To make coffee quickly on a small worktop, start by comparing the machine’s dimensions and the clearance it needs. A capsule machine could be a good fit if its size suits your space and compatible capsules are easy to find. Soft coffee pods offer another simple way to brew, while a portafilter involves a few more steps. A bean-to-cup machine with a grinder needs room for its various containers, as well as regular maintenance. UFC-Que Choisir groups these machines into four categories based on how they’re used. Before choosing, measure the space beneath your cupboards and check that you can easily reach the water tank.
If space is tight and you want to make a coffee with minimal fuss, consider capsule machines and some pod machines. Be sure to compare their depth and height, as well as their width, and check how easily you can reach the water tank.
If you make coffee often, check where you can buy compatible consumables for each machine. Soft pods, ground coffee and beans suit different routines, so think about how easy each machine is to use and how much space it needs.
If you’d rather use ground coffee or beans than stick to a capsule format, look at portafilter machines and models with a grinder. Bear in mind the preparation steps, storage and cleaning involved with your chosen model.
On a small worktop, first check how much room you’ll need to set up and use the machine. Then choose a brewing method whose consumables and maintenance suit your routine.
| Criteria | What to check | Best suited to |
|---|---|---|
| Space and speed | Width, depth, clearance beneath cupboards, and room to open or remove the water tank. | When every centimetre counts before making my morning coffee, I want to start the machine without having to move it. Around 36% of consumers would put this combination of space-saving design and speed first. |
| Availability of supplies | The formats the machine accepts and the availability of compatible capsules, pods or other consumables. | If I make coffee frequently, I want to be able to find the format my machine uses with ease. For around 29% of consumers, access to consumables would be the main priority. |
| Choice of coffee | Stated compatibility with ground coffee, beans or different types of pods, and the steps involved in making a coffee. | I prefer to choose my own coffee, even if making it involves a few more steps. Around 21% of consumers would put this freedom first. |
| Maintenance and waste | Access to parts that need emptying, descaling instructions and guidance on sorting used consumables for recycling. | To keep my routine manageable, I want to know what I’ll need to clean and how to sort consumables after use. Around 14% of consumers would make this their priority. |
A narrow machine can still be deep, or need extra space at the side to remove its water tank. Without enough clearance, you may have to move it to refill the tank.
Measure the available width, depth and height, then check the product specifications to see which side the tank is accessed from and how much room you’ll need to use the machine.
Capsules aren’t interchangeable across all systems. If a format is hard to find, using the machine day to day could become a hassle.
Check which capsules are explicitly compatible with the model and where you’ll be able to buy them.
Limescale can affect how the machine’s circuits work. How often to descale and which products to use will depend on factors such as your water, how often you use the machine and its instructions.
Before choosing, check how easy it is to access the parts that need cleaning and read the manufacturer’s maintenance instructions.
A capsule’s material doesn’t mean you can ignore the correct disposal instructions after use.
In France, ADEME advises putting aluminium or plastic capsules in the recycling bin, bag or container for paper and packaging.
The Vertuo Pop+ is worth considering if you’d like a capsule machine that offers several drink sizes and you have side access to the water tank.
Soft pod machines are worth a look if you want a simple way to make coffee, including one or two cups, depending on the model.
The Dedica Style EC685 is worth considering if you have limited width available and are happy to handle the steps involved in using a portafilter.
This selection includes capsule machines, a model that accepts several formats and espresso machines with more controls. Compare each model with the space you have and the way you want to make coffee.
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Worth considering if you want a capsule machine for making coffee at home on a narrow worktop. The product description lists a 0,6 L water tank and 1 200 W power. Check its depth, access to the water tank and the capsule format accepted by this model.
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Worth considering if you want to make coffee with Vertuo capsules. The product description lists a 0,6 L water tank. Check the clearance beneath your cupboards and access to the tank; the Vertuo Pop+ dimensions don’t apply to this ENV90.B model.
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Worth considering if you’d like to switch between different types of consumables. The product description mentions DG and Nes capsules, E.S.E. pods and ground coffee, as well as hot and cold settings. Check which adaptors are actually included and measure your available space using clearly labelled dimensions.
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Worth considering if you want to make espresso and use a steam wand. The product description mentions single or double shots and a removable 1,1 L water tank. Check which type of coffee it accepts, what accessories are included and how much room you’ll need around the machine.
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Worth considering if you want a semi-automatic espresso machine with adjustable temperature and hot and cold settings, as stated in the product description. Check how the dimensions are listed, which type of coffee it accepts and what accessories are included before deciding whether it suits your worktop.
Measure the available width, depth and height, then allow enough clearance to open the lid, fill or remove the water tank and empty the containers. Compare your measurements with the specifications for the exact model. A narrow width doesn’t guarantee that the depth or access to the parts will work for you.
No. Only use formats that the machine explicitly accepts. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes capsule systems from soft pod systems; some portafilter machines also accept E.S.E. pods, depending on the model. Check the exact model before buying consumables.
Always follow your model’s instructions first. How often you need to descale depends on the water hardness and how much you use the machine. UFC-Que Choisir recommends descaling on average every two to three months, depending on these factors.
According to ADEME, aluminium or plastic capsules should go in the recycling bin, bag or container for paper and packaging. Check what your capsules are made of and which collection options are available near you.