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Best Pod Coffee Maker UK Reviews 

 January 8, 2024

By  Enda McLarnon

Coffee Pod/Capsule Maker Machines - UK Reviews & Useful Buying Guide

Pod Coffee Maker Reviews

It is amazing how quickly these pod or capsule style coffee makers have become so very popular with UK coffee lovers. Take a walk into any of the big UK department stores, and the shelves will be filled with these types of coffee makers.

It seems that all of the big coffee brands have gotten in on the act. They have certainly flooded the UK market with plenty of choices. If you are thinking about buying a coffee pod style of machine, then you will find this coffee maker guide very useful.

There are however quite literally hundreds of different models available on the market. Although the competition helps drive prices down, it can also make buying a pod coffee maker very confusing. That is why I put together this guide. Hopefully it will make your choice that little bit easier.

Quick Buying Guide for Pod Coffee Makers in the UK

We know that some people will not have time to read this full guide. If you simply want to know the biggest selling coffee pod machine, then we have shown that just below.

4.6/5

DeLonghi Nescafé Dolce Gusto Jovia

With over 12,000 online buyer reviews this is a huge best seller. It has an online buyer satisfaction rating of 92% so clearly very high quality. Delivers coffee shop quality coffee with 40 varieties of hot and cold drinks. Can quickly make espresso, cappuccino, latte and more.

Quality

The coffee pods are sealed after the roasted coffee has been ground, to deliver a delicious aroma and full flavour. Widely available in supermarkets.

Ease of Use

This machine is very easy to use and clean, simply pop in a pod and free the flavour. All the coffee grinds stay in the pod so there's virtually no cleaning either.

Cost

Usually available online between £45-50 this is about the average price you will pay for this type of coffee pod/capsule machine, and good value for money.

If you have time to read more information, then below you will find a longer list that includes the top 10 pod/capsule coffee makers in the UK. Three brands dominate this type of coffee machine in the UK market and those are:

  • Bosch Tassimo
  • Nescafe
  • Nespresso

All the models from these machines have at first glance recommended retail prices (RRP) of around £80-150. In reality though most of them are available either online or on offer in the big retail stores at around £40-75.

Our advice is to shop around and you will get a really good deal on these small and compact machines.

Top 10 Buyer Rated Pod/Capsule Coffee Machines UK

Here is the Top 10 List: If you click on the product name, it will take you to a mini review where you can read more information.

The buyer satisfaction rating is scored out of 100%, and is the average buyer rating awarded to the product by real life buyers, who have taken the time to leave a rating and a review. We then worked out the average score.

We have also included an average online price which of course can change, so always check before buying.

  1. De'Longhi Nescafé Dolce Gusto Mini Me with 6 boxes of Coffee Pods
  2. TASSIMO Bosch My Way 2 TAS6502GB Coffee Machine
  3. Nespresso Essenza Mini Coffee Machine)
  4. TASSIMO Bosch Happy TAS1002GB Coffee Machine
  5. DeLonghi Nescafé Dolce Gusto Jovia Pod Capsule Coffee Machine
  6. TASSIMO Bosch Vivy 2 TAS1407GB Coffee Machine
  7. Nescafe Dolce Gusto Oblo Coffee Machine by Krups
  8. Nespresso Pod Coffee Machine, Krups, Vertuo Plus
  9. DeLonghi Nescafé Dolce Gusto Infinissima Pod Capsule Coffee Machine
  10. De'Longhi Lattissima One Capsule Coffee Machine 

So that is our top 10 list. As you will see below they vary quite a lot in both style and in price. It is we think most important to understand why there is so much variation.

That is when making your selection can get quite complicated. Hopefully we can make that choice a little clearer. Just below we have created 12 summary reviews so as you can quickly see the key features at a glance and some information from Amazon UK.

My Pod Machine Top Picks

1. De'Longhi Nescafé Dolce Gusto Mini Me

DeLonghi Nescafé Dolce Gusto Mini Me Pod Capsule Coffee Machine, Espresso, cappuccino and more, EDG305.WB,

This is a compact machine that comes with six boxes of pods included that help get you started. It is very easy to use as all you need is some water and the pods. It is also easy to clean as all the coffee grounds stay in the pods there is no mess. It has an adjustable drip tray suitable for all cup sizes. This is very good value for money in a very sleek design. So far, it has over 4,000 online reviews and one of the highest buyer satisfaction ratings.


Check Amazon UK

4.6 of 5 stars

PROS

  • 74% of all buyers gave this model a full 5 star review
  • Buyers loves the value that this kit offers
  • Buyers liked the "mini" size
  • Buyers said the pod is designed with set amount of water to make the perfect drink
  • Buyers say it is great for anyone who lives alone

CONS

  • 5% of all buyers gave this model a poor review
  • A couple of buyers said it is just too small

2.TASSIMO Bosch My Way 2 TAS6502GB Coffee Machine

TASSIMO Bosch My Way 2 TAS6502GB Coffee Machine, 1500 Watt, 1.3 Litre - Black

This model also gets fantastic buyer online ratings of 96% buyer satisfaction. It is available in 8 different colours. With this model you can set the intensity, size and strength as you like it.

It also uses BRITA MAXTRA+ water filtration technology and can make over 40 big-brand drinks. It has a 1.3 litre removable and easy fill water tank.

The good news is this machine has an auto-clean that occurs between drinks which prevents flavours mixing between cups. Comes with a 2 Year Guarantee.

Check Amazon UK

4.8 of 5 stars

PROS

  • 86% of all buyers gave this model a full 5 star review
  • Buyers say it is the quietest machine they have ever used
  • Buyers said it has a sturdy build with a nice smooth opening T-Disk tray

CONS

  • 2% of all buyers gave this model a poor review
  • A couple of buyers said it is just too small

3. Nespresso Essenza Mini Coffee Machine

Nespresso Essenza XN110840 Mini Coffee Machine by Krups, Piano Black

This model has a compact design and is made from stainless steel. It has 2 programmable options for espresso or lungo with and automatic flow-stop. It also has a 19-bar high-performance pump and fast heat-up in only 25 seconds. The cable length is 0.8 metres, and it also has a low energy use mode that auto-starts after 3 minutes, with an automatic off function after 9 minutes.

Check Amazon UK

4.6 of 5 stars

PROS

  • 83% of all buyers gave this model a full 5 star review
  • Buyers loves the taste of the coffee
  • Buyers liked the small compact size
  • Buyers said this heats up very quickly
  • Buyers loved the crema this model makes

CONS

  • 2% of all buyers gave this model a poor review
  • A couple of buyers would have liked a larger water tank

4. TASSIMO Bosch Happy TAS1002GB Coffee Machine

TASSIMO by Bosch HAPPY TAS1002GB Coffee Machine, 1400 Watt, 0.7 Litre - Black

This model has over 4,000 online reviews so a very popular choice and a high 94% buyer satisfaction rating. Available in a wide range of colours. This model has a simple one touch operation and no heat up time. It is nice and compact and can make over
70 drinks from 11 well known brands. It also has a transparent and easily removable 0.7 litre water tank. It comes with a 2 Years Manufacturer Warranty

4.7 of 5 stars

5. DeLonghi Nescafé Dolce Gusto Jovia Pod Capsule Coffee Machine

DeLonghi Nescafé Dolce Gusto Jovia Pod Capsule Coffee Machine, Espresso, Cappuccino, Latte and more,EDG250.B, 0.8L, Black

This model remains the biggest seller on line and has over 11,000 online buyer reviews and a high 92% buyer satisfaction rating. It is very good value for money.

It has a 15 bar pump pressure for coffee shop quality and can make over 40 varieties of hold and cold drinks. It is super easy to use and clean. The pods are readily available in supermarkets and online. It comes with a 2 year guarantee.

Check Amazon UK

4.6 of 5 stars

6. TASSIMO Bosch Vivy 2 TAS1407GB Coffee Machine

TASSIMO Bosch Vivy 2 TAS1402GB Coffee Machine, 1300 Watt, 0.7 Litre - Black

This machine is a huge seller for Bosch Tassimo and has over 5,000 online reviews and a very high buyer satisfaction rating of 92%. Available in 3 colours.

This machine can make over 70 drinks from 11 well known brands. It has a simple one touch operation and no heat up time. It has a 0.7 litre water tank and comes with 2 Years Manufacturer Warranty.

Check Amazon UK

4.6 of 5 stars

7. Nescafe Dolce Gusto Oblo Coffee Machine by Krups

Nescafe Dolce Gusto Oblo Coffee Machine by Krups - Black

This model has a very unique design and many buyers prefer this style. It has over 2,000 online buyer reviews and a high 92% buyer satisfaction.

This machine has a 15 bar pump pressure for coffee shop quality, and can make over 30 varieties of hot and cold drinks. It is very easy to use and clean, and comes with a 2 Year Guarantee. The good news is the pods are available in supermarkets and online.

Check Amazon UK

4.6 of 5 stars

8. Nespresso Pod Coffee Machine Krups Vertuo Plus

Nespresso Vertuo Plus XN900840 Coffee Machine by Krups, Black & Chrome

This model has a unique style. With over 600 online buyer reviews this one has a 90% buyer satisfaction rating. This model has a one-touch operation, can prepare four cup sizes and comes with a welcome set with 12 large Nespresso VertuoLine capsules.

It has features such as automatic opening and closing of the machine head and a moveable 1.7 litre water tank. It also has a used capsule container.

Check Amazon UK

4.5 of 5 stars

9. DeLonghi Nescafé Dolce Gusto Infinissima

Nescafé Dolce Gusto KP170140 Infinissima Coffee Pod Machine by Krups, White

This model has a compact design and is made from stainless steel. It has 2 programmable options for espresso or lungo with and automatic flow-stop.

It also has a 19-bar high-performance pump and fast heat-up in only 25 seconds. The cable length is 0.8 metres, and it also has a low energy use mode that auto-starts after 3 minutes, with an automatic off function after 9 minutes.

Check Amazon UK

4.5 of 5 stars

10. Nespresso Lattissima One Capsule Coffee Machine

Nespresso Lattissima One Automatic One touch Pod Coffee Machine with Integrated Milk Frother for Espresso, Cappuccino and Latte by De'Longhi in White

This is a higher end and more expensive model. It is very easy to make cappuccino and latte macchiato at the touch of a button. It has a 19 bar pressure pump system and heats up in 25 seconds.

It also has 3 beverage backlit buttons to choose your favourite drink: espresso, lungo and a milk recipe which delivers 40 ml of coffee and either 135 ml or 330 ml of frothed milk.

Check Amazon UK

4.6 of 5 stars

Who Does or Should Buy a Coffee Pod Machine?

The entire purpose, and growing popularity of these pod or capsule machines comes down to speed and convenience. Millions of people throughout the UK love their coffee. As you can see on the High Street, coffee shops have popped up just about in every city, town and village in the UK.

They have introduced to the United Kingdom a whole range of coffee options. The days of simply cracking open a jar of instant coffee are long gone. Today people want coffee shop quality in their homes and kitchens.

coffee shops in the UK

A guaranteed way of having this quality of coffee is to own a coffee machine. However, setting those up and then cleaning up afterwards, is something some people don't have the time for. They do make fantastic coffee of course, but there is some work involved.

With a pod or capsule coffee maker, the work all but disappears. You put water into the machine, insert a capsule or pod, hit a button and get your coffee. It truly does not get any more easy or convenient than that.

That makes this type of machine ideal for:

  • Those who like their coffee first thing but don't have much time
  • Coffee lovers who want a quick and handy way to make great tasting coffee
  • For those who want good quality coffee in the office
  • For those who want an extra coffee machine in the house for a quick cup

So there are plenty of consumers who know and appreciate the convenience of having a pod style machine in the home or their office.

Pods vs Capsules vs Discs

You will hear these machines referred to as either pod, disc or capsule coffee makers. They are essentially the same thing. Different brands simply call them different names. These are the small sealed units that contain the coffee. You will insert one of these into your chosen machine. That pod or capsule will then be punctured, and that allows the coffee to be brewed.

The pod or capsule is specifically made for each machine or brand. It is not a one size fits all type of choice. For example should you go with a Bosch Tassimo machine, then you need to buy the pods for that machine.

So you can see that this will restrict your choice. if you just want an espresso style coffee, it isn't really a big problem. If however, you wanted different coffee options like cappuccino, latte etc, then you need to be sure that the pod machine you buy, has capsules for that coffee type.

Tassimo T-Discs

tassimo coffee pod selection

Nescafe Dolce Gusto Pods

Nescafe pod flavours

Nespresso Coffee Pods

nespresso pod choices

You can buy all of these in different coffee types and in different pack sizes.

Understand the Costs of Buying a Pod Type Coffee Machine

Cost is of course a very important consideration. There are two main costs involved:

  1. The outlay for the actual machine
  2. The ongoing cost of buying pods, discs or capsules

The main cost will be the purchase of capsules. Once you have bought your coffee pod machine, that cost is basically finished. It is a one-off investment. The prices vary quite a lot from as low as £40 and all the way up to £200. That variance is down to the brand, and also to any additional features that you might want.

Some of these will make two cups at a time and you pay a little extra for that. Others have better pressure systems and you pay a little extra for that. Some have larger water tanks than others and you pay more for that. Others have automatic cut offs etc. So depending on what features you want, the price will go up.

The True Cost of Pods

This is the real cost of convenience. For these machines to work you need a compatible pod. That means you have to purchase these online or at supermarkets. The prices can vary quite a bit. The average cost for a single pod, disc or capsule is about 20-30p. So in simple terms each cup of coffee you make using one of these will cost about 25 pence.

Now that is of course far cheaper than going to the local coffee shop. So overall you will save yourself a lot of money. Just be aware though that these running costs can really add up. If you had 3-4 cups a day, then the costs would be about £25-30 a month.

Enda McLarnon


Enda McLarnon has a Business Management Honour's Degree and applies his professional insight, to analyse and write helpful product reviews with tips and useful advice. I am also a coffee lover and enjoy tasting all of the coffee types the world has to offer.

Enda McLarnon

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