If you regularly make espresso from beans and want to keep the steps to a minimum for each cup, choose an automatic bean-to-cup machine, provided you’re prepared to clean it. A portafilter machine is a good choice if you want to measure out the coffee and control the extraction yourself. Soft coffee pods make preparation easier without rigid capsules, but you’ll still need to buy compatible portions and descale the machine.
You want to use beans and get your coffee going with minimal effort for each cup. An automatic bean-to-cup machine suits you if you’re happy to empty the containers and keep up with maintenance. UFC-Que Choisir covers some of these tasks in its advice on bean-to-cup machines.
You prefer to measure and tamp the coffee yourself, then clean the portafilter after use. Portafilter machines, such as those featured by Sage, involve more steps during preparation than an automatic machine.
You want to avoid rigid capsules without having to grind or tamp the coffee. A machine that uses soft coffee pods may suit you. Check which pod format it accepts and follow the descaling instructions for Philips SENSEO® machines.
When choosing between these three formats for home, start with the steps you’re happy to take for each cup. Then consider the maintenance and consumables you’ll need for your chosen machine.
Worth considering: if you use beans and want to start making coffee once you’ve filled the containers.
What to bear in mind: you’ll still need to empty the containers, clean the machine and descale it regularly.
Worth considering: if you want to measure, tamp and control the extraction yourself using ground coffee.
What to bear in mind: every cup involves a few manual steps, followed by cleaning the basket and portafilter.
Worth considering: if you want to keep handling to a minimum and avoid rigid capsules.
What to bear in mind: you’ll need to keep buying pods in a format accepted by the machine and descale it regularly.
| Criterion | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Steps for each cup | Compare pressing a button on a bean-to-cup or pod machine with measuring and tamping coffee for a portafilter machine. Check the capacity of the containers if you’re making several drinks in a row. | When I make coffee every day, I want to keep repeated steps to a minimum. Ease of preparation would be the main priority for around 45% of consumers. |
| Maintenance | Check the cleaning instructions for accessible parts and the descaling procedure for the exact model. Find out which filters or cleaning products it requires. | If I’m likely to put chores off, I need to understand the maintenance involved before choosing. Around 33% of consumers would make this their top criterion. |
| Coffee format and consumables | Check whether the machine uses beans, ground coffee or a specific format of soft pod, as well as which maintenance products are recommended for the model. | I want to avoid rigid capsules without replacing them with a portion format that doesn’t suit me. For around 22% of consumers, the coffee format and consumables would be a priority. |
Soft coffee pods are still individual portions that you use and throw away. With beans or ground coffee, you’ll need to dispose of the grounds and maintain the machine. Not using rigid capsules doesn’t automatically make a machine better for the environment overall.
Choose a coffee format that fits the routine you’re happy with, then check the maintenance instructions and repair options for the machine.
In December 2023, UFC-Que Choisir reported that some commercial warranties for bean-to-cup machines included a limit based on the number of coffees made. This doesn’t apply to every machine and shouldn’t be confused with your legal rights if a product is faulty.
Before placing an order, read the commercial warranty terms for the model you’re considering, including any limits on cycles or use.
These ranges show different ways to make coffee without rigid capsules. A brand name is no substitute for checking the features and instructions for the model you choose.
The Magnifica range includes bean-to-cup machines designed to make drinks from beans with minimal effort for each cup.
Its portafilter machines are for people who want to be involved in measuring, tamping and extracting the coffee. The Barista Express, as described by Sage, also includes a grinder and steam wand.
Philips offers bean-to-cup machines as well as SENSEO® soft pod machines. These are two different formats to consider, depending on how you want to make your coffee.
These models let you make espresso from beans or ground coffee without using rigid capsules. The combination machines also have a filter coffee function. Choose according to how hands-on you want to be, and check the specifications for the exact variant before ordering.
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Worth considering if you want to make drinks from beans using a built-in grinder and the LatteGo system.
Check which drinks are available on this variant and read the maintenance instructions for the model. The AquaClean filter is listed as not included.
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Worth considering if you want to grind beans in the same machine you use to make espresso.
This variant is listed with a dual boiler, a 20-bar pump and a 2.8 L tank. Check the manual for maintenance instructions and installation requirements.
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Worth considering if you want to make espresso with ground coffee and a portafilter, and are happy to measure the coffee and clean the machine after use.
This model is also listed with an option for ESE pods. If you want to avoid pre-portioned coffee, check that the filters for ground coffee suit your needs. Also confirm the tank capacity before ordering.
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Worth considering if you want to make espresso from beans as well as filter coffee at home.
The machine combines a built-in grinder with a portafilter. Check the milk frother configuration for this variant, along with the model’s electrical requirements and maintenance instructions.
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Worth considering if you want to make espresso with ground coffee while keeping a filter coffee function in the same machine.
Using the portafilter involves a few manual steps. Check which filters and cartridges suit the drinks you want to make, as well as the maintenance instructions and electrical requirements, before choosing this model.
No. It uses coffee beans and may also need cleaning products or, depending on the model, a water filter. Philips says that on some AquaClean-compatible models, descaling is still required after eight filter cycles.
You’ll need to clean the containers and accessible parts, and descale the machine as instructed for the model. UFC-Que Choisir’s testing protocol looks at how long it takes to descale bean-to-cup machines and the manual steps involved. Check the manual for the machine you’re considering to find out how to do it.
No. Philips recommends descaling its SENSEO® machines regularly. The process involves running cycles with descaling solution, followed by rinse cycles. Follow the instructions for your model.
You can look for an electrical equipment collection point near you. The organisation ecosystem lists collection points in mainland France and the French overseas departments, regions and collectivities. Check which location is convenient before setting off.