Households looking for a quick coffee
If you make one or a few cups and don’t want to grind or tamp the coffee, compare capsules and pods based on the drinks available, the serving format and the space you have.
Which option suits you ?
Fans of hands-on preparation and milk-based drinks
A portafilter machine lets you use ground coffee and, depending on the model, froth milk with a steam wand. Bear in mind that you’ll also need to prepare each drink and clean the machine afterwards.
Regular drinkers of coffee made with whole beans
An automatic grinder is worth comparing if you use your machine often and have enough space for it. UFC-Que Choisir estimates that its cost per cup is lower than that of pod espresso, but whether it’s right for your household depends on how much coffee you drink and which coffee you choose.
What should you compare ?
Capsules
Worth considering : for making one serving with minimal effort.
The trade-off : you’ll need to buy the format accepted by your chosen machine range and factor in the cost of the capsules.
Soft coffee pods
Worth considering : for straightforward preparation, especially if you only make a few cups at a time.
The trade-off : the drinks available and the pods accepted depend on the machine’s system.
Portafilter machine
Worth considering : if you want to measure and tamp the coffee, and perhaps prepare the milk, by hand.
The trade-off : preparation takes more effort, and you’ll need to empty and clean the portafilter.
Automatic grinder
Worth considering : for regularly making coffee with whole beans without having to measure and tamp each cup.
The trade-off : UFC-Que Choisir notes that it’s noisier and takes up more space than a capsule system ; you’ll still need to clean and descale it.
| Priority | What to check | My needs |
|---|---|---|
| Daily routine | Compare how easy it is to fill, use and clean the machine after each cup. Check that the tank is large enough for the number of drinks you make between refills. | In the morning, I’d rather keep things simple, or I’m happy to take the time to prepare my espresso. |
| Consumables | Find out the exact capsule or pod format the machine accepts, then check how easy it is to buy. For a portafilter or grinder, confirm which type of coffee the model takes. | I want to be able to find the right coffee for my machine easily, without confusing two ranges from the same brand. |
| Cost of use | Compare the cost of pods or coffee with how many cups you usually make, and factor in maintenance. UFC-Que Choisir estimates that the cost per cup from a grinder is two to three times lower than for pod espresso ; this won’t necessarily reflect the cost of your own usage. | If I drink coffee regularly, the ongoing cost of buying servings matters just as much as the machine itself. |
| Milk-based drinks | Check which recipes are available and whether the machine has a steam wand or milk system. Compare manual and automatic frothing, as well as the cleaning required after use. | Cappuccino is one of my usual drinks : I also need to choose how I want to prepare and clean the milk. |
| Space and maintenance | Measure the machine and allow room to remove its tanks and trays. Check the instructions for cleaning and descaling; how often you need to do this may depend on water hardness. | On my worktop, I need to be able to fill and clean the machine without moving it every time. |
What should you look out for ?
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Choosing based on the initial cost alone
Pods and cleaning products are recurring purchases. UFC-Que Choisir points out that a grinder costs more upfront, while estimating that its cost per cup is lower than that of pod espresso.
Compare the cost of consumables based on how often you’ll really use the machine. Don’t assume the same option will suit every household.
Depending on the model, remember to allow for the recommended cleaning products too.
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Mixing up capsule and pod formats
A compatibility claim doesn’t necessarily apply to every range from a brand. For example, Nespresso states that its Original capsules are compatible with Nespresso Original machines.
Check the machine’s exact range and consult the instructions to see which consumables it accepts before buying.
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Underestimating the cleaning involved
A grinder and a milk system mean extra parts to clean. De’Longhi states that how often its espresso grinders need descaling depends on water hardness.
Check the instructions for your specific model to find out how to clean the grounds container and milk circuit, and how often to descale it. Don’t assume the schedule is the same as for another machine.
Cleaning time and recommended products are also part of day-to-day use.
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Overlooking the space and noise a grinder requires
UFC-Que Choisir describes automatic grinders as taking up more space and making more noise than capsule systems. You’ll also need to position yours so you can access the trays and tank.
Measure your worktop, the available height and the clearance needed for filling and cleaning.
A guide to the brands
Nespresso
With the Original and Vertuo ranges, it’s important to check which capsule format your chosen machine accepts.
- Nespresso states that its Original capsules are compatible with its Original machines.
- The brand recommends descaling its machines every three months or after around 300 capsules ; also follow the instructions for your model and take water hardness into account.
Philips / SENSEO
Philips offers SENSEO pod machines as well as automatic machines for whole beans : the first decision is between two different ways of making coffee.
- Philips describes its pod machines as compact and particularly suited to individual or occasional use.
- Check the recipes, dimensions and maintenance requirements for each model.
De’Longhi
With a De’Longhi espresso grinder, the model’s care instructions are just as important as its brewing features.
- De’Longhi states that how often its grinders need descaling depends on water hardness.
- Don’t assume that cleaning procedures or schedules for one model apply to the whole range.
Sage
Some Sage models combine a portafilter with an integrated grinder, giving you a more hands-on way to make coffee.
- The integrated grinder in the Barista Express, as presented by Sage, has 16 grind settings.
- Grinding and tamping can leave residue ; check which accessories are included and how to clean the model you choose.
Coffee machines to compare on Joybuy
These models illustrate the four ways of making coffee covered here : capsules, soft pods, a portafilter and an automatic grinder. Compare each version with your usual routine, especially if you make milk-based drinks.
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Philips Series 2200 EP2230/10 LatteGo, gloss black
Worth considering if you regularly make espresso and would like a grinder with the LatteGo milk system. Check which drinks this version makes and how much space you’ll need for it.
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De’Longhi Magnifica Evo ECAM290.61.B LatteCrema, black
An option with a grinder and LatteCrema milk system if milk-based drinks are part of your regular routine. Check which recipes this version offers and how to clean the carafe.
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De’Longhi Dedica Style EC685.BK, black
Worth comparing if you’d rather make espresso with a portafilter than use an automatic machine. Preparing drinks and cleaning the steam wand involve a little hands-on effort ; also check the tank capacity of this version.
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Philips SENSEO Maestro CSA260/91, deep red
Worth considering for a simple brew of one or two cups. Check the exact pod format accepted by the CSA260/91 : the product name for this version also uses the term ‘capsule’. A drink called ‘Espresso’ isn’t necessarily made in the same way as one from a portafilter machine.
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Nespresso Vertuo Pop ENV90.B, black, 0.6 L
For making coffee with Vertuo capsules and minimal effort. Consider its stated 0.6 L tank capacity in relation to how many cups you make ; check the format and availability of the capsules you want to use.
Frequently asked questions
Are a brand’s capsules compatible with all its machines ?
No, compatibility depends on the specific range. Nespresso states that its Original capsules are compatible with Nespresso Original machines : don’t assume they’ll work in a Vertuo machine. Check your model and the formats it accepts in the instructions.
When should you descale a coffee machine ?
Follow the instructions and alerts for your model, as the frequency can vary, particularly depending on water hardness. Nespresso recommends descaling its machines every three months or after around 300 capsules, while De’Longhi states that how often its espresso grinders need descaling depends on water hardness.
Is an automatic grinder cheaper to use ?
UFC-Que Choisir estimates that its cost per cup is two to three times lower than that of pod espresso, but this alone doesn’t tell you whether it’s the most economical choice for your household. Compare how often you drink coffee, which coffee you choose and the maintenance required, while taking the machine’s initial cost into account.
Can every machine make a cappuccino ?
No : check which drinks the specific model offers and whether it has a steam wand, milk frother or milk system. Frothing may be manual or automatic, and parts that come into contact with milk need to be cleaned according to the instructions.