10 Best Nespresso Pod Coffee Machines 2020

A machine which will please Nespresso fans and coffee aficionados alike, the Citiz model allows the user to make a vast range of coffee drinks thanks to the integrated milk frother, which many pod machines usually lack.

It’s perfect for those who are starting out in the world of coffee machines yet want something with more freedom than the basic models out there. The two water-quantity buttons offer automatic espresso and lungo coffee preparation, but there is also a removable drip tray if you fancy a taller recipe.

Prefer to acquire to your particular tastes? Programme the controls to suit, so everything is done at the touch of a button.

As it is fitted with an Aeroccino milk frother, you don’t have to separately prepare and add the milk for your lattes or cappuccinos which means a lot less hassle, a quicker brew and more choice. It can heat and froth or just froth, so your cup can be made just how you like it.

Fitting the pods can be a bit fiddly, but we saw it’s easy to spot that they aren’t inserted properly before you turn the machine on so it isn’t wasted. It isn’t the best at adapting to different milk types though. We found thinner milk didn’t get frothy enough when poured in up to capacity, and full-fat overflowed if at capacity.

Having said that, the user interface is easy to adapt in order to suit everybody’s individual tastes. It switches off automatically after 9 minutes of not being used, which also saves power.

For the price, you get a capsule model which rivals some barista-style machines, plus it is compact to suit whatever countertop space you have. It is available without the milk frother, but it is well worth having the option.

A relatively new addition to the Original Nespresso line, this is a machine which will allow you to bring out your inner barista and craft your coffee just how you like it.

There is a milk frothing wand so you can easily add any finishing touches, whether you like to have a fully frothy cappuccino or just an ordinary coffee with a little more than crema. It is automatic, so even though you can act like a barista, you don’t have to have the skills of one to use it.

You get a stainless steel milk jug as a little extra which helps with the frothing process. This has a little spout which will allow you to do some latter art if needed. On the machine, you also get adjustable settings for coffee volume, milk temperature and milk texture so can make the coffee just how you wish.

The housing is plastic, but very stylish and modern so it will look great in your kitchen. Our only downside is a lack of on/off button, which means you have to wait for it to turn off after around ten minutes. To say this is our only niggle shows it is good stuff. It is a winner in our eyes, which is to be expected from Sage.

For anybody who wants to see what all the fuss about capsule machines is without spending a fortune, the Inissia is affordable and takes things back to basics.

Firstly, it takes up very little space on the kitchen countertop, so is perfect for any kitchen no matter the size. This does mean the water capacity is on the small scale, but as capsule machines are designed only to create one cup at a time, we found that this isn’t a big deal.

You aren’t just limited to using it in your kitchen, either – there is a handle, and it is very lightweight, so feel free to take it on holiday or even just store it away when not in use.

It is easy to insert the capsules, and empty ones are collected in a container which is quick to remove and cleanout. In fact, the whole machine is easy to clean, so keeping it in top condition is no hassle.

The coffee produced tastes high-end, and creating your cup couldn’t be easier. Controlling the quantity of water used is simple, so espressos and lungos are at the touch of a button. We will admit that the instructions provided aren’t the easiest to follow, so there was a lot of guesswork involved for the first few goes, but once you get the hang of things, you wonder how you ever even struggled.

After 9 minutes of being left in idle, the machine will turn off to save electricity, but it is easy to get up and running again with a heating time of under 25 seconds. You get 16 Nespresso Grands Crus capsules with your purchase so that you can get started straight away. Make sure they’re inserted properly, or they can easily get stuck or fall through without being pierced.

Similar to the Citiz model by Krups, but this Magimix version has a couple of different specs which may make it a bit more appealing.

First of all it is available in both black and white, which will suit any decor and kitchen layout. The heat up time is only 25 seconds, so you will get your coffee in just over a minute, and there is an integrated Aeroccino3 arm which can give you frothy hot or cold milk when required.

The one-touch buttons can be programmed for custom volumes in case you like to make your favourite a certain way, and the machine will shut off automatically after nine minutes of no use to help save some energy (and also help you out if you tend to forget). But this can be extended to 30 minutes, in case you like to go back for a second cup or want to leave it on for your partner who has a cup before work when you’ve left the house.

A sliding cup support can allow you to accommodate any sized mug, so a tall latte is just as as easy as a small espresso, and there will be no splashbacks. Ideal for both your kitchen counter top state and your safety.

Pod machines are convenient, but often don’t give you the full barista experience or much adaptability. This is where the Creatista Plus steps up to the task while providing a style statement.

Firstly, there are three coffee volumes available from 25 to 150ml, so espressos are just as easy to make as standard coffee or lungo, without any need to change settings. Then, there is a milk frother built-in – but it isn’t just any milk frother.

Choose the ideal temperature from 56 to 76°C, as well as one of the eight milk frother settings (from 2 to 30 mm). So whether you like your coffee tepid and strong, or hot and milky, everything is adaptable.

The milk is frothed in a dedicated stainless steel jug, so if a bit of latte art is your thing, the pour spout allows it. We loved the fact that there are eight beverage selection options too, with three black coffee options, four milk-based and the milk froth.

The display also guides you through the steps for the selected coffee type, so even if you are crafting your very own Latte Macchiato for the first time, the instructions are there for you to read clearly.

The screen can also guide you through the cleaning and maintenance process, which is great as it looks like a complicated piece of kit on the outside but breaks it all down.

This is all without mentioning one of the most significant selling points; the super-fast 3 second heat time. In fact, it is so fast that it took us all by surprise for the first few start-ups. Waiting the average 25 seconds it takes other machines to heat up isn’t a massive strain, but until you have such a quick machine, you don’t know just how great it is.

A clever little machine which can not only make great coffee, but also save you money and from wasting any goods.

The patented De’Longhi Automatic Cappuccino optical sensor detects how much milk is left in the frothing container, using every last drop so none is wasted. It is only large enough for one cup of coffee anyway, so you aren’t going to be too drastic unintentionally.

3 beverage backlit buttons will allow you to pick your drink of choice with just one touch. Espresso, lungo and a milk recipe are the three choices, so you can get the basic drink and then customise as you wish. There is 19 bars of pressure which is great for delivering an impactful caffeine hit, and it only takes 25 seconds to fully heat.

Love the idea of a pod machine but worried your favourite lattes and cappuccinos would take too much effort to craft? The Lattissima Touch, with DeLonghi’s patented automatic cappuccino system, is your answer.

Nespresso machines with Aeroccino’s aren’t necessarily rare, but this one seems to have a bit of an edge as it does it all with no input from you. The inbuilt milk container gives you the option to vary your froth texture, and there are six recipes ready to be made at the touch of a button.

If you use alternative milk, such as soya or almond, you’ll be pleased to hear it handles them with no difficulty, unlike with a lot of other milk machines.

The container is removable and can be popped in the fridge if you want to prepare some milk ahead, make a hot chocolate with powder or use it cold, and the machine reminds you to clean it after every use, so it is all very hygienic.

A handy light comes on when everything needs cleaning and descaling, and all the steps must be followed meticulously for the light to turn off. While this is technically great for keeping everything in top condition, it can make it a bit of a long process, and it had a habit of starting from the beginning if we didn’t move it to the next step quickly enough.

We found it was a bit louder than most of the other Nespresso machines we reviewed, especially when frothing milk, but it is something you soon get used to. Also, you may have to preheat the cup with boiling water if you don’t want to have to gulp it all down as the temperature of the coffee produced isn’t the hottest.

The Vertuo range of coffee machines from Nespresso gives you the perfect mix of good coffee and technology, to craft an even better brew with even less effort.

There are four pre-programmed cup sizes available at the touch of a button, so you do not need to spend ages trying to get your coffee just right. Thanks to an intelligent extraction system, it also does a lot of the work for you.

Nespresso Vertuo’s automatic blend recognition barcode technology will read the pod to adjust the brewing parameters to each blend and capsule size, depending on the particular one you are using. This makes it the best option for anyone who prefers their coffee to not rely on espressos, such as different flavour blends or iced coffees.

Simply pop the pod into the holder and pull down the lever. Centrifusion power means it will spin at a rate of 7,000 rotations per minute, so you get the full flavour and a great crema with no hassle.

As the water tank is a generous 1.7L, you won’t have to refill it as much as with smaller models, which we think is great for anyone who is often in a rush in the mornings, or even if you like to make coffee for the whole family or one cup in the morning isn’t enough. We also think it is the best option for the office, as the variety of coffee will please everyone.

It will only take the Vertuo capsules – the Vertuo and Original pods aren’t interchangeable, and you can’t use cheaper non-brand pods either because of the automatic blend recognition technology. As long as the cost of only being able to buy Vertuo pods is okay with you, then this isn’t an issue.

A slightly different design to the Inissia by Magimix, but still the great performance.

It is a compact design, great for small kitchens, and has an auto shut-off feature after 9 minutes of inactivity so you don’t have to worry about it staying on all day when you are at work.

As it uses the famous Nespresso capsule system, you get 22 varieties of coffee with just one touch. It takes 25 seconds to deliver boiling water, so is great for anyone who wants a pod machine for the convenience.

The design means it can cater to a range of cup sizes, and the drip tray will catch any mess to save your worktops.

If you’re after a capsule machine that is both space- and money-saving, then the Essenza Mini is pretty perfect.

This budget offering is easy to use, with two programmable flow-stop buttons, as well as being ultra-compact so great to move around and transport. Take it on holiday, on work trips or simply just store it away thanks to the handle.

Available in three colours, there is a style to suit every kitchen. We particularly like the white, as it looks fresh and modern while brightening up any space. It will turn itself off if not used for about 10 minutes, which is great to save energy or if you’re simply forgetful.

The coffee produced tastes similar to that from much more expensive models, so it is nice to be able to say that just because it is a lower price doesn’t mean it is lower quality. The crema on the top of the coffee is smooth, just like with a proper coffee shop brew.

You aren’t just limited to Nespresso pods either, as a lot of the cheaper non-branded or supermarket own alternatives on the market will fit – you just need to experiment to find the one for you. Nespresso does usually taste better, but alternatives can be great for those in-between times when you’re waiting for an order to arrive.

As it is mini, the capacity is the smallest out of those we reviewed, but as pod machines are only made to create one cup at a time, this isn’t a huge issue. It will only really take cups and mugs which are on the small side, though. The drip tray can be removed to accommodate larger sizes, but the machine does drip quite a lot, so this will get a bit messy!