If you regularly make short or long coffees at home, start by choosing the brewing method that fits your daily routine: capsules or pods for single-serve preparation, a portafilter if you want to handle ground coffee yourself, or a bean-to-cup machine to automate the process using whole beans. Then check the format of the consumables, how much space you need and the cleaning requirements for your chosen model. These practical considerations can matter more than the type of drink alone.
If you want an espresso or a long coffee without handling coffee for every cup, consider a capsule or pod machine. The format the machine accepts is key: for example, Nespresso states that its Original capsules are compatible with Nespresso Original machines only.
An automatic grinder is a good choice if you want to choose your own beans and start brewing after filling the hoppers. Remember to allow space for the machine and make sure you can easily reach the parts that need cleaning.
A portafilter machine is for people who prefer to choose their ground coffee, measure it out and tamp it themselves. This gives you more control, but involves more steps for each drink than single-serve or automatic preparation.
The four categories identified by UFC-Que Choisir suit different ways of making coffee. Start with the steps you’re happy to take every day, then consider the consumables, the space you have available and how the machine needs to be cleaned.
Consider this if: you want to make a single-serve coffee with minimal handling.
Bear in mind: which capsules you can use depends on the machine’s exact system.
Consider this if: you want single-serve coffee using pods designed for your machine.
Bear in mind: your choice depends on the format you opt for; Philips, for example, specifies pods designed for its SENSEO machines.
Consider this if: you want to measure and tamp the ground coffee yourself.
Bear in mind: you’ll need to prepare each cup yourself.
Consider this if: you regularly make coffee with whole beans and want an automated brewing process.
Bear in mind: the machine and its hoppers need space, and regular cleaning is essential.
| Criterion | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Ease of use and size | Measure the space available, including the room needed to open the water tank. Check which capsule or pod format the machine accepts. | If I’m short on space and want to make coffee without too many steps, the machine’s size and routine cleaning come first; around 33% of consumers would prioritise this simplicity. |
| Consumables and coffee choice | Check which coffee is compatible and which consumables you’ll need to replace, including filters if the machine uses them. | If I make coffee often, I want to choose my beans without being tied to a single-serve format; around 25% of consumers would put this freedom and the supply of coffee first. |
| Preparation and drinks | Check the brewing method, the drinks available and, for milk-based drinks, whether the machine has a steam wand or milk system. | I want either to measure and tamp my own coffee or to choose drinks that suit my routine; around 25% of consumers would prioritise this control over preparation. |
| Cleaning and noise | Check the manual for descaling instructions, the parts that need cleaning and how easy they are to access. If you’re considering a grinder, also bear in mind the noise it makes. | In a shared living space, I want to keep the machine clean without overlooking how much noise it makes; around 17% of consumers would put these practical considerations first. |
The word ‘capsule’ doesn’t mean that all capsules are interchangeable. Nespresso states that its Original capsules are compatible with Nespresso Original machines, but does not extend this claim to other systems.
Check the machine’s exact range before choosing your capsules, and make sure you know where to find compatible ones.
Depending on the system you choose, regular use means having capsules, pods or whole beans to hand, as well as cleaning products suited to the machine.
Make a list of the consumables you’ll need for the model you’re considering, including replacement filters if it uses them.
UFC-Que Choisir notes that a bean-to-cup espresso machine takes up more space and makes more noise than a capsule system. You’ll also need to be able to remove the hoppers for cleaning.
Measure your worktop and the clearance around the machine, then consider whether the noise of grinding will suit your home.
Limescale and milk residue make cleaning more difficult and can affect how the machine works. How often you need to descale depends, among other things, on the water you use and the model.
Choose a cleaning routine you can stick to, and follow your machine’s alerts and manual.
Worth considering if you’re looking for a capsule machine to make drinks such as espresso or lungo.
Pod machines for single-serve coffee; the number of cups you can make depends on the model.
A range that includes manual portafilter machines and automatic bean-to-cup machines.
These models show three ways to make coffee at home: with capsules, using a portafilter or with a bean grinder. Start by choosing the type of machine that suits you, then check the practical requirements of the specific model you’ve picked.
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For anyone who wants to make coffee with Vertuo capsules. The model name indicates a 0.6 L water tank; check that the Vertuo format and corresponding capsules suit your routine.
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For automated coffee preparation from whole beans, with the LatteGo milk system named in the model. Allow enough room to clean the machine, and check which care and maintenance products are suitable for this model.
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For making espresso or lungo with capsules from the Nespresso Original system. The product name indicates a 0.6 L water tank and a power rating of 1 200 W; check the capsule format before you buy.
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For anyone who prefers automatic coffee preparation from whole beans to measuring coffee manually with a portafilter. Check how much room you’ll need and whether you can easily reach the parts that need cleaning in your kitchen.
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For anyone who wants to take a hands-on approach to making coffee with a portafilter. The product name indicates 15 bar; check the water tank capacity of the version on offer, as well as how to clean the portafilter and steam wand after use.
No. Nespresso states that its Original capsules are compatible with Nespresso Original machines. Check the machine’s exact system rather than relying on the words ‘capsule machine’ alone.
Yes, if you make coffee using the beans intended for the machine. You’ll still need to fill the hoppers and follow the cleaning instructions for your chosen model.
Follow the instructions for your machine and check its manual, as the frequency depends on factors such as water hardness and how often you use it. UFC-Que Choisir suggests descaling every two to three months on average; De'Longhi recommends following the indicator on its bean-to-cup espresso machines.
Rinse the steam wand or milk system after use, following the manufacturer’s instructions. UFC-Que Choisir specifically recommends rinsing the steam wand after every use to prevent milk residue from building up.
Take it to a collection point that accepts electrical equipment. The ecosystem organisation lists collection points in mainland France and the French overseas departments and regions.