The best pod coffee machine to buy

If you are new to the world of pod coffee machines, knowing which one is best for you can be a very complicated task. The choice of brands and models is vast, and to make the right decision, you need to know the differences between them.

Maybe you’re looking for the cheapest capsule coffee machine possible, or maybe you want the one that makes the best coffee or the one with the widest range of drinks. Whatever your priorities, we’ll help you make an informed decision.

What should I contemplate before purchasing a pod coffee machine?

Buying a pod coffee machine for the home is not a trivial matter. There are many aspects to consider before making the final decision, many of which are often overlooked or not given the importance they deserve.

We are going to give you three guidelines that you should not overlook:

  • Check whether the coffee machine’s operating mode is manual or automatic. Many coffee machines will brew the perfect coffee at the push of a button, while others require the user to stop the process.
  • Check that the price of the capsules for the coffee machine you buy is within your budget, as in the long run, we spend more on capsules than on the machine itself.
  • A good capsule coffee machine should brew quality coffee, as coffee is the main reason most people buy a coffee machine.
  • Compare the design of each brand and model until you find the one that best suits your style and the decor of your kitchen or where you will place it.
  • Look at those accessories or extra functions which, although we do not always value when making our purchase, serve to distinguish or highlight one particular model over another.

The best pod coffee machines brands

Many look for a ranking of the best capsule coffee machines without looking in much more detail at the differences between the different machines. If you are one of these people, we have prepared our top 3 best capsule coffee machine brands:

  1. Nespresso
  2. Dolce Gusto
  3. Tassimo

Top 1. Nespresso pod coffee machines

Nespresso is undoubtedly the world leader in the capsule coffee machine market, and they need a little introduction at this stage. Nespresso capsule coffee machines are characterised above all by the fact that they only have coffee drinks without milk and by the quality of their blends and roasts.

Currently, 9 models of the OriginalLine range and 3 models of the VertuoLine are available for sale (in the official shop). There is a wide range of prices, from 100 pounds to 750 pounds:

  • Pixie – £169 (Amazon price – £120)
  • Citiz – £189 (Amazon price – £159)
  • Citiz & Milk – £189 (Amazon price – £214)
  • Latissima One – £239 (Amazon price – £239)
  • Gran Latissima – £399 (Amazon price – £389)
  • Atelier – £419 (Amazon price – £363)
  • Creatista Uno – £429 (Amazon price – No stock)
  • Creatista Plus – £529 (Amazon price – £374)
  • Creatista Pro – £729 (Amazon price – £699)
  • Vertuo Next – £99 (Amazon price – £80)
  • Vertuo Plus – £199 (Amazon price – £94)
  • Vertuo – £219 (Amazon price – No stock)

Check out this article for an in-depth comparison of all Nespresso models.

Top 2. Dolce Gusto pod coffee machines

The other brand that stands out in the capsule coffee machine market is Dolce Gusto. These coffee machines are more casual and less ambitious than Nespresso, with more contemporary and fresh styles.

Their main feature is that they can be used to prepare hot or cold drinks, and the different models are divided into two groups: manual and automatic. Here you can find out more about them: Differences between manual and automatic Dolce Gusto coffee machines.

Dolce Gusto does not sell its coffee machines directly but through different physical and online shops. Thanks to this, the variety of models you can find is very large, and the prices are very competitive. Check out this article where we compare all their models.

You can find Dolce Gusto coffee machines as cheap as a manual Piccolo XS for £29 on Very.co.uk or a Genio S for £70 on Amazon.co.uk.

Top 3. Tassimo Bosch pod coffee machines

Tassimo capsule coffee machines occupy the third step on this imaginary podium of the best single-serve coffee machine manufacturers.

Their simplicity and super low prices characterise them. The MyWay model (£68 on Amazon) is a bit more advanced and has some extra options, but basically, it is very similar to the others:

All Tassimo capsule coffee machines are manufactured by Bosch (as well as their accessories) and are equipped with the Intellibrew system: a barcode reader on each capsule tells the machine the exact amount of water to use for each brew.

Related: Differences between Tassimo coffee machines

Coffee pod formats and their compatibilities

We will deal with a subject that confuses many users, especially those new to the world of capsule coffee machines.

The brands of coffee machines are one thing, and the formats of the coffee capsules they use are another. Each brand uses a particular capsule format; some are proprietary, some are not, and not all have compatible or refillable brands.

BRANDARE THERE REFILLABLE PODS?ARE THERE COMPATIBLE PODS?
NespressoYesYes
Dolce GustoYesYes
TassimoYes (New)No
Table of compatibility of the main capsule formats

Coffee pod adapters for every coffee machine

Often users, especially newcomers, are determined to defy the laws of logic and the market, trying to make the impossible a reality.

This happens when they wonder whether coffee capsules from one machine work in another. No, the formats of each brand are independent and incompatible.

What does exist, and only in some cases, are adapters that allow us to artificially use coffee capsules in a format that is not our coffee machine.

NOTE: Check the adapter’s specifications when you want to buy one.

The best models of capsule coffee machines

Choosing the best capsule coffee machine is very subjective, but based on our knowledge and experience, we have created this small ranking:

Dolce Gusto Infinissima

Thanks to their durability, design and price, we must highlight some Dolce Gusto models among the best capsule coffee machines.

Although the Infinissima model (manual and automatic) has been on sale for over 4 years, it is fair to say that it has proven to be an all-rounder.

With a super modern design, a large water tank capacity and an unbeatable price, it is high on our list of favourites.

Nespresso Lattissima

A list of the best capsule coffee machines on the market must include Nespresso coffee machines because Nespresso is known for the highest quality coffee machines and for having the best range of capsule coffees of all brands.

But since not everyone likes espresso coffee, the Nespresso Lattissima coffee machine is the ideal choice for those who like to enjoy their coffee with a nice, smooth, thick, creamy milk froth.

The main feature of the Nespresso Lattissima lies in its fresh milk storage compartment, where the frother is used to make the precious froth instantly and add it to our rich espresso in a matter of seconds.

A pleasure now within everyone’s reach. In addition, its water tank has a capacity of 0.9 litres and includes all the usual features of Nespresso coffee machines (automatic capsule ejection, removable drip tray, 19 bar pressure).

Tassimo Happy

The Tassimo Vivy 2 is an incredible coffee machine, as the user can enjoy coffees as delicious as Nespresso but with a coffee machine that costs just £39.99.

Apart from espresso or American coffees, Tassimo offers a wide range of milk and chocolate drinks. With Vivy 2, the whole family can enjoy delicious drinks at the touch of a button.

It is also a very light, quiet and well-designed coffee machine. Thanks to the multiple colours you can buy, it will go unnoticed in your kitchen. Believe me when I tell you that I couldn’t find mine one day.

To buy any Tassimo coffee machine, we recommend you visit the official store, where prices are usually lower and come with promotions with coffee capsules.

Nespresso Creatista Plus

What is the best Nespresso capsule coffee machine? Well, without a doubt, it is the Creatista Plus, and what’s more, it is the best capsule coffee machine on the market. Although it is much more expensive than any other, its possibilities, functions and qualities are unparalleled in today’s industry.

nespresso creatista coffee machine

This spectacular machine is the successor to the Nespresso Maestria and is made by Sage.

It is a coffee machine with 19 bars of pressure for the best possible espresso. In addition, it adds professional features that will leave you open-mouthed and satisfy even the most demanding coffee lovers.

The previous candidates are also excellent choices, but the Nespresso Creatista Plus takes the top spot hands down when it comes to quality coffee machines.

Pod coffee machines and their reference prices

The prices of capsule coffee machines vary widely depending on the brand and, above all, the model. The simplest capsule coffee machines can be found for 30-50 pounds, but the most complex ones can cost several hundred pounds.

For reference, the following table can be used:

  • Basic range pod coffee machines: up to 60 pounds.
  • Mid-range pod coffee machines: between 60 and 100 pounds.
  • High-end pod coffee machines: over 100 pounds in price.