For a household with varied coffee habits, start by considering how many coffees you make, which drinks everyone wants and how much preparation each person is happy to do. Capsules and soft pods make it easy to prepare individual drinks; a portafilter machine is a good fit if someone is willing to measure out the coffee and clean up, while an automatic grinder is worth considering for regular use, despite the higher initial outlay and greater maintenance needs. Be sure to check the water tank capacity and drinks available for each model.
When you’re making lots of cups, ongoing costs, refilling and cleaning become especially important. An automatic grinder is worth comparing with portion-based systems, provided the household is happy to carry out the necessary maintenance. In its guide to grinders, Que Choisir highlights the higher initial outlay and lower cost per cup compared with pods.
If everyone wants to make their own cup without measuring out coffee, consider capsule and soft pod machines. Then compare the format they accept, how easy it is to buy supplies and the cleaning involved for the model you choose.
If people alternate between espresso, longer coffees and milk-based drinks, make a list of the drinks you’ll actually prepare. Check the programmes and accessories available on each model, along with the cleaning needed after use.
Think about the times when several people make coffee, then compare each system with the consumables, drinks and maintenance your household will actually use.
Worth considering: if you want to make a single cup without measuring out the coffee by hand.
Bear in mind: you’ll need to buy capsules compatible with your chosen system and sort them after use.
Worth considering: if you prefer individual portions without having to fill a portafilter.
Check: which pods the specific model accepts and what drinks it can make.
Worth considering: if someone is happy to measure out the coffee and prepare each shot.
Bear in mind: you’ll need to clean the filter and portafilter between drinks.
Worth considering: if you regularly make coffee from beans and want to select drinks on the machine.
Bear in mind: the higher initial outlay and the maintenance required for the components listed in the instructions.
| Priority | What to check | My needs |
|---|---|---|
| Making drinks one after another | Count how many steps are needed per cup and check whether the model can make two coffees. If you’ll be making several drinks in a row, also look for test results on consistency of volume: Que Choisir measures this as part of its testing process. | Several people make coffee at the same time; I want to know whether everyone can use the machine without waiting for one person to adjust or clean it. |
| Running costs | Compare the price of the machine with the cost of the coffee you’ll use for your usual number of cups, as well as any maintenance supplies. Que Choisir reports a lower cost per cup with a grinder than with pods, but it’s still worth working out the cost using the coffee you’ll buy. | We make coffee often, so the repeated cost of capsules, pods or beans matters as much to our decision as the machine itself. |
| Maintenance | Check the model’s instructions for emptying the containers, cleaning removable parts and descaling. Find out which products are approved and what you’ll still need to do, even if the machine has an automatic programme. | I’d prefer a cleaning routine that everyone in the household can stick to, including after making a milk-based drink. |
| Drinks available | Check the recipes, settings and accessories for the exact model. A steam wand or milk programme also means extra cleaning. | Some of us drink espresso, while others prefer a longer coffee or a milk-based drink; choose features based on the drinks you make regularly. |
| Capacity and space | Compare the tank capacity with the number of drinks you’ll make between refills, and allow for any rinsing. Measure the space available and make sure there’s room to access the tank and containers. | If we make several coffees in a row, I want to avoid having to refill the tank too often, while leaving enough room to use and clean the machine. |
Regular coffee purchases can make a difference to the overall cost for a household making several cups a day. Que Choisir recommends weighing up the cost of a grinder against its cost per cup compared with pods.
Estimate how many cups you make each week, then compare the machine, compatible coffee and maintenance costs separately.
Containers, removable parts and milk accessories can mean extra steps after making a drink. A cleaning programme doesn’t necessarily mean every task is automatic.
Read the model’s instructions and decide who will empty the containers, clean the accessories and run the descaling programme.
Allow time for these tasks and check which cleaning products are recommended for the machine.
The format accepted depends on the machine; an incompatible capsule won’t let you make the drink you want.
Check the format specified for the model and the supplies you plan to buy. For used capsules, also check the sorting guidance for the material they’re made from.
Approved descaling methods vary between machines. Some allow vinegar, while others don’t, as Que Choisir points out.
Follow the method and use the product recommended in your machine’s instructions.
These models let you explore three systems for your household: an automatic grinder, a portafilter machine and a capsule machine. Compare the specific features of each before choosing a system for everyone.
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This machine with grinder and LatteGo system is worth considering if your household wants to explore an option for coffee beans and milk-based drinks. Check the instructions for cleaning the brew group and LatteGo system before sharing these tasks between users.
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This model with grinder is worth considering if several people want to make coffee from beans. For milk-based drinks, bear in mind that the steam wand needs to be used and cleaned; check the instructions to plan the rest of the maintenance.
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This machine with grinder is worth considering if your household uses beans but would also like the option of making coffee with pre-ground coffee. Check which accessories you’ll need and allow time to clean the brew group and steam wand regularly.
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This portafilter model is worth considering if someone is happy to measure out the coffee, rinse the filters and clean the steam wand after use. Check the tank capacity for this variant before planning to make several drinks in a row.
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This capsule machine is worth considering for making individual drinks. If several people plan to use different coffee formats, check which ones this variant accepts and which adapters are included. Also check whether the tank will need refilling too often for your household’s routine.
Compare the capacity of the exact model with the number of drinks you’ll make between refills, allowing for any rinsing. If you’ll be serving several coffees in a row, also look for test results on consistency of volume: Que Choisir measures this as part of its testing process.
No, as you also need to factor in the initial outlay. In its guide to grinders, Que Choisir reports a lower cost per cup than with espresso pods, but the right choice for your household depends on how many coffees you make, the coffee you buy and the maintenance required.
Follow the instructions for your model, as the recommended frequency and approved products vary depending on the machine and how you use it. Don’t assume vinegar is suitable: Que Choisir notes that some models prohibit it.
ADEME advises putting aluminium or plastic capsules in the recycling bin, bag or container for paper and packaging. Check your local guidance to find out how to sort them at home.