For a regular espresso with minimal effort per cup, an automatic machine with a built-in grinder is a better fit than making coffee by hand, provided you’re happy to clean it and have space for it. A portafilter machine with a separate grinder suits you if you want to adjust and handle both appliances yourself. Capsules offer pre-portioned preparation, but you’ll need to check which format is compatible and how easy it is to find.
An automatic machine with a built-in grinder handles both grinding and brewing. It’s worth considering if you’re also happy to empty and clean the parts specified in the manual. Que Choisir notes that the trays and, depending on the machine, the brew group need regular maintenance.
A portafilter machine paired with a separate grinder is for those who want to grind, measure and make each espresso themselves. Make room for both appliances and compare the maintenance each one requires.
If espresso is your usual drink, consider whether you really need a milk system before choosing a machine. A steam wand still needs rinsing after use, even if you only make milk-based drinks occasionally, as Que Choisir points out.
Worth considering: if you want to use whole beans and make espresso regularly without grinding or measuring coffee separately.
The trade-off: the machine takes up space, and automatic cycles don’t remove the need to clean the parts specified in the manual.
Worth considering: if you want to choose your grinder separately and handle the grinding and measuring yourself.
The trade-off: each cup involves more steps than using an automatic machine.
Worth considering: if pre-portioned coffee matters more to you than choosing beans and adjusting the grind.
The trade-off: the machine’s compatible format determines which capsules you can use.
| What to consider | What to check | Think about your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Steps per cup | Compare all the steps from coffee to cup. With a capsule machine, check which format it accepts; with a portafilter machine, factor in the steps involved in using the grinder too. | I make espresso regularly and want to keep handling to a minimum, or I’d rather control the grind and measurements myself. |
| Maintenance | Check the manual to see how easy it is to access the trays, water tanks and brew group, if removable. Que Choisir assesses routine cleaning separately from the steps needed to descale the machine. | A simple brewing process isn’t enough if daily cleaning becomes a chore. |
| Noise and space | Check the dimensions, allowing room to remove the trays. Que Choisir assesses noise and vibrations during rinsing, grinding and brewing, so compare the results for the model you’re considering. | In a small kitchen, or at times when noise could be an issue, I want to be sure I can install and use the machine without making assumptions about how loud it is. |
| Milk-based drinks | Check which steam wand or milk system the machine has and what rinsing it requires. Que Choisir recommends rinsing the steam wand after every use. | I mainly drink espresso; an occasional milk function needs to be compatible with the level of maintenance I’m prepared to do. |
| Choice of coffee | For beans, check the settings available on the model. For capsules, confirm the compatible format and how easy they are to find. | Having the freedom to choose my own beans matters more to me, or I’d rather use pre-portioned capsules. |
Milk system components mean extra rinsing and maintenance. Que Choisir recommends rinsing the steam wand after every use, for example.
Before choosing, compare the drinks you’ll actually make with the milk system’s cleaning instructions.
The machine’s cycles don’t necessarily replace rinsing the trays or brew group. Depending on the model assessed by Que Choisir, descaling may also involve manual steps.
Check the manual to see which parts are accessible and what descaling involves.
Allow time for these regular maintenance tasks.
A machine that fits the width of your worktop may still leave too little room to remove the water tank or trays easily. Grinding can also be noisy: Que Choisir includes it in its testing process.
Measure the space around the machine and, if noise matters to you, look for a review of the exact model you’re considering.
Each capsule machine is designed for a specific compatible format, which determines the capsules you’ll be able to use.
Check the format listed for the model and make sure you can buy capsules in a way that suits you.
These brands can help you compare different types of machine and the support available, but you should still check the details of the specific model you’re considering.
The brand offers automatic machines with built-in grinders. Compare the recipes and milk functions available across its ranges.
Philips offers automatic machines with built-in grinders and support organised by model.
A brand to consider when comparing capsule machines with options that use whole beans.
This selection includes automatic machines with built-in grinders for making espresso from whole beans, as well as a capsule machine for comparing pre-portioned coffee. For each model, check that the available space and the maintenance described in the manual suit the way you plan to use it.
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This machine with a built-in grinder is suited to regular espresso drinking. If you rarely have milk-based drinks, check the LatteGo system’s maintenance instructions in the manual before choosing this model.
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An automatic machine to consider if you make espresso regularly. If you only have milk-based drinks occasionally, check the milk function on this model and the rinsing steps set out in its manual.
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This bean-to-cup model is designed for automatic espresso preparation rather than manual measuring with a separate grinder. Check its dimensions and make sure you can access the parts that need cleaning in your kitchen.
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Its built-in grinder lets you make espresso from whole beans without needing a separate grinder. Check the manual for this model’s settings, cleaning instructions and descaling process.
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This capsule machine offers pre-portioned coffee rather than the option to choose beans and adjust the grind. Its name indicates a 0,6 L water tank and a power rating of 1200 W; check which capsule format it accepts before choosing it.
No: automatic cycles don’t replace all maintenance tasks. Que Choisir recommends regularly rinsing the coffee-ground and drip trays, and cleaning the brew group less often. You should also check the model’s manual for descaling instructions.
Rinse the steam wand after use, as Que Choisir recommends, and follow the instructions for your machine’s milk system. Using it occasionally doesn’t remove this maintenance step.