Buying a coffee maker was a game-changer for me, especially since a morning cup of Joe feels as vital as my daily multivitamin.

Whilst testing coffee makers and other small kitchen appliances was my job, even I made mistakes when picking, using and maintaining my coffee maker so I've put together this guide to share the 10 things coffee afficionados need to know before taking the plunge for a home coffee-making setup.

If you're searching for the perfect best coffee maker, keep these helpful tidbits in mind and avoid the pitfalls I stumbled into.

Before buying a small coffee maker, consider these tips

When looking for a small coffee maker, there's a lot to choose from. Will a pod coffee maker suit your taste, or are you better off with a single-serve coffee maker? 

What I've learned over the years, both as an in-house appliance tester at Real Homes and a coffee-addict, will help nail down the 10 things you need to know before buying a coffee maker.

1. The color counts

Coffee makers take up valuable kitchen counter space, and will usually remain out for daily use. If you're going to take the plunge, pick one that not only has the functions you want (more on that later), but one that matches or complements your kitchen's aesthetic. You'll thank me for this later!

Luckily, there are many coffee maker offerings on the market, with many running flash or seasonal sales (our monthly coffee maker sale round-up is handy if a small budget is a big factor) and often, each model will come in multiple hues to suit every taste. From classic silver or black, to a range of pastel or jewel hues, whatever machine you pick, definitely choose a color you love. 

If our Beautiful by Drew Barrymore coffee maker review isn't proof that looks matter, we're not sure what will convince you otherwise. Color selections, like Thyme, from Drew's range, are very intentional, say interior designers and can be used as as stylish focal point in your space.

"Dark green, as seen in Drew Barrymore’s kitchenware, brings a grounded elegance to kitchens," says interior design expert Artem Kropovinsky. "Pair it with muted gold hardware in your kitchen for a touch of opulence. Incorporate earth-toned ceramics nearby to balance the depth of the green. And, for a modern twist, mix it up with pale wooden textures and white countertops."

The material of the item matters too. Consider if the appliance's material is easy to clean, easily scratched or scuff (kitchens are super busy, after all), and will it make the rest of the kitchen look glam, or gross? 

If you sneak a peek at my De'Longhi Rivelia coffee maker review, you'll see how closely the sand beige hue matches my fridge panel and that was not by accident!

2. Size matters

Size matters, especially if you're looking to maximize counter top space in a small kitchen. Save yourself the hassle of a return by measuring the dimensions of your counter and the space between your cupboard before you get busy shopping to see what you'll need for the machine itself and the coffee it'll brew. 

Don't forget to consider any clearance above or around machine you might need, as many will require regular water top ups or pod placement on top. 

If you're super tight on space, the Nespresso Essenza Mini we reviewed is the tiniest machine the brand offers and suitable for most small spaces. You can also style a beautiful little bar cart as a make shift coffee station you move in and out of your way as needed.  

3. Machines are customizable

Gone are the days when you had to either settle for the basics, or choose between one type of coffee maker or another. Sure, the simple start-and-stop mechanism was a unique selling point in our Lavazza A Modo Mio Jolie Plus review. 

But if you're on the hunt for the best coffee produced by a pod machine, we enjoyed the 10 brewing options during testing and review of the Morning Machine. For a machine that can do just about anything check out this Terra Kaffe TK-02 automatic espresso machine

You can opt for something low-key, or customize your preferences with helpful features (for example the Nespreso Vertuo Next we tested is Wi-Fi compatible). The coffee-making process can be as simple or intricate as you'd like it to be. 

4. Some coffee makers come with credentials

Unbeknownst to some, the Speciality Coffee Association (SCA) has requirements for brewed coffee quality based on factors such as proper water temperature and brewing time that determine whether or not a machine has met the proper standards. 

Is your prospective machine SCA certified? If not, it's important to see what factors prevented it from reaching this status — and how that will affect your morning cup of Joe. 

It's no biggie to most people, but it's definitely something that stood out in our Technivorm Moccamaster review, Oxo Brew 8-cup coffee maker test, and Zwilling Enfinigy drip coffee maker write-up. 

5. Coffee variety might be limited

A large cup of Joe from your local coffee shop will cost around $5, and more if you fancy a little extra syrup, whip, or want to upgrade to the guest blend. 

Making coffee at home will cost significantly less, even if it means putting in a little bit more elbow grease in your kitchen. Replacing that daily $5 store-bought cup of coffee with a bag of beans or K-cups will be more economical, but there are still costs to keep in mind. 

For example, Nespresso Vertuo makers are bar-coded, which means you're not able to buy alternatives for the machine. Are you willing to stick to one brand, or do you want to venture out of your comfort zone and try new things from time to time?

According to Millie Fender, an appliance expert and our former head of reviews,  buying a machine might mean you have end up having to stick to one coffee brand. She says, "Don't just look at the machine itself, take a look at the range of pods available and see if they sound like drinks you'd like."

If you like to be able to use a few, the best Keurig coffee makers sport more compatibility. 

Amazon coffee pods available offer a lot in the way of diversity if you like to taste test. This is where to buy Nespresso pods when you'd rather stay comfy at home than shop for groceries. 

6. You'll need to commit to cleaning it

Whether you're grabbing a coffee to pop in your travel mug for a long commute, or you're zipping into the kitchen between meetings, your coffee maker needs to be fresh and ready for action to make sure it tastes as good as possible, and to avoid any mold or grime build-up.

Luckily, you can clean your coffee maker with vinegar pretty easily.

Giving it a rinse through when you first unbox it is a must, too. New coffee makers, though they look spic and span, will usually need a good rinse or clean cycle run through it before first use. For what it's worth, this is what happens when you don't clean your coffee machine.

No matter what you opt for, you're going to have to learn how to descale a coffee maker and discern how often your machine requires a little TLC, lest you'd like to sip on some pretty gross java. 

As Chris Clark, founder of Brew Coffee At Home, previously told Real Homes, the signs it's time to descale your coffee maker include less coffee brewed than expected, leaks, your drink tastes bad or metallic, and it takes longer to brew.

Some machines will require a descaling solution, others allow you to use distilled white wine vinegar to get rid of the gross stuff so if you have a preference, read the instructions on cleaning and descaling before you buy it. Most retailers have their product instructions and manual's online for free.

7. The crema might not be real

For some coffee connoisseurs, the small details matter, including the crema. This is the light, frothy part of an espresso that we find at the top of the cup. According to Rachel Thomas, coffee expert at KitchenAid, this sensation happens when hot water is forced through the coffee grounds at high pressure, which ultimately emulsifies the oil of the coffee bean and produces tiny bubbles. 

As demonstrated in our Nespresso Pixie espresso maker review, small coffee makers do give consumers the option to froth themselves — but this particular machine is artificially spun. Does it make a difference? In my opinion, it does. That's not to say that you should be deterred from buying one of the best Nespresso coffee makers.

Overall, be prepared for home-brewed crema to look and taste a bit different to what you'd get in a coffee-shop.

8. There will be noise

Is this machine quiet — like whisper quiet — or is it a bit louder, perhaps what you'd expect when having a conversation? Or, is it so loud that you are going to disrupt not only your whole house but perhaps even your entire neighborhood? 

Don't be *that* neighbor at 6am. 

Usually, manufacturers will list the noise levels in decibels. This decibel level chart by Yale University is a good resource to refer to. Ideally, if you want to stay pals with the people next door, anything above 75 dB (imagine standing next to a piano or having to raise your voice to be heard) should be a no go. 

If you are concerned about excessive volume, my advice is to compare something like an Aeropress vs. French Press as these coffee makers are not only quiet but are also easy to transport.

9. You'll need to regularly dispose of pods or coffee

Although some brands are built with sustainability in mind, getting rid of their coffee remnants can be a challenge. Check whether your intended coffee maker's trash Can can go with regular recycling, or will it require a little extra work? 

For example, for a number of years, 100% of Keurig K-Cup pods have been recyclable, as they're made from recyclable polypropylene (#5 plastic). 

Though polypropylene is accepted throughout the country, that doesn't mean all facilities will accept used K-Cups, so you'll have to venture over to sources like BeRecycled.org to see what is permitted in your area.

10. Not all coffee makers are quick to use

Sometimes we can get a coffee within minutes with a K-Cup. However, other machines might be a tad more complex, as I learned when reviewing the Morning Machine coffee maker. 

Though the results are worth it, sifting through 10 brewing modes on an OLED screen for a cup of Joe might be too much for someone who just wants to make it to work by 9am. 

Consider complexity of machinery and how long you have to whip up your morning brew when buying a coffee maker for use at home.

Meet our experts

So hopefully by now, you're equipped with enough knowledge to buy a compact coffee maker confidently. Next on your to-do list might be to upgrade your drink vessels. These $17 Kourtney Kardashian coffee mugs look stylish and won't burn your hands either.  

Like a good espresso, the Nespresso Essenza Mini proves that the best things come in small packages. And, while the company has recently released several new models with all of the bells and whistles — some of its older machines deserve serious consideration.

On first impression, this compact coffee machine is particularly ideal for space-challenged households because it’s compact enough to easily fit in small kitchens and also finds a home on crowded countertops. It’s also a convenient choice for those who prefer single-cup coffee, as well as people who like the idea of using pods instead of measuring and adding grounds to a filter compartment. After all, Nespresso has gained quite the reputation for making a variety of single-serve coffee makers that deliver hot beverages at the touch of a button.

But just because it’s easy to use doesn’t mean that this coffee maker compromises on quality. After testing the Nespresso Essenza Mini for over a week, these are my thoughts.

Nespresso Essenza Mini review

What I thought of the Nespresso Essenza Mini

If you don’t like complex machines, this small coffee maker is quite simple to use, which also makes it great for beginners. However, the 19-bar high-pressure pump and fast heat-up are hallmarks of Nespresso’s thoughtful designs.

Be advised that you’ll need to use Nespresso’s capsules with this pod coffee maker, and your espresso drinks can’t be customized. Also, it doesn’t come with a built-in milk frother like some of the best Nespresso coffee makers. But for the price, you can’t beat the Nespresso Essenza Mini for a basic machine that makes great-tasting espresso drinks.  

Testing the Nespresso Essenza Mini

Nespresso Essenza Mini specifications

• Dimensions (in): H12.8 x W8.1 x D4.3
• Weight (pounds): 5.1 lbs
• Water tank capacity (fluid ounces): 20.3 fl oz
• Container capacity: 5-6 used capsules
• Voltage: 120 V
• Wattage: 1255 W

Unboxing the Nespresso Essenza Mini

The Nespresso Essenza Mini Espresso Maker was certainly well packaged. It arrived in a brown shipping box (with another Nespresso that I’m testing), and inside of that, a brown, Nespresso-branded shipping box. 

Upon opening that box, there was another Nespresso-branded box with a convenient carrying handle. The molded cardboard inside kept everything in place.

There’s not much assembly required. After taking everything out of the box and removing the protective plastic, I merely needed to attach the drip grid and base and remove the stickers. According to the Amazon page, it ships with a set of 16 Nespresso capsules, and according to the text on the box that was shipped to me, 14 should have been included. However, I only received five capsules.

Setting up the Nespresso Essenza Mini

After unboxing and setting up the Nespresso Essenza Mini Espresso Maker, I familiarized myself with the machine. Even though I’ve tested several dozen coffee and espresso machines, I always read the instructions. But honestly, this one was so user-friendly that reading was merely a formality.

The 20.3-ounce water tank holds enough water to avoid having to refill it every time I want to make an espresso. It’s a removable water tank, which makes it easy to fill, pour out, and clean. After filling the tank with water, I placed a container under the coffee spout, turned the machine on, and pressed the Lungo button to rinse the machine. This is done to remove any dust or debris from the manufacturing process. I repeated this process three times.

Using the Nespresso Essenza Mini

Making coffee

There are only two buttons on the machine: Espresso and Lungo. Since I was making the larger of the two coffee choices, I moved the drip tray/base/grid out of the way and placed my double-walled glass mug (similar to this Bodum pair on Amazon) underneath the spout. After raising the lever on top, I inserted a Nespresso capsule, closed it, and pressed the Lungo button. Since the Nespresso Essenza Mini uses a 19-bar high-pressure pump to extract flavors and aromas, in less than 30 seconds, the system reached the perfect temperature and started brewing.

The corresponding light for the Lungo selection blinked for around 25 seconds, and then the light was steady when it was ready to start brewing. (Had I chosen Espresso, the light for that selection would have followed the same process.) When the machine finished brewing, it had a silky crema layer – which I was not expecting with this model, so it was a very pleasant surprise!

I raised the lever, which ejected the capsule into the used capsule container. It’s not big but can hold five or six capsules before it needs to be emptied. There’s also an eco mode on the Nespresso Essenza Mini that kicks in after three minutes to lower energy consumption. And, after nine minutes of not being in use, the machine will turn itself off.

Cleaning and maintaining the Nespresso Essenza Mini

It’s quite easy to clean the coffee maker. The used capsules were ejected into the capsule container in the machine, which I then emptied (I tend to empty them every day instead of letting them accumulate in the container).

Then I emptied the drip tray and base to remove any water inside and cleaned them and the water tank with a small amount of unscented dish soap (i.e.: Palmolive's fragrance-free detergent on Amazon) and warm water. Using a damp microfiber cloth (like these AIDEA ones on Amazon), I also cleaned the machine’s exterior and wiped it around inside. 

Descaling the Nespresso Essenza Mini

I haven’t had the machine long enough for it to require descaling, but the descaling process takes about 15 minutes. It entails pouring Nespresso descaling solution (available directly from their site) into the water tank and then filling the tank with water up to the fill line. Next, put a container under the coffee outlet, turn the machine on, and press the Espresso and Lungo buttons for five seconds at which time, both LEDs will blink.

Then press the Lungo button and the water tank will empty into the container. The used water in the container is then poured back into the water tank and the cycle is repeated. The final step is to empty the used water, refill the water tank with fresh water, and then run two cycles to rinse all of the solution out.

Good to know

Instructions
The Nespresso Essenza Mini Espresso Maker comes with an instruction guide that covers the brewing and cleaning process.

Color choices
Color choices for the Nespresso Essenza Mini Espresso Maker are plentiful. I tested the piano black color, but it’s also available in Pure White, Intense Grey, Ruby Red, and Lime Green.

Similarly-named models
The Nespresso Essenza by De'Longhi (available on Amazon) is a lighter, more affordable model, but has a larger reservoir. 

Warranty
The Nespresso Essenza Mini Espresso Maker has a limited 1-year warranty against defects in material and workmanship.

Is the Nespresso Essenza Mini right for you?

If you like single serve Espresso and Lungo without the hassle of using coffee grounds, the Nespresso Essenza Mini Espresso Maker is easy and convenient — and the used capsules can be stored in the machine for almost a week before you need to empty it. The compact size also makes it a great option for small spaces — or for anyone who just doesn’t want a bulky machine.  It quickly makes great-tasting Lungos and Espressos, and the silky crema layer on top makes it even more yummy.

Where to buy the Nespresso Essenza Mini

The Nespresso Essenza Mini Espresso Maker is available to purchase directly from the retailer, via their Amazon storefront, or through retailers like Williams Sonoma.

How we test espresso makers

Nespresso sent me the machine and I tested it for several weeks in my house before writing the review. I used the following criteria for the testing process: 

Unboxing: I evaluated the product’s packaging, including how well it protected the product during shipping. I gave bonus points for packaging that is more sustainable, such as including cardboard packing instead of using Styrofoam. 

Operation: When evaluating the machine’s operation, I looked for factors like reliable performance, how long it takes to warm up and brew, and how loud the machine’s operation is. 

Beverage quality: I evaluated how well the machine prepared coffee and espresso, looking for qualities like a consistent brew and a hot temperature. I also considered the different flavors and options available in Nespresso’s capsules. 

Ease of use: I considered how user-friendly the machine is, including the learning curve when using it for the first time and what consumers will experience when using it daily. I also considered factors like how easy it is to insert and remove capsules and to fill and insert the water rank. 

Ease of cleaning: I considered how easily the machine can be cleaned and maintained, including whether components are dishwasher-safe. I also evaluated the descaling process and how easily it can be completed. 

The Nespresso Pixie is the Tinkerbell of tiny coffee makers. It's compact, cute, not to mention magical (especially in the morning). However, unlike this fictional character, this machine will make all your black coffee wishes come true in real life. 

But my main reason for wanting to try the Nespresso Pixie out? Apparently, it's one of the brand's fastest single-cup coffee makers with only a 25-second heat-up time, and ergonomic enough to fit in any small kitchen. As well as delivering short shots in under half a minute, this popular espresso maker can also make longer drinks for those who prefer something closer to an Americano. Plus something in the middle with the automatic flow stop feature.

On looks alone, this small coffee maker means business. I was sent the aluminum option to test, but this baby is also available in an Electric Tritan colorway. Both colors boss the industrial-chic aesthetic, but will it stand up to the bigger coffee makers? Let's find out!

Nespresso Pixie review

What I thought of the Nespresso Pixie

The Nespresso Pixie has a sleek, modern design in a compact shape. For space-challenged households, this coffee maker a welcome alternative to bulkier espresso machines that can eat up a significant amount of counter space and are hard to store when not in use.

In addition, this Nespresso maker provides the level of convenience desired by those who prefer the ease of inserting capsules over measuring and scooping ground filters. The two-button operation provides further simplicity and is appealing to those who don’t want the hassle of learning a complex operating process. But for all of its simplicity, the machine doesn’t compromise on taste or appearance. It delivers a great-tasting shot of coffee, in a stylish design, at a reasonable price. 

Testing the Nespresso Pixie

Nespresso Pixie specifications

• Model name: Nespresso Pixie in aluminum
• Dimensions (in.): H9.3 x W4.4 x D12.8
• Weight (lb): 5.58 pounds
• Water tank capacity (oz): 24 ounces
• Container capacity: 9-11 used capsules
• Voltage: 120 V
• Wattage: 1160 W

Unboxing and setting up the Nespresso Pixie

The Nespresso Pixie Espresso Maker arrived in a brown shipping box (along with another Nespresso model that I’m testing), and inside of that, a brown, Nespresso-branded shipping box. Inside of that box was another Nespresso-branded box with a convenient carrying handle. The machine was certainly well-packaged and included molded cardboard on the top and the bottom to keep it protected and firmly in place. 

There’s also a protective plastic covering covering this popular pod coffee maker. After removing it, I merely needed to attach the drip tray and grid and remove the stickers. The parts of the espresso machine include the drip tray, drip grid and cup support, water tank and lid, and capsule container. The Nespresso Pixie also includes cord storage underneath. After determining the appropriate length, the excess cord can be stored in the channels underneath.

According to the Amazon page, the Nespresso Pixie ships with a set of 16 Nespresso capsules, and according to the text on the box that was shipped to me, 14 should have been included. However, I only received five capsules.

Using the Nespresso Pixie

The Nespresso Pixie Espresso Maker is certainly user-friendly, unlike some single-serve coffee makers with such extensive instructions that I would brew a cup of coffee (on another machine) and then sit down to read through them. 

The 20.3-ounce water tank is removable, which makes it easy to fill with water — and also easy to empty and fill. However, it was probably the only fussy part of the espresso maker. That’s because of the hooks on the back side that have to line up perfectly or the tank can’t be properly inserted.

Many water tanks have some sort of additional support. What makes this process noteworthy is the fact that these fasteners are curved, so instead of inserting the water tank and pushing it flush against the back of the machine, the water tank has to be inserted at an angle for the hooks to go in correctly.

In the course of a week, it took at least two tries each time to successfully attach the water tank. Needless to say, I filled the tank with water while it was in place instead of trying to manipulate the hooks with the added water weight.

Using the Nespresso Pixie

For the first time using the Nespresso Pixie, I filled the tank with water, placed a container under the coffee spout, turned the machine on, and pressed the Lungo button to rinse the machine. This process is recommended to remove any dust or debris from the manufacturing process. Per the instructions, I repeated this process 3 times.

Note: There’s no fill line on the water tank, but that shouldn’t be a problem for most people since you’re only making small quantities of coffee.

If you’re a fan of simplicity, you’ll appreciate that there are only two buttons on the machine: Espresso and Lungo. Raising the lever on top (which looks like a carrying handle for the machine — but it’s not) causes the capsule compartment to open. I inserted a Nespresso capsule, lowered the level, and pressed the Espresso button.

Another impressive feature is how quickly the Nespresso Pixie works. As a result of the 19-bar high-pressure pump used to extract flavor and aroma at the right time, it really did take around 25 seconds for the system to reach the ideal temperature and start the brewing process.

During the preparation process, the light (for Espresso or Lungo) will blink, and then the light will be steady when it’s ready to start brewing.  I was pleasantly surprised to see that the machine also provided a crema layer, albeit an artificially-spun one. The Nespresso Pixie also has adjustable settings. For example, it automatically shuts off after nine minutes. However, the settings can be changed to stay on for 30 minutes.  

Cleaning and maintaining the Nespresso Pixie

Wiping down the exterior fascia and parts

The used capsule container can hold 9–11 capsules before it needs to be emptied. Unlike most espresso makers, the used capsules are visible in the container, which may or may not be problematic to some — but it’s worth mentioning.

Cleaning the coffee maker is quite easy. Since the used capsules are automatically ejected into the capsule container, it’s merely a matter of emptying that bin into the trash. This doesn’t even have to be done on a daily basis since the bin holds 9–11 used capsules (however, I’m the type of person who prefers to remove the used capsules every day).

Every day, I also emptied the drip tray and base to remove any water inside. Using warm water and a few drops of dish soap (i.e: Palmolive's fragrance free detergent on Amazon), I cleaned the drip tray, base, and water tank.  Then, I used a damp microfiber cloth (like these AIDEA ones on Amazon) to clean the machine’s exterior and wipe around the inside of the machine. 

Descaling the Nespresso Pixie

The Nespresso Pixie hasn’t been used enough to require descaling, but it’s also a simple process: Pour Nespresso descaling solution into the water tank, then fill the tank with water. After placing a container under the coffee outlet, turn the machine on, and press the Espresso and Lungo buttons for five seconds at which time. Both LEDs will blink. Then press the Lungo button and the water tank will empty into the container. Once this cycle is complete, Nespresso’s instructions are to take the water in the container pour it back into the water tank, and start the descaling cycle again. The final steps are to empty the container again, refill the water tank with fresh water, and then run two cycles to rinse out all of the solution.

Is the Nespresso Pixie right for you?

The Nespresso Pixie Espresso makes it quite easy and convenient to make Espresso and Lungo without having to use coffee grounds and portafilters. It’s hard to beat popping in a capsule and then ejecting it into the bin. The swiftness with which it brews, as well as the crema layer it produces allow the espresso maker to compete with more advanced and expensive competitors. Another selling point is the compact size, which works well in small spaces.  also makes it a great option for small spaces — or for anyone who just doesn’t want a bulky machine.  It quickly makes great-tasting Lungos and Espressos, and the silky crema layer on top makes it even more yummy.

However, you’re limited in the types of drinks you can make. For those who prefer lattes and cappuccinos, the Nespresso Lattissima One which comes with a single-serve, dishwasher-safe milk jug. It also has an exact milk measurement feature so you won’t waste milk.

Good to know

Instructions
The machine includes a safety pamphlet and a 27-page instructions manual. The manual has detailed diagrams, but the written instructions are very minimal. Additional information would be helpful in some instances, such as in describing the descaling process. Since the instructions are provided in 18 languages and the languages aren’t separated by sections, they are somewhat cluttered. 

Warranty
Nespresso backs this espresso machine with a one-year warranty against defects in materials and workmanship.

Where to buy the Nespresso Pixie

How we test espresso makers

Nespresso sent me the machine and I tested it for several weeks in my house before writing the review. I used the following criteria for the testing process: 

Unboxing: I evaluated the product’s packaging, including how well it protected the product during shipping. I gave bonus points for packaging that is more sustainable, such as including cardboard packing instead of using Styrofoam. 

Operation: When evaluating the machine’s operation, I looked for factors like reliable performance, how long it takes to warm up and brew, and how loud the machine’s operation is. 

Beverage quality: I evaluated how well the machine prepared coffee and espresso, looking for qualities like a consistent brew and a hot temperature. I also considered the different flavors and options available in Nespresso’s capsules. 

Ease of use: I considered how user-friendly the machine is, including the learning curve when using it for the first time and what consumers will experience when using it daily. I also considered factors like how easy it is to insert and remove capsules and to fill and insert the water rank. 

Ease of cleaning: I considered how easily the machine can be cleaned and maintained, including whether components are dishwasher-safe. I also evaluated the descaling process and how easily it can be completed. 

With most coffee makers currently on the market, you just get coffee. Maybe there’s a setting to put it over ice on some, or perhaps you can throw in a hot chocolate pod in others. But the options are limited, to say the least. Unless you're willing to fork out $1,000 and sacrifice a whole load of countertop space (and cleaning time, that is). The Bruvi coffee maker, on the other hand, decided to give you all the options — and how it does it is basically magic. Oh, and it costs $350 and is nice and compact to fit into all kitchens, tiny or gigantic.

As someone who tests these appliances for a living, you could say I have high standards for single-serve coffee makers and pod machines. I’m not going to prioritize convenience over quality, and, if I have to sacrifice flavor just to get a quick cup of coffee, I’m out. Luckily, with Bruvi, I don’t have to. The espresso rivals any I’ve gotten from a manual machine, and it’s so much easier than grinding beans, measuring out the espresso grind, and then tamping it down. It’s quick, easy, and delicious. And the cold brew option! What a dream, especially on hot summer days. It doesn’t come out cold, but it does come out lukewarm, which means it will get ice cold quickly with a few cubes, rather than watering down. A total game-changer.

Here's what else I loved about this coffee maker while I reviewed it at home, using it to get my caffeine fix every day for a couple of weeks.

What I thought of the Bruvi coffee maker

I know I keep going back to its looks, but the Bruvi looks so chic on my kitchen counter. So much so that someone DM’d me on Instagram after spotting it in the background of a photo I posted. They wanted the details on “that gorgeous coffee maker.” It's also a nice and compact coffee maker for smaller kitchens, or if you don't want your appliance to take up a bunch of unnecessary countertop space.

This thing is modern through and through, from its styling to its capabilities. It uses what they call B-Pods®, which deliver 40% more coffee (awesome!), but, even better, the machine reads these pods for auto-optimized brewing. That means you pop in a pod, and, if it’s an espresso pod, Bruvi tells you it can make an espresso or an americano, gives you the size, strength, and temperature options, and you’re on your way. If it’s a coffee pod, you can make hot coffee or turn this baby into an iced coffee maker or cold brew machine — which I’m sipping on at the moment. 

Do note that it's not compatible with Nespresso pods or any other coffee pods besides Bruvi, however.

This machine is also incredibly easy to set up. As in, there's practically no setup. It comes fully assembled so all you have to do is take off a few stickers, pop in the charcoal filter, and run a clean cycle. Then you're good to go. It's also super easy to clean. Plus, thanks to its hygienic brewing system, the only cleaning that's necessary is a quick wipe down with a microfiber cloth if there are any splashes, hand washing the pod bin, drip tray, and water tank every few weeks, and then descaling every two to three months.

Testing the Bruvi Single Serve Coffee System

Bruvi coffee maker specifications

• Model name: BRUVI® Single Serve Coffee System
• Dimensions (in.): H11.5 x W10.2 x D12.6
• Brew Sizes: 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12oz
• Weight of machine: 13.2lb
• Water capacity: 70 fl. oz.
• Voltage: 120 volts
• Pump: 15 bar high-pressure pump
• Wattage: 1550 watts

Unboxing and setting up the Bruvi coffee maker

Unboxing this coffee maker felt a little bit like playing with a set of nesting dolls. The box promised an extra protective experience and, sure enough, it was. There was a box, then another box, then a carton, and then, finally, a tote bag, which held the beautiful new coffee maker.

While I was a little annoyed I'd have to haul all of this back to my recycling bin when I took the coffee maker out of the tote bag, I instantly forgave them. It comes totally set up and assembled. It could not be easier. And, hey, I've used that tote bag for groceries multiple times since. Win-win, right?

I removed a few stickers and popped in the water filter. Once it was plugged in, I ran a quick cleaning cycle, and we were good to go.

How to use the Bruvi coffee maker

The Bruvi is full of options, but they make the whole process so easy and intuitive. First things first, plug it in and fill the water tank with cool, filtered water. Then, pick a pod. There are 12 different coffee pod options available currently, and I tried the Wonderland De la Casa, Wonderland Dancing Spoon,  Mulholland Roasters Colombia (available via Amazon), and Mulholland Roasters Ethiopia (available from Bruvi). Personally, I love a darker roast, so I preferred the Wonderland pods, but my husband, a light coffee drinker, usually springs for the Mulholland pods. 

Here’s where it gets fun. You pop your pod in, and Bruvi ’s auto-optimized brewing scans the pod and presents you with your options. This may sound weird, but there’s something friendly about the touchscreen. Maybe it’s the font, the colors, the icons, the spacing — it all just works and makes for the best experience.

Let’s say it’s 7 am and you choose a Mulholland pod. You want a straight-up cup of black coffee. But you also want it steaming hot and strong, and you want a lot of it. Great. You’ve got all of those options. You can choose ‘Hotter’ to get a 200°F brew, stronger, and 12 oz. 

Now, let’s say it’s 3 pm and you need an afternoon pick-me-up. You choose one of the Wonderland pods, pop it in, and decide that cold brew sounds right. Press cold brew, then maybe decide you want it stronger and low acid. Hit start and your cold brew begins brewing. It will take longer — 7.5 minutes to be exact — given the way the cold brew is brewed at a lower, lukewarm temperature, but it’s worth the wait. And it’s a heck of a lot faster than making cold brew overnight. Don’t expect that cold brew that’s so dark and thick it’s practically a meal, but this will get the job done. It’s impressive, especially considering Bruvi is possibly the first pod coffee maker that can produce cold brew.

Meanwhile, if you want a refreshing iced coffee, that’s brewed using both hot water and cold water, rather than a consistent lukewarm like the cold brew. Again, you can select your size, so maybe you choose a 6 oz. iced coffee so you have plenty of room for icy, frothed milk. Does it get any better for an afternoon coffee? No, no, it does not.

One more note to make on brewing, particularly if you’re making multiple cups in a row, Bruvi has a hygienic brewing system. That means the coffee never actually touches the inside of the brewer and there’s absolutely zero flavor cross contamination.

Making espresso using the Bruvi coffee maker

Making espresso with the Bruvi is super similar to brewing a cup of coffee. Pop in your espresso pod (which, reminds me, I need to reorder ASAP!), then you’re given your options. Obviously, I always go for the stronger option and the 3 oz. option. Bigger is better when it comes to caffeine, IMO.

While there’s little crema, you can’t beat the ease of making espresso with a pod. Most mornings, I’m in a rush (someday I’ll be that leisurely, relaxed morning routine girl — but, currently, not the case). If I can save myself the five to ten minutes it takes to grind beans, tamp, and wait for the espresso machine, I’m in. The flavor is strong and it’s perfect with some frothed milk. Note: You'll need to shop for a good milk frother as there isn't one built in. 

Also, while I didn’t try the matcha latte pods, those are an option, too!

How to clean the Bruvi coffee maker

Every six cups, you’ll need to empty the pod bin. And, while this might seem obvious, both my husband and I made the same mistake the first time we emptied it, so I feel obligated to tell you. Take the drip tray out before you remove the bin. Otherwise, it’ll crash on the floor and startle you. Use this as the opportunity to rinse the drip tray, which takes just a minute and should be done once a week.

Using warm water and mild dishwashing soap (e.g: something like Seventh Generation Free and Clear from Amazon), you should rinse out the pod bin, drip tray, and water tank every few weeks. Never put these in the dishwasher.

Every two to three months, you’ll need to descale the machine. You’ll know it’s time when the americano and 1 oz. icons blink together. Handy.

Because of the hygienic brewing, the Bruvi seems to stay pretty clean. You can unplug and wipe the machine down with a wet microfiber cleaning cloth (again Amazon's great for these), but, despite being bright white, mine still looks as good as new after nearly a month, and it hasn’t been cleaned yet (I’ll let this serve as my reminder that it might be time…).

Is the Bruvi coffee maker right for you?

If you love the convenience of pods, but also truly enjoy the taste of coffee and want a good cup, then the Bruvi is for you. Add in the flexibility of different types of coffee, from a basic cup of brewed coffee to cold brew to iced to espresso to americano, different customization options, including low acid, stronger, and hotter, and multiple sizes, and this is an easy-to-use machine that gives coffee connoisseurs the options they want. 

And, hey, if you love a beautifully styled machine, this is one that will add a modern touch to your kitchen.

If you're not sure whether it's the right coffee maker for you, here are three other pod machines we've tested (and we love):

Good to know

Instructions
The Bruvi coffee maker comes with both an instruction manual and a quick start guide. I opted for the quick start and it got me to my first cup of coffee in minutes.

Warranty
A one-year warranty from the date of purchase is included with the Bruvi coffee maker.

Where to buy the Bruvi coffee maker

The Bruvi coffee maker is available to buy directly from the retailer (use code OMG150 for $150 off), or via their Amazon storefront.

About this review — and the reviewer

We have a set process for our coffee maker reviews at Real Homes. As is the case with all products we review, we match the reviewer with the coffee maker. 

Here are a few things I like to look out for when testing coffee makers:

• Unboxing: We review the product’s packaging how well it protected the product during shipping and how sustainable it is. This might include, for example, how much Styrofoam it contains, as well as how easy the machine’s setup is.
• Operation: How reliably and consistently does the machine perform? How loud is the coffee maker?
• Beverage quality: Considerations are made to the overall quality of the beverages produced. We looked for issues like watered-down beverages and evaluated beverage temperature and consistency.
• Ease of use: In a nutshell, we overall experience of using the machine, including factors like how easy it is to remove and fill the water tank, how simple it is to understand the settings, and how easy it is to fill, insert, and remove the filter holder.
• Ease of cleaning: With cleaning being such an important element of maintaining a machine like an espresso maker, it's important to focus on how easily the components can be removed and maintained for long-term use.

Besties, listen up. It’s (almost) fall, which means that the season of pumpkin spice is once again upon us. Eeek! I’m the OG coffee connoisseur. While I often use a snazzy coffee maker at home, some of my happiest college memories involve sitting in my fave Starbucks with my friend sipping our festively-spiced coffees. While I love a barista-brewed latte as much as the next gal, when you make a daily coffee stop it gets wildly expensive srsly fast.

These days I opt to make my own DIY alternatives (most of the time, anyway), and in case you want to do the same, I've rounded up a selection of all the cutest fall coffee accessories for turning your caffeination station into a fall-inspired one. 

All the cutest coffee-related picks for fall

Coffee pod storage is an absolute essential if you have a machine that accepts capsules. I'm on team #beantocup personally, but nothing winds me up more than seeing cardboard cartridges out or littered on a countertop. I'm not perfect (I've literally spilled the beans while opening a packet), but buying a good single-serve coffee maker is only half the job done in my eyes. 

As a millennial who's dipping their pinky in newer social media platforms, y'all young'uns on TikTok love a bit of restocking and kitchen organization, don't you? Turn on the sound and it's ASMR heaven ripping open plastic packets and cardboard boxes.

So on a campaign to clean up your act, I've scrolled TikTok 'til my thumbs hurt to find the most iconic coffee pod storage out there. There are clear AF acrylic finds, magnetic picks that stick to your refrigerator, and even accessories that clip onto your small coffee maker. All are renter-friendly, and I promise you won't pay more than $45. In fact, the majority are under $25.

What is the best way to store coffee pods?

One rule to always follow is to read the instructions on the back of the box your coffee pods come in. These instructions will tell you how to store your pods and let you know if there's a specific way to stack them. Otherwise, it's pretty much down to convenience as some people can dedicate more countertop space to pod coffee storage than others. If it makes more sense to keep your pods in a cabinet, then do it!

Whatever you do, though, keep them close by to your machine and within easy reach.

Where to store Keurig coffee pods

I spoke with the experts at Keurig find out the best recommended way to store your coffee pods.

"While coffee corner decor is a matter of personal expression, there are certain things to remember to keep your Keurig coffee fresh," says Lindsay Fermano, senior director of brand marketing at Keurig Dr Pepper Inc.

"Most importantly, we suggest storing your K-Cup pods in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight. It might seem intuitive to keep them in the fridge or freezer for freshness, but we would recommend against it. The reason why is simple: Your K-Cup pods will absorb the aromas from the fridge, affecting their flavor."

If you're wondering where to buy Nespresso pods — consider your prayers answered. However, I sincerely hope that you haven't committed that cardinal sin. Because according to my commandments: Thou shall never run out of coffee capsules... ever.

I review some of the best single-serve coffee makers on a regular basis in our test center and essentially get paid to ensure I'm fully stocked up to do my job. But IRL, I get it. One day you've got a cupboard full to the brim then *blink* — you've gone bust. 

Rather than using that jar of powdered coffee you'd swear you'd only use in dire emergencies, here are the best places to get your caps shipped in an "instant." Unlike a supermarket or retailer on Uber Eats, most of these places don't require a certain spend to qualify for home delivery. And a few of them are eco-friendly, too, so you won't need to worry about the effect your coffee habit has on planet Earth.

4 of the best places to buy Nespresso pods

1. Amazon Nespresso pods

As well as Amazon home decor, the online retail giant is generally my go-to destination for everything, including Nespresso coffee pods and other shelf-stable consumables I need quickly without leaving the house. Here, you can shop everything from OriginalLine and Vertuo pods from Nespresso's shopfront to Starbucks capsules made using the same quality coffee beans that you can smell in the shop.

2. Target Nespresso pods

You know you've hit the bullseye at Target. The company stocks its own exclusive Nespresso-compatible brand (Good & Gather) as well as some more familiar products, like Starbucks, so you can replicate shop-bought coffee in the comfort of your own home. Now all you need is a TikTok-famous target rug to finish off your cozy cocoon.

3. Walmart Nespresso pods

Save Money. Live Better. That's exactly what I'm doing when I go to Walmart — Nespresso coffee pods included. Like Target, it has its own Great Value line (which works with Keurig coffee makers) and stock the familiar finds I gravitate to. "Filter" through these for size.

4. Costco Nespresso pods

Though being dragged around Costco by mom and dad was the bain of my life as a child, I legit LOVE this place for wholesale buys.

You could always go direct...

A failsafe way to find Nespresso pods is to go straight to the retailer. Nespresso, Illy, and Grind do some great-tasting options. Each has its own respective pod coffee machine but you don't have to exclusively use a specific appliance to make coffee. 

Where can I buy the cheapest Nespresso pods?

Wondering where you'll find the cheapest Nespresso pods? Well, obviously this depends on the current offers your grocery store has on, but if you're solely wanting to shop online, then we can recommend Amazon and Gourmesso. 

Here are the cheapest Nespresso pods on the market right now, and we suggest stocking up while prices are this cheap.

Where can I buy Starbucks Nespresso pods?

If you enjoy the Starbucks Siren's offering and want to replicate it at home, these are the places to pick up some pods. On average, these cost an average of 50 cents per serving so you're getting your fix for around a 1/10th of a store-bought cup. You're welcome.

• Shop Starbucks Nespresso pods at Amazon
• Shop Starbucks Nespresso pods at Costco
• Shop Starbucks Nespresso pods at Target
• Shop Starbucks Nespresso pods at Walmart
• Shop Starbucks Nespresso pods at Zulily

Where to buy reusable Nespresso pods?

Like the first pick we featured, a durable cap that can be rinsed and reused has its benefits for you and the environment. Generally speaking, it's cheaper to buy ground coffee, and this route opens your palette up to a wider choice of coffee beans from big brands and independents. And, you'll save 365 caps a year if you drink just one cup of coffee a day. 

Where to buy decaf Nespresso pods?

If you're more of a decaf kinda person, then we totally get it. Some of us like to be able to sleep at night while being jealous of people who can drink coffee past noon and snooze all night long. Here's where to get your Nespresso decaf fix:

• Shop decaf Nespresso pods at Amazon
• Shop decaf Nespresso pods at Peet's
• Shop decaf Nespresso pods at Tayst

Where to buy hot chocolate Nespresso pods?

Not into coffee? Hot chocolate it is, because this sweet treat has no age limit. Chocolat chaud, as the French call it, can be customized in so many ways. Flavored pods are available, or if you are a cocoa connoisseur, play around with different percentages to find the right drink for you. From syrups to whip cream, the combinations keep coming. Here's where to buy the sought-after Nespresso hot chocolate pods:

• Shop hot chocolate Nespresso pods at Amazon
• Shop hot chocolate Nespresso pods at Walmart

If Italian is the language of love — then coffee is the drink of romance. At least that's my philosophy once I tried a cup of joe (or should that be Giuseppe) made using the Lavazza Smeg coffee machine.

I mean from looks alone, I'm head over (red-bottomed) heels for this pod coffee machine. This slick Ric(cardo) comes in raunchy Rosso, sophisticated black, or cool cream. Yes, I'm writing this T-1 month from Valentine's Day, but I truly believe that cupid has shot his arrow right into my heart-shaped cup.

A perfect present for a partner, girlfriend ('cause Galentine's Day is just as important), or as an indulgent treat to yourself, this Smeg x Lavazza collaboration is a match made in heaven.

TLDR: What I thought of the Lavazza Smeg coffee machine

One thing that Italians do well is style. So when two famous kitchen brands partner up to produce a coffee machine, you know it's going to be nothing less than *chef's kiss.* Aesthetically, this Italian Job is shaped on Smeg's iconic retro style, featuring its signature curved edges and glossy finish.

This espresso maker is for those who like the nicer things in life. Using Lavazza capsules, you can craft a truly authentic drink that'll transport you to Rome right from the first sip. Price-wise, this machine comes in under £250, which is surprising given that Smeg products are usually far more expensive. 

If you're not quite ready to grind your coffee beans, then Lavazza has you covered. Our panel of testers in our Reading testing center kitchen rated these higher than our usual Nespresso pods. They certainly won the tug-of-war on our tastebuds.

Testing the Lavazza Smeg coffee machine

The Smeg Lavazza A Modo Mio pod coffee machine takes a certain type of capsule, so don't try to insert any old off-the-shelf product. For the purpose of our tests, we decided to use the Lavazza A Modo Mio Qualita Rossa Capsules. You can use other Lavazza capsules with varying intensities, but for reference, ours were a 10/13. From an eco-perspective, all used Eco capsules are biodegradable and can be disposed of in your food bin — though it's best to check with your local council/authority if you're unsure.

The techy stuff

• Model number: ‎18000463
• Capacity: 0.9L
• Material: Chromed metal
• Weight: 4.25kg
• Wattage: 1250W
• Voltage: 220–240V
• Frequency: 50–60Hz
• Automatic shut-off: Yes, 9 mins
• Cost to run (per hour): 43p
• Guarantee: Two-year guarantee
• Dimensions (cm): H29 x W15.7 x D36.6
• Recipes: Espresso, Long Espresso

Unboxing the Lavazza Smeg coffee machine

Revealing the Lavazza Smeg coffee machine is a bit of a Russian doll affair in the sense that the branded box is delivered in another unmarked cardboard box. To our surprise, it was nice to find two packs of coffee capsules in another box (we're not exactly going to mark it down for this!).

Though it's practically put together for you, Lavazza also includes a laminated setup guide, illustrated with pictures and a full user manual.

Once you take the 4.5 kg machine out of the box, you'll notice some pretty standard parts: the main apparatus with the iconic Smeg lettering, a cup grid to position your drinking vessel, a used capsule drawer (for spent pods), and a removable drip tray (to take care of any spilt water or coffee). My tiny bugbear? The power cord is a little short, so you'll need to get this nice and close to a plug socket. Other than that, so far, so good.

First impressions of the Lavazza A Modo Mio Smeg coffee machine

Visually, this machine is the perfect blend of old and new. Despite its '50s style, it comes pretty much assembled. Once you've run a rinse program and filled the tank with drinking water, you can go ahead and insert a compatible capsule and choose between a short (espresso) or long (lungo) drink by pressing one of two buttons on the top of the machine. To make the latter, you will have to remove the drip tray to allow more space for a larger cup. This can be annoying on the first go, but you know what they say — practice makes perfect.

We used some stylish short glasses we found in the cupboard to make our drinks, but if you want to recreate that Italian cafe feel, I suggest adding some Trasparenza espresso cups (which come with cute glass saucers) to your basket, pronto.

How to use the Lavazza Smeg coffee machine

As you can see, it's super easy to slot a capsule in and push the lever down.

You do need to give it a bit of welly — don't be afraid that you'll break it!

Here's a snap of some espresso-making action! The finished product had a decent amount of crema and a flavorful finish. Given we'd tested multiple machines back-to-back for a full working day, this cup was one to remember in terms of its tasting profile. 

Making espresso using the Lavazza Smeg coffee machine

Cleaning the Lavazza Smeg coffee machine

As you can see from above, each part comes apart quite easily, making it a breeze to clean. I advise that you remove the drip tray first to get rid of any water/coffee, then pull out the used capsule drawer. Do have your kitchen bin/food caddy nearby as the punctured caps can be a bit wet and leak over your countertops.

It's always best practice to give the washable parts a good rinse to get rid of coffee stains and any gritty grounds that might have escaped in the process.

The Lavazza A Modo Mio Smeg coffee machine is quite intuitive in the sense that it will alert you when it's time to descale, when the capsule bin is full (it holds six empties), and when the tank is empty and needs refilling with water. Keep an eye out for flashing and solid lights illuminating around the coffee cup icons/buttons.

How to descale the Lavazza A Modo Mio Smeg

1. Descaling the Lavazza A Modo Mio Smeg is easy. All you need to do is fill the tank at the rear of the machine with 250 ml of water and 250 ml of the descaling solution.
2. Replace the lid, remove the drip tray, and place a large cup or container underneath the spout where your coffee would usually be dispensed.
3. Press and hold the two buttons on top of your coffee machine for 3–10 seconds to activate heating mode. This will essentially warm the solution. The lights on top of the machine will blink until this part of the process is complete.
4. To begin the descaling procedure, you'll need to press the espresso button which should now have a solid orange ring of light around it).
5. The machine will expel the solution at a rate of 60 ml (around four tablespoons) per 15 seconds. With our calculations, this means that this step will take around two minutes or six cycles.
6. You'll know when the descaling process is complete when the espresso icon has a solid orange light and the full cup icon has a blinking white light.
7. Next, you'll want to wash the water tank (using washing-up liquid and water) to get rid of any descaling debris. Be sure to rinse it thoroughly!
8. Fill the machine to the max line with fresh water.
9. Press the espresso button to run a rinse cycle, allowing 2 litres to pass through the system.

If you're more of a visual guy or gal — the brand's YouTube video might also help. Of course, before cleaning the machine, Lavazza instructs that it is essential to unplug the power cord from the power outlet socket and wait for it to cool down. And, it goes without saying that water and electricity don't mix. We know it's obvious, but don't immerse or dip the machine in water.

How does it compare to other coffee machines?

If we're comparing apples to apples (or coffee bean to coffee bean), the closest machine to this is the Lavazza Desea A Modo Mio (which we've also reviewed). However, between these two machines, this one takes the top spot for a much more premium look. On the flip side, you can't froth milk with the Smeg version, so you'll need to factor in budget for a milk frother if that's your aim. PSA: The Smeg MFF01BLEU (available on Amazon) is worth saving your pennies for if you like to have your machines match.

If you're after a Smeg espresso maker (without the Lavazza label), consider the Smeg ECF01, which our freelance writer Helen McCue reviewed in November 2022. This does come with a milk frother (and you can switch between pods and ground coffee) but be prepared to cough up a little more for the added convenience.

Should you buy the Lavazza A Modo Mio Smeg coffee machine?

Yes, the Lavazza Smeg coffee machine is a great option if you're wanting to step onto the Smeg product ladder for a pinch of the price. It's also worth noting that you can get the coffee machine for £1 if you take up its coffee subscription offer. In short, you'll need to commit to a certain number of pod deliveries, but if you enjoy the Lavazza capsule range, it'll feel slightly lighter on the pocket (versus £249 out of your account all at once).

Saying that, at the time of this review (January 2023), we saw it on sale for as little as £117.95 in cream and red so it's worth scouring Smeg's storefront on Amazon first.

Alternatives to the Lavazza A Modo Mio Smeg coffee machine

Priced low-high

About this review and the reviewer

Christina Chrysostomou is our ecommerce editor and resident foodie. You're bound to hear from her on a Monday morning telling you about the latest culinary adventure, whether it's trying out a restaurant she'd finally got a reservation for or stumbling across a food market in London or Essex. Her favourite coffee shop is Monmouth Coffee in Borough Market, though if she's in Spitalfields she opts for a spicy Masala Chai from Chai Guys.

Aside from quite literally living and breathing the foodie life, Christina adheres to best practice and knowledge shared within the Real Homes review team. 

If there's one regret I have, it's not buying a good coffee machine like the Nespresso Lattissima One during college. Yes, being a student (in the UK) meant it was legal to spend my disposable income on liquor, but what I would have done for a constant flow of caffeine for those all-nighters and early seminars? 

Making espresso at home is more convenient and less expensive than standing in line at a coffee house every day. Especially when you're already late for wherever you need to be. Admittedly, I did have friends who avoided the at-home experience, citing the mess of grinding coffee beans, inserting them into the portafilter, and cleaning the milk frother. 

However, the Nespresso Lattissima One eliminates all of those excuses. Since it uses capsules, there’s no grinding, tamping, fidgeting with the bar pump, or spilled grounds. And since the milk measurements are precise, there’s no leftover milk to dispose of if you or your roomies just so happened to "forget". The espresso maker is easy to use, and a breeze to clean. If you're looking to invest in your daily delicious and easy espresso, The Lattissima One is truly among the top Nespresso machines... even after you've left formal education. So listen up, and take note!  

TDLR: What I thought of the Nespresso Lattissima One

The Nespresso Lattissima One is ideal for the design-conscious person that wants a pod coffee maker that looks good on their countertop. It’s also an awesome choice for anyone with limited horizontal space since it’s only 6.05 inches wide. Those who like simplicity will enjoy the ease of simply inserting a capsule and pressing a button, for delicious coffee.

Some of us like espresso machines that look like they belong in a coffee house. But this is not one of those massive, industrial appliances. The Nespresso Lattissima One is not only compact and stylish in design, but it also comes in several different colors, including Black (with gray accents), Shadow Black (all black), Porcelain White, and Silky White (with beige accents). If you’re not a fan of stainless steel or black, this espresso machine is available in lighter tones too.

There are two stand-out features. The first is the black window sensor that detects the remaining quantity of milk in the jug. This sensor allows the machine to automatically stop the milk frothing process when the milk jug is empty — essentially acting as a boil-dry protection mechanism.

We also like economical and minimalist one-button design. In short, the length / 'milkiness' of your beverage is determined by how much dairy/plant-based alternative is in the milk jug, so you're in full control, right from the start.

Testing the Nespresso Lattissima One

The techy stuff

• Dimensions:  6.05” W x 12.75” D x 10.07” H
• Weight:  9.3 pounds 
• Pump Pressure: 19-Bar Pump Pressure System
• Heating Prep Time: 25-40 seconds
• Warranty: 2 years

Unboxing the Nespresso Latissima One 

The Nespresso Lattissima One is securely packed (and the drip tray was taped as well) to keep the machine safe during the shipping process. In addition to the espresso maker, the packing contents also include the user manual, a box of 14 capsules, a Welcome to Nespresso folder, and a water hardness test stick.

There’s a detachable water tank (with a lid) on the back of the machine. The descaler pipe is hidden in the descaling pipe storage area in the same location. The used capsule container and drip tray fit on the front left side. There’s also cup support with a grill for small containers.

The Rapid Cappuccino System, which attaches on the front right side, consists of a milk container, with a lid and milk spout.

A box of 14 Nespresso Capsules is included, with a variety of flavors, such as Ispirazione Firenze Arpeggio Decaffeinato, and Ispirazione Venezia. There are also selections from the Master Origins collections (India, Indonesia, Nicaragua, and Columbia), specific Lungo flavors  (such as Linizio Lungo and Envivo Lungo), Espresso (such as Capriccio, and Volluto), and Flavored Barista Creations (like Caramel Crème Brulee, and Cocoa Truffle.

The machine only uses Nespresso-compatible capsules. You can purchase a box of 30 Nespresso Capsules at Amazon for $33.00, which is a little more than $1 a serving, or directly through Nespresso. Other types of Nespresso Capsules are currently 50 for $35, which is more economical.  However, it can still add up if you’re using them every day or if there’s more than one coffee drinker in your home.

Using the Nespresso Lattissima One coffee machine

The Nespresso Lattissima One is easy to use. There are only three buttons: Espresso, Lungo, and milk beverages, so it’s as simple as pressing the button for which drink you want. I love how there is no fumbling around and no learning curve. Also, the machine doesn’t take long to heat up. It’s ready to brew an espresso in 25 seconds and is ready for milk beverages in just 40 seconds.

Making a black Americano

To make a black Americano, I just filled the water tank with water, inserted a capsule, and closed the lid. On the first go, I used the Espresso ispirazione ristretto Italiano (this was a '10' on the strength level) which was a little strong, even for me. The Barista creations Chiaro on the contrary had a caramelly, almost dried-fruit taste which I much preferred. 

Making a latte macchiato

Ironically, while chatting over coffee, my high school friend told me about the time she tried to order a latte in Italy. A latte is a latte anywhere in the world right? Nope. I almost spat out my drink when I heard she didn't add any other words to her order. So, naturally, she was served a cup of milk (FYI: latte = milk in Italian). What she wanted was a cafe latte or a latte macchiato. Here, I show you how to make the latter type of latte.

To make a latte macchiato, I filled the milk jug to the indicated line, inserted a capsule and closed the lid, and pressed the milk button. The Nespresso began to froth the milk into the cup, before brewing the coffee.

Cleaning the Nespresso Lattissima One

Cleaning the Nespresso Lattissima One is easy. Recall that after I insert a capsule to make coffee, I close the lid. Now, I can merely lift and close the lid again to eject the capsule into the used capsule container.  After emptying the container, both it and the drip tray — as well as the water tank — can be removed and rinsed. I can also place a container under the coffee outlet and press the lungo button to rinse it out.  The surface of the machine can be cleaned with a damp cloth.

The Rapid Cappuccino System (milk jug and components) can be disassembled and cleaned in the dishwasher — although I prefer to wash by hand.

Descaling the Nespresso Lattissima One

Descaling the appliance takes a few more steps than most coffee/espresso makers. There’s a descaling alert on the control panel, and the descaling alert will turn orange when the machine needs to be descaled.  Fill the water tank with water and add Nespresso Descaling Solution (the company does not recommend using vinegar). Then, the descaling pipe (which is located at the rear of the machine), is plugged into the steam connector on the front. (The steam connector is where the Rapid Cappuccino System connects to the machine). This will start the descaling process, which takes around 20 minutes. The descaling button will blink orange during the process and then turn white when the descaling process is over.

After placing a container (wide enough to fit under both the coffee outlet and the descaling pipe nozzle) on the drain tray, just press the espresso button to let the descaling product flow through the coffee outlet and descaling pipe. When the cycle finishes, fill the tank with water and press the espresso button again to rinse all of the descaling solution out.

How does the Nespresso Lattissima One compare to similar products?

The Nespresso Lattissima One is on our list of the best Nespresso machines, and it holds its own against the best espresso machines, especially with its 19-bar high-pressure pump (compared to the 15-bar pump on most espresso makers). If you don’t like manual bar pumps, this is a great option, compared to the De’Longhi All-in-One Combination Coffee Maker, the Calphalon Temp IQ Espresso Machine, or the De’Longhi Stilosa Manual Espresso Machine.

If you're not sure if this is the right machine for you, then see below for three alternatives, all of which are equipped with a milk frother. We've listed each one's specs for you to compare with ease.

Is the Nespresso Lattissima One right for you?

If you prefer the ease and convenience of using capsules, the Nespresso Lattissima One is a great choice. It’s also beautiful to look at and doesn’t take up much space on your countertop. One thing to keep in mind is that it only uses Nespresso-compatible capsules, and this can get pretty expensive over time. Otherwise, we highly recommend it.

About this review and the review process

All of our reviews, as in the case of the Nespresso Lattissima One, are based on the real-life experience of using these products at home and in our Future Plc test kitchen.

The products are given to us free of charge and we test them for as long as possible before sending them back to the brand unless we are able to keep them (as we were with this coffee maker). This means that we can continue to use the product, which gives us the opportunity to return to our reviews for updating, so you can keep up-to-date with how it's fared over a period of time.

NGL, when I heard that this machine was called the Nespresso Vertuo Pop, Justin Timberlake and his bandmates were the first thing that, erm, "popped" into my head. And there are some similarities between this pod coffee machine and the '90s boyband.

Like the group, the coffee machine is cute and fun — this, I promise you. Whether you're drinking a cup of joe by yourself or hosting brunch with your girlfriends, you won't want to say bye bye bye to this machine. The thought of having to part with this coffee maker after a short period with it is tearin' up my heart, but when I show you the digital get down on the specs, you'll make this a permanent feature in your home.

TLDR: What I thought of the Nespresso Vertuo Pop

Dear Nespresso Vertuo Pop, (The Nespresso) God must have spent a little more time on you. OK, if another *NSYNC song reference has gone over your head just know this. This coffee machine is the perfect way to add a subtle splash of color into your scheme. Alternatively, if you're into dopamine decorating, this will only add to the good vibes.

Looking at this machine with our tech head on, it's interesting to know that this particular spec comes with Nespresso's centrifugation patented technology for optimum aroma extraction.

In laywoman's terms, what this means is that you can really wake up and smell the coffee. Because they say a large percentage of what we commonly think of as taste actually comes from the sense of smell.

Just look at that green colorway above, I mean who says your best coffee machine has to be tucked away in the kitchen. I say, if you've got it, flaunt it (in the front room, or make it a feature in your home office for a bright touch).

Too often, we look to vases to decorate, but unless you're getting flowers every week or so, these planters can collect dust. Why not introduce something you use every day into your living room scheme (or a nook if you're worried about coffee stains). It's certainly a conversational point when you're pals come around.

The techy stuff

• Product dimensions (mm): H250 x W136 x D426
• Weight: 7.7 lbs / 3.5 kg
• Water tank capacity: 560 ml
• Wattage: 220-240 V, 50 Hz, 1260 W
• Cost to use per hour: 19c / 43p
• Heat-up time: 30 seconds
• Waste basket capacity: 3–4 pods
• Energy rating: A+
• Energy-efficient features: Automatic standby after two minutes without use
• Cord length: 75 cm
• Parts and labor guarantee: Two years spare parts and labor guarantee

Unboxing the Nespresso Vertuo Pop

As reviewers, we're often given samples straight from this source. And while we're super appreciative to have access to these products, sometimes product loans don't come in their original packaging. The good news is that I've heard that the box is delivered with 12 Vertuo capsules, which is a nice touch to get you started.

First impressions of the Nespresso Vertuo Pop

You'll probably have guessed by the TDLR snippet that we're a fan of the range of colors this machine comes in. Yes, it's a little plasticky, but for what it's worth, it's durable enough for day-to-day use. It does take a little elbow grease to lock and unlock, but I'd take that over flimsy mechanics. 

How to use the Nespresso Vertuo Pop

With the Nespresso Vertuo Pop, you can use the dome-shaped capsules to create your drink of choice. At the time of writing this review, you can choose from small, medium, large, and extra-large capsules. Or if we're getting technical, the Espresso (40 ml), Double Espresso (80 ml), Gran Lungo (150 ml), or Mug (230 ml).

Purging the machine in preparation for first use:

Like any machine, whether you've bought it brand new or not, you'll want to give the water tank a quick rinse and the exterior a quick wipe-over. Here, I've put together a three-step guide if you want to hit the ground running.

1. Fill the tank with about a liter of drinking water (faucet is fine for this step). Plug it into your plug socket or electrical outlet and you're almost there.
2. To make sure your machine heats up correctly, close and lock the appliance until the light blinks. This pre-heat process takes around 30 seconds. When the light is illuminated (without the slow flickers), you can move on to the next step.
3. Stick a heat-safe kitchen bowl under the machine and press the coffee cup icon button three times within two seconds to trigger the rinse setting. This program takes about seven minutes to complete, but it's a well-invested seven-minute cycle nonetheless. Again, when the light no longer flashes, the cleaning part is done.

Manually making an espresso in the Nespresso Vertuo Pop

Let's get coffeeing! So you'll want to first fill the tank with fresh drinking water (from the faucet or a water filter). As mentioned, for optimized heating, you'll want to close and lock the machine and give it half a minute to do its thing per steps one and two above. 

Then place your cup on the cup support. You'll then want to unlock and open the machine head (the colorful top) and insert your capsule of choice (dome shape down). Close the head and lock the machine by turning the handle towards the lock sign. Push the button and the nifty Nespresso will get on with doing some pretty neat barcode reading to work out how best to treat the capsule. It'll pre-wet the capsule (fancy), and calculate the infusion time, so all you need to do is work out which biscotti or cookie to serve with it.

If you notice the coffee is about to spill over, push the central button to stop it from overflowing. You can also push the button to manually top up your beverage for a longer drink. Just remember to press it again to stop, otherwise, you're in for a messy sitch.

Initially, we looked a little concerned as the coffee pod extraction seemed to produce a lot of froth, or crema if we're talking shop terminology, but it seemed to settle itself.

To finish, you'll want to unlock the head by turning it to the unlock sign, which will eject the pod into the capsule container.

Taste-wise, the Nespresso Vertuo pods come in some pretty delicious flavors. Fortunately, we found the limited edition Infinite Gourmand Saveur Noisette (roasted hazelnut flavor) capsules developed with French pastry chef Pierre Herme on the free-for-all desk at work. So, in true opportunist style, we nabbed them before anyone else, and it paid dividends.

This was personally my favorite coffee of the day (I don't dare count just how many cups I'd had), but the team noted how hyper I'd been, so the caffeine must have kicked in.

Word has it, they have a toasted coconut flavor, which I can't wait to try for something a bit more exotic. It would totally complement the rice-coconut plant milk I buy from the store. On the menu, there are currently 50 coffees in four cup sizes (three capsule sizes).

Pairing your phone with the Nespresso app

As well as actually using your hands to press the button, you can also sync your machine to the app, so you can make coffee by tapping your smartphone. This is a great feature if you're hosting friends or can't peel your eyes away from that Netflix series before the cliffhanger. Did [insert main character] really just do that? Don't worry, because, in this coffee love story, you're the protagonist.

First, make sure you've got enough storage on your smartphone to download the Nespresso app. My iPhone is full of pet pictures, but I don't need multiple copies in my photo gallery. Go to your settings and make sure Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are on and that you're close to your machine. Once you're in the app and on the homepage, click the coffee maker icon. From there you can follow the instructions on the app.

Make sure you agree to get push notifications from the app. It'll let you know if there's a problem, solve general troubleshooting issues, and show you a step-by-step on how to descale and clean your coffee machine. Oh, and always update the app to the latest version. Nespresso comes out with some cool developments all the time. 

Cleaning the Nespresso Vertuo Pop coffee machine

Cleaning this coffee machine is pretty easy and many of the parts including the water tank, drip tray, and capsule container can be hand-washed. To descale it, you'll need 20 minutes of time.

Rather handily, the machine will give you a mayday signal to tell you when it's time for descaling (spoiler alert: It'll blink three times orange, once white). Nespresso recommends you use its descaling solution which you can buy direct from the company, or via its Amazon storefront. Like the aforementioned rinse process, you'll need that trusty 1-liter capacity container handy to purge the dirty water as you'll be adding 500 ml of water and 1 unit of descaling liquid before locking the machine. 

You'll then want to hold down the coffee button for about seven seconds (it will start flickering rapidly, but don't panic — this is a good thing). I've been restraining myself from another *NSYNC reference, but I can't help it... Dirty Pop!

Once the murky water has been dispensed, you'll need to run a normal rinse cycle to make sure the descaling solution is fully flushed out.

How does the Nespresso Vertuo Pop coffee machine compare to other coffee makers?

When buying a coffee maker, you're also committing to a type of pod. With the older Nespresso machines such as the Nespresso Lattissima One, you get access to a lot of options from coffee brands other than Nespresso, but Nespresso has exclusive rights to create pods that are compatible with the Vertuo line. This means you've got to be on board with Nespresso coffee when you opt for the Pop. 

If you're happy with your Nespresso choice but want to choose the right Vertuo for you, there are a few differences worth noting. The Pop is very similar to the Vertuo Next, just a smaller and less expensive alternative. The main difference we noted was that the Pop didn't always have space for us to place a large mug under the dispenser spout when we made an extra-tall coffee, which is an issue we never had with the Vertuo Next.

The Vertuo Plus is another option from Nespresso Vertuo Plus, which Millie Fender, our head of reviews, tested for a number of months. Millie also tried the Nespresso Pop, but would opt for the Plus due to its easier controls. Instead of having to twist the top into place with the Pop, the Plus has a touch-operated lever that automatically lifts and raises, and there's a button on top that lights up to indicate when the machine is pre-heating and dispensing. 

Should you buy the Nespresso Vertuo Pop coffee machine?

For under £100, you can't go wrong. It's quirky, made from a market-leading brand, and has a versatile range of flavors to suit all tastes. If you're fine with an espresso, double espresso, or Americano, or don't mind adding milk to your drink after, this is one of the best value machines on sale. However, if you're more boujie and prefer a device that can make frothed milk, say bye to this coffee maker.

About this review and the reviewer

Christina Chrysostomou is our ecommerce editor and resident foodie. You're bound to hear from her on a Monday morning telling you about the latest culinary adventure, whether it's trying out a restaurant she'd finally got a reservation for or stumbling across a food market in London or Essex. Her favorite coffee shop is Monmouth Coffee in Borough Market, though if she's in Spitalfields she opts for a spicy Masala Chai from Chai Guys.

The Nespresso Pop was sent to us by Magimix for review. Magimix is a European manufacturer of Nespresso Vertuo machines, and they allowed us to hang onto the Nespresso Pop for a number of weeks before we returned it to them for other people to test.

Sure, George Clooney might root for the Nespresso, but the Morning coffee machine is what I'd imagine David Gandy uses every morning... if he had one of the best pod coffee machines. Anyway, daydream over — you want the deets, I'll give you them.

The Morning coffee machine is slicker than your average pod machine, it's rated our best small coffee maker for a reason. So if you've turned your nose up at a capsule coffee machine before because of its large size, read on to reconsider this pod machine if a bean-to-cup gadget is out of budget or too big for your kitchen scheme.

The market is saturated with pods ranging from fruity to spicy to biscuity, so why should you treat them the same? With the Morning coffee machine, you can adapt several variables to create a truly multifaceted drink with a depth of flavor.

TLDR: What I thought of the Morning Coffee Machine

Unlike some other pod machines, which have limited compatibility, we loved the broad range of capsules you can insert into this machine. It's a great way to explore different roasts and blends from independent specialty roasters. Plus, the packaging of these coffee caps is super up our street. They even have a roaster that does a "half-caff" — a 50:50 blend of caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee — which is perfect for someone like me who wants the subtle buzz without my heart going at 100 miles an hour.

Testing the Morning Coffee Machine

There's a big misconception that pod machines are a little basic. When using this coffee machine, you can calibrate how much water you make your drink with. The precision controls in the console allow you to switch up the volume, pressure, water temperature, coffee flow rate, infusion time, and blooming cycles. It even registers when you've placed your cup in position and how much your coffee weighs. Def a strong contender in the pod or bean-to-cup machine debate.

Even after you've made your coffee, the machine collects data and sends it to your app to keep you updated on water filter info and tips on how to extend the life of your machine. Oh, and you can either manually push a button or set your app to make it for you.

The app is where you can really geek out and see the roaster's recommendations on making the perfect brew. Yes, you can push and go, but if you want to create a *chef's kiss* creation, take some notes from the pros. There are tons of ways to brew a pod that allow you to customize the strength and flavor profile to taste. If you're not a coffee drinker, fear not, as this machine also has a dedicated tea pod setting for gently brewing chai and matcha.

The (really) techy stuff

This is the part where we list the specifications, but honestly, this machine astounds us with how smart it is. For the sake of the review, we'll keep things relatively short, though each feature warrants a whole review in itself.

• Weight: 9.9 lb / 4.5 kg
• Dimensions: L40.2 cm x W10.2 cm x H25.5 cm
• Water tank capacity: 28.7 fl oz / 850 ml
• Used capsule bin capacity: 8–10 capsules
• Adjustable cup height: 15 cm (with drip tray), 25 cm (without drip tray)
• OLED interface: 128 x 32 display
• Capsule compatibility: Nespresso OriginalLine capsules and third-party compatible capsules
• Mobile app: Works with iOS devices running version 10.0 and later, and Android devices running version 5.0 and later.
• Cost to run per hour: 19c / 44p
• Max pressure: 20 bar
• Pump: 20 MPa, 120 V, 60 Hz or 230 V, 50 Hz
• Output control: 1 g steps 1 g~250 g
• Temperature control: 75°C–98°C, in 1°C increments
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi & Bluetooth

First impressions of the Morning coffee machine

NGL, there was an audible chorus of oohs and ahhs when we pulled this one out of the packaging. We were sent the black model, but it comes in an equally appealing (and of course, Instagrammable) white, too, if you're looking for that modern clean girl/Scandi aesthetic when buying the best coffee machine to suit your kitchen.

Unboxing the Morning coffee machine

Often when we get to our Reading test kitchen, a few of my colleagues may have already set up a few coffee machines, so on this occasion, I wasn't able to get a pic of the unboxing process, but if you want to manage expectations on how much plastic packaging it contains, or what you need to do to assemble the Morning coffee machine, watch this helpful video they've uploaded on Instagram. Complete with cute lo-fi music for all the fuzzy coffee shop feels.

How to use the Morning coffee machine

First of all, you'll want to clean your coffee machine. This involves running a purge program. Then, it's time to fill it with water. The neat thing here is that it comes with an inbuilt TDS meter. Which, if you read our ZeroWater review, you'll know this stands for total dissolved solids. So whether you live in a hard water area with high mineral content or not, the coffee machine will cleverly calibrate your tap or filtered water to optimal brewing levels.

Once you're all set, insert your capsule, and move on to the more sciencey part of osmosis and extraction.

Making espresso using the Morning coffee machine

We thought we'd start the day, quite literally, with a short, strong espresso. It's the foundation for all coffee-flavored beverages and was super easy to make. As you can see in the video below, it takes about 10 seconds (once you insert the capsule in the chute), and my colleague and I were pleasantly surprised by the cute beep it made to tell us when it was ready.

"Ooh, that's a nice sound," says Molly Cleary, ecommerce editor of our sister site Ideal Home. This wasn't staged... it really was a candid moment that I just happened to catch on camera.

Above, I shot a quick snap of how easy it is to place the capsules into the coffee machine and where you can expect to find the spent pods. As a Nespresso-compatible machine, you can recycle your used caps and use the coffee grounds for gardening (hello window box), or how about using coffee to clean your kitchen? (Spoiler alert: it works.)

How to descale the Morning coffee machine?

The manufacturers recommend cleaning your coffee machine at least once a year. It's quite intuitive in the sense that it'll prompt you to descale the machine after 600 cups. You may use existing descaling products in the market, including the Nespresso Descaling Kit or the Caffenu Descaling Kit — both of which you can get on Amazon.

How does it compare to other coffee machines?

Generally speaking, the good thing with a pod coffee machine is that you get consistent coffee every time. This is because a pod contains a uniform amount of ground coffee, and the settings on most home machines often don't allow you to play around with the settings as much as the Morning coffee machine does.

Having evaluated this against all the other machines I've tested, this is definitely one of the more high-tech appliances, and where innovation might be appreciated by some buyers, it may irritate others.

If you just want a good-looking machine, with decent ethical coffee, go for the Hotel Chocolat Podster (read our Podster review for more information). It still ticks the boxes for that clean aesthetic, and if you use its Rabot Estate pods you'll be using coffee blends developed ethically by cacao roasters.

Looking for an elegant machine with a built-in milk frother? The Breville One-Touch CoffeeHouse II or Nespresso Latissma (second left above) might suit your morning routine a little better.

Should you buy the Morning coffee machine?

If you're a foodie that finds yourself tweaking recipes over and over again until they're just right, you'll love this machine. It allows you to evaluate all the nuances and tasting notes and modify your drink as you see fit. You might recognize a bit more of a balanced flavor (less acidity) and a better mouthfeel if you're really savoring it.

However, if you're not that type (and just see any coffee as fuel), it might not be for you, and you could get away with a simpler and cheaper machine if we're being brutally honest.

About this review and the reviewer

Christina Chrysostomou is our ecommerce editor and resident foodie. You're bound to hear from her on a Monday morning telling you about the latest culinary adventure, whether it's trying out a restaurant she'd finally got a reservation for or stumbling across a food market in London or Essex. Her favorite coffee shop is Monmouth Coffee in Borough Market, though if she's in Spitalfields she opts for a spicy Masala Chai from Chai Guys.

If you are a total coffee fiend and finally want to treat yourself to a modern espresso or pod machine upgrade, holding out until the best Black Friday and Cyber Monday coffee maker sales dropped was a wise move. And honestly, 2022 has been a good year for savings, some topping the deals we spotted back in 2021.

After all, no home is complete without a great coffee maker. Whether you like it or not, in fact, as a coffee offering for house guests is always a must. From Keurig's K-Mini Single-Serve K-Cup that we still love for small space dwellers to multi-serve brewers for the WFHers always with a cup of joe in hand; there are big espresso machines complete with milk frothers from Ninja and a few select Nespresso classics — all on sale and all yours for the taking from your favorite brands and retailers. 

Cyber Week is coming to an end so you'll need to be quick to shop because we're not sure how long these prices or stock will hold out for. 

Best Cyber Monday Coffee Maker Sales

Below we have listed our pick of the best coffee machine deals we've seen around for Cyber Weekend 2022. From Keurig favorites to Nespresso must-haves.

*At the time of writing, these deals were correct and the products still in stock. We're not sure for how much longer or when the deals are expected to end, so hurry to shop.

Best Cyber Monday Espresso Machine Deals

Best Places to Save on a Coffee Maker

• Amazon: Shop lingering Black Friday and fresh Cyber Monday deals from the internet giant
• Bed Bath & Beyond: shop big cyber deals on Nespresso and Keurig
• Best Buy: A varied assortment of coffee makers and espresso machines on sale
• Keurig: Save 25% off all coffee makers with code BLACKFRIDAY2022 (*exclusions apply) through 11/29
• Kohl's: the code SHOP20 will get you 20% instore and online, including plenty of coffee makers from top brands through until 11/28
• Macy's: Shop for various coffee makers, until 11/27
• Nespresso: Snag 30% off all Nespresso Vertuo coffee makers and select original machines. Use code BLACK2022 for the Vertuo and BLACK22 for original models. There are tons more offers on too, including on pods.
• Ninja:  Use code DEAL15 for 15% off and BFDEAL80 for an $80 discount where applicable on select Ninja coffee machines.
• Sur la Table: enjoy up to 65% off on small appliances for Black Friday 2022.
• Walmart: shop the Black Friday sale to save $$$ on top-selling coffee machines
• Wayfair: shop coffee maker deals from various brands
• Target: shop top-rated coffee machines on sale
• The Home Depot: shop coffee makers at Special Buy prices

Deals on our top-rated coffee makers

Want an affordable coffee machine but also want to ensure you’re buying the best? The coffee machines below have been given the Real Homes seal of approval, meaning they’re worth the investment. We’ve also listed their cheapest prices. 

Best Coffee Maker Deals by Brand

Already know where you want your coffee machine to come from? We hear you. Below we've featured the ever-popular coffee machines from brands such as De'Longhi,  Nespresso, Keurig, and Breville, and which are all displaying the best prices on the web across some of our favorite models.

De'Longhi coffee machine deals

De'Longhi coffee machines are the best choice for coffee lovers who want a lot of versatility to how they make their coffee. These are the best prices on the web today:

Nespresso coffee machine deals

Nespresso coffee machines hardly need an introduction — for many people it is always 'Nespresso, what else?'. Nespresso pod coffee machines are known for being super simple to use while producing excellent quality espresso with proper crema. The Vertuo Plus model can even do an espresso lungo. If you like your coffee barista-style, though, go for the Creatista Plus, which is the most advanced Nespresso model complete with its own steam wand.

Keurig coffee maker deals

On the quest for a new Keurig coffee maker? It's always a little bit sweeter when found on sale. Scout out the best prices on classic machines like the K-Classic, the slimline K-Mini brewer or with versatile combo brewers like the K-Duo. 

Breville coffee machines deals

Breville is like the Rolls Royce of coffee machines — these are serious investment pieces for true espresso aficionados. The Heston Blumental range is especially impressive, with tonnes of different settings that will help you achieve exactly the consistency and temperature you desire. Not cheap, so definitely worth hunting for a deal.

• Back to the top ^
• *Please note where no specific end deal date is indicated, the end of sale/discount date is unknown. All deals are subject to change frequently over the course of Cyber Weekend.

Pod coffee makers have a lot going for them and are a step up from the "has-beans" that first came to the market. These days, capsule coffee makers can trump traditional appliances on the time it takes to brew a cup and, of course, the clean-up before you need to dash out of the door.

Gone are the days of these machines relying on plastic-heavy caps to make a drink — local authorities can recycle some, and a few are even biodegradable. But if you're worried about stale grounds in their cases, you'll be pleased to know that manufacturers have come up with ways to lock in the freshness for your espresso or lungo. So if you're sitting on the capsule coffee machine fence, our top picks will clear the water and cut through the noise of a saturated market.

Here are 12 of the best coffee makers, as tried, tested, and approved by our Real Homes reviewers. From the likes of Nespresso, Illy, Smeg, and Breville, here's what's hot right now.

The quick list

Pod coffee maker reviews

The best pod coffee maker

Six words: Welcome to the future of coffee. If you're into AI and getting your hands on the latest tech, there's no doubt you'll want to add this to your kitchen countertop (and keep it there!)

OK, so the tank capacity is a li'l on the small(er) side, but if you're just making a cup of coffee for you and your boo — you're cool. You won't need any hi-tech spaceship-looking caps fo for this as it takes your run-of-the-mill Nespresso OriginalLine pods. But this isn't your cookie-cutter pop 'n' go machine. Nope, it has a whopping ten default brew modes to tweak your Joe just how you'd like, and a built-in TDS meter so you can keep an eye on the mineral content (ideal for city-dwellers who shouldn't have to put up with icky hard water masking the true flavor of your beverage).

With an award-winning design, "firsts" in specialist coffee-making abilities, and a sleek OLED screen — it doesn't come cheap. So, we're afraid to say, if you're looking to economize on your spending habits, it's going to take a few hundred cups to make it "worth" its cost per use.

Real Homes rating: 5 stars out of 5 in our Drink Morning coffee maker review.

The best Nespresso pod coffee maker

Let’s say you like espresso, but you frequently choose longer black coffees. Speaking your language? Then check out this pod coffee maker which is specially made to deliver a larger drink. 

Using the Vertuo capsules — and this must be in a Vertuo machine — can deliver you up to 414 ml of coffee in one go, and there’s no programming or holding down buttons to get the amount of coffee you like. The machine reads the barcode on the capsule when it’s making your coffee so the process is automatic. Once it's read the barcode, it spins the capsule to extract the coffee. Clever, right? The lock and unlock mechanism takes effort to open, make sure you go in with a little bit of elbow grease to ensure you're able to get your coffee fix.

Real Homes rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars in our Nespresso Vertuo Next coffee machine review

FYI, this pod coffee maker doesn't come with the Aeroccino3 milk frother (but do look out for offers on bundles, especially during promotional periods and over the holidays).

The best pod coffee maker with a milk frother

If you're mesmerized by your local Barista's abilities to draw leaves and flowers from frothed milk — you're in luck. With the Nespresso Breville Creastista Plus. With a little YouTube tutorial and this machine, you'll be a pro. This coffee machine by Breville is up there with the best pod coffee makers, though it does come at a rather high price. You can whip up a delicious espresso, and you can also make all your milky coffee shop favorites with espresso as a base. The steam wand simply needs wiping before it auto purges, so keeping on frothing is no hassle. There’s no hard graft to keep this machine in tip-top shape. The necessary parts can be easily removed for cleaning, and there’s an alert that’ll remind you to descale. Be warned, though, as you will pay for the pleasure of using this machine and it does have less expensive rivals. However, if your budget does extend this far, we think you won’t be disappointed as it offers good value in terms of taste and savings versus drinking at your local coffee shop.

Even if you've snoozed your alarm more times than you'd like to tell, you can still have your coffee and drink it too. With a rapid 3-second warm-up, this pod coffee maker is RTG before you wipe the sleep out of your eyes. For bougie babes who like their milk foamed a particular way, there are three texture and temperature settings for a flat white, cappuccino, and a latte macchiato. And for those more interested in the machine's mechanics — it's got a whole 19 bars of pressure (just as we'd expect). The pull-out cup support is really cute too.

Unlike the biscotti that accompanies your latte — using this machine isn't hard. But don't forget to stock up on some small tea towels to give the milk frother a wipe-down after use. Brownie points if you clip it to an apron for easy access. Just so you know, if you avoid the monthly(ish) cleaning maintenance on this machine, it'll stop brewing until you pay it some attention. So don't be lazy, bb.

Real Homes rating: 5 out of 5 stars in our Sage Nespresso Creatista Uno SNE500BKS coffee machine review.

*Breville is known as Sage in the UK (where we tested this pod coffee maker)

The best pod coffee maker by Lavazza

Mama (A Modo mio Idola) Mia! Isn't she beautiful? As well as being super stylish, this is one of the quietest pod coffee makers, so it won't make a peep if you're trying to get your fix while your partner is still sleeping in. If espresso and black Americanos are on the menu in your household, this is the machine for you. This versatile machine can make three sizes of coffee, all with no fuss and minimal mess. And if you coo over the coffee "head", just know this device prides itself on delivering a darn good crema.

If white drinks are why you're in the queue at the coffee shop — this baby isn't for you. I mean, you could invest in a separate milk frother, or pour it straight from the fridge, but straight-up sips are this machine's strength.

Real Homes rating: 5 out of 5 stars in our Lavazza A Modo Mio Idola review.

The best pod maker for eco-friendliness

Designed to be "an antidote to the mass-market plastic machines that seem destined for landfill", Grind's machine is stainless steel and has an airplane-style lever to lock your pod into place. The coffeehouse brand also produces its own line of Nespresso-compatible pods which claim to be free of plastics and fully compostable. What's more, the delivery is carbon-positive, and the coffee itself is organic and ethically sourced.

If you want to "get the London look," this is a definite worktop enhancer in our book. It doesn’t take up too much space either. The sturdy design is made to last, and it will pair well with plenty of other kitchen gadgets. We didn't like having to remove the drip tray to pull out the pod bin, and while there are latches to raise and lower the tray that holds your mug, it won't fit very large mugs. 

Real Homes rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars in our Grind One Pod coffee maker review.

The best pod coffee maker for milky drinks

While hardcore coffee drinkers will happily survive with a good espresso maker, some of us prefer to sip java topped up with a splash (or generous glug) of milk. But if you don't want to add cold milk straight from the fridge, or invest in a separate milk frother (for lack of space or budget), the Breville One-Touch CoffeeHouse II is what coffee-flavored dreams are made of.

No need to know how to froth milk, this machine will make the fluffiest-looking lattes and cappuccinos for you. Just add syrup. Heck, you could even add cocoa powder to your mug for a fancy mocha or hot chocolate in the winter. More of a green tea gal? Add some ceremonial-grade matcha powder to your cup, get the frother going, and Konichiwa — you've got the it-girls to drink in an instant. You can use either pods or ground coffee in this one FYI. So to misquote Dua Lipa, "one touch is all it takes" to make your favorite drink in a flash.

Real Homes rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars in our Breville One-Touch CoffeeHouse II review.

The best Smeg pod coffee maker

This mid-century modern design comes at an affordable price given the brand name featured on the front. The Rosso capsules that came with this model were highly commended by our tasting panel, too. Proving two can play that game, this retro pod coffee maker isn't messing when it comes to style with its chromed metal finish. If you're not quite ready to commit to a bean-to-cup coffee machine or single-serve that uses ground coffee, Lavazza does the work for you. Our taste testers said that this machine produced some of the most flavorsome capsule coffee they tried on the day.

The Lavazza capsules are quite uniquely shaped, so don't try and wedge a Nespresso OriginalLine or Vertuo cap in there to use up the glut you might have from an old machine — you might end up breaking your new toy! This machine is quite intuitive and lets you know when the bin is full (so there's no excuse to "forget" to empty it).

Real Homes rating: 4 stars out of 5 in our Lavazza A Modo Mio Smeg coffee machine review.

The best pod coffee maker by De'Longhi

The fact that you can make espresso or a cappuccino — or whip up some hot milk for a hot chocolate — helped earn this machine a spot on our list of the best. After all, even if you’re a fan of just espresso, it’s good to be able to make visitors their favorite drink. Whether you appreciate artisan ground coffee or pick-up pods for ease, you can have it both ways with this 2-in-1 ESE machine. ESE stands for easy serving espresso and the big difference between this and other capsule systems is that it’s an open system with lots of companies making the capsules that fit into compatible machines like this one.

This isn’t one of the cheapest pod coffee makers on our list, but you are getting more for your money and, if being able to brew up either capsules or ground coffee is something you’re going to take advantage of, then it could well be worth the extra spend. Unfortunately, (according to Amazon reviews), it can be a bit too easy to push a button inadvertently when putting in the filter holder, so just be aware of that if you're not the most delicately-handed!

Real Homes rating: 4 stars out of 5 in our De'Longhi Dedica Style EC685 coffee machine review.

The best value pod coffee maker

If design credentials are equally as important to you as a tasty espresso, then have a glance at this beauty. It looks the part, operates smoothly, and delivers a drink you’d get from a barista. The Illy Iperespresso Y3.3 is perfect for espresso lovers because the quality Illy pods create a cracking shot or lungo. They’re great coffees, too, delivering in the categories of aroma, crema, and, most importantly, taste.

We do think the Illy Iperespresso Y3.3 has a real "less is more" vibe, with an attractive color lineup. But it's not one for those who want a high-value machine, because other options we reviewed had far more functions for the price point. Be warned, the capsules do come individually wrapped in plastic, so not one for caffeine-loving eco-warriors.

Real Homes rating: 4 out of 5 stars in our Illy Y3.3 Iperespresso coffee machine review.

Best pod coffee maker with adjustable drink size

The drink of the day (and every day) is espresso if you own the Lavazza A Modo Mio Tiny. But good things come in small packages, and if the limited menu is executed well (which it is), then you're laughing. The clue’s in the name with this one. It is a small pod coffee maker, but don’t let its size fool you. It’ll still deliver you a tasty brew in double-quick time, too. The machine’s ready to go in 25 seconds flat (hurrah). Your job? Just fill the water tank, insert the pod, and click to brew. Done. It sets out to make you a good espresso and it does.

We’re big fans of Lavazza’s A Modo Mio capsules. They reliably deliver a coffee that tastes like one you’d get in a coffee shop, and using them in this machine proved no exception to this rule. It looks good on the worktop, which is an important factor when you’re buying an appliance that’s going to be on show all the time. You have to eject capsules manually. It’s not a huge deal, we’re just saying.

Real Homes rating: 4 out of 5 stars in our Lavazza Tiny Coffee Machine review.

Best pod coffee maker for cappuccino

Ideal for anyone who likes frothy coffee, the Lavazza Desea A Modo Mio could be your next go-to if you (now) work from home more often, or just like coffee on demand (who doesn't?). Our reviewer's favorite feature is the extra hot button. Select it so that it lights up, before selecting your drink of choice if you like your coffee to stay warmer for longer.

FYI, If you use the milk frother, you may lose a bit of froth and heat when you transfer your cappuccino to your own mug from the jug. And if you like big brews, you may want to double up on espresso caps when making large cappuccinos to ensure you get the perfect coffee (and caffeine) to milk ratio.

Real Homes rating: 4 out of 5 stars in our Lavazza Desea A Modo Mio Pod Coffee Maker review.

Most stylish pod coffee maker

This vibrant pod coffee machine celebrates coffee in technicolor. Available in Aqua, Mango Yellow, Spicy Red, and Pacific Blue (as well as Coconut White and Licorice Black), it's a budget device that over-delivers for the price. You'll never get bored of coffee with the 50 types available, varying in strength, size, and flavor. It's the talk of the town and the kitchen worktop. The team tried the Pierre Hermes macaron-flavored coffee and it was *chef's kiss,* as you'd expect from a French collaboration.

Like the Illy machine, it does look a bit plasticky, which is fine if you've got a kitsch-style kitchen, but you may want to reconsider if your cook space is filled with more high-end classic or contemporary finishes like marble, chrome, and wood as it'll look a little out of place.

Real Homes rating: 4 out of 5 stars in our Nespresso Vertuo Pop review.

What to consider when buying a pod coffee maker

Before you buy a pod coffee machine, take a look online or in your local supermarket to see how much the various pods retail for. This will give you a rough price per cup — and note that while some brands offer a cheaper machine, the pods can be more expensive.

If you like a straight forward espresso or Americano, then your options are wider, but for those who fancy a flavored latte or perhaps the choice for hot chocolates, Tassimo and Dolce Gusto ranges will serve you best. You could alternatively opt for a pod coffee machine with an attached milk frother to expand your drink choices to lattes, cappuccinos, and milky coffees. Otherwise, you can get a separate milk frother if you have worktop space.

FAQs

How we test pod coffee makers

Our test kitchen is the perfect place to brew a cup of joe... or seven. It's not the prettiest coffee shop-style spot but it does have plenty of plug sockets, sinks, and mugs, to get on with the job at hand. Together with our testing panel, we spent the day (a little wired) thoroughly reviewing each machine that the brands kindly sent us, creating a variety of different coffee types to suit even the most discerning buyer.

Where to buy a pod coffee maker

Pod coffee makers are one of the most popular beverage makers on the market right now. But if you don't know where to start, I'll help you out!

• Amazon pod coffee makers
• Breville pod coffee makers
• Crate & Barrel pod coffee makers
• Lavazza pod coffee makers
• Lowe's pod coffee makers
• Macy's pod coffee makers
• Nespresso pod coffee makers
• The Home Depot pod coffee makers

Got your eye on one of the best pod coffee makers? Now learn how to clean a coffee machine to keep your caffiene tasting its best.

In the market for a good coffee machine? The decision Nespresso vs Tassimo can be a very tricky one! Both are some of the best coffee machines you can buy when it comes to style, ease of use and value for money, so how should you decide? 

We've compiled this handy guide detailing all the ins and outs of Nespresso's and Tassimo's flagship models – the Nespresso Vertuo Plus and the Tassimo My Way 2. So have a read, weigh up the pros and cons and find yourself the perfect coffee machine.

With Black Friday sales well underway, now's the perfect time to invest in an appliance, there's many deals on at the moment so don't hang around too long.

Nespresso vs Tassimo: How much do they cost? 

Nespresso coffee machines start from around £70 and go up to around £450, depending on their offering. Be aware that Nespresso offers two sorts of pods: Original and Vertuo so ensure you match machine to pod type. There's also the option to buy the machine for just £1 when you sign up to a subscription. 

The 2 year subscription costs £25 a month. This money is converted into Nespresso credit, so you can choose from their range of pods of accessories every month. 

Tassimo coffee machines vary from £99.99 to £139.99, depending on the machines capabilities and size.

Which Nespresso machine should you buy?

For the best Nespresso coffee machine, we're recommend the Vertuo Plus. It's sleek, classic and simple to use.

The Vertuo Plus is hands down one of the best coffee machines we've tried. It heats up really fast so you don't have to wait around long in the morning, and it can make five different drink lengths by using different capsule types. While the machine is fairly large, the clever design means the water tank can pivot, so you should be able to slot it into your space perfectly. 

For a budget-friendly machine, it feels premium to use. This is in part due to the range of delicious taste notes available with Nespresso's own pods, and for real coffee lovers, you can also buy compatible pods with indie coffee brands.

We've seen this coffee machine for sale for as little as £70, which is a great deal for such a sleek and sophisticated model. 

Which Tassimo machine should you buy? 

If you're looking to buy a Tassimo coffee maker, we're recommend the Tassimo My Way 2. This is one of the best Tassimo machines as it has an in-built Brita filter to ensure the cleanest water and makes your coffees coffee-shop quality every time. 

The compact design will sit neatly on any countertop, and it's also available in black, white, cream and red.

Nespresso vs Tassimo: Black Friday deals

Both Nespresso and Tassimo are some of the best pod coffee machines you can buy in terms of their quality, coffee taste, looks and value for money. While they are an investment buy, Black Friday is the best time to buy them, and every year they really do have some amazing deals.

We're expecting to see a return of some of our favourite savings on both models this Black Friday. The Nespresso Vertuo Plus is on sale for just £69 at John Lewis and £81.27 at Amazon. The Tassimo My Way 2 is currently on sale for just £87.50 at Amazon and just 50% off at Tassimo.com.

Nespresso vs Tassimo: Will either look good on your worktop?

In an answer, yes. The Nespresso machine is larger, so may be more suited to bigger kitchens, or kitchens with more worktop space. The design is sleek and simple and elegant, so perfectly suited to sit back in any style kitchen. The design is available in Titan, Silver and Piano Black– all colours are sleek and super contemporary. 

The Tassimo My Way 2 has a curvy, almost retro feel, giving it a quirky statement edge. As a smaller model, it's sure to fit into most sized kitchens without taking up too much room. Available in black, white, cream and red, you have the option to go for a statement colour if you so wish.

Nespresso vs Tassimo: Which drinks can you make?

The Nespresso Vertuo Plus allow you to make five key coffee sizes - Espresso, Double Espresso, Gran Lungo, Mug and Alto (Alto being a large mug of black coffee). This machine is perfect for anyone who's a real coffee connoisseur, as the simple black coffees in various sizes allow you to get the full flavour of each of the pods. 

If you're an avid cappuccino or latte fan however, you will need to purchase a milk frother separately. This are fairly inexpensive to buy and take up little extra room on your counter top.

Similarly, the Tassimo My Way 2 also allows you to make various sized black Americanos. The 'My favourite’ memory function allows you to save up to four different settings of drink intensity, temperature and volume, so your perfect brew can be only one click away every time. Just like the Nespresso Vertuo Plus, if it's cappuccinos and lattes that you're after, you'll need to buy a separate milk frother. 

Nespresso vs Tassimo: Can the pods be recycled?

Yes. Nespresso pods can be recycled in three ways. You can bring your used capsules to one of their collection points, drop them at your nearest Nespesso Boutique waste collection centre, or if your subscribe to regular pod delivieries, the post man can take your used pods away to be recycled. 

Tassimo is a founding partner of Podback, a recycling service for coffee pods. You can either arrange to have the pods collected from your front door or you can take them to your nearest Collect+ store. 

Nespresso vs Tassimo: What about milk frothing?

Both of these machines don't come with milk frothing capabilities. But milk frothers are relatively inexpensive and take up minimal extra room on your worktop. 

Nespresso vs Tassimo: Which machine makes better coffee?

The most important question of them all. Both Nespresso and Tassimo pods are available in a range of coffee flavours - so you can experiment with various tastes from various parts of the world and find the coffee that hits the spot for you. 

Both machines produce one drink at a time, and require a separate milk frother for milky drinks. We can confirm that both machines make delicious coffee, but as for which tastes better, you'll have to try them out for yourselves. 

• Save on a new coffee machine with our Nespresso discount codes

If you're looking for a pod coffee machine, it can often come down to Nespresso vs Dolce Gusto. Both are some of the best coffee machines you can buy when it comes to value-for-money and convenient use, but there are some key differences that you should know before deciding which to buy: Dolce Gusto or Nespresso? 

As they both run on pods, the Nespresso and Dolce Gusto machines will be easy to use and clean, and give you a range of tasting notes and coffee brands to try for your morning brew. Both also come in a range of sizes, so whether you want to make a compact coffee corner in your kitchen, or get a machine with all the bells and whistles, you'll find something suitable for you. 

We're going to tell you the key differences between Nespresso vs Dolce Gusto coffee machines, as well as bring you the best deals as and when they drop. 

Nespresso vs Dolce Gusto: How much do they cost? 

Nespresso coffee machines fall into a price range starting from around £70 and going up to around £450. You’ll find a wide choice of models that use this system, including those from Krups, Sage, Magimix and Dualit, as well as Nespresso branded machines.

Be aware that Nespresso offers two sorts of pods: Original and Vertuo (of which you can find more information on below), so make sure you match machine to pod type.

Dolce Gusto coffee machines begin in the same region of around £70, and go up to around £150 – so they aren't as pricey as some Nespresso options. De’Longhi and Krups both make a range of machines that use these pods. 

• Save on a new coffee machine with our Nespresso discount codes

Which Nespresso machine should you buy? 

If you're looking for the best Nespresso coffee machine, our top choice would be the Vertuo Plus. It's sleek, classic, and it goes on regular promotions that make it worth waiting for Black Friday or other holiday sales to pick up. 

The Vertuo Plus is many people's favourite Nespresso machine, and it's one of the best we've tried, too. It heats up fast, can do five drink lengths by using different capsule types, and while it's not the smallest coffee machine, the water tank can be pivoted to fit perfectly into your kitchen. 

For a budget-friendly machine, it feels premium to use. This is in part down to the range of delicious taste notes available with Nespresso's own pods – and you can also buy compatible pods with indie coffee brands for serious coffee lovers. 

We've seen this coffee machine for sale for as little as £70, which is a great deal for such a sleek model. 

Which Dolce Gusto machine should you buy? 

The best Dolce Gusto coffee machines are typically a little cheaper than Nespresso. We recommend the Dolce Gusto Genio S Plus. 

The Dolce Gusto Genio S features a 0.8 litre removable water tank for easy cleaning, it has a maximum 15 bar pump pressure and since it's a pod machine, you'll have your choice of 50 different drinks to make. Not only that, but there'll be less mess to clean up, too. You can also control the coffee strength for the days you're feeling slightly worse for wear – and when it comes to summer, you can also enjoy the new cold brew pod! 

Nespresso vs Dolce Gusto: Black Friday deals

Both Nespresso and Dolce Gusto are some of the best pod coffee machines you can buy, and every year we're impressed by the discounts on both brands when Black Friday, normally in November, rolls around. 

Dolce Gusto in particular had some great discounts on Amazon last Black Friday, with up to 50% off bundles that included pods to get you started. Nespresso machines wowed us on Amazon Prime Day this year too, and we're expecting to see a return of some of our favourite savings on the Vertuo Plus Special Edition, which was over £100 off last year.

Nespresso vs Dolce Gusto: Will they look good on your worktop?

The answer is yes. 

Dolce Gusto coffee machines have curvaceous modern lines, and you can keep things more understated with white or black, or go bolder in colour. 

Nespresso coffee machines tend to have less extravagant shapes, but they’re smart and stylish, and you won’t be embarrassed to show them off in your kitchen.

Nespresso vs Dolce Gusto: Which drinks can you make?

OK, they’re both pod coffee machines, but we’re not just talking a mug of black or white here.

Nespresso, as we mentioned, has both Original and Vertuo ranges. Original is all about espresso – either authentic black with its crema on top, or the plus hot milk and foam type of coffee. The capsules in the Original range give you the choice of coffees from renowned coffee-producing nations – think Colombia, Ethiopia, and so on. Alternatively, you could choose based on taste, or opt for flavoured coffees – caramel, chocolate – or try the barista-inspired capsules designed to be used with milk. Don’t want caffeine in your drink? There are decaf capsules, too.

If you like the option to drink a longer coffee, the Vertuo range of capsules might float your boat. Pick from capsules destined to make different cup sizes. There are five of them, starting from the quick coffee injection of a 40ml espresso and going up to the Alto, which makes a take-your-time 414ml cup. As with the Original range, you can shop by country or flavour, or opt for coffees to create milky drinks.

Dolce Gusto pods aren’t just about coffee – although of course there’s plenty of coffee choice, including a Starbucks range if you’re hankering for the taste of the high street but putting aside the money you would have spent out and about. You can also pick coffees from countries like Peru or Colombia, or types of drink – that’s Americano, espresso and so on – or flavoured coffees.

A Dolce Gusto machine can also whip you up a hot chocolate, or a cup of tea or chai.

Nespresso vs Dolce Gusto: Can the pods be recycled?

There’s no swerving the issue that the fuss-free nature of pods does equal more waste. Nespresso has a recycling scheme for its pods though, as does Dolce Gusto. 

Nespresso vs Dolce Gusto: What about milk frothing?

Here’s a big difference between Nespresso and Dolce Gusto machines. 

Dolce Gusto: if you want a flat white or cup of tea with milk, perhaps, from your coffee machine, then that’s the capsule you use. 

Nespresso: this machine, on the other hand, comes either with a built-in steam arm, or you can use a milk frother. Nespresso’s Aeroccino version is sold with some models, or can be bought separately, and there’s a more costly Barista milk frother, as an alternative, which has a touchscreen and app.

Nespresso vs Dolce Gusto: How many coffees can you make?

It’s a coffee (or other drink) at a time with both the Nespresso and Dolce Gusto machines – but the process is very quick.

Nespresso vs Dolce Gusto: Which machine makes better coffee?

It’s the crucial question: will you get a tastier drink from a Nespresso or a Dolce Gusto machine?

Nespresso has the edge if it’s barista-style coffees – that is those that take espresso as a starting point – that you’re going to be drinking. That’s not just the black versions, either. A machine with a steam arm or an accompanying milk frother means you can conjure up cappuccinos and other foamy favourites simply.

A Dolce Gusto machine would come out on top if you’d prefer to get more mileage out of your machine in the form of other drinks, though.

As for the taste of the coffee, we give the Sage Nespresso Creatista Uno capsule coffee machine second spot in our list of the best coffee machines – which includes non-pod machines, too. We loved the coffee it made. Buyers of the same model on Amazon felt similarly with reviews awarding an average of 4.8 out of five for flavour. And, setting aside the particular machine, Amazon buyers of the mixed selection of Nespresso capsules gave the flavour an overall 4.7 out of five. 

How about the java a Dolce Gusto brews?

Buyers of the highly rated Mini Me by Krups coffee machine, which uses Dolce Gusto capsules, award a 4.5 out of five for flavour. The capsules themselves? It’s a big thumbs-up on Amazon with 4.6 stars for flavour for the Dolce Gusto Americano Intenso pods.

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I'm seriously fussy about coffee. So I was praying the Grind One Pod coffee maker meant business. I'm the kinda girl who likes, no loves, good quality coffee. So, when it comes to choosing a single-serve coffee maker to use day in, day out, it’s safe to say I'm pretty picky. Enter, Grind. The pretty pink and silver offering from the Shoreditch-based coffee house that's known for its striking pink branding and coffee subscription services. And yes, you can buy this coffee maker in the US. Hallelujah!

Admittedly, for single-serve coffee, Nespresso tends to be the name that springs to mind. Their machines are cheap (and come in a wide range of styles) and are usable with a wide plethora of coffee pods that cater to a super diverse range of tastes. However, Nespresso isn’t the only company offering pod coffee machines, as the Grind (Nespresso compatible) pod machine proves. 

With a sleek stainless steel design — complete with pretty pink accents and vintage-style features — the Grind One Pod maker is designed to be harder-wearing than the standard plastic machines that most of us are used to. Thanks to its sleek and simple design that's inspired by the professional, no-nonsense coffee makers you'll find in a café, it has the kind of design that won't age out in a few years. 

To see if the Grind One Pod coffee maker is worth adding to your countertop, I’ve put it to the test, using it for everything from single shots of espresso to iced lattes —and pretty much everything in between.

Grind One Pod coffee maker review

What we thought of the Grind One Pod coffee maker

One of the really great features of the Grind One Pod maker — which is made in Stockholm in a partnership with Sjöstrand — is the fact it’s designed to be "an antidote to the mass-market plastic machines that seem destined for landfill." Admittedly, it’s easy to assume that a pod coffee maker could never be one of the best coffee makers to buy when it comes to being eco-friendly. But, believe it or not, its Nespresso-compatible pods (which are available to buy from Amazon) are free of plastics and fully compostable, plus delivery is carbon-positive, and the coffee itself is organic and ethically sourced. 

Price-wise, it’s a slightly more expensive choice when compared to other pod coffee makers we've tested. However, despite the higher price tag of the machine itself, the pods (which Grind offer a subscription for) are relatively cheap to buy. So, once you have the machine, the running costs are fairly low. 

Testing the Grind One Pod coffee maker

Not one, but two members of the Real Homes team were lucky enough to test this coffee maker for us, for different lengths of time and at different times of the year. I was one of them...

The important stuff

• Type: Pod
• Pressure: 19 bar 
• Capacity: 1.2 ltr water tank 
• Dimensions (in. ): ‎15.4 x 11.9 x 8.8
• Price: $375 or $438 with frother

Unboxing and setting up the Grind One Pod coffee maker

The Grind One Pod coffee maker arrived in a very on-brand pink box, and assembly was very easy. All you need to do is insert the drip tray, which latches onto some notches alongside the waste bin for adjustable height, and fill up the water tank.

Before using the Grind One Pod coffee maker you need to run six glasses of water through the machine to flush out the inner workings. This doesn't take long — you can have the machine up and running in 20 minutes. 

The machine is powered by airplane-style toggle switches which are backlit to add a slightly elevated user experience. When switched on, the light below will illuminate, and the two coffee presets will flash until the machine is warmed up.

The Grind One Pod coffee maker can be bought with a tin of refillable coffee pods, and a milk frother, or bought alone. When bought alone, the machine cost $375 at the time of writing, and the added milk frother will cost a total of $438. 

The frother features two hot and cold settings, as well as being able to steam or froth milk. For hot milk, you simply press the power button and the button will glow red, while for cold milk you press and hold the button until it turns blue. 

How to use the Grind coffee maker

To use the machine you'll need to lift the lever and slot your pod in, and then pull the lever down to lock it into place (JSYK, it's a super satisfying motion). Oh and a word to the wise, leave the lever down between uses, or something could fall down the pod holder. 

To brew a coffee, you’ll need to choose between two coffee lengths — a short express or a lungo (this will depend on the pods you’re using and how strong you like your coffee, obvi). 

Once the coffee has been brewed, you can then opt to top it with your choice of hot or cold milk (seeing as the machine doesn’t come with an adjustable temperature setting, we’d recommend hot milk). 

For best results, heat up and froth your milk using the Grind Milk Frother (that can be used for both hot and cold milk), which comes complete with a removable whisk, allowing you to choose between steamed milk and frothy milk. Or, if you're less bothered to have coordinating kitchen appliances, take a look at our pick of the best milk frothers.

Oh, and as for the pod, when you release the lever the used pod falls automatically into a removable pod collector, situated below. So there's no need to worry about disposing of a pod each time you make a coffee. 

Cleaning the Grind One Pod coffee maker

Because it's made of stainless steel, the Grind One Pod coffee maker marks easily. Both Millie and I noticed how quickly it started to look grimy (think spots, streaks, and splatters), causing it to need regular wiping down. After cleaning your coffee maker, watermarks are left quite easily, but you can easily buff them away with a microfiber cloth (these ones from Amazon would work well). 

Thanks to its unfussy design, the removable parts — aka, the drip tray, water dispenser, and pod bin — are super easy to remove, clean, and re-fit. 

Is the Grind One Pod coffee maker right for you?

If you’re looking for a single-serve coffee pod machine that is easy to use and looks as sleek and stylish as a coffeehouse-style espresso machine (or, if you’re as obsessed with pink as we are), this is the coffee maker for you. Two members of the Real Homes team have tested this coffee maker and both agree that it's a great machine.

Admittedly, the style is an undeniable part of the appeal of the Grind One Pod coffee maker. We get it. It has a fashionable brand behind it, it went viral on TikTok — it’s the pod machine to have. However, while the design is high-quality we do suspect you pay for the name when buying this coffee machine. 

That said, the Grind One Pod coffee maker is a refreshing step for pod machines, and unlike many plastic alternatives, it's designed to be an investment that will last for years and years, as proven by its two-year warranty. 

We both enjoyed the adjustable coffee presets and the stylish design of this small coffee maker, in fact, we agree that it perfectly suits smaller-sized kitchens. Plus, the selection of coffee pods available (both from Grind) and other Nespresso-compatible pod brands mean that you’re spoilt for choice for coffee.  

If you're not sure that this is the right coffee maker for you, then see some more pod coffee makers that we recommend just below...

How we reviewed this Grind coffee maker

Two members of the Real Homes team have reviewed this coffee maker, each giving their verdict in this review. While my colleague Millie initially tested the Grind One Pod coffee maker for two weeks, I've been using my machine for six months, which has allowed me to see how it performed over time. I've used it most days to make all different drinks, from flat whites for my fiancé each morning to iced coffees on hot summer's days and even, dare I say it, the odd espresso martini (yep, really) when I've hosted dinner parties. 

When testing a coffee maker, there are several different factors that we like to look out for. We always make a point to test out as many features of the coffee maker as possible, along with making a number of different coffee-based drinks. During testing, we make note of the following factors: 

• Performance: The best coffee makers are able to brew coffee that is packed full of flavor, boasts a coffee shop-level crema, and is at the right temperature. As part of the testing process, we consider factors like how long it takes to brew a coffee, how powerful the stream of coffee is, and the quality of the end result.
• Ease of use: Are the controls easy to use? Is it simple to add pods to the machine? Can you control how long each shot is? We consider all of these factors (and more) to determine whether coffee makers are convenient to use and actually worth recommending.
• Ease of cleaning: When adding a new coffee maker to your counter, you don't want one that's going to make more work for you. Hence why we always like to check how quick and easy each coffee maker is to clean (and keep clean). We look at how components need to be washed and how easy the washing process may be for users. 

When it comes to convenient single-cup coffee makers, it seems we are divided into two camps: Keurig vs Nespresso. 

As the two biggest players in the single-serve coffee market, you may find yourself torn between the two, in your search for the best single-serve coffee maker. 

Both have become a sort of a cultural phenomenon and have created brand awareness in the same way we refer to Kleenex or Purell. The allure of Keurig and Nespresso machines is that they both offer the convenience of a coffee fix without the involved measuring or clean-up required from traditional drip coffee makers. If you're truly just making for one, it cuts down on brewing more coffee than you need that will inevitably be thrown out, and if for a few people at a time, everyone can choose the coffee they want to drink, thanks to the abundance of capsule options. 

While as much as they are similar, they are both very different, and the machine you ultimately choose is a big commitment. After all, once you buy the machine, you'll continually be committing to their compatible coffee options. 

After having experience with both types of machines, we're here to help you determine which coffee system is best for your needs and budget. 

Keurig vs. Nespresso: Design Differences

Keurig

Keurig's vast lineup of machines features a vast array of options. Its most basic machines will require you to fill each time to your desired fill, while its most advanced designs have metered amounts, customizable settings and even built-in milk frothers. The most common feature you'll find on a Keurig machine, is a large metered water tank, usually between 46 and 70 oz, with the option to choose single cup sizes in varying increments, such as 6 oz., 8oz., 10 oz., and 12 oz.. On more sophisticated versions like the Keurig K-Elite, you can also choose strength, temperature, and the option to brew coffee over ice. 

Keurig's most widespread brewing system is with a single needle that flows through the center of their K-Cup capsules as water flows through the pod to turn into coffee. It's more recent models, like the Keurig K-Supreme Plus, introduce MultiStream Technology, which uses 5 entrance needles instead of one to saturate the grounds more evenly throughout the pod and extract more flavor and aroma, for a richer coffee. 

Nespresso

Nespresso is divided into two machine categories: Vertuo and Original that use a different type of coffee pod: Vertuo and Original. Both machines have a one-touch operation, used capsule containers, and metered water tanks, but the main differences are found in the brewing and capsule style. Vertuo machines can brew six espresso and coffee sizes up to 18 oz., while Original can only brew drinks up to 5 oz. The amount of coffee that will dispense is also predetermined by your selected brew. More on that in a moment. 

They are often manufactured with renowned brands like Breville, DeLonghi and Krups.

Original
True to its name, the Original line machines are the OG Nespresso machines and focus on the brand's origins: espresso.  It brews espresso using a pressured-based system that is 19 bars, which is far above industry standard (9) for an espresso machine. Water is forced through three punctures that eventually cause the foil wrapper to burst and for espresso to flow out. Users choose from Espresso or Lungo sizes with just one press. 

Vertuo
It was not until 2014 that Nespresso began offering Vertuo machines, which appear to have surpassed the Original in popularity in the U.S. This is most likely due to the fact that the Vertuo Line can make both espresso and coffee beverages. Its propriety Vertuo System uses Centrifusion technology, where the capsule spins up to 7,000 rotations per minute to thoroughly infuse the capsule.

Keurig vs. Nespresso: The Pods

Keurig K-Cups

The K-Cup has become the universal design for single-cup coffee. Not only is the K-cup compatible with Keurig machines, brands like Cuisinart, Ninja, and Instant Brands all offer a machine that is compatible with the Keurig-created capsules. It seems that every major coffee brand like Starbucks, Dunkin, and Peet'smakes its own k-cup option.

For those who want to use their own coffee, either for environmental, or preference reasons, Keurig also offers a reusable K-cup that can be filled with ground coffee. 

K-Cups are readily available at almost every grocery store, convenience shop, big-box store, and of course, online.

Nespresso

Both come in over 30 blends. Vertuo pods tend to cost more than Original pods.  They are both distinguished by their design. The larger Vertuo pods are round and dome-like, while the Original capsules have a more geometric shape. They are made of aluminum to retain freshness.  Nespresso pods are available directly through Nespresso and its boutiques, and can often be found on Amazon. However, most grocery stores and big-box stores will not carry them.

Vertuo Pods
Each Vertuo capsule has a barcode on the rim with brewing parameters (think temperature, speed, and amount) that are automatically adjusted by the machine. Vertuo pods are a pre-determined amount that will give the best roast every time. 

Original Pods
The Original Pods are smaller and have preportioned doses for espresso in .85 oz., 1.35 oz., 3.7 oz. and 5 oz. 

Keurig vs. Nespresso: Environmental Impact

One of the biggest concerns and reasons people choose to avoid single-serve machines is the extra waste they can produce, and their sustainability. Fortunately, both Keurig and Nespresso have been proactive and vocal about their environmental impact. Of course, the only way to solve the problem is to follow along.

Keurig
All of Keurig's K-Cups are recyclable. The caveat is you will need to rip off the foil and dispose of (or compost) the used grounds. It is indeed an extra step, that you, the consumer will need to take, should you choose to recycle. We've also come across brands like Cambio that have made it even easier to peel off the foil... all it needed was a little pull tab. 

If you want to avoid K-Cups completely, but continue to use a Keurig, look into a reusable coffee pod filter that lets you use your favorite coffee grounds.

Nespresso
Nespresso is extremely transparent regarding its ethos of stewardship to the earth as well as working with small farmers who offer fair working conditions and sustainable farming practices. Acknowledging the environmental impact of their business, they try to make recycling the aluminum capsules as easy as possible, with a bag that can be mailed back, for free.  The coffee grounds inside each recycled capsule are composted into nutrient-rich topsoil. If you live in New York City, even better, you can recycle them as normal.  

Beyond the pods, Nespresso machines use the precise amount of coffee, water, and energy needed to brew each cup as a way to minimize the carbon footprint. All of their machines have a swift heat up and auto-turn off when left idle for just a few minutes.

Keurig vs Nespresso: The Verdict

The overall verdict of the best coffee maker between Keurig and Nespresso will depend on your needs because just as much as the two companies are alike, they are different. But, if you do need a definitive answer, we posed the following questions. 

Keurig vs Nespresso: Which offers greater value?

Keurig offer's the greatest value, in terms of price and options. The start-up and recurring costs tend to be less than Nespresso.  The machines are generally less expensive, as are the K-cups. You also have access to a range of coffee brands, which also vary in price. K-cups are so common, theycan be found almost anywhere coffee is sold. 

Keurig vs Nespresso: Which makes better coffee?

We have to hand it to Nespresso on this one.  Nespresso creates the feeling of a special moment every day, while Keurig has built its niche as a convenient coffee option fast. The thick, foamy layer of crema that Nespresso is renowned for creates a coffee drinking experience to remember, while a normal k-cup doesn't seem to deliver that lasting excitement. Each capsule is designed to automatically deliver great coffee with minimal effort on your part, while with K-cups, you'll want to play around with the best cup size for, as a 6 oz. serving will be a lot stronger as a 12 oz. one. 

Keurig vs Nespresso: Which is more sustainable?

Nespresso, here. They make it easier to recycle the aluminum pods, built their machines around minimizing waste and energy and offer the most transparency in to the coffee's origins. We also like that the newer model, the Vertuo Next, is built with recycled plastic. 

Keurig vs Nespresso: Which is easier to care for?

After each use of a Keurig, you'll want to remember to remove the K-cup before the next user...otherwise, it will stay where it was until the next time someone does a brew. The drip trays are also easily removable to catch and clean up any drips from brewing. 

Nespresso has a unique built-in mechanism that deposits the used pod into a container that only needs to be emptied when full, usually after around 10 cycles. The drip tray is also easily removable to catch any drips. 

When it comes time to cleaning a coffee machine, a tell-tale sign that it's time to give some TLC to your machine is when the descale light comes on. Keurig machines offer a distinct descaling indicator light, while most Nespresso machines don't have an indicator but instead flash a combination of LEDs that will have you pulling out the manual to tell you that it's time to descale. 

Keurig recommends descaling at every 3-6 months; many parts are also removable to be able with soap and water. However, we have also found that an exploded k-cup (when testing to see if we could manage another serving) left coffee grounds all over inside the machine, and it was a pain to wipe out. 

With Nespresso,  we've noticed that a little water settles into where the Vertuo capsule sits, that doesn't seem to affect performance, but it does take an extra step for keeping the machine clean and dry. 

For this, we'll give it a tie. 

Editor's Picks

A coffeemaker is a coffeemaker, right? Ha! As a lover of all things java, I had long abandoned the traditional single-pot structure. Before I had kids, I would painstakingly (and somewhat annoyingly) agonize over a pot of French press each morning. The need for convenience led me to a Keurig that then gave way to a Nespresso machine. (Which I still love very much.)

The pandemic put my coffee making to the test and pushed my consumption to the limit. Between my husband and I, we’d sometimes go through 6-8 Nespresso pods per day. Though that’s still not as expensive as a coffee shop habit, it and the amount of waste it creates adds up. It wasn’t until I was asked to put the Cuisinart Grind & Brew to the test to see if it really is worthy of being named one of Real Homes' best coffee makers that it clicked — duh! There are easier and more affordable ways to enjoy my daily vats of coffee.

Once I dug it out of the box and situated it upon my countertop, I stared at the manual for a good two weeks before deciding to tackle set up. Silly me — as you’ll see, the convenience and ease-of-use factor are one of this coffeemaker’s biggest strengths. One of the best things about it? You can buy this Cuisinart Coffee Maker from Amazon, and sometimes it's on sale.

Cuisinart Grind & Brew: Specs

• Water tank capacity: 60 oz./ 12 cups
• Dimensions: 7.48" x 11.20" x 15.16"
• Weight:  10.8lb
• Water filter: Yes
• Warming plate: Yes
• Programmable: Yes
• Warranty: 3 year

Cuisinart Grind & Brew: First impressions & unboxing

Weighing in at almost 12 pounds, this coffeemaker certainly demands a lot of space and attention. That said, it does tuck under my cabinets and isn’t too obtrusive. (It should be noted that I am an unofficial minimalist who despises clutter and favors function over form.) It only has a couple of buttons and the carafe is a sleeker version of those clunky old pots we used to sling around back in the aughts.

I loved, loved, loved that, aside from a few requisite pieces of plastic and cardboard, there wasn’t a lot I had to do to get it in working order and not a lot I had to clean up afterward. It came with a bean scoop, a few filters, and, of course, the carafe and maker. Everything was clearly marked and clicked into place without any issue.

The manual. Ahhh, the manual. I opened it and, wouldn’t ya know, there were clear and concise directions presented in a logical order. I rarely read anything before I attempt to use it, which can present problems when a crucial step is buried in the back. I ran a quick pot of purified water through to clear out any dust and was ready to rock.

What's the Cuisinart Grind & Brew like to use?

In a word — a breeze. First of all, the grind feature is huge! I’m not necessarily pretentious about coffee, but certainly choosy, and knowing that I can pick up fresh beans or order them from my favorite coffee shops really elevates the otherwise utility experience. That said, I did have to play around with the measurements before I found my desired brew strength. The scoop included indicated to use one serving of beans for each cup of water and I found that to be a pretty weak pour. Although, I am the girl who enjoys straight-up espresso without any milk or sugar, so do with that information what you will.

We’d had some beans sent to my husband from a vendor from some fancy-schmancy roasterie on the West Coast sitting in our cabinet and I was excited to see if it made a difference in the freshness of our daily pot of coffee. Maybe it was part placebo, but even the Pavlovian response you get to the sound of beans being ground made it feel a wee bit fancier. One more note about the grind feature — it’s noisy! So if you plan to set it for super early or have it in close proximity to sleeping babies, you’ll want to account for the volume.

They included a universal, reusable filter, which should be standard in any counter-top coffeemaker in 2021 as far as I’m concerned. It’s important to line up the basket to prevent the ground beans from getting stuck above the filter. (I’m including this note partially because I’m proud of myself for having actually read the instructions where it mentions it.) I’m not sure if they included the sample paper filters in case you didn’t want to use the universal one included, but I gave them to the kids to occupy them for 17.5 seconds.

The rest of the brewing process was as expected, super simple, and standard. The measurement in the water basin is clearly marked and there are only a handful of buttons on the front of the machine, so you could probably pull off a pot without even cracking the instruction manual which, if you’re like me, is the way you do most things to maximize the amount of time you have to focus.

What can you do with the Cuisinart Grind & Brew?

I waxed poetically about the grinding feature, which certainly did make a difference for me, but you don’t have to use it. You can fill the filter with pre-ground coffee and brew as you would with any normal coffeemaker. You’re also able to pre-program for an early morning pick-me-up.

The Grind & Brew offers options for brewing single servings and a special one to four-cup option that will percolate at a lower temperature so that your coffee doesn’t burn in the brewing process. To that end, you could program a cup of your favorite coffee, put your travel mug under the spout and reduce even more clean-up time and effort.

Unfortunately, you can’t make any fancy coffee creations with this model. Not that I have a lot of extra time each day to spend perfecting my latté art, but it is nice to feel like you have the option! On the flip side, you’re able to whip up 12 cups of freshly ground coffee in under five minutes, which can be handy if you’re hosting visitors…or happen to be the mom of a couple of toddlers.

How does the Cuisinart Grind & Brew compare to similar products?

It’s been a while since I whipped up a big ol’ batch of counter-top coffeemaker coffee, though I do attempt it when I’m visiting my parents. In fact, attempt is the best word for what I do when trying to brew on their contraption because I find it so confusing and frustrating. On the flip side, the Grind and Brew was easy to use immediately, even the grind feature! Once I perfected my brewing ratio, quality of the coffee has been consistent, and the programming function has saved me a lot of time in the morning.

Is it worth the money?

At under $100, it’s a virtual steal! Since I’ve only brewed a few pots, I can’t speak to the longevity of the product, but it seems sturdy and includes descaling and maintenance care to help prolong its lifetime. Again, I think its ultimate value is providing a better quality cup of joe for way less than you’ll spend in virtually any other way. It stretches your dollar and your coffee products as you can brew different-sized pots to suit your daily needs.

The other reason I appreciate the Cuisinart Grind & Brew 12-Cup Coffeemaker is that it aligns with my ongoing efforts to create less waste. From the reusable filters and ability to purchase beans without them needing to be ground and sealed, to the programmable quantity — and even to the way it was packaged for sale — it seems like Cuisinart has created an efficient product.

And back to my discerning palette, I love that the Cuisinart Grind and Brew offers a nod to the coffeehouse experience with the sound of those delicious beans being slashed into human fuel.

Whether I’m making a cup as my family runs out the door for the day or wanting to take it slow on a Sunday morning, I’ll give this efficient tool an A for now!

Cuisinart Grind and Brew: Where to buy

About our reviewer and this review

Allison's first job in high school was as a barista at a local coffee shop, at a point in time where she didn’t even drink coffee. She fell in love with the whole ritual of making coffee then and now admits that she's aged into the kind of woman who requires caffeine to be a tolerable human.

All our reviews, as in the case of the Cuisinart Grind and Brew, are based on the real-life experience of using these products at home. The products are given to us free of charge and we test them for as long as possible before sending them back to the brand unless we are able to keep them as we are with this coffee maker. This means that we can continue to use the product which gives us the opportunity to return to our reviews for updating, so you can keep up-to-date with how it's fared over a period of time.

Check out these coffee machine sales before adding a new appliance to your cart. We rounded up top brands like Nespresso and Keurig that are discounted now.

You'll see we've done the legwork for you and sniffed out July sales for all types of coffee machines going: from the pod coffee machine to the filter coffee machine, and even the bean-to-cup coffee machine. They are yours for the taking!

Like something you've seen? You'll need to be quick to shop because we're not sure how long these best coffee machine sale prices or stock will last.

July's coffee machine sales

Not sure which coffee maker is for you? Delve into our guides: best pod coffee makers, best small coffee makers, or navigate to the retailers with coffee maker sales on right now. Many offer additional discounts if you sign up for their newsletters or create a free profile on their sites.

• Amazon: shop coffee makers currently on offer from various brands
• Target: shop top-rated coffee machines are in the sale
• Walmart: as one of the largest retailers, there are plenty of coffee machine sales on
• Kohl's: shop for plenty of coffee makers from top brands
• Sur la Table: shop coffee makers, coffee machines, and accessories
• Wayfair: shop coffee maker deals from various brands
• Ninja: shop their coffee maker deals direct
• Keurig: apply their coupons at checkout for up to 45% off
• KitchenAid: unlock offers and codes with the on-screen tab (look for the 'offers available' bar at the bottom of the screen)

Best coffee machine deals

We've rounded up our pick of the best coffee machine deals we've seen (so far) this month.

Prices were correct at the time of publishing.

Want an affordable coffee machine but also want to ensure you’re buying the best? The coffee machines below have been given the Real Homes seal of approval, meaning they’re worth the investment. We’ve also listed their cheapest prices. 

Nespresso coffee machines on sale

Nespresso coffee machines hardly need an introduction — for many people, it is always: 'Nespresso, what else?' Nespresso pod coffee machines are known for being super simple to use while producing excellent quality espresso with proper crema. 

The Vertuo Plus model can even do an espresso lungo. If you like your coffee barista style, though, go for the Creatista Uno, which is the most advanced Nespresso model complete with its own steam wand.

• Nespresso coffee machine: the best models and sales

Filter coffee machines on sale

Looking for a cheap filter coffee machine? There are plenty below from different retailers.

Pod coffee machines on sale

Bean to cup machines on sale

Found your favorite coffee beans and don’t ever want to change brand? Buy a bean-to-cup coffee machine to experiment with your beans and create barista-style coffee at home. Imagine all the money you’d save.

FAQs

What type of coffee machine should I buy?

If you’re a lover of American-style coffee, you prefer to make a pot of coffee rather than a cup, opt for the best filter coffee machine.

If you often spend your mornings in a rush, are stuck for worktop space or you like to experiment with your coffee, the best pod coffee machine will suit you: simply pop in a pod, press the button, and within seconds, out comes your drink.

If you’re a committed coffee drinker, then we suggest you splurge on the best bean-to-cup-coffee machine you can afford. They’re the easiest way to make several drinks at one time, and it’s all fresh and of the best quality.

We will update this page every month to bring you the latest deals. In the meantime, learn how we test and review coffee makers at Real Homes.

When you are looking to buy the best coffee machine for you, you're going to be looking at a variety of coffee machine types, all of which can make you a very nice coffee, but at what cost?  

There's always going to be the initial, upfront cost of buying a coffee machine which is sure to divide the espresso sipper from the latte indulger (for example) due to the nature of the machine at hand. If you enjoy a shot of espresso in the morning then you're going to be looking at a bean to cup coffee machine which will grind and express from the coffee bean of your choice. Whereas if you like a latte then it's likely that a pod coffee machine is going to be more in favour – this type of coffee machine is also a much more affordable option, initially. But what we're interested in from hereon in is the running cost of the machines; think coffee subscriptions, buying coffee from the shelf and pod bulk buys.

To help wade through the options we've being doing a little research (and some maths) around the options, breaking them down by coffee machine type so we can get to the bottom of exactly what is the cheapest coffee machine you can buy when thinking long term. 

Pod coffee machines

These are quick, faff-free and very affordable from the offset with prices starting from £30 for one of the best pod coffee machines. There's a vast selection of pods to choose from with coffee (tea and hot chocolate) pods readily available from the likes of Amazon, supermarkets or direct from brands such as Lavazza. You will just need to make sure that the pods you buy are compatible with the coffee machine you already own.

Pods are available to buy in bulk with prices starting from as little as £2.65 (plus p&p). For a little spot of maths, this particular pack of pods from Italian Coffee has 18 pods which would be enough for a couple of weeks, give or take, based on 2 cups of coffee per day. That means that after the initial cost of buying the compatible Philips Senseo coffee machine for £50 you're looking at spending a further £5.30 (plus p&p) per month for 36 cups of coffee at £0.14 per cup, which is pretty cheap!

This differs by brand, however, since our research reveals that although the Tassimo machine is cheap (circa £50) the pods are about £5 for a pack of eight which makes one cup of coffee £1.60 per cup which is pretty pricey.

Another option is, of course, a coffee subscription which is available for your Lavazza pod coffee machine: Lavazza My Way. This type of pod coffee machine retails for anything between £59 for the Lavazza Tiny to £199 for the Lavazza Desea and uses single use pods to make one coffee. If you don't already own one, Lavazza are offering a coffee subscription service where you pay £1 for the machine and commit to buying 144 pods (worth £44) which makes it £0.27 per coffee. You can choose the frequency of delivery, too, so if you go for less frequency it'll cheap this price as it is but make it more frequent the more expensive it will be.

A means to save money however, which is especially relevant to latte lovers, is that such a thing exists as latte pods, as seen here on Amazon. These combine coffee with milk so if you don't have milk in anything other than in your coffee, this would be a good means to an end. Alternatively, a bean to cup coffee machine would be the next best option here because they often come equipped with a steam wand (more on this coffee machine type shortly..)

Bean to cup coffee machines

Comparably, the best bean to cup coffee machines can be a pretty hefty initial investment to start with but coffee beans are much cheaper and go much further, too,. They can even make you all manner of coffees from espressos to lattes, and even a hot chocolate (if you just want to use the steam wand).

For example, the Breville Barista Max is an espresso coffee machine which currently retails at £299 at Currys PC World. With it's integrated grinder it'll blitz through beans of your choice which are available in a selection of bag sizes – not to mention a vast selection of country of origins and flavours.

Pact Coffee offer a coffee subscription service of beans and pods. We like the philosophy of these guys who pay coffee growers more so that they have the time and resources to produce higher-quality coffee. By the bag, their House Coffee Blend is available for £7.95 which is enough to make 15 cups of coffee (that's £0.53 per coffee). Or at the other end of the scale, there's Gran Fondo Espresso for £11.95 which will make you 15 cups of coffee for £0.80 per cup.

Another site where you can buy coffee beans from is direct from illy. These come from countries such as Brazil, Ethiopia and India which all have a varying richness to them. Their whole beans are available for £7 per 250 gram canister, which is enough for 15 cups. Each cup of illy coffee therefore works out at being £0.46 per cup.

And of course you can get much more affordable coffee beans from your local supermarket with 227g bags of quality beans from around £2.50. You will get 12–15 cups from one of these, meaning a cup could cost as little as £0.17.

Filter coffee machines

Another option is to invest in the best filter coffee machine. This type of machine uses already ground coffee beans which are more readily available in the supermarkets from the two options we've looked at so far. 

You can often pick one of these coffee machine types up for £50 – such as the Morphy Richards 162010 Pour Over Filter Coffee Maker – which is on par with a pod coffee machine when it comes to price. These work by heating and pouring water through ground beans, and into a jug underneath. What you're left with are some damped grounds which can be put into the food caddy or compost bin in the garden.

You can also find a selection of ground coffee from Pact Coffee (two bags) for £10 which will make you 30 cups of coffee for a mere £0.33 per coffee. Or even Whittard who have prices from £3.50 (beans or grounds) to make seven cups of coffee for £0.50 per coffee – opt for a 1kg bag for £28 to enjoy a coffee for just £0.16 per cup! Supermarkets such as Tesco have ground coffee from the likes of Taylors of Harrogate on their shelves which retails at £3.75 for a 227g bag, which is enough to make 15 cups of coffee for £0.25 per cup.

What is the cheapest coffee machine type to buy?

We need a coffee now but the results are in... after closely looking at the numbers the filter coffee machine offers the best value for money. The machines themselves are relatively inexpensive – especially when bought in a coffee machine sale – and the ground beans can be easily bought in the supermarkets or from online, too. 

We're looking at £0.16 per cup of coffee with an initial cost of £50 which means that you will easily make your money back (if you drink enough coffee) and also continue to save you money in the long run since an Americano from a popular coffee shop will set you back £1.95 per shot. Yes, you can make a cup of coffee for the same price in a bean to cup machine, but the initial outlay for that machine means the filter type works out much, much cheaper.

Looking for coffee machine deals? Who could blame you? It’s a tough time to be a coffee lover. When you’re used to your local café’s lattes or a Starbucks americano, the instant coffee you’ll find in your local supermarket won’t cut it as a WFH substitute. As if they read our minds, Macy’s has launched a ton of coffee machine sales, and there’s an option which will hit the spot for everyone. 

Starbucks has responded to coronavirus fears, closing some stores and offering only to-go options in others, so if you want to settle down with a good brew, you’re better off opting for an at-home option. Buying coffee to-go is expensive - one study has found that you could be spending an average of $100 a month on your caffeine hit. So as if these coffee machine sales weren’t good enough, you can also consider them a long-term investment. You’re welcome.  

• Check out Macy's great coffee machine savings

If you've checked out our guide to the best coffee machines, you'll know this is our all-time favorite. The Sage Nespresso Creatista is a beauty, and its easy-to-use features make it an ideal pick for someone with little experience in making their own coffee. Nespresso offers 25 blends for this machine, so you'll have a host of options for every mood. We loved the flavor of the blends we tried, and it's really satisfying to make your own steamed milk (don't worry when it makes that initial squealing sound, it's meant to do that.) 

What's better than a coffee machine? A two-in-one coffee machine! This one costs as much as the average monthly coffee budget, and it's got 15 percent off. The Hamilton Beach FlexBrew 2-Way Coffee Maker offers single-serve and carafe options, in case you're missing your office filter coffee or you're looking to make a pot to get you through the day (or hour). 

Fancy something a bit, well, fancier? This La Specialista Espresso Machine is the mother of all coffee machines. Seriously, it even grinds the beans fresh. If you're a coffee lover who's unwilling to compromise that doesn't mean you can't snag a great saving. This one is 25 percent off, which is pretty impressive. 

• See Amazon's coffee machine sale here

Capsule enthusiast? Want coffee-shop quality black and milk coffees? Then the Sage Nespresso Creatista Uno coffee machine could definitely be the best coffee machine you – and we’ve got all the details so you can be sure. I tested a wide selection of coffee machines to see how much of your worktop they’ll take up, how easy they are to use, how quickly they’ll deliver your drink, which coffees they’ll make, and – crucially – what the brews taste like. Can’t wait to buy? Check out our coffee machine deals page for the latest bargains.

Sage Nespresso Creatista Uno coffee machine specifications 

Type: Capsule
Pressure: 19 bar
Capacity: 1.5 ltr water tank
Dimensions: H30.8 x W17.1 x D39.3cm

Who will the Sage Nespresso Creatista Uno suit?

Singles, couples and families who want authentic coffees at the double and as little clean up as possible.

What is the Sage Nespresso Creatista Uno like to use? 

You’ll be a whizz on this little number in no time at all. Coffee making and milk frothing are a piece of cake.

The Sage Nespresso Creatista Uno makes creating your favourite coffees really achievable. There’s no need for barista training or practice to produce the drinks you’d pay a whole lot for on the high street.

Coffee options and taste

A range of 25 Nespresso coffee blends are available to users of this machine, and you can make the petite ristretto (25ml volume), classic espresso (40ml), and longer lungo (110ml). The coffees can be combined with milk, milk froth or cream to create the drink you prefer, making this machine a good option for those who like the choice between all the classic black and milk coffees you might order from your nearest barista.

Not familiar with Nespresso capsules? The intensity of each coffee is rated and the coffee size the particular blend is suitable for is indicated. There’s a wide choice, and some experimentation will definitely be in order to find your favourites.

In my testing, I brewed up with a range of capsules and I was delighted with all the coffees I made. Each had enticing aroma and very pleasing flavour. All the black coffees had a good crema, too. The temperature of the drinks was just right as well.

Brewing up

This machine was supremely simple to set up in the first place, and the buttons are beautifully straightforward, so I had the machine out on the worktop and producing my first drinks without a hitch.

The water tank was easy to remove and fill under the tap then slot back in place, and the lever to open the capsule container and then close ready to brew operated smoothly. After that, it was just a matter of choosing from one of the three coffee volume size buttons on the top of the machine – that is ristretto, espresso and lungo – and the coffee was delivered speedily.

Making coffee with milk was fuss-free, too. The machine comes with a metal milk jug with maximum and minimum filling lines, which is a welcome bonus, avoiding the need for a second purchase alongside a new coffee machine that can often be required.

The milk-filled jug has to be placed on the temperature sensor in the drip tray and I found the steam wand was easy to position in the milk. You can choose from three milk temperature settings and three milk froth settings: one for flat white, one for cappuccino and one for latte macchiato. I discovered selecting these was easy, then all that was necessary was to press the steam button and the machine got on with the frothing. I guess this is a negative if you want to make like a barista and show off your frothing skills, but if you prefer the machine to do the work with excellent, consistent and tasty results then, like me, you’ll be happy. And you can still create latte art if that’s your fancy.

Cleaning and maintenance

Good design shows and this machine’s thoughtful conception is evident. What I needed to remove to clean came off the machine with ease and went back into place with no fiddling about. It also had the undoubted advantage all capsule machines do that coffee grounds are contained so there’s less to clean up in the first place.

The steam wand needed wiping with a damp cloth after use, then moving back to a vertical position that meant it auto purged to rinse. Neat! The capsule container popped out for emptying with no hassle and the cup support came off the front of the machine with a pull and lift motion. Emptying the drip tray, and cleaning the grid, cup support and capsule bucket, plus wiping the inside of the machine, was easy, but it’s worth bearing in mind that you can’t put these parts, nor the water tank, in the dishwasher.

The steam wand does need a little extra care from time to time – monthly attention is recommended, but there is a cleaning tool that has its own home on the machine to help you do the job. Aside from that, as with all coffee machines, descaling should be on your to-do list. There’s an alert LED so you don’t forget the job but how often this is required will depend on water hardness in your area and how much coffee you make. Oh, and you won’t be able to swerve this chore with this strict machine. Ignore the warning light and carry on brewing up for too long and it will stop functioning until you do the job.  

Bear in mind

Nespresso machines come at a wide range of prices and this version has a fair few less costly rivals that use the same capsule system and are also capable of frothing milk. However, if you want an espresso maker that’s a pleasure to use, doesn’t demand too much care, and, most importantly, brews up both black and milk coffees that are packed with flavour, it offers really good value for your spend.

And while it’ll brew up all the coffee shop favourites, it doesn’t have coffee shop bulk. At H30.8 x W17.1 x D39.3cm and a weight of 5.2kg it won’t take up more than its fair share of the worktop nor cause you to curse if you’re moving home.

The downsides are few, but you should be aware that using capsules, including those from Nespresso, isn’t the most economical way to make coffee at home. As for where to buy them, Nespresso capsules are available online and in Nespresso boutiques – find your nearest via nespresso.com. However, there are compatible capsules in supermarkets, if you prefer more buying opportunity.

Used capsules are a further issue. If you want to keep them out of landfill, Nespresso has a recycling service for its own capsules. You can put the used capsules in the special recycling bag – from Nespresso boutiques or nespresso.com – then drop off your used capsules to various locations, or arrange a collection.

How does it rate online?

The score for this machine from Amazon buyers is a pretty content 4.4 out of five overall. It’s praised for the ‘outstanding’ milk frother, the ease of use, quick heat up and the quality of the coffee. Negatives for some included the lack of a hot water only button and the length of time it takes to descale the machine.

Those who purchased at Currys gave this machine 9.1 out of 10 with ease of use, appearance and ease of cleaning the factors that scored the highest marks. Here, buyers remarked on the taste of the coffee and the temperature positively.

About our review – and our reviewer:

Sarah Warwick has specialised in homes and interiors for over 20 years. She was Executive Editor of Ideal Home magazine, and has written for nationals, magazines and websites including Real Homes, Homebuilding & Renovating, Grand Designs, Homes & Gardens, Houzz, The Guardian, House Beautiful and Country Homes & Interiors. She put the coffee machines to the test on a variety of drinks, as well as checking out how easy they were to set up, and to clean.

@SMWarwick

You might have been tempted by the Wacaco Minipresso NS if you’re an outdoors person but don’t think this should mean you can’t have a proper espresso while you’re camping, hiking, or taking part in a sports event. Or maybe you want to avoid instant when you’re at the office or travelling? 

But how does this portable coffee maker stack up against its plug-in rivals when it comes to making coffee? I tested a wide selection of coffee machines to see how much of your worktop they’ll take up, how easy they are to use, how quickly they’ll deliver your drink, which coffees they’ll make, and – crucially – what the brews taste like.

If size matters, then you can browse more small coffee makers we love. Or keep on scrolling for the full verdict of the Wacaco Minipresso.

Wacaco Minipresso NS specifications

• Type: Nespresso pods
• Pressure: 8 bar average
• Capacity: 70ml water tank
• Dimensions: H17.5 x W7 x D6cm

Who will the Wacaco Minipresso NS suit?

Espresso devotees who spend nights under canvas or who attend outdoor events, as well as those who don’t like the instant at work or in hotel rooms.

What is the Wacaco Minipresso NS like to use?

The procedure is simple, but you do have to put some strength into pumping.

The Wacaco Minipresso NS is a useful extra coffee maker for espresso fans. It’s easy to take around with you – as are the Nespresso pods it works with – so you can get your coffee fix even if you’re in the middle of nowhere.

Coffee options and taste with the Wacaco Minipresso NS

The Wacaco Minipresso NS has a straightforward purpose: it will brew you a 45ml espresso when you’re away from home. 

Want a longer coffee? You can buy a separate Minipresso Tank+, which is a larger water container that will allow you to prepare a 100ml espresso, and use it in place of the standard water tank.

The coffee the machine produces has an authentic crema and good taste. For best aroma I’d recommend using your own cup rather than the integral version, which seemed to dull the odour a little.

Brewing up with the Wacaco Minipresso NS

I found making coffee to be a simple process. You need to put a capsule into the coffee maker and screw down the head of the design tightly. Next, you have to add boiling water to the tank and then screw the body of the machine and the tank together. The piston on the front of the machine unlocks with a simple turn, and then it’s a matter of pumping the coffee into the cup that comes as part of the machine, or your own vessel.

It takes a little while for any coffee to emerge, and I found pumping quite hard work. While this won’t be an issue for many, it does mean the machine won’t suit all potential buyers. Holding the machine with two hands is recommended so less arm strength is required.

Cleaning and maintenance

Cleaning the Wacaco Minipresso NS wasn’t tricky. Of course, because it’s a capsule machine there’s not a lot of mess to worry about in any case. A brush is provided to clean the cutter area, and some parts can be cleaned under running water, while others may be wiped with a soft damp cloth. Be aware that none of the parts can go in the dishwasher.

Our verdict

At 350g, the Wacaco Minipresso NS won’t weigh you down when you’re out and about, and neither will the capsules you need for it. It takes Nespresso Originals, and most compatibles, too, so you can get a shot of your favourite coffee wherever you are.

Don’t forget that it does require hot water, though. If you’re camping you could heat this on the stove, but otherwise in many situations you will need to bring it with you as well. Buying so you can make a decent coffee at work or in hotel rooms? This won’t be an issue.

As well as the larger water tank (see above), you can also buy a neat case to keep the Minipresso NS clean and protected when you’re on the move. 

If capsule coffee isn’t, er, your cup of tea, then there’s the Minipresso GR which lets you use ground coffee. This would avoid the need to take spent capsules home with you (I’ve assumed you want to recycle), but does mean you have to pack ground coffee (or even beans and a grinder, fresh coffee buffs) when you’re out and about.

How does it rate online?

Those who shopped on the Wacaco site gave the machine an overall rating of 4.8 out of five stars. Buyers found it easy to use, convenient, and were pleased with the brews they made. The drawbacks noted by these reviewers included the need to pump many times to produce the coffee, and the fact that this needed strength.

Amazon purchasers awarded 3.8 out of five as an average rating. Acclaimed were the coffee machine’s portability, tasty and authentic espresso, and ease of use. For some, the coffee it makes isn’t hot enough, and others found it hard to pump out the coffee.

About our review – and our reviewer:

Sarah Warwick has specialised in homes and interiors for over 20 years. She was Executive Editor of Ideal Home magazine, and has written for nationals, magazines and websites including Real Homes, Homebuilding & Renovating, Grand Designs, Homes & Gardens, Houzz, The Guardian, House Beautiful and Country Homes & Interiors. She put the coffee machines to the test on a variety of drinks, as well as checking out how easy they were to set up, and to clean. 

@SMWarwick

Do you enjoy the ease of using a pod coffee machine, but are perhaps put off by the non-recyclable nature of most coffee pods on the market? Maybe you're shopping our list of the best coffee machines (or perhaps are waiting for the Black Friday sales), but are discouraged by the thought of the pods going into landfill? 

Take Nespresso pods, for example. They technically are made from recyclable aluminium (great), but most recycling facilities cannot recycle them because they're too small (seriously?). So, instead you have to drop them off at one of Nespresso's recycling hubs – doable, of course, but just another job to do (in a world where we could all do with less to do, right?). 

Fortunately, there's no need to give up on the idea of coffee pods. You can now make your own, refillable coffee pods compatible with Nespresso machines using the Capsulier, a new gadget that allows you to fill up a reusable and washable stainless steel pod (provided) with ground coffee of your choice. 

You literally fill the machine with the coffee, insert the capsule, push down the lever, and you've got a coffee pod ready to go in your pod coffee machine. When you're done, simply empty the used coffee into your food waste bin and reuse the pod. Genius. 

The Capsulier Lite in £99 from Amazon UK. On a budget? You can also buy reusable Nespresso coffee pods for £13.29.

Buy the Capsulier Lite for $111 at Amazon US. You can also buy reusable Nespresso coffee pods for $36.95.

• Nespresso coffee machines: which to buy? Our guide will tell you