules, pods, whole beans and ground coffee come in different formats. Some machines also need specific cleaning products.
Check which consumables work with the model and where you can buy them to suit how often you make coffee.
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Underestimating the maintenance needed for a grinder or milk system
Containers and internal parts need regular cleaning. A steam wand or milk system means extra cleaning after making milk-based drinks.
Check the model’s manual to see which parts are accessible, how to descale the machine and how to clean the milk system.
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Measuring the machine without allowing room to use it
Que Choisir describes bean-to-cup machines as larger and noisier than capsule systems. The space you need isn’t limited to the machine’s external dimensions.
Allow room to fill the bean hopper and remove the water tank and containers. Consider how noisy the grinder will be at the times you plan to use it.
Brands to know when comparing systems
Nespresso
The brand offers the Original and Vertuo capsule systems, among others. Check which one your machine uses before choosing your capsules.
- Nespresso France says it has more than 2,000 collection points for used capsules.
- Lavazza’s claim that its capsules are compatible with Nespresso Original doesn’t mean they’ll work with Vertuo.
Senseo / Philips
Senseo offers soft pod machines and a range of pre-portioned coffees.
- Senseo France lists packs of 40, 54 or 72 pods, depending on the product.
- Philips publishes descaling instructions. Check the ones for your machine.
De’Longhi
The range includes automatic machines that make coffee from beans.
- De’Longhi offers grinder models with one-touch drink selection.
- De’Longhi says how often you need to descale depends in part on your water hardness. Follow the instructions for your chosen model.
Lavazza
The brand offers several coffee ranges and pre-portioned formats, including A Modo Mio capsules and capsules advertised as compatible with Nespresso Original.
- This range of options makes it easier to decide which coffee format you want before choosing a machine.
- Capsules advertised as compatible with Nespresso Original shouldn’t be assumed to work with other systems.
Machines available on Joybuy
These models let you compare automatic bean-to-cup machines, a portafilter machine and a Nespresso Original capsule machine for home use. For each machine, check that its brewing method suits the amount of hands-on effort and maintenance you’re happy with.
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Philips Series 2200 EP2230/10 LatteGo
Worth considering if you regularly make coffee from beans and want a system for milk-based drinks. This model combines a grinder with the LatteGo range; check the manual for cleaning instructions.
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De’Longhi Magnifica Evo ECAM290.61.B LatteCrema
For households looking for an automatic machine with a LatteCrema system for milk-based drinks. Before choosing this model, check the manual for milk system maintenance and the space you’ll need around the machine.
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HiBREW H16 with grinder and milk system
Worth a look if you want automatic preparation with a grinder and a choice of drinks. The product description lists six varieties; check the manual to find out what cleaning is required.
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De’Longhi Dedica Style EC685.BK
This portafilter model is for those who want to be hands-on with preparation rather than use an automatic grinder. It’s listed with a pressure of 15 bar; check the model details for the water tank capacity before buying.
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White KRUPS Nespresso Essenza Mini, 0.6 L
For making a single coffee with the Nespresso Original capsule system. The machine is listed with a 0.6 L water tank and a power rating of 1,200 W; check that the capsules are marked Original before choosing them.
Frequently asked questions
Will all capsules work in every machine?
No. Compatibility depends on the exact system. Lavazza lists some capsules for Nespresso Original, but that doesn’t mean they’ll work with Vertuo or A Modo Mio. Check the information on both the machine and the capsules.
What maintenance does a machine with a grinder need?
Clean the containers regularly and descale the machine as instructed in its manual. If you make milk-based drinks, also follow the instructions for rinsing the wand or milk system. Access to the parts varies by machine.
Does a pod machine also need descaling?
Yes. Philips recommends descaling Senseo machines regularly. Follow the instructions for your exact model, including any rinsing steps.
What warranty applies to a faulty machine bought in France?
In France, the statutory guarantee of conformity covers new, second-hand and refurbished goods sold by a trader to a private individual, according to the Ministry of the Economy. If the machine doesn’t match its description or has a conformity issue, contact the seller and explain the problem.
What should you do with an old electric coffee machine?
In France, electric coffee machines are covered by the electrical and electronic equipment waste scheme described by the Ministry for the Ecological Transition. Find out about collection or reuse options available near you.