To make cappuccinos and lattes one after another with minimal effort, an automatic machine with a milk jug is the most straightforward choice, provided you build rinsing, cleaning the milk system and descaling into your routine. A steam wand with an integrated grinder is better suited to anyone who wants to adjust the froth themselves, while a manual machine with a separate grinder is for those who want to take part in dosing, extraction and frothing.
You want to prepare several milk drinks at home with minimal effort, while accepting the need to rinse, clean the milk system and descale the machine. Que Choisir Ensemble highlights the importance of cleaning for the machine’s operation and consistent drinks.
You would rather adjust the texture of the milk yourself than leave the entire preparation process to an automatic milk jug. A grinder with a steam wand, or a manual machine paired with a grinder, is suited to this approach.
You want to choose a machine whose trays, brew unit, milk system and descaling process genuinely fit into your routine, rather than focusing solely on the number of recipes shown.
Start by choosing the level of automation you want, then check the cleaning steps required for the specific model.
Choose this if: you often prepare cappuccinos, lattes or flat whites and would rather start a recipe than froth the milk yourself.
Bear in mind: fewer preparation steps do not remove the need to clean the trays and milk system or to descale the machine.
Choose this if: you want beans ground on demand and prefer to control the texture of the froth yourself.
Bear in mind: frothing is an additional step for every drink, and the wand must be rinsed after use with milk.
Choose this if: dosing, tamping, extraction and frothing are all part of the experience you are looking for.
Bear in mind: this option involves more steps and requires space to maintain the grinder and machine separately.
| Priority | What to check | Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Milk cleaning | Check the steps required after making a milk drink, which parts need to be removed and what cleaning programme is available. For a steam wand, Que Choisir Ensemble recommends rinsing it after every use with milk. | After making a latte or cappuccino, I want to be able to carry out the required rinsing and cleaning without adding an overly demanding routine. |
| Automation or control | Check whether the machine starts a milk recipe from its interface or whether you need to froth the milk with steam. Also look at the grind, dosing and drink settings. | I can prioritise quick preparation, or I may prefer to adjust the steam, grind and extraction myself for each cup. |
| General maintenance | Check the instructions for the brew unit, trays, descaling process and compatible water filters. Que Choisir Ensemble distinguishes between cleaning and descaling when assessing grinder machines. | I am looking for a machine whose maintenance requirements match how often I prepare coffee. |
A grinder machine also requires the trays, water tank and brew unit, where fitted, to be maintained, as well as cleaning programmes and descaling. For a steam wand, rinsing after every use with milk is recommended by Que Choisir Ensemble.
Before buying, consult the instructions for the exact model and identify the actions required after each milk drink, the parts that need to be removed, regular cleaning requirements and descaling.
An automatic milk jug produces froth according to a programmed recipe, whereas a steam wand requires manual frothing. Both approaches can be used to prepare milk drinks, but they are not suited to the same pace or the same need for control.
Choose an automatic jug if you want to reduce the amount of handling; choose a steam wand if you want to adjust the milk texture yourself and are happy to add an extra step.
In France, the statutory guarantee of conformity is compulsory for new, second-hand or refurbished goods sold by a business to a consumer, according to the French Ministry of the Economy. A commercial warranty is additional and does not replace it.
Keep your proof of purchase and first ask the business seller about the statutory guarantee of conformity before taking out an extended warranty.
An extended warranty may be optional, and its terms should be read before you take it out.
A useful reference for households looking for an automatic grinder machine with a milk jug and a selection of milk drinks.
A useful reference when comparing a bean-to-cup machine with a steam wand to a more manual solution paired with a grinder.
A useful reference for buyers who want to take an active role in grinding, dosing, extraction and milk frothing.
These Joybuy options are grinder machines for preparing bean-to-cup coffee and milk drinks at home, with either an automatic jug or manual frothing depending on the model.
Image unavailable
For regular cappuccinos without manual frothing, with an integrated grinder and advertised LatteCrema jug.
The product details state that it has 13 grind settings, customisable drink parameters and a 1.8 L tank. Check the instructions for the cleaning steps for the jug, milk system and descaling process.
Image unavailable
For preparing several milk drinks from the touchscreen, with six advertised coffee varieties.
The product details state that it has a conical grinder with 15 settings, a dual boiler and saved settings for coffee and milk volumes. Consult the instructions for the rinsing, dismantling and descaling steps for the milk system.
Image unavailable
For keeping beans ground on demand while manually adjusting the milk texture with a cappuccino wand.
The product details state that it has a grinder with 13 settings, dual Thermoblock technology and maintenance programmes. The milk is frothed one cup at a time; check the instructions for the wand’s cleaning requirements.
Image unavailable
For home use combining bean-to-cup coffee, espresso and milk drink preparation.
The product details mention a conical grinder, weight-based dosing, assisted extraction adjustment and removable dishwasher-safe parts. Confirm the type of milk frother and its maintenance requirements in the instructions.
Image unavailable
For grinding beans on demand and preparing your own milk froth with a steam wand.
The product details state that it has a grinder with 13 settings, a 1.8 L tank, aroma and temperature settings, as well as maintenance programmes. Milk frothing remains manual.
No. An automatic machine with a milk jug reduces the number of preparation steps, but a bean-to-cup machine with a steam wand or a manual machine with a grinder can also prepare milk drinks. The choice mainly depends on whether you want to froth the milk, dose the coffee and adjust the grind yourself.
Yes. Que Choisir Ensemble recommends following the appliance’s instructions for milk drinks and thoroughly rinsing the steam wand after every use. Also consult the model instructions, as the steps vary depending on whether the machine uses a wand, jug or tubes.
No. The procedure and manual steps vary between models. De'Longhi France states that the frequency depends in particular on the water used and the model; use the instructions and products compatible with your machine.
The statutory guarantee of conformity is compulsory for new, second-hand or refurbished goods sold by a business to a consumer, according to the French Ministry of the Economy. It is separate from any commercial warranty that may be offered.
An electric coffee machine may be taken back by a shop, subject to the applicable conditions. The French Ministry for Ecological Transition distinguishes between take-back on a “one-for-one” basis when buying an appliance of the same type, and “one-for-zero” take-back at certain shops with at least 400 m² dedicated to this category.