If you make coffee at home regularly, start by thinking about which steps you’re happy to repeat. Capsules and pods take the guesswork out of measuring, a portafilter gives you more hands-on control, while a bean-to-cup machine automates the process using whole beans. Then check that you can easily get compatible supplies, that you have enough space and that you’re happy with the maintenance involved for the specific model, especially if you make milky drinks.
If you want to make coffee with minimal effort, pre-portioned coffee and some automated options are worth considering. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes between capsule, soft-pod and bean-to-cup machines; each involves different filling and cleaning tasks.
If coffee is part of your daily routine, check that your chosen capsules, pods, ground coffee or beans fit easily into your usual shopping habits. Also think about the maintenance your machine will need.
If you make cappuccinos, compare a steam wand with a milk carafe, taking into account the steps involved and the cleaning you’re happy to do. If you prefer to measure and tamp the coffee yourself, look at a portafilter machine and its accessories.
Each of the four systems involves different steps for every cup. Your choice depends not only on how the coffee is made, but also on how easy it is to get supplies and fit cleaning into your routine.
Worth considering: if you want pre-measured portions and minimal preparation before each coffee.
Bear in mind: you’ll need to choose capsules that fit your machine and find out how to recycle them locally.
Worth considering: if you want a simple way to make a short or long coffee without grinding or tamping.
Bear in mind: check the pod format and the coffee lengths available with the model.
Worth considering: if you want to fill the portafilter and take a hands-on approach to making coffee.
Bear in mind: you’ll have more steps for every coffee and, if you make milk-based drinks, you’ll need to use and clean the steam wand, if included.
Worth considering: if you want to make coffee from whole beans without measuring and tamping every portion.
Bear in mind: you’ll need space for the machine, you’ll hear the grinder and you’ll need to clean the reservoirs and any milk system. UFC-Que Choisir highlights the size and noise of this type of machine in particular.
| Factor | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Everyday steps | Count the steps before and after each cup, and check which coffee lengths are available. | When mornings are busy, I want to make coffee without measuring or tamping every time; around 31% of consumers prioritise this convenience. |
| Getting supplies | Check the compatible format and whether it’s available where you usually shop. | If I make coffee often, I want to be able to find the right portions or beans for my machine easily; around 25% of consumers put this first. |
| Beans and milk | Check which drinks the model can make and which parts of the milk system need rinsing after use. | If I regularly make coffee from beans and milky drinks, I want fewer steps without neglecting cleaning; around 25% of consumers prioritise this. |
| Hands-on control | Check the portafilter and its accessories, and whether there’s a steam wand if you make milk-based drinks. | If I prefer to measure and tamp the coffee myself, I’m happy to spend more time on every cup; around 19% of consumers make this control their priority. |
A manual steam wand and an automatic milk carafe involve different steps. For example, Philips’ quick-cleaning guidance for LatteGo applies to that system, not to every machine that makes milk-based drinks.
For the model you choose, check which parts need rinsing after every drink and which are dishwasher-safe.
UFC-Que Choisir notes that poor maintenance can contribute to early faults. De’Longhi says the frequency of descaling depends, among other things, on water hardness and how often you make coffee.
Follow the alerts and instructions in your machine’s manual rather than using the same schedule for every model.
Instructions vary depending on the capsule and where you live. ADEME says that capsules thrown away with household waste are incinerated or sent to landfill; dedicated collection follows a different route.
Before choosing a system, check your local guidance and the collection points for the capsules you’re considering.
A brand to consider if you’re looking at a capsule machine and want to find out how to recycle used capsules.
SENSEO machines use soft pods, while some Philips bean-to-cup machines also feature the LatteGo milk system.
The brand offers both manual portafilter machines and automatic bean-to-cup machines, to suit different coffee-making routines.
These machines offer three ways to make coffee at home: use capsules, take a hands-on approach with a portafilter or opt for an automatic machine. Before you decide, compare the compatible formats and the cleaning steps involved for each model.
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For a capsule-based routine with minimal preparation before each cup. Check that your capsules are compatible with the Nespresso Original system specified for this model.
0.6 L reservoir and stated power of 1200 W.
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Worth considering if you want automatic coffee preparation and milky drinks. Check which recipes are available on the ECAM290.61.B and what rinsing is required for its milk system.
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Make coffee from whole beans using the touchscreen controls. If you plan to make cappuccinos, check how the milk system works and how to clean it.
The product name specifies six coffee varieties.
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For making coffee with Vertuo capsules. Check their availability and local collection options. Don’t confuse this format with Nespresso Original capsules.
The product name specifies a 0.6 L reservoir.
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For making coffee with a portafilter, giving you the opportunity to get hands-on. If you want to prepare milk, check which accessories you’ll need and what cleaning is required after use.
Stated rated pressure of 15 bar. Check the reservoir capacity on the model’s product page before deciding where to put it.
No. The same schedule won’t suit every machine. De’Longhi says water hardness and how often you make coffee affect how frequently you need to descale. Follow the alert and instructions for your model.
No. Check what needs rinsing after use, which parts can be removed and whether they’re dishwasher-safe. Philips describes the LatteGo carafe on selected models as having two parts and no tube, but cleaning instructions vary by machine.
No. Instructions depend on the capsule and your local council. Nespresso recommends checking local options for its capsules; ADEME says that capsules thrown away with household waste are incinerated or sent to landfill.
Look for a reuse option or, if the machine has reached the end of its life, use the recycling route for electrical and electronic equipment. ADEME mentions options including taking it to a shop or recycling centre, or handing it to a delivery driver. Check which options are available locally.