Coffee machine running costs: what will your cups cost?

Compare the drink you will really make

Choose a normal drink and count how many you make each day. Include other people using the machine. A single espresso, a large black coffee and a two-shot latte may use different amounts of coffee, so comparing the cheapest capsule with an unrelated bean recipe can mislead you.

For capsules, divide the pack price by the number of capsules and multiply by the capsules used in your drink. For beans or ground coffee, divide the bag price by its weight in grams, then multiply by grams used per drink. Use the coffee you enjoy and can regularly buy, rather than a short introductory offer.

Use your own coffee prices

The calculator compares coffee ingredients only. Its starting numbers are made-up examples for learning the method, not current shop prices or a recommended dose. Change them to your own prices and recipe. It does not save your entries or send them to us.

Here, a 50p capsule is compared with 16g of £20/kg coffee, or 32p per cup. At two cups daily the ingredient difference is £131.40 a year. Change the recipe or prices and that gap changes too. It is not evidence that one machine will save you that amount.

Add equipment and care supplies

Check whether a grinder, milk frother or other equipment is included. Manual espresso can need a separate suitable grinder if you want to use whole beans. Consider what you already own before counting every possible accessory as a necessary purchase.

Price the care routine for the exact machine: compatible descaler, any water filter you choose or need, and cleaning products specified for its milk system. De’Longhi’s care guidance links maintenance to the model and water conditions. Follow its instructions rather than assuming every machine uses the same products or schedule. Read the manufacturer’s care advice.

Build a fair first-year total

Add machine price, necessary extra equipment, annual coffee, milk, care supplies, water and electricity. Keep each item separate so you can see what is known and what is an estimate. Use your actual electricity tariff and measured consumption if available; rated wattage is not a bill for every hour the machine sits in your kitchen.

Then make a second total for a later year without buying the machine again. Neither total predicts repairs or how long the machine will last. If a price depends on a subscription or minimum order, include its conditions instead of treating the advertised unit price as an unconditional offer.

Treat payback as a question, not a promise

Suppose a machine and any extra equipment cost £200 more, while your own ingredient comparison suggests £100 less per year. That is a simple two-year payback before differences in care, electricity or repairs. If the annual difference is zero, there is no ingredient saving to repay that extra cost.

This calculation only matters if you would keep making comparable drinks. A machine you enjoy might replace café purchases; it might also lead you to drink more coffee at home. Do not count either behaviour change as guaranteed savings. Convenience and enjoyment are valid reasons to choose, even when the cheapest cup is not your favourite.

Check before committing to a system

• Have you checked the exact capsule compatibility or coffee format?
• Does your recipe match the cost calculation?
• Are necessary accessories and the care routine affordable?
• Are recurring supplies easy to buy without an unwanted subscription?

Keep the machine budget and the recurring budget visible together. Then use our coffee machine guide to compare preparation, milk and kitchen space. A low cup cost alone does not make a machine a good fit.

Sources and limits

Manufacturer sources for the examples are linked below. The buying checklists and calculations are Picked Out’s editorial guidance. We have not tested these products. Example inputs are not live prices or measured performance. Check the exact model, instructions and current listing before buying.