Best pod coffee machine: Move over Nespresso, these are the top brands take the top spot - revealed by an expert who has reviewed them all
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If you're looking for a quick and easy way to enjoy coffee, a pod coffee machine could be the answer.
These machines are often simple to use and compact, offering an affordable way to enjoy better coffee at home.
For some, their simplicity isn't enough but for others, that's what makes them the perfect appliance. Whatever camp you fall into, these coffee machines are highly accessible, ideal for all skill levels.
While some argue the results you get from pod machines don't come close to bean-to-cup coffee machines, when you compare automatic machines to pod coffee machines, you'll see they are quick, user friendly and make a much better cup than your classic instant coffee - even more so when paired with a milk frother.
They could also save you money compared to buying coffee out and about - you can read our breakdown of the lifetime cost a Nespresso machine for more information on that.
David Cutler, Head of Training at Lavazza agrees that pod machines are a great option for many. He says:
"A coffee capsule machine is ideal for anyone who wants a quick, quality cup of coffee. They remove the fuss of grinding beans, as well as the clean-up, and don’t require you to master brewing techniques - the machine is expertly tuned to take care of this for you.
Capsule machines suit households where multiple people have diverse coffee preferences - with capsules, everyone can choose their own flavour or intensity.
They’re also perfect if you’re a single household or drink coffee as a treat and find you never get through a bag of coffee, as the capsule keeps the coffee inside fresh."
The L'OR Barista Absolu makes our recommended list
I’ve been testing capsule coffee machines for years and have experienced the good, the bad and the ugly. While I tend to gravitate towards semi-automatic coffee machines, there are plenty of pod models that have seriously impressed me over the years and I still keep one trusty machine on standby, which you can read about below.
This article will help you understand how much you should spend on a pod machine, as well as the best features for you.
Nespresso's Vertuo line machines are a top pick too
In order to find the best pod machines, I’ve put a number of brands including Nespresso, L'OR and Lavazza through a series of real-world tests. Below is my definitive roundup of recommended machines for every need and budget.
If you're also looking for a new coffee mug, travel mug or the best flasks for holiday, we've got you covered there too.
Best pod coffee machines: Quick list
- Best for most people: L’OR Barista Absolu
- Best pod machine with milk frother: Lavazza Jolie with milk
- Best Nespresso machine: Nespresso Vertuo Pop
- Best compact pod machine: Dualit pod machine
- Best Lavazza machine: Lavazza A Modo Mio Deséa
- Prestige pick: Nespresso Vertuo Creatista
How we test
At the Daily Mail, we test dozens of products every month including coffee machines, general home products, fashion and beauty.
Danielle testing the espresso from a pod machine
When it comes to testing coffee machines, we're looking for good quality brews, consistency, use friendliness and of course, value for money.
I've spent at least a week testing every pod coffee machine on this list, looking for what makes them special and any potential flaws.
This means making several cups of coffee with each machine, weighing the espresso that comes out to see if its consistent, checking noise levels using a sound meter and assessing how easy it is to clean each part of the machine and go through the descaling process. Every model here serves a purpose for a particular consumer.
The best pod coffee machines you can buy in 2025
1. Best for most people: L'OR Barista Absolu
Read our full L'OR Barita Absolu review for more details.
2. Best pod machine with milk frother: Lavazza Jolie with milk
3. Best Nespresso machine: Nespresso Vertuo Pop
4. Best compact pod machine: Dualit pod machine
5. Best Lavazza pod machine: Lavazza A Modo Mio Deséa
6. Prestige pick: Nespresso Vertuo Creatista
Verdict
For espresso only drinks or milk-based if you already own a frother, my top pick is the L’OR Barista Absolu. This machine is my recommendation for most people because it’s easy to use, looks great and has plenty of compatible pod options, as it uses the same shape pods as Nespresso’s classic line. I also like that this machine can be used with L’OR's XXL pods, which are larger and produce either a double espresso or two single espresso with the machine's dual spout.
For the style conscious, I'd recommend the Nespresso Vertuo Pop. It's small, sleek and comes in a variety of bright colours - my personal favourite is the sky blue or yellow.
My top pick for the best pod coffee machine
Why trust us
Our team of reviews experts have been testing products for years. With decades of experience between them, they know exactly what does and doesn't make a good product.
Danielle has been reviewing home appliances for seven years, with a particular specialism in kitchen products. All of her reviews are honest - she's not afraid to give a product a negative review if it doesn't meet the standards it claims. This means you can trust her reviews to make an informed purchase.
FAQs
What type of coffee do pod machines make?
Pod machines typically only make ristretto, espresso or lungo size drinks, though some, like the Nespresso Vertuo machines, can make up to five different drinks sizes, from espresso to huge mug sized black coffee.
Pod machines on the cheaper end of the scale tend to not have any milk frothing options, whereas more expensive models will either have a milk frother tacked onto the side of a fully integrated milk steamer.
What supermarket coffee pods are compatible with Nespresso?
All the major supermarkets such as Sainsburys, Tesco, Asda, Morrisons and Waitrose all sell third-party Nespresso pods, whether that's their own brand or other brands like L'OR, Starbucks and Costa.
Can you make iced coffee with a coffee pod machine?
Yes, as long as you have ice, you can make iced coffee with a pod machine. With more basic models, you might need to make a hot espresso and top it up with cold milk or water.
Some pod machines, like the L’OR Absolu, allow you to brew espresso at a slightly lower temperature, ensuring it cools quicker and giving you a more mellow iced-coffee taste.
What to look out for when buying a coffee capsule machine
David Cutler, Head of Training at Lavazza says there's a lot to consider when buying a coffee capsule machine. Not all of these might be important to you, but they are all worth considering.
- Brewing consistency and convenience - Look for machines that promise consistent, high-quality results with minimal fuss, ensuring your coffee tastes great every time.
- Noise - Consider how quiet the machine is during operation. Some of the Lavazza’s popular models, like Lavazza's A Modo Mio Jolie Evo is known for its quiet brewing.
- Drink variety - If you enjoy more than just espresso, look for machines that can make lattes, cappuccinos, or even hot chocolate, or consider a separate frother that can be packed away when not in use
- Size and design - Think about your counter space and whether you want a compact model or something more feature rich (for example, different espresso sizes or customisable drinks options, advanced cleaning technology, internet connectivity etc.).
- Ease of cleaning - Removable parts and dishwasher safe components can make maintenance much easier, as well as technology that lets you know when the machine needs descaling.
- Capsules compatibility - Some machines only work with certain capsules, often due to patented technology promising a superior coffee. While others are compatible with a wider range.
- Coffee per capsule - It's important to consider the amount of coffee inside each capsule. For the coffee experience at home choose capsules with, 7.5 grams of coffee per capsules as this is considered a true espresso, delivering a richer taste and better crema.
- Sustainability - Pay attention to the environmental impact of your capsules. Check they are recyclable (which often requires special collection points or take-back schemes) or compostable. If choosing compostable capsules, verify if your local council provides composting facilities, or if there are dedicated collection points nearby.
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