Brew 
Washing the pot and running descaler aren’t the same job. Cleaning removes coffee oils, grounds, and milk residue. Descaling clears mineral buildup inside the machine’s water path.
What Should You Clean After Coffee?
Take out the used grounds or capsules, wash the parts the instructions allow you to wash, and wipe up splashes. Give the basket and carafe regular attention even if they don’t look especially dirty.
Use the instructions for your exact model. A part that can go in the dishwasher on one machine may need hand-washing on another.
Milk Needs Attention Too
If you use a steam wand, wipe and purge it as directed after the drink. With an automatic frother, run the recommended rinse and wash the removable milk parts.
A cleaning button can help, but it doesn’t mean every surface that touches milk cleans itself. Check the container, lid, and any tubes the machine uses.
When Should You Descale?
That depends on your water, how much coffee you make, and the machine. Follow its instructions or cleaning reminder instead of using one fixed schedule for every brewer.
Descaling matters even when the carafe looks spotless. Minerals collect inside the water path, where a quick wash can’t reach.
Can You Use Any Cleaner?
Use the cleaner and process the manufacturer recommends. Don’t mix cleaning products or assume a household substitute is suitable. Some machines have separate routines for the brewing parts and the water system.
Think About This Before You Buy
Look at how the water tank, basket, tray, used-coffee container, and milk parts come out. The machine you find easiest to maintain may be the one you’re happiest using.
Our automatic vs. semiautomatic espresso guide explains where the work goes with each style. You can also compare a simple Ninja drip brewer with a Philips LatteGo automatic machine.
Coffee Machines You Might Want to Look At
| Machine | How It Makes Coffee | How You Make the Milk | Built-In Grinder | Who It May Suit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ninja Fresh Brew CE251 | Drip coffee | No frother included | No | Coffee for the Family |
| CASABREWS CM5418 | Hands-on espresso | Manual steam wand | No | Try Espresso Without a Big Spend |
| Philips 3300 LatteGo EP3341/50 | Fully automatic | Automatic milk frothing | Yes | Easy Coffee and Milk Drinks |
Still deciding? Have a look at our coffee maker reviews, espresso machine reviews, or cappuccino machines to see what else might suit you.