If you want to serve several guests from one brew, start by looking at filter coffee machines. For one cup at a time with minimal effort, consider a capsule machine. A manual espresso machine could suit you if you’re happy to fill and clean the portafilter, while a bean-to-cup machine makes more sense if you’ll use it regularly too. In a flat, measure the space available. If noise is a major concern, look for sound measurements taken under clearly specified conditions rather than relying on the machine’s type alone.
If you have limited worktop space, compare all three dimensions and check how much room you’ll need to fill or open the machine. For reference, De’Longhi lists the Dedica Style EC685.M as 149 mm wide, while Melitta gives the Easy Therm’s dimensions as 350 × 173 × 238 mm.
Brewing a batch means you don’t have to make one cup after another. Melitta says the Easy Therm filter coffee machine makes up to 8 cups and has a 1 L tank and an insulated jug. Choose a brew size to suit the number of people you’re hosting.
A capsule machine can make it easier to prepare a single cup, as long as you choose the right capsule system. A bean-to-cup machine cuts down on preparation, but you’ll still need to maintain the brew group and containers, as Philips’ information for the 1200 Series explains.
Start by thinking about how many coffees you need to serve, then check the consumables, cleaning routine and space you can make available for the machine.
| Criteria | What to check | What I need |
|---|---|---|
| Serving guests | Compare batch brewing with making individual cups. Melitta says the Easy Therm makes up to 8 cups and comes with an insulated jug; Nespresso describes the Vertuo Pop as a one-button machine offering five cup sizes. | If several people want coffee at the same time, I’d rather brew a batch. If everyone wants to choose their own drink, making one cup at a time suits me better. |
| Consumables | Check the exact system before choosing capsules, pods, ground coffee or filters. The Joybuy guide distinguishes between Vertuo and Original capsules; Melitta specifies 1x4 filters for the Easy Therm. | I want to be sure I can find the right format for my machine, without mixing up two capsule ranges or buying the wrong filters. |
| Preparing coffee | For a manual espresso machine, check what’s involved in filling and cleaning the portafilter. De’Longhi’s documentation explains how to use ground coffee or ESE pods with the Dedica EC685 range; Philips describes the brew group on the automatic 1200 Series as removable. | If I only make coffee for occasional visits, the steps involved each time matter just as much as the machine’s controls. |
| Maintenance | Check the model’s manual for instructions on cleaning the parts you use, descaling and, if applicable, maintaining the water filter. Philips specifically mentions the brew group, coffee grounds container and drip tray for the 1200 Series. | I’d rather choose a cleaning routine I can stick to, even when the machine isn’t used between visits. |
| Space and noise | Measure the width, depth and height, and allow enough clearance to use the machine. If noise is a deciding factor, compare dB readings taken using a protocol that specifies the operating mode and distance. | In my flat, the machine needs to fit in its usual spot, and its noise level needs to suit the times I make coffee. |
Nespresso Original and Vertuo capsules aren’t interchangeable, as the Joybuy compatibility guide explains. Capsules made for one system won’t work with the other.
Make a note of the exact system named for your chosen model before picking your capsules.
The brew group on the Philips 1200 Series is removable, and the containers still need cleaning. Whether you need to maintain a water filter or descale the machine also depends on how it’s set up.
Read through the maintenance instructions for the specific model, especially if you don’t expect to use it often.
There’s more to the dimensions than width: De’Longhi lists the Dedica Style EC685.M as 149 × 330 × 305 mm, while Melitta gives the Easy Therm’s dimensions as 350 × 173 × 238 mm.
Measure the space in all three directions and allow enough clearance to reach the tank and handle removable parts.
A bean-to-cup machine includes a grinding stage, but that alone doesn’t tell you which model will be quieter in your flat.
If noise is important to your choice, ask for sound measurements with details of how they were taken, or listen to the specific model in a demonstration.
These models show four different ways to make coffee. The features listed apply to the specified range or model, not every coffee machine from each brand.
The Vertuo range makes coffee using capsules designed for this system. Nespresso says the Vertuo Pop has five cup sizes and a one-button control.
The Dedica Style EC685.M is a manual espresso machine. De’Longhi lists it as 149 mm wide and compatible with ESE pods; its documentation also covers making coffee with ground coffee.
The 1200 Series EP1200/09R1 is an example of an automatic machine that uses coffee beans. Philips lists 12 grind settings and a removable brew group for this model.
The Easy Therm is a filter coffee machine for brewing a batch to share. Melitta lists a maximum capacity of 8 cups, a 1 L tank and an insulated jug.
These Joybuy models are designed for making one cup at a time. The selection includes capsule machines, a bean-to-cup machine and manual espresso machines. If you’re entertaining, compare your preferred coffee style with the preparation involved and the space you have available.
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A capsule option for serving guests one at a time. Check which capsule system this model uses before choosing your supplies. If noise matters in your flat, ask for sound measurements taken under clearly specified conditions.
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A bean-to-cup machine to consider if you’ll also make coffee when you’re not entertaining. Bear in mind that the grinder and parts you use need regular maintenance. Check the model’s product page for the tank capacity before making it a deciding factor.
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For making individual cups, Nespresso says the Vertuo Pop offers five cup sizes and one-button operation. This model uses Vertuo capsules, not Original capsules. Check its depth against the space you have available too.
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A manual espresso machine to consider if you’re happy to fill and then clean a portafilter when serving guests. Check its full dimensions and the space needed to make coffee rather than relying on the word ‘Slim’ alone.
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Semi-automatic brewing is a better fit if you want to be involved in making each coffee than if you’re looking for a simple one-button operation. The 20-bar pressure is part of the model name, but it isn’t enough on its own to judge the coffee it makes. Allow time for preparation and cleaning.
No. The Joybuy compatibility guide says Vertuo machines, including the Vertuo Pop, don’t accept Original capsules. Check which system your machine uses before choosing capsules.
Compare the stated cup capacity, tank size, filter type and jug. Melitta lists the Easy Therm as making up to 8 cups, with a 1 L tank, 1x4 filters and an insulated jug. These features apply to this model specifically.
It depends on the model. De’Longhi says the Dedica Style EC685.M accepts ESE pods, and its documentation also explains how to use ground coffee. Check both types of compatibility in the product information or manual for any other machine you’re considering.
ADEME advises putting aluminium or plastic capsules in the recycling bin, bag or container intended for paper and packaging. This is a practical consideration if you’re choosing a capsule machine.