Which coffee machine to choose based on your habits
Time to read 6 min
Table of contents
Introduction
Coffee sets the pace of our days, but the way we prepare it says a lot about our lifestyle. Are you the type to grab a quick espresso between meetings, or do you prefer to enjoy a long, indulgent coffee on the weekend? Here’s a guide to choosing the machine that fits you best, based on your habits.
Automatic machines
🎯 Who is an automatic coffee machine ideal for?
The automatic machine is perfect for people with a fast-paced lifestyle who primarily want simplicity and efficiency day to day. It’s built for those who want an excellent coffee without thinking about it, who value comfort and consistency, and who want to make every morning smoother—without compromising on taste.
☕ A typical lifestyle
- Early riser with rushed mornings
- Has little time (or desire) to manually prep coffee
- Prefers pressing one button and getting a perfect result every time
- Drinks several coffees a day, often on the go
- Enjoys a good cappuccino or espresso, without the hassle
- Wants coffee that’s consistent, hot, quick, and effortless
✅ Why an automatic machine is ideal
- Coffee in under a minute, no manual prep
- Everything is automated: grinding, tamping, extraction, and milk froth
- Consistent results—no barista skills required
- Reduced upkeep with automatic cleaning programs
- Fits perfectly into a fast morning routine
✅ Advantages:
Speed and simplicity
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One button grinds, tamps, extracts espresso, and froths milk (depending on model).
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Perfect for daily use, even on busy mornings.
Freshly ground coffee
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With an integrated grinder (steel or ceramic), you use coffee beans—more economical and flavourful than capsules.
Automated cleaning
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Auto rinse at startup and shutdown.
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Some models include descaling and milk system cleaning programs.
Versatility
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Espresso, lungo, cappuccino, latte macchiato, hot water for tea, etc.
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Customize intensity, temperature, grind, and volume.
❌ Drawbacks
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Higher purchase price than a manual or capsule machine.
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Regular maintenance needed (tray cleaning, descaling, milk rinse).
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Less fine-grained control over extraction than manual machines (except very high-end models).
A few models of automatic machines
Manual machines
🧘♂️ Who is a manual coffee machine ideal for?
The manual machine suits people who see coffee preparation as a ritual—a mindful break, even a way of life. This user isn’t just consuming coffee; they’re creating it. It’s a choice for coffee enthusiasts, the curious, the meticulous—those who want to explore and refine their craft, cup after cup.
☕ A typical lifestyle
- Takes time, enjoys precise and unhurried gestures
- Drinks coffee as a moment of pleasure, often in the morning or afternoon
- Likes to understand and master extraction, grinder, pressure, temperature
- Experiments with different grinds, recipes, doses
- Enjoys the process as much as the result
- Has a natural affinity for craftsmanship, aesthetics, precision
✅ Why a manual machine is ideal
- Offers full control over each parameter: grind, pressure, extraction time
- Lets you craft espresso or coffee by hand, to your taste
- Pairs well with a slow, intentional coffee ritual
- Often comes with carefully chosen accessories: scale, grinder, kettle, tamper
- Provides deep personal satisfaction with every well-pulled shot
✅ Advantages:
Total control over extraction
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You choose grind size, pressure, extraction time, temperature.
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Allows precise adjustments to match your taste—barista-level.
Superior espresso quality (with skill)
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Can produce rich, intense, well-balanced coffee—often better than an automatic if used well.
Immersive, rewarding experience
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Every cup becomes a ritual. The process is as satisfying as the result.
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Brings a true sense of craft and pleasure.
Durability
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Fewer electronic parts, potentially longer lifespan.
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Easier to repair and maintain with the right tools.
Aesthetics
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Often elegant, vintage, or artisanal design.
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As much a decor object as a utilitarian machine.
❌ Drawbacks
Learning curve
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Requires time, practice, and trial-and-error to master the perfect shot.
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Variable results at first.
Prep time
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Longer than an automatic or capsule machine.
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Requires grinding, tamping, heating, cleaning.
Accessories often needed
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Scale, coffee grinder, tamper, kettle, etc.
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May be an additional investment.
Not ideal for rushed mornings
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Less compatible with a tight schedule or “express” routine.
Less convenient for multiple coffees in a row
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One cup at a time, with cleanup between shots.
A few models of manual machines
Capsule machines
⚡ Who is a capsule machine ideal for?
A capsule machine is perfect for people who want coffee that’s quick, simple, and consistent, without dealing with settings or cleanup. It’s the ideal choice for anyone who wants a good coffee without spending time on it—practical, simple, and effective. Perfect for an active daily routine, for people who like coffee but don’t want to devote time to it.
☕ A typical lifestyle
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Fast-paced between work, family, commuting, or studies
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Starts the day with coffee as soon as they’re up—sometimes heading out the door
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Enjoys flavour variety without changing method or grinder
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Seeks minimal maintenance: emptying the capsule bin is enough
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Wants reliable, always-good coffee with zero effort
✅ Why a capsule machine is ideal
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Ready in seconds: insert capsule, press, enjoy
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No technical skills required: perfect for beginners or busy people
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Wide range of coffees: bold espresso, smooth lungo, decaf, flavored…
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Compact and stylish: fits any space, from condo to office
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Low maintenance: no grinds, no filters, no complex cleaning
✅ Advantages:
Ease of use
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Just insert a capsule, press a button, and your coffee is ready.
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No complicated settings or skills required.
Speed
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Coffee in under a minute—ideal for rushed mornings or quick breaks.
Clean and easy maintenance
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No grounds to handle, no puck to clean.
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Maintenance limited to the water tank and used-capsule bin.
Variety
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Large selection of flavors, intensities, decafs, special aromas.
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Adapt your cup to your mood.
Compact design
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Perfect for small spaces: apartments, offices, studios.
Repeatability
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Consistent results from cup to cup, no surprises.
❌ Drawbacks
Higher cost per cup
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Capsules cost more per unit than beans or ground coffee.
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Costs can add up quickly for heavy drinkers.
Environmental impact
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Aluminum or plastic capsules, often not recycled.
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Some brands offer take-back programs, but it’s still a concern.
Less control over extraction
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Impossible to adjust grind, temperature, or pressure.
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Standardized result with minimal personalization.
Average quality compared to other methods
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Some capsules are good, but generally below freshly ground espresso.
Limited compatibility
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Each machine uses a specific capsule type (e.g., Caffitaly ≠ Nespresso).
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Less flexibility if you switch brand or system.
A few models of capsule machines
☕ Which coffee machine is right for you?
This quick quiz helps you discover whether you’re more of a manual, automatic, or capsule machine person. Answer honestly based on your daily habits!
Karl-Éric, Marketing Coordinator
For him, coffee is more than a drink: it’s a travel companion and fuel for adventure!
