Busy households
If you mostly make individual cups and want to keep handling to a minimum, capsule and soft pod machines are both worth considering. First, check which portion system the specific machine accepts.
Which type is right for you?
Regular coffee drinkers
An automatic grinder lets you make coffee from whole beans without measuring out each cup by hand. You’ll need enough space, though, and should plan for regular rinsing, cleaning and descaling, as UFC-Que Choisir reminds us.
Fans of hands-on brewing and milk-based drinks
A portafilter machine suits a routine where you’re happy to fill and tamp the coffee, as De’Longhi describes for this type of machine. If you make drinks with milk, also check how to use and clean the model’s steam wand.
What should you check before choosing?
Start with the steps you’re happy to take each morning, then check the consumables, maintenance and space required.
| Criterion | What to check | What I need |
|---|---|---|
| Preparation | Compare the steps involved in inserting a portion, filling a portafilter or starting the grinder. Also check whether the model can make one or two cups. | In the morning, I prefer to keep things simple; or, on the other hand, I want to measure and tamp my coffee myself. |
| Compatibility | Check which capsule or pod system is listed for the exact model. Nespresso Original and Vertuo are two distinct systems, according to Nespresso France. Check any accessories for a portafilter separately. | I want to use the portions I usually buy, without relying on the brand name alone. |
| Maintenance | Check the instructions for rinsing, cleaning and descaling. For milk-based drinks, find out which parts can be removed and what needs to be done after use. | I can spare a little time for cleaning, but these steps need to fit realistically into my routine. |
| Space and noise | Measure the space available, making sure you can still reach the water tank and trays. UFC-Que Choisir describes automatic grinders as bulkier and noisier than capsule systems. If noise matters, look for comparable measurements for the specific models you’re considering. | My machine needs to fit on the worktop without disturbing others when I make coffee early in the morning. |
| Milk-based drinks | Check whether the model uses a steam wand, a carafe or another milk system, then read the cleaning instructions. UFC-Que Choisir recommends rinsing the steam wand after every use. | If I often make cappuccinos, I want to choose the level of hands-on preparation and cleaning that suits me. |
| Consumables | Identify the portions or beans you use in your routine, along with the cleaning products specified in the manual. Don’t assume that one pod format works with every portafilter. | I make enough coffee that I want to plan ahead for replacing consumables and carrying out maintenance. |
What mistakes should you avoid?
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Choosing by brand rather than capsule system
Nespresso distinguishes between Original and Vertuo. Its product page for a Citiz Original machine states that it is compatible only with Nespresso Original capsules, so the Nespresso name alone doesn’t tell you whether capsules will fit.
Before choosing, check which system is listed on the model’s product page and make sure it matches the capsules you plan to use.
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Underestimating the maintenance involved with grinders and milk systems
UFC-Que Choisir notes that automatic machines need regular rinsing, cleaning and descaling. A steam wand also needs cleaning after you make milk-based drinks.
Check that the trays are easy to reach and read the milk system’s instructions. Then choose a machine whose maintenance routine you can keep up with.
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Choosing a grinder without checking where it will go
According to UFC-Que Choisir, an automatic grinder takes up more space and makes more noise than a capsule system. You’ll also need to be able to reach the water tank and remove the trays.
Measure the available space. If morning noise is a deciding factor, look for comparable measurements or try the model you’re considering.
A guide to the brands
Nespresso
The brand offers capsule systems including Original and Vertuo.
- Nespresso France describes Original as covering drink sizes from ristretto to lungo, and Vertuo from espresso to mug.
- Check the system for each machine: the product page for a Citiz Original specifies compatibility with Nespresso Original capsules only.
Senseo
The brand offers machines that use soft pods to make one or two cups.
- For the machines featured on its website, Senseo France says you can make one or two cups in under a minute.
- Check which pods the model you choose accepts and remember to descale it regularly, as Senseo recommends.
De’Longhi
The brand offers portafilter machines as well as automatic machines with grinders.
- For its portafilter machines, De’Longhi describes a preparation process where you fill and tamp the coffee yourself.
- Check the manual for the specific model to see whether it comes with an accessory or accepts a particular pod format.
Philips
The brand offers automatic machines with grinders, including some models with a milk system.
- Philips highlights a milk system and SilentBrew function on its EP3343/50 model.
- Philips’ claim that this model reduces noise is not a comparative measurement that applies to its entire range.
Coffee machines to explore on Joybuy
These models show three ways to make coffee at home: with an automatic grinder, a portafilter or Vertuo capsules. Compare each machine based on the steps, drinks and maintenance that matter in your routine.
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Philips Series 2200 EP2230/10 LatteGo with grinder
Worth considering if you want an automatic machine with a grinder and a LatteGo system for milk-based drinks. Check the manual for milk system cleaning steps and maintenance suited to how you use the machine.
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HiBREW H16 with grinder and milk system
This automatic machine with grinder is described as offering six types of coffee and a cappuccino system. If milk-based drinks are part of your routine, check the manual for the milk system cleaning steps.
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De’Longhi Magnifica S ECAM22.140.B with grinder
Worth considering if you regularly make coffee with an automatic grinder. If you plan to make milk-based drinks, check what’s involved in using the steam wand and how much space you’ll need for the machine.
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De’Longhi Dedica Style EC685.BK portafilter machine, 15 bar
A portafilter machine is for anyone who wants to be hands-on when making espresso. Check which filters and accessories are included with this variant, as well as the water tank capacity: the available information doesn’t agree.
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Nespresso Vertuo Pop ENV90.B, 0.6 L
This Vertuo capsule machine suits a portion-based coffee routine. Before choosing it, make sure your usual capsules belong to the Vertuo system: Nespresso distinguishes it from the Original system.
Frequently asked questions
Do Nespresso Original capsules work in a Vertuo machine?
Don’t assume they’re interchangeable: Nespresso France describes Original and Vertuo as two distinct systems. Check the system specified for both the machine and the capsules before using them together.
What maintenance does a machine need if you use it every day?
Follow the model’s instructions for rinsing, cleaning and descaling. For a steam wand used with milk, UFC-Que Choisir recommends rinsing it after every use. How often you need to descale depends on factors including your water and how often you use the machine.
How can you avoid choosing incompatible pods?
Check which format the specific model accepts in its manual. For a portafilter machine, also check which filter or accessory you need. A machine having a portafilter doesn’t automatically mean it accepts a particular pod.
Where can you recycle aluminium or plastic coffee capsules in France?
ADEME advises putting aluminium or plastic coffee capsules in the recycling bin, bag or container for packaging.