To make coffee quickly at home, first decide how much effort you’re happy to put in for each cup. A capsule or soft coffee pod keeps preparation to a minimum, a portafilter gives you more control over extraction, while a bean-to-cup machine does the work for you. Then check which coffee format the machine accepts, how much space you have and what maintenance it requires. Simple preparation doesn’t mean you can avoid consumables or descaling.
You want to make a short or long coffee with minimal effort, and need a machine that fits easily on your worktop. If you’re considering a coffee pod machine, first check that it accepts the format you plan to buy regularly.
You want to choose your beans and make drinks without grinding or tamping for every cup. A machine with a grinder suits this kind of use if you’re happy to give it space on your worktop and rinse its components, as Que Choisir points out.
You prefer to fill and tamp ground coffee in a portafilter, then clean the parts you’ve used. De’Longhi describes this hands-on approach to preparation for its manual machines, but it does mean more steps for each cup.
For consistently good coffee at home, start with the steps you want to repeat each day. Then check the coffee format and maintenance requirements of the specific machine you’re considering.
| Feature | What to check | Who it’s for |
|---|---|---|
| Speed and everyday steps | Compare the steps needed to make a short or long coffee, then empty the pod compartment or coffee grounds container. | If I want each coffee to take as little effort as possible, I’d choose a machine that’s easy to use day after day. Around 36% of consumers would put this convenience first. |
| Coffee choice and consumables | Check which coffee the machine accepts and which filters or cleaning products its manual recommends. | If I make coffee regularly, I want to choose my beans or pods without overlooking what I’ll need to replace. Around 29% of consumers would make this flexibility their priority. |
| Portafilter preparation | Check the steps for filling, tamping and cleaning, as well as the accessories included. | I prefer to be hands-on and use ground coffee, even if each cup takes a few more steps. Around 21% of consumers would put this level of control first. |
| Space and soft coffee pods | Measure the space available and confirm exactly which pod system the machine accepts. | In a small kitchen, I want to keep using soft coffee pods without choosing a machine that’s difficult to fit in. Around 14% of consumers would prioritise this combination. |
These portions aren’t interchangeable between machines. Que Choisir distinguishes between the two types in its guide to choosing an espresso machine.
Before choosing your coffee portions, check the exact name of the accepted system in the product details and instruction manual.
A grinder saves you from grinding and tamping for every coffee, but its containers need regular rinsing. Que Choisir also notes that the brewing chamber may need cleaning, depending on the machine.
Measure the space available, including the height needed to fill the reservoirs, and check the cleaning steps for the specific model.
Descaling is part of looking after a coffee machine. The product to use and the process to follow depend on the model.
Follow the instruction manual and any alerts, taking into account your water hardness and how often you use the machine.
The brand offers capsule systems and care accessories for its machines.
The Senseo system is worth considering if you want to make coffee with soft coffee pods.
The brand offers, among other options, manual portafilter machines and machines with grinders.
A brand to consider for bean-to-cup machines, some of which use a water filter in the reservoir.
These models are suited to making coffee with soft pods, capsules or ground beans using a grinder. First choose the type of coffee and the preparation steps that work for you, then compare the features of each model.
Image unavailable
Worth considering if you want to make coffee with soft pods and minimal effort.
Check that the pods you plan to use are compatible with the system accepted by this model.
Image unavailable
A capsule machine to consider if you want to keep preparation to a minimum.
The product name lists a 0.6 L reservoir and 1,200 W of power. Check which capsule format it accepts before buying your coffee portions.
Image unavailable
Worth considering if you regularly want to make coffee from beans using a machine with a grinder.
The LatteGo system sets this model apart. Check the manual for cleaning steps after making milk-based drinks, and make sure you have enough space.
Image unavailable
Worth considering if you prefer to make coffee using the Vertuo capsule system.
The product name lists a 0.6 L reservoir. Check that Vertuo capsules are the right choice for the portions you want to use.
Image unavailable
Worth considering if you regularly want to make coffee from beans without using a portafilter for every cup.
Check the space required and the care instructions for the grinder and steam wand in the model’s manual.
Rinse the coffee grounds and drip trays regularly and, depending on the model, clean the brewing chamber too, as Que Choisir recommends. Follow descaling alerts and clean the parts used for milk-based drinks in line with the instruction manual.
No. Whether you need a cartridge depends on the model and the manufacturer’s instructions. Que Choisir notes that some machines have a filter built into the reservoir. If the machine you choose uses one, check when to replace it and continue to follow any care alerts.
Make sure you can access the manual for the exact model and find out which products and accessories you’ll need to care for it. Check separately with the seller how repairs are handled.
Take your old machine to an electrical and electronic equipment recycling point rather than putting it in your usual household rubbish. Ask the seller or collection point what take-back options are available in your circumstances.