For coffee with minimal effort, choose a capsule or pod machine, after checking which format it takes and how much the consumables cost. A portafilter machine is a better fit if you want to use ground coffee and get more involved in making your drink. If you regularly drink whole-bean coffee, consider a machine with a grinder, bearing in mind the space it takes up and the maintenance it needs. Whichever type you choose, you’ll still need to descale it.
If you make a short or long coffee as part of a busy routine, capsules and pods are worth considering for their ease of use, as noted by Que Choisir. Just check which consumables are compatible and what cleaning the machine requires.
A portafilter machine lets you handle the ground coffee and take a more hands-on approach to making your drink. You’ll need to fill and clean the parts you use. If you’re interested in ESE pods, check compatibility for each model.
A machine with a grinder lets you choose your beans without having to grind them separately for each cup. Consider how much space it will take up and the descaling it needs: De’Longhi says how often you need to descale depends on your water hardness.
Que Choisir identifies four types of espresso machine. Your choice mainly depends on how much hands-on preparation you’re happy with each day and what kind of coffee you want to use.
Consider this if: you want a pre-portioned coffee with minimal handling.
The trade-off: check which capsule system the machine takes and how much the capsules you’ll use regularly cost.
Consider this if: you’re also looking for pre-portioned coffee and want to check which pods are compatible with the machine.
The trade-off: pods are consumables that you’ll need to choose and store, and the machine will need descaling.
Consider this if: you want to use ground coffee and take a more hands-on approach to making your drink.
The trade-off: filling and cleaning the portafilter takes more effort than making pre-portioned coffee.
Consider this if: you drink coffee regularly and want to choose your own beans.
The trade-off: allow space and time for maintenance. Que Choisir also points out that this type of machine has a high initial cost.
| What to consider | What to check | What I need |
|---|---|---|
| Preparation | Compare the steps involved in making two cups, filling the water tank and the drink sizes offered by the model. | In the morning, I want to make a short or long coffee without spending too much time on preparation. |
| Running costs | Compare the cost of a pack with the number of servings it makes. For beans or ground coffee, factor in the amount you actually use and any maintenance consumables. | I drink several coffees regularly, so the cost of each drink matters as much as the price of the machine. |
| Choice of coffee | Check which format the machine takes: capsules, soft pods, ground coffee or beans. Check the settings and recipes for the specific model. | I’d rather choose my own beans or ground coffee than rely on pre-portioned coffee. Or, on the other hand, I want to avoid measuring out the coffee. |
| Size | Measure the space available and check the machine’s dimensions, as well as the access needed to fill the tank and clean the parts. | My worktop space is limited, and I need to be able to use and maintain the machine where I plan to put it. |
| Maintenance and waste | Read the descaling instructions and check which parts need cleaning. If you choose capsules, check what they’re made of and how to dispose of them. | I want a cleaning routine I can keep up with, and to know what to do with used consumables. |
Capsules and pods aren’t interchangeable between different systems. For example, the Senseo-compatible products listed by Carrefour are for that specific system.
Check which format the machine takes, then see which products and pack sizes fit your habits.
Running costs also depend on the coffee you choose and how many drinks you make. Que Choisir says bean-to-cup machines have a high initial cost, while its comparison found that the cost per cup can be lower than for pod espresso.
Compare the consumables for the drinks you usually make and how often you drink them. Don’t draw conclusions based on just one product.
Pod machines and machines with grinders also need descaling. Philips recommends descaling Senseo machines regularly, while De’Longhi says how often it’s needed depends on water hardness.
Before choosing, check the model’s instructions for descaling and the parts that need cleaning after use.
Disposal instructions depend on the type of capsule. In France, ADEME says aluminium and plastic capsules should go in the recycling collection for paper and packaging.
Check what your capsules are made of and follow the relevant disposal instructions.
The Original range uses pre-portioned capsules. Check which system the machine you’re interested in takes.
Senseo machines use soft pods. Carrefour lists both Senseo pods and compatible alternatives.
The range includes portafilter machines and models with grinders. Start by choosing the type of preparation you want, then find the right model.
These models offer two ways to make coffee at home: use capsules or grind beans in the machine. To decide which is right for you, focus on the coffee format you want, the space you have and the maintenance you’re prepared to do.
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Worth considering if you regularly want to make coffee with a machine that has a grinder. Allow space for the machine, and check the instructions for cleaning tasks related to the drinks you usually make.
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This capsule machine is suited to a routine where pre-portioned coffee matters more than handling ground coffee. Check exactly which capsule format it takes before choosing your consumables.
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If you regularly drink whole-bean coffee, this machine saves you from using a separate grinder for each cup. If you plan to make milk-based drinks, check the preparation and cleaning steps for this model.
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This automatic machine with a grinder is suited to regular use with whole beans. Measure the space where you plan to put it and check the instructions for cleaning and descaling.
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This machine uses Vertuo capsules, making it a good fit if you want pre-portioned coffee from this system. Check that your chosen capsules suit the sizes of coffee you drink, and remember to descale the machine.
Compare the consumables for the coffees you actually make, taking into account the number of servings or the amount of beans or ground coffee used. Factor in maintenance too, and don’t assume that one product or offer is representative of the whole system.
Not necessarily. It’s worth considering if you want to choose your own beans and have the space and time for maintenance. Que Choisir notes that this type of machine has a high initial cost, so weigh it up against how much coffee you drink.
Yes. Simple preparation doesn’t mean you can skip descaling. Nespresso says how often you need to descale depends on water hardness and daily use. Philips also recommends regular descaling for Senseo machines. Follow the instructions for your model.
ADEME says aluminium or plastic coffee capsules should go in the recycling bin, bag or container for paper and packaging. If your capsules are made from a different material, check the relevant disposal guidance.