Pod & Capsule Machines
Nespresso, Vertuo, Dolce Gusto and K-Cup machines, plus the part nobody tells you, which is what a cup costs to make.
Also see Coffee pods for what each cup costs once the machine is on the counter.
How we rate pod & capsule machines — the 7 criteria behind every score on this page.
Our pick
· research-based, chosen for a reason, not a rating
Milk drinks for one, without a carafe of milk left standing after
Scores 10.0 of 10 on Drink Quality (pump pressure not published), the heaviest criterion in this category at 20 of 100.
7.2 out of 10 at $71 — the best rating-to-price ratio here.
The best pod machines, ranked
scored on what the maker publishes · open a row for the working1
Nespresso Lattissima One8.0- Drink Quality (pump pressure not published)
- 8.7
- Capsule System & Choice
- 8.5
- Running Cost Per Cup (cost per cup not published)
- 10.0
- Ease of Use & Speed
- 7.8
- Build Quality & Reliability
- 6.0
- Maintenance & Cleaning
- 6.0
- Machine Value for Money
- 9.6
Weakest link: Build Quality & Reliability — 6.0 of 10, carrying 14 of the 87 points scored here.
2
Nespresso Gran Lattissima7.3- Drink Quality (pump pressure not published)
- 8.7
- Capsule System & Choice
- 8.5
- Running Cost Per Cup (cost per cup not published)
- 10.0
- Ease of Use & Speed
- 7.8
- Build Quality & Reliability
- 6.0
- Maintenance & Cleaning
- 6.0
- Machine Value for Money
- 2.5
Weakest link: Machine Value for Money — 2.5 of 10, carrying 8 of the 87 points scored here.
3
Keurig K-Mini Single Serve Coffee Maker7.2- Drink Quality (pump pressure not published)
- 6.3
- Capsule System & Choice
- 8.5
- Running Cost Per Cup (cost per cup not published)
- 10.0
- Ease of Use & Speed
- 7.5
- Build Quality & Reliability
- 5.0
- Maintenance & Cleaning
- 4.5
- Machine Value for Money
- 10.0
Weakest link: Maintenance & Cleaning — 4.5 of 10, carrying 10 of the 87 points scored here.
4
Keurig K-Classic7.0- Drink Quality (pump pressure not published)
- 5.0
- Capsule System & Choice
- 10.0
- Running Cost Per Cup (cost per cup not published)
- 10.0
- Ease of Use & Speed
- 6.0
- Build Quality & Reliability
- 4.5
- Maintenance & Cleaning
- 5.0
- Machine Value for Money
- 10.0
Weakest link: Build Quality & Reliability — 4.5 of 10, carrying 14 of the 87 points scored here.
5
Keurig K-Express Single-Serve7.0- Drink Quality (pump pressure not published)
- 5.0
- Capsule System & Choice
- 10.0
- Running Cost Per Cup (cost per cup not published)
- 10.0
- Ease of Use & Speed
- 6.0
- Build Quality & Reliability
- 4.5
- Maintenance & Cleaning
- 5.0
- Machine Value for Money
- 10.0
Weakest link: Build Quality & Reliability — 4.5 of 10, carrying 14 of the 87 points scored here.
6
Ninja Single Serve Coffee Maker PB0516.9- Drink Quality (pump pressure not published)
- 6.7
- Capsule System & Choice
- 8.5
- Running Cost Per Cup (cost per cup not published)
- 10.0
- Ease of Use & Speed
- 6.5
- Build Quality & Reliability
- 5.0
- Maintenance & Cleaning
- 6.5
- Machine Value for Money (no price published)
- 5.0
Weakest link: Build Quality & Reliability — 5.0 of 10, carrying 14 of the 87 points scored here.
7
Keurig K-Elite Single Serve Coffee Maker6.8- Drink Quality (pump pressure not published)
- 6.3
- Capsule System & Choice
- 8.5
- Running Cost Per Cup (cost per cup not published)
- 10.0
- Ease of Use & Speed
- 6.5
- Build Quality & Reliability
- 5.0
- Maintenance & Cleaning
- 6.5
- Machine Value for Money (no price published)
- 5.0
Weakest link: Build Quality & Reliability — 5.0 of 10, carrying 14 of the 87 points scored here.
8
Nespresso Creatista Plus6.8- Drink Quality (pump pressure not published)
- 6.3
- Capsule System & Choice
- 8.5
- Running Cost Per Cup (cost per cup not published)
- 10.0
- Ease of Use & Speed
- 6.0
- Build Quality & Reliability
- 6.0
- Maintenance & Cleaning
- 6.0
- Machine Value for Money
- 4.0
Weakest link: Machine Value for Money — 4.0 of 10, carrying 8 of the 87 points scored here.
9
Famiworths Single Serve Coffee Maker6.7- Drink Quality (pump pressure not published)
- 6.3
- Capsule System & Choice
- 10.0
- Running Cost Per Cup (cost per cup not published)
- 10.0
- Ease of Use & Speed
- 6.5
- Build Quality & Reliability
- 4.5
- Maintenance & Cleaning
- 3.5
- Machine Value for Money (no price published)
- 5.0
Weakest link: Maintenance & Cleaning — 3.5 of 10, carrying 10 of the 87 points scored here.
10
Nespresso Inissia6.6- Drink Quality (pump pressure not published)
- 6.3
- Capsule System & Choice
- 8.5
- Running Cost Per Cup (cost per cup not published)
- 10.0
- Ease of Use & Speed
- 6.0
- Build Quality & Reliability
- 4.5
- Maintenance & Cleaning
- 6.0
- Machine Value for Money
- 5.5
Weakest link: Build Quality & Reliability — 4.5 of 10, carrying 14 of the 87 points scored here.
11
Nespresso Pixie6.6- Drink Quality (pump pressure not published)
- 6.3
- Capsule System & Choice
- 7.0
- Running Cost Per Cup (cost per cup not published)
- 10.0
- Ease of Use & Speed
- 7.0
- Build Quality & Reliability
- 5.5
- Maintenance & Cleaning
- 4.0
- Machine Value for Money
- 7.0
Weakest link: Maintenance & Cleaning — 4.0 of 10, carrying 10 of the 87 points scored here.
12
Keurig K-Supreme6.5- Drink Quality (pump pressure not published)
- 6.3
- Capsule System & Choice
- 7.0
- Running Cost Per Cup (cost per cup not published)
- 10.0
- Ease of Use & Speed
- 6.5
- Build Quality & Reliability
- 4.5
- Maintenance & Cleaning
- 5.5
- Machine Value for Money
- 6.6
Weakest link: Build Quality & Reliability — 4.5 of 10, carrying 14 of the 87 points scored here.
13
Hamilton Beach FlexBrew Trio Coffee Maker6.4- Drink Quality (pump pressure not published)
- 5.0
- Capsule System & Choice
- 8.5
- Running Cost Per Cup (cost per cup not published)
- 10.0
- Ease of Use & Speed
- 5.0
- Build Quality & Reliability
- 5.0
- Maintenance & Cleaning
- 6.5
- Machine Value for Money (no price published)
- 5.0
Weakest link: Drink Quality (pump pressure not published) — 5.0 of 10, carrying 20 of the 87 points scored here.
14
Nespresso Citiz6.3- Drink Quality (pump pressure not published)
- 6.7
- Capsule System & Choice
- 7.0
- Running Cost Per Cup (cost per cup not published)
- 10.0
- Ease of Use & Speed
- 6.5
- Build Quality & Reliability
- 5.5
- Maintenance & Cleaning
- 5.0
- Machine Value for Money
- 2.9
Weakest link: Machine Value for Money — 2.9 of 10, carrying 8 of the 87 points scored here.
15
Ninja CFN601 Espresso & Coffee Barista System6.3- Drink Quality (pump pressure not published)
- 7.0
- Capsule System & Choice
- 5.0
- Running Cost Per Cup (cost per cup not published)
- 5.0
- Ease of Use & Speed
- 5.8
- Build Quality & Reliability
- 7.5
- Maintenance & Cleaning
- 8.0
- Machine Value for Money
- 6.0
Weakest link: Capsule System & Choice — 5.0 of 10, carrying 18 of the 87 points scored here.
Read review →PriceFrom $16416
Cuisinart SS-10P1 Single Serve Coffee Maker6.1- Drink Quality (pump pressure not published)
- 4.3
- Capsule System & Choice
- 8.5
- Running Cost Per Cup (cost per cup not published)
- 10.0
- Ease of Use & Speed
- 4.2
- Build Quality & Reliability
- 5.0
- Maintenance & Cleaning
- 6.5
- Machine Value for Money (no price published)
- 5.0
Weakest link: Ease of Use & Speed — 4.2 of 10, carrying 14 of the 87 points scored here.
17
Nespresso Essenza Mini Espresso Machine by Breville6.1- Drink Quality (pump pressure not published)
- 6.3
- Capsule System & Choice
- 7.0
- Running Cost Per Cup (cost per cup not published)
- 10.0
- Ease of Use & Speed
- 6.5
- Build Quality & Reliability
- 4.5
- Maintenance & Cleaning
- 3.0
- Machine Value for Money
- 5.3
Weakest link: Maintenance & Cleaning — 3.0 of 10, carrying 10 of the 87 points scored here.
18
Nespresso Vertuo5.3- Drink Quality (pump pressure not published)
- 8.7
- Capsule System & Choice
- 0.0
- Running Cost Per Cup (cost per cup not published)
- 0.0
- Ease of Use & Speed
- 8.5
- Build Quality & Reliability
- 6.5
- Maintenance & Cleaning
- 8.0
- Machine Value for Money (no price published)
- 5.0
Weakest link: Capsule System & Choice — 0.0 of 10, carrying 18 of the 87 points scored here.
19
Nespresso Vertuo Next5.1- Drink Quality (pump pressure not published)
- 8.7
- Capsule System & Choice
- 0.0
- Running Cost Per Cup (cost per cup not published)
- 0.0
- Ease of Use & Speed
- 9.5
- Build Quality & Reliability
- 5.5
- Maintenance & Cleaning
- 6.0
- Machine Value for Money
- 4.9
Weakest link: Capsule System & Choice — 0.0 of 10, carrying 18 of the 87 points scored here.
20
Nespresso Vertuo Pop+ Deluxe5.0- Drink Quality (pump pressure not published)
- 8.3
- Capsule System & Choice
- 0.0
- Running Cost Per Cup (cost per cup not published)
- 0.0
- Ease of Use & Speed
- 8.5
- Build Quality & Reliability
- 4.5
- Maintenance & Cleaning
- 6.5
- Machine Value for Money
- 7.6
Weakest link: Capsule System & Choice — 0.0 of 10, carrying 18 of the 87 points scored here.
21
Nespresso Vertuo Lattissima4.9- Drink Quality (pump pressure not published)
- 10.0
- Capsule System & Choice
- 0.0
- Running Cost Per Cup (cost per cup not published)
- 0.0
- Ease of Use & Speed
- 9.5
- Build Quality & Reliability
- 4.5
- Maintenance & Cleaning
- 4.0
- Machine Value for Money (no price published)
- 5.0
Weakest link: Capsule System & Choice — 0.0 of 10, carrying 18 of the 87 points scored here.
22
Nespresso Vertuo Up4.8- Drink Quality (pump pressure not published)
- 8.7
- Capsule System & Choice
- 0.0
- Running Cost Per Cup (cost per cup not published)
- 0.0
- Ease of Use & Speed
- 8.0
- Build Quality & Reliability
- 5.0
- Maintenance & Cleaning
- 6.5
- Machine Value for Money (no price published)
- 5.0
Weakest link: Capsule System & Choice — 0.0 of 10, carrying 18 of the 87 points scored here.
23
Nespresso Vertuo Plus Deluxe4.7- Drink Quality (pump pressure not published)
- 8.7
- Capsule System & Choice
- 0.0
- Running Cost Per Cup (cost per cup not published)
- 0.0
- Ease of Use & Speed
- 9.0
- Build Quality & Reliability
- 4.5
- Maintenance & Cleaning
- 5.0
- Machine Value for Money (no price published)
- 5.0
Weakest link: Capsule System & Choice — 0.0 of 10, carrying 18 of the 87 points scored here.
24
Bosch Tassimo T55 Beverage System3.9- Drink Quality (pump pressure not published)
- 4.0
- Capsule System & Choice
- 1.8
- Running Cost Per Cup (cost per cup not published)
- 2.5
- Ease of Use & Speed
- 5.0
- Build Quality & Reliability
- 5.0
- Maintenance & Cleaning
- 5.0
- Machine Value for Money (no price published)
- 5.0
Weakest link: Capsule System & Choice — 1.8 of 10, carrying 18 of the 87 points scored here.
25
Lavazza Blue Classy Mini3.7- Drink Quality (pump pressure not published)
- 5.7
- Capsule System & Choice
- 0.0
- Running Cost Per Cup (cost per cup not published)
- 0.0
- Ease of Use & Speed
- 7.0
- Build Quality & Reliability
- 5.0
- Maintenance & Cleaning
- 3.0
- Machine Value for Money (no price published)
- 5.0
Weakest link: Capsule System & Choice — 0.0 of 10, carrying 18 of the 87 points scored here.
More pod machines guides
How to choose a pod machine
A pod machine is a deliberate trade. You give up control over the coffee and most of the ceiling on quality, and you get a consistent cup in thirty seconds with nothing to clean. That trade is a completely reasonable one, and the way to choose well is to be honest that you are making it.
The capsule system matters more than the machine
We weight the capsule system at 18 points and running cost at 16, which together outweigh drink quality. That is deliberate, and it is the opposite of how these machines are marketed.
The machine is a one-time cost. The capsules are forever. Buying a pod machine is choosing which company you buy coffee from for the next several years, and the machine in front of you is largely a delivery device for that decision.
So the questions in order are: how much does a capsule cost, how many can you choose from, can you buy them anywhere other than the maker, and does the system accept third party or refillable pods at all. A closed system with six flavours is a different purchase from an open one with two hundred.
Cost per cup is the number to work out before you buy
Divide the box price by the number of capsules. Anywhere from about 60 cents to well over a dollar a cup is normal. Against roughly 15 to 30 cents for ground coffee in a drip machine, that difference over two cups a day for three years is usually larger than the price of any machine on the shelf.
We calculate it rather than take a maker's word for it, and it is why the capsule box price and count are fields we chase.
What actually differs between machines in one system
Once you have picked a system, the machines mostly differ on things you can check:
Pressure and pre-wetting affect the cup, but less than people expect, since the capsule controls dose, grind and freshness.
Water tank size decides how often you refill. Small tanks on small machines are a genuine daily annoyance.
Used capsule bin capacity decides how often you empty it, and a machine that holds nine is asking for attention twice a week.
Milk. A separate frother is a second thing to store and wash. An integrated system is convenient and is the part most likely to break.
Heat up time. Most are 25 to 30 seconds and it is not a differentiator.
Where the value criterion sits
We give machine value only 8 points here, the lowest of any category, because the machine is rarely the expensive part. A cheap machine on an expensive closed system is not a saving.
Reading on pod & capsule machines
What to know before you pick one.
- Nespresso Original vs Vertuo: The Two Systems, and Which Aisle You Are Joining
Same brand, different capsules, and they do not fit each other's machines. The barcode on a Vertuo pod is the whole decision, and it is worth more than the price of the machine.
- What a Coffee Pod Actually Costs Per Cup
The machine is the small number. Work out what the capsules cost over three years and the cheapest machine is regularly the most expensive decision.
Frequently asked
How much does a pod of coffee actually cost per cup?
Divide the box price by the capsule count and expect roughly 60 cents to over a dollar per cup depending on the system and the range. Ground coffee in a drip machine is somewhere around 15 to 30 cents. At two cups a day that gap comes to a few hundred dollars a year, which is usually more than the difference between any two machines you were choosing between. It is the number worth working out before you buy the machine, not after.
Can I use third party or refillable capsules?
It depends entirely on the system, and you should check rather than assume. Some systems are open enough that other roasters sell compatible capsules, which pushes the cost per cup down significantly. Others are closed by design, and some makers state that using non-original capsules can affect the warranty. We only record third party compatibility for a machine when the maker publishes it, because it is a claim that affects both running cost and warranty and it is not safe to infer.
Does a more expensive pod machine make better coffee?
Less than you would expect, because the capsule fixes the dose, the grind and the freshness before the machine touches it. Within one capsule system, a dearer machine usually buys you a bigger water tank, a larger used capsule bin, milk frothing, or a nicer set of buttons rather than a materially better cup. The bigger quality difference is between systems, not between machines inside a system.
What size water tank do I need?
Work backwards from how many cups you make between refills. A one litre tank is comfortable for a household. The compact machines often carry around half a litre, which is two or three drinks, and refilling it becomes part of every morning. It is one of the few specs on a pod machine that changes daily life rather than the coffee.
Is a pod machine worth it compared with a drip machine?
It depends on what you are optimising for. A pod machine wins on speed, consistency and having nothing to clean, and it is very hard to make a bad cup with one. A drip machine wins clearly on cost per cup, on the ceiling of quality you can reach, and on making more than one cup at a time. If you drink one or two cups a day, value convenience, and would rather not think about it, the trade is a fair one.
What is the best pod machine?
Based on our research across the category, Nespresso Lattissima One is our editor's pick for pod machine. Milk drinks for one, without a carafe of milk left standing after
Is there a cheap pod machine worth buying?
Keurig K-Express Single-Serve is the least expensive we have reviewed in this category at $69.99. Cheapest is not the same as best value: the review says which corners were cut.
How much does a pod machine cost?
The ones we have reviewed run from about $69.99 to $479. Price tracks build material, capacity and how much of the specification the maker publishes.