I test coffee makers for a living, and these are my top 3 recommended coffee pod machines from Nespresso and more

Date:
Wed, 21 Jan 2026 15:16:37 +0000

Description:
Choosing coffee pods doesn't have to mean settling for sub-par espresso. Here are the three capsule machines I recommend for your kitchen.

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Opting for the convenience of a capsule coffee machine doesn't mean settling for sub-par espresso. I test over a dozen coffee makers every year, and I've found that pod machines from brands like Nespresso and Tassimo have come a long way in recent years, offering a much wider range of drinks, including speciality coffees as well as interesting infusions and milk-based beverages.

Here I've picked out my three favorite capsule coffee makers, all of which
can make delicious espresso in under a minute, and are compact enough for
even a tiny kitchen.

All of them come highly recommended, but when making your choice, bear in
mind that some coffee pods are more expensive than others, and even if the machine itself is cheap, you might end up paying more in the long run if it only accepts expensive capsules. Nespresso Ninja Prestige DualBrew System Image 1 of 7 (Image credit: Future) Image 2 of 7 (Image credit: Future) Image 3 of 7 (Image credit: Future) Image 4 of 7 (Image credit: Future) Image 5 of
7 (Image credit: Future) Image 6 of 7 (Image credit: Future) Image 7 of 7 (Image credit: Future)

The Ninja DualBrew is brilliant hybrid appliance, and gives you every coffee-making option you could wish for in one chunky package. On the left
you have a traditional-style drip coffee maker, with a programmable timer so you can set it to begin brewing first thing in the morning, and a smart hot plate that keeps your drink warm without stewing it. On the right, you have a capsule espresso machine for making stronger, shorter drinks in an instant, and at the side there's an electric whisk for whipping up cappuccinos and lattes.

This machine uses Nespresso Original capsules (the ones shaped like little
top hats). Nestl no longer owns the patent on this design, so you'll find a huge range of compatible options from big brands and tiny independent coffee roasters alike. Nespresso Vertuo pods (which are dome-shaped) are only available direct from Nespresso. Although there's still an impressive selection, including lots of tasty limited-edition options, you don't get all the third-party options.

It might not be the prettiest machine, but it's packed with thoughtful features. These include a height-adjustable drip tray for the espresso machine, so you can use any cup, and the option to dispense drip coffee into
a travel mug rather than the carafe so you can enjoy it on your morning commute.

It's not perfect (the whisk doesn't heat milk like a steam wand, so you'll need to microwave it), but it's very close.

Read our full Ninja Prestige DualBrew System review Tassimo Bosch Tassimo Finesse Friendly Image 1 of 7 (Image credit: Future) Image 2 of 7 (Image credit: Future) Image 3 of 7 (Image credit: Future) Image 4 of 7 (Image credit: Future) Image 5 of 7 (Image credit: Future) Image 6 of 7 (Image credit: Future) Image 7 of 7 (Image credit: Future)

The Bosch Tassimo Finesse Friendly is (as its name suggests) extremely easy
to both use and clean, and it can make a surprisingly authentic latte macchiato. You can find third-party Nespresso Original capsules containing powdered milk, but Tassimo produces its own proprietary pods full of
long-life milk, which your machine will steam to creamy perfection.

Just fill the water tank, pop your pod in the holder barcode-down (so the machine can read it), place your cup under the dispenser and hit the button. Cleaning the machine is equally straightforward. Just slide the orange maintenance disc out of its slot near the Finesse Friendly's base

The machine itself is the cheapest in this guide, but before you grab one, bear in mind the cost of the capsules. Basic Tassimo T-Pods that only contain coffee are reasonably priced, but more elaborate drinks are decidedly expensive. That's particularly true for drinks with milk, which are made
using two T-Pods each. For example, a pack of Costa Caramel Latte T-Pods contains enough capsules to make just eight drinks, and has a list price of 7.25 (about $10 / AU$15).

On the plus side, T-Pods are readily recycled. In the UK they're processed
via the Podback scheme, and if you order them direct from the Tassimo online store, you'll receive a bag that you can use to collect them in, then send
off for processing once it's full. There are also collection bins at many recycling centers and supermarkets.

Read our full Bosch Tassimo Finesse Friendly review Lavazza a Modo Mio Lavazza A Modo Mio Smeg Image 1 of 7 (Image credit: Future) Image 2 of 7 (Image credit: Future) Image 3 of 7 (Image credit: Future) Image 4 of 7
(Image credit: Future) Image 5 of 7 (Image credit: Future) Image 6 of 7
(Image credit: Future) Image 7 of 7 (Image credit: Future)

This stylish little capsule coffee maker has the smart looks you'd expect
from a Smeg appliance, and would look great alongside the Smeg Mini Milk Frother in your coffee-making corner. Color options include black, white and red, all with a glossy finish and chrome accents.

Unlike the Lavazza A Modo Mio Gusto, which has a built-in milk frothing system, this Smeg-branded coffee machine only makes espresso and it does so very well, producing a rich and well-extracted shot of coffee in less than a minute, and with remarkably little noise. If you want a coffee maker that you can use first thing in the morning without waking the rest of the household, this could be the one for you.

One thing that sets this coffee maker apart from its rivals is the price of its coffee capsules. The A Modo Mio series is all about the beans there are no fancy added flavors or milk options here and the pods are very reasonably priced. They're far cheaper than Tassimo capsules, so although this Smeg-branded machine costs more at the outset, it could work out less expensive in the long run.

The downside is that although the capsules are compostable, they can only be processed industrially, in specific facilities. In the UK they're accepted as part of the Podback scheme, but there aren't many collection points where you can drop them off and individuals can't order their own recycling bags. If there's no drop-off point near you, you'll need to start your own.

Read our full Lavazza A Modo Mio Smeg review

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