To choose your own beans while automating much of the preparation, consider a machine with a grinder. If you’d rather measure and tamp the coffee yourself, a portafilter machine is better suited to that hands-on approach. Capsules and soft pods offer pre-portioned coffee, but you’ll need to check compatibility. Then compare the drinks available, maintenance requirements and overall cost based on how often you use the machine.
You make espresso often and want to choose your own coffee beans without preparing every drink by hand. UFC-Que Choisir highlights the choice of beans as one benefit of a machine with a grinder, while De’Longhi France explains the steps involved in using a portafilter.
You’re looking for a machine whose cleaning routine, maintenance products and accessible parts suit the time you can set aside. Philips details maintenance procedures for the EP2220, while FixPart lists a part for the EP2220/10.
You switch between short and long coffees and milk-based drinks, and want to know which options are automatic and which require manual input. Senseo describes intensity-selection features in its range, while Philips offers different milk systems depending on the model.
First, decide whether you value choosing your own beans, hands-on preparation or pre-portioned coffee most. Then compare ongoing costs, maintenance, drinks and the space you’ll need for your set-up.
| Criteria | What to check | Who is most likely to prioritise it |
|---|---|---|
| Beans and preparation | Check whether the machine uses beans, ground coffee or pre-portioned coffee, and whether the grinder is built in or separate. | If I want to choose my own beans without filling and tamping a portafilter for every drink, the type of machine matters just as much as its level of automation; around 28% of consumers put this need first. |
| Total cost for your usage | Compare the machine, coffee, maintenance products, any filters and a grinding solution over the same period and for a similar number of drinks. | When I make coffee regularly, I want to weigh up ongoing costs against the cost of the machine; around 22% of consumers prioritise the total cost. |
| Maintenance and parts | Check the instructions for the exact model, its cleaning procedures and recommended products. Note the machine’s reference number to identify compatible parts. | If I want a routine that fits into my day, I also check what needs to be handled and how easy it is to access the parts that need maintaining; around 22% of consumers prioritise this. |
| Drinks for your household | Check the recipes available on the exact model and how to clean the milk system, if it has one. | For a household that switches between short and long coffees and milk-based drinks, the recipes and steps involved can guide your choice; around 17% of consumers prioritise drink variety. |
| Space available | Measure the width, depth and height of the area where you’ll put the machine, allowing room to access the reservoirs and parts that need cleaning. | If my worktop space is limited, I also measure the room needed for a separate grinder, if required, and for using the machine; around 11% of consumers put the machine’s footprint at the top of their list. |
For the Philips EP2220, for example, the manufacturer’s support information includes descaling, degreasing and lubricating the brew group. Starting a drink at the touch of a button doesn’t remove the need for these tasks.
Check the support information and instructions for the exact model before deciding on a maintenance routine.
Depending on the model, allow for the recommended maintenance products and the time needed for each task.
For compatible machines, Philips’ AquaClean promise depends on activating and replacing the filters. This doesn’t replace the cleaning and degreasing procedures recommended for the EP2220.
Check that the filter is compatible with your exact model, and factor in the cartridges needed to use it.
Replacement cartridges are consumables, so include them when comparing costs.
Carte Noire’s stated compatibility applies to Nespresso Original machines; it doesn’t extend to Vertuo or every type of pre-portioned coffee.
Before you buy, compare the system named on the machine with the one shown on the coffee packaging.
The De’Longhi portafilter is filled with ground coffee. If you’re starting with beans, you’ll also need a suitable way to grind them, either built in or separate.
Compare the complete set-up and measure the space needed for all its components.
A separate grinder may also take up worktop space.
A useful reference when comparing some machines with grinders and their milk systems, which vary by model.
A useful reference for portafilter machines and hands-on preparation.
A useful reference for soft-pod machines and the features available in some ranges.
A useful reference for distinguishing between the Original and Vertuo capsule systems.
These Joybuy models have built-in bean grinders for making coffee at home from whole beans. Check the recipes and steps involved to make sure they suit your habits.
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The built-in grinder lets you make espresso from whole beans. Milk is frothed manually using the steam wand.
The product description lists 13 grind settings and four recipes. The bundle includes Lavazza whole-bean coffee.
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The built-in grinder lets you make espresso and filter coffee in one machine. The milk frother is manual.
The product description lists automatic dosing and an integrated grinder. Check that you’re happy with the steps involved in using the frother.
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This model combines a built-in grinder with a portafilter. Making coffee with the portafilter and using the steam wand both involve manual steps.
The product description lists 30 grind settings, a 250 g hopper and a 58 mm portafilter.
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The built-in grinder makes coffee from whole beans, while the LatteGo system is designed for milk-based drinks. The product description says the brew group is removable.
The product description lists 12 grind settings. The compatible AquaClean filter isn’t included, so check the maintenance requirements for this model.
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The built-in grinder uses whole beans to make coffee. Milk is frothed manually using the steam wand.
The product description lists one- or two-cup preparation and a descaling programme indicated by the machine.
Add up the cost of the machine, coffee, maintenance products, any filters and a grinding solution if needed, all over the same period. Divide the total by the same number of drinks for each option, using the prices you actually pay. This personalised calculation doesn’t guarantee a saving.
Philips support information mentions descaling, degreasing with tablets and lubricating the brew group. Parts to clean may also include the drip tray, coffee grounds container and water reservoir, as well as the milk system on some versions. Follow the instructions for your exact model rather than assuming the same schedule applies to every machine with a grinder.
No. For compatible machines, Philips’ promise of less frequent descaling depends on using and activating the filter, which needs to be replaced. It doesn’t replace the cleaning and degreasing recommended for the EP2220.
Note the machine’s full reference number and identify the part before ordering it. For the EP2220/10, FixPart lists, among other parts, the Philips O-ring 996530059406. This reference doesn’t tell you when it will need replacing.
Read the safety booklet and installation instructions for the exact version. Philips documentation covers several versions, so check your model’s accessories and features rather than assuming they’re the same across different references.