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9 best affordable pod coffee machines for a quick and easy cuppa
Because you don’t need to be a connoisseur to make a great brew
If you find all-nighters and early starts impossible without a steaming cup of freshly made coffee, it’s high time you invested in a pod machine. They’re the real MVP when it comes to whipping up quick and easy brews, shaving minutes off your morning routine — all you do is pop a pod in the top, push the button, grab your mug and go.
Most pod machines have an automatic milk frothing function (great for making cappuccinos) while other brands offer milk frothing accessories to buy separately. The pod capsules also come separately, making it easy to try all the different flavours before deciding your favourite. They’re now easily recyclable too, making them more eco-friendly — music to our ears!
Ready to take the plunge into the world of pod coffee machines? To help you find the ideal coffee companion, we tried and tested a range of the best pod machines to see which ones are worth buying.
Here are the models we rate:
- Best pod coffee machine: Opal One Nespresso Pod Machine
- Best for smaller kitchens: De’Longhi Nespresso Lattissima One Coffee Machine
- Best looking pod coffee machine: Smeg Lavazza Modo A Mio Coffee Machine
- Best value pod coffee machine: De'longhi Nescafé Dolce Gusto Genio
- Best for reusable cups: Nespresso Vertuo Next Coffee Machine by Magimix
- Best for coffee connoisseurs: Dualit 3 in 1 Espressivo Coffee Machine
- Best for a sweet tooth/best budget pod coffee machine: Tassimo By Bosch My Way 2 Pod Coffee Machine
How do pod coffee machines work?
Nothing can compare to the ease of barista service at your favourite coffee shop, but pod coffee machines come close. They won’t spell your name wrong either (looking at you, Starbucks).
There are three types of machine: bean-to-cup, espresso and pod. Pod machines are easier to use than bean-to-cup models because you don’t have to faff around grinding your own beans, and they’re simpler than espresso machines as you don’t need to weigh out and tamper your coffee grounds.
Instead, pod machines make single-serve coffees using, you guessed it, pods. While many models will have a few variable settings, letting you tinker with the drink-making process until it’s truly *chef’s kiss* bellissimo, the process is largely automatic.
To use a pod machine, you’ll need to insert a pod into a designated slot, close the lid (piercing the pod) and select a programme. The machine then pushes water through the pod to extract the coffee. Most models also include an automatic milk frother, if you’re partial to a creamy cappuccino or latte.
In summary, pod machines deliver consistent results quickly and efficiently, meaning you can enjoy your go-to brew on the reg with minimal fuss.
How much should I pay for a pod coffee machine?
Thanks to their simplicity, pod coffee machines tend to be cheaper than their bean-to-cup counterparts, and most espresso models too. The ones we featured below cost between £79 and £200, with the most expensive models offering more control over variables such as extraction, milk texture and temperature.
Our winner (the Opal One Nespresso Pod Machine) will set you back £130. For that comparatively modest price tag, you can enjoy consistently delicious coffee in minutes, all at the touch of a button.
How we test pod coffee machines
Don’t get us wrong, we love a cuppa, but this test called for a true-blue coffee connoisseur. So, we asked our expert tester to whip up a range of drinks with each machine and judge their taste, aroma, body and crema quality.
These are our favourite coffee pod machines.
If you’re a fan of flavour, stop scrolling. This is the pod coffee machine for you. It delivered a great tasting shot of espresso every time and dealt with speciality pods from smaller roasters well.
You can adjust the brewing temperature too, giving you that bit more control over your coffee. It was really easy to use, had a premium feel to it, and the sleek, compact design easily fits onto most kitchen worktops.
It doesn't have an adjustable cup stand, but it makes up for this by having a dispenser spout that can be lowered to suit different cup sizes.
Key specs
Water tank capacity: 0.8 litres
Milk frother: No
Pod type: Nespresso
Programmes: Espresso, lungo (double espresso)
De'Longhi De'longhi Nescafé Dolce Gusto Genio S Plus Automatic Machine
Want a Starbucks without having to actually leave the house? Yep, us too. With this Amazon deal you can get the De'Longhi Dolce Gusto machine with three boxes of Starbucks coffee pods included in the price.
A caramel macchiato without having to put on a pair of shoes? We're sold.
The compact design means it won't take up too much space on your kitchen counter and it will automatically switch off after one minute of inactivity.
Key specs
Water tank capacity: 1.0 litres
Milk frother: No
Pod type: Nescafé Dolce Gusto pods
Lavazza Desea Pod Coffee Machine with Milk Frother
This machine is a bit more on the pricey side but it offers a lot, most importantly the inbuilt milk frother which most machines are lacking.
It heats up quickly, so there's no waiting around for that first cup of coffee in the morning. Right now you can save £60 on the machine during the AO sale.
Key specs
Water tank capacity: 1.1 litres
Milk frother: Yes
Pod type: Lavazza A Modo Mio
Programmes: Espresso, lungo (double espresso), cappuccino, latte macchiato
A coffee machine and an Alexa device all in one? Yeah, we're intrigued. By using the voice control system you can ask for your favourite coffee without having to press any buttons. You can also customise the strength and length of your espresso just using your voice too.
This coffee pod machine is currently on sale 63% off, but you will need to buy the pods separately.
Key specs
Water tank capacity: 1.1 litres
Milk frother: No - optional extra
Pod type: Lavazza A Modo Mio espresso pods
Programmes: Espresso and lungo (double espresso)
Lavazza Smeg Lavazza Modo A Mio Coffee Machine
With its customary retro 50s design, Smeg products could easily blend into the set of Grease. And this pod machine preps tasty espressos in lightning (sorry not sorry) quick time.
It has a premium feel to it and consistently produced delicious drinks, with our tester detecting well-balanced toasty aromas. Also, with the ability to pull multiple shots at once, it’s able to cater to a crowd – so, if you and a few friends enjoyed a heavy night, it won’t take long to serve up some fail-safe hangover cures the next morning.
Key specs
Water tank capacity: 0.9 litres
Milk frother: No - optional extra
Pod type: Lavazza A Modo Mio espresso pods
Programmes: Espresso and lungo (double espresso)
Nespresso Vertuo Next Coffee Machine by Magimix
When you’re buying from a brand like Nespresso, you know you’re paying for a quality coffee-maker. It also has a history of twinning with tech firms to produce stylish, long-lasting machines, which bodes well!
Our expert tester summed this model up as ‘simple, easy to use and trusty’ (high praise indeed!) and they also liked the fact that the machine is made from 54% recycled plastic. There's no base under the dispenser, but this is no bad thing. As the cup holder is fully removable, you can fit all sorts of containers under there, including large reusable cups.
It might not offer much control over the brewing process for those of you who are a bit particular about your hot drinks, but its ability to deliver a consistently delicious brew was never in doubt.
Key specs
Water tank capacity: 1.1 litres
Milk frother: No
Pod type: Vertuo
Programmes: Espresso, lungo (double espresso)
Bosch Tassimo by Bosch My Way 2 Pod Coffee Machine
If your Costa order inevitably has servers reaching for the syrups, you could probably save yourself some money in the long run by splashing on the My Way 2.
It’s the cheapest option on our list, and one of the best when it comes to practicality, making a variety of drinks including hot chocolates and caramel lattes at double-speed. However, our expert taster felt the espresso lacked full depth of flavour, so coffee purists might want to look elsewhere.
Key specs
Water tank capacity: 1.3 litres
Milk frother: No
Pod type: Tassimo
Programmes: Espresso, tea, latte, cappuccino, hot chocolate
Nespresso Lattissima Touch EN560 Coffee Machine by De'Longhi
OK, so it’s at the top end of our budget, but don’t rule this one out just yet. The versatile De’Longhi makes a great espresso, as well as several milk-based drinks, with the shots we pulled having noticeable cacao notes. It’s also nice and small, so won’t dominate your kitchen.
Our only complaints were that we weren’t quite convinced by the consistency of the milk in our lattes and cappuccinos, and you can’t choose how strong you want them. Our advice: if you’re really sleepy, make another shot of espresso and add it yourself for an extra caffeine kick.
Key specs
Water tank capacity: 1 litre
Milk frother: Yes - automatic frother
Pod type: The Original Nespresso pods
Programmes: Espresso, large espresso, cappuccino, macchiato
Dualit 3 in 1 Espressivo Coffee Machine
Yes, it’s eye-wateringly expensive. Now we’ve got that out of the way, it’s time to explain why. This machine can brew coffee from Nespresso pods, Easy Serving Espresso (ESE) pods and coffee grounds (hence the name). This extra choice makes the pod brewing process a touch more complicated, which means it takes a little bit longer. However, if you’re a card-carrying coffee club member, the ability to whip up a scrumptious cup from grounds is a lot of fun.
We found the steam wand to be too short and close to the machine, making it hard to get the velvety texture we wanted while frothing. But this model does come with detailed instructions and drink preparation tips to help you get the most out of each brew.
Key specs
Water tank capacity: 1.5 litres
Milk frother: Yes - steam wand
Pod type: Nespresso and Dualit’s compostable capsules
Programmes: Latte, cappuccino, espresso
Harry’s news reporting has been published in over 70 newspapers across the UK. Now, he specialises in home appliances, health and fitness, bringing you reliable reviews on the best homes, sports and nutrition products on the market to help you upgrade your home and training routine.
Outside the office, he has dedicated countless hours to learning about different physical training methods, experimenting with everything from CrossFit to powerlifting.
Jess is our Acting Multiplatform Editor, directing our digital content strategy across all sections and platforms, as well as editing and writing about fashion, entertainment, wellbeing and travel.
Jess joined Red as Deputy Multiplatform Editor in 2023, having spent the previous six years freelancing for a wide range of leading publications, including Good Housekeeping, ELLE, Harper's Bazaar, Esquire, Stylist, The London Standard and The i Paper. Prior to this, she was Senior Culture Reporter at The Independent, covering TV, film and music. Jess has an Interactive Journalism MA from City University London and an English Literature BA from Durham University.
When she isn't busy scouring the new collections, sales and preloved marketplaces for beautiful pieces to add to her wardrobe, Jess can be found binge-watching the latest buzzy series, immersed in a good book, entertaining friends, enjoying live music or planning her next holiday (usually to her favourite Spanish hideaway).
Lydia Venn is Cosmopolitan UK’s Senior Entertainment and Lifestyle Writer. She covers everything from TV and film, to the latest celebrity news. She also writes across our work/life section regularly creating quizzes, covering exciting new food releases and sharing the latest interior must-haves. In her role she’s interviewed everyone from Margot Robbie to Niall Horan, and her work has appeared on an episode of The Kardashians. After completing a degree in English at the University of Exeter, Lydia moved into fashion journalism, writing for the Daily Express, before working as Features Editor at The Tab, where she spoke on BBC Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour and Talk Radio. She has an encyclopedic knowledge of Gilmore Girls and 00s teen movies, and in her free time can be found with a margarita in hand watching the Real Housewives on repeat. Find her on LinkedIn.
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