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A nicely brewed cup of coffee may just be what you need to get your morning started. And that is why we’ve thought it wise to present you with some of the highly recommended pod coffee machines that can help you brew good quality coffee. It does not matter whether you prefer cappuccino, espresso, lungo, or ristretto. Rest easy knowing that you will find a machine that suits you from our review list.
The below-listed units combine simplicity and convenience to give you easy-to-use coffee machines that will save you a whole lot of time every morning. In addition to this, these appliances are relatively cheap and will provide you with café-style cups of coffee without breaking the bank. However, it is worth noting that some coffee pods are rather costly, so ensure that you pick a pod coffee machine that is within your budget.
TL;DR: The #1 Pod Coffee Machine for Most People 👇
The Lavazza A Modo Mio Jolie may not be first or second on the list but it is one of the best pod coffee machines simply due to its incredible price point.
We understand that most people in the market for a pod-based coffee machine are looking for a budget-friendly option that makes a great tasting, simple coffee.
Well, this ticks all of those boxes, and more! 🙌
Plus, some of these machines have additional functions like automatic frothing for perfectly brewed and delicious milk coffee. The models covered in this review have been carefully selected to offer value for money. Choose any unit from our list of best pod coffee machines and start brewing flavourful cups of coffee.
The Best Pod Coffee Machines in Australia
- Best Coffee Pod Machine for Cuppuccino: Breville Creatista Plus
- Best Coffee Machine for Nespresso Pods: De’Longhi – Nespresso Citiz Solo Capsule Coffee Machine
- Best Value for Money Coffee Pod Machine: Breville Nespresso Citiz and Milk Espresso Machine
- Best Coffee Pod Machine for Long Black: Breville Nespresso Essenza Mini Solo
- Best Pod Coffee Machine for Small Kitchen: Nescafe Dolce Gusto Genio S Automatic Coffee Machine
- Best for Most People: Lavazza A Modo Mio Jolie
1. Best Coffee Pod Machine for Cuppuccino: Breville Creatista Plus
Why we like it:
- Fast heat-up time
- Auto-shutoff function
- Adjustable drip tray
What customers say:
“It’s an attractive unit that looks good in the kitchen. Easy to follow instructions with all sorts of options for example temperature setting & the amount of milk froth.”–Tezza_1
We chose the Breville Creatista Plus as our top pick because it is versatile, efficient, and durable. Additionally, it has virtually all the features that you may look for in a pod coffee machine. Its 1.5-litre water tank allows you to brew coffee up to three times without refilling the unit. This may, however, vary depending on the size of the cup that you are using.
With this machine, you can brew different recipes of coffee with ease. Besides, the brewing system is fully automated, so only have to select the mode that you want to use. The machine will brew your coffee according to your preference and will provide you with excellent results every time. Moreover, it features a digital display from which you can select the available recipes, including lungo, ristretto, espresso, etc.
If you prefer milk coffee, you can make use of the auto-steam wand. It will allow you to froth the milk to the desired level without spilling your coffee all over the countertop. You will be happy to know that the wand has an auto-clean function, so you won’t have to worry about it clogging. Furthermore, there are up to eight froth textures that you can consider using, so you won’t be limited in any way when using this feature.
That is not all; this pod coffee machine will allow you to adjust the milk temperature according to your requirement. There are eleven temperature settings that you can use based on the type of milk coffee that you are making. The Breville Creatista Plus is equipped with a powerful 1,100-watt heating element that offers fast heat-up time. And since it only takes 3 seconds to achieve optimum brewing temperature, it won’t waste your time in the morning as you prepare to go to work.
This coffee machine is very easy to use, making it convenient for all users. The drip tray is adjustable, meaning you can brew your coffee in different sizes of cups, including mugs. Plus, the 19-bar high-pressure pump will deliver barista-style espresso without sacrificing the natural flavours of your coffee. When it comes to the build quality, this coffee machine is constructed from premium grade stainless steel to keep rust at bay. However, the Breville Creatista Plus doesn’t come cheap.
2. Best Coffee Machine for Nespresso Pods: De’Longhi – Nespresso Citiz Solo Capsule Coffee Machine
Why we like it:
- One-touch operation
- Programmable brewing system
- Height-adjustable cup support
What customers say:
“I have been using coffee machines for many, many years…this is by far the easiest and least messy machine I have EVER used!!”–Michael P.
De’Longhi is also another brand that excels when it comes to making pod coffee machines. That said, you can buy the De'Longhi - Nespresso Citiz Solo Capsule Coffee Machine having full assurance that it will provide you with commendable results. This pod coffee machine is programmable and has two pre-set brewing modes that you can use when making a cup of lungo or espresso.
This unit utilizes thermoblock technology for fast and efficient heating. It has a heat-up time of approximately 25 seconds and also features an energy-saving mode that will kick in automatically if the machine is left idle for nine minutes. Like the Breville Creatista Plus, this capsule coffee machine boasts a 19-bar pressure pump that will provide you with rich flavours. The flow stop function will allow you to fill your cup to the preferred level without spilling the coffee.
One of the things that we like most about the De’Longhi – Nespresso Citiz Solo Capsule Coffee Machine is that it has a user-friendly design. Plus, the one-touch function will allow you to whip up a nice cup of coffee within the shortest time possible. Additionally, it has a space-saving design, so it won’t take up more real estate. The pod housing is specially designed to maximize extraction.
Unlike most pod coffee machines that allow you to place the coffee capsules vertically, this model supports lateral pod placement. Ensure that you go through the user manual before operating the machine. This will help you know how best you can use the unit to get maximum results. You won’t experience any difficulty cleaning this coffee machine since the removable parts are dishwasher safe.
With an energy rating of A-40%, this is one of the most energy-efficient pod coffee makers on our review list. The rating is similar to that of the Breville Creatista Plus, so you can go for either if you are looking to lower your utility bills. On the downside, you will have to buy a milk frother separately.
3. Best Value for Money Coffee Pod Machine: Breville Nespresso Citiz and Milk Espresso Machine
Why we like it:
- Integrated milk frother
- Large-capacity capsule container
- Powerful pump for optimum extraction
What customers say:
“This makes great coffee and is so easy to clean and use. A great selection of coffee capsules is available to choose from. The start of my day is now always great!”–PJAWAY
Last but not least is the Breville Nespresso Citiz and Milk Espresso Machine. If you are a fan of Breville, the options that we have listed in this review will leave you spoilt for choice. This particular model is just as efficient and durable as the BEC220BLK and BNE800SST.
It has an integrated frother that can produce good quality crema in an instant. This pod coffee machine can take on any milk-based coffee recipe that you may throw at it. The cup support is customizable and can accommodate both small and large cups. Plus, the heating element is so efficient that it can heat the water to the most ideal temperature in seconds. It is rated at 1,260 watts and will allow you to brew piping hot coffee.
The built-in 19-bar pump delivers just the right amount of pressure, allowing for enhanced extraction. Also, it won’t compromise the taste and aroma of your coffee. Because it comes from one of the best small appliance manufacturers in Australia, you can rest assured that this coffee machine will provide you with a service that is worth what you paid for.
Moreover, it is quality tested to ensure you get a pod coffee machine that is not only reliable but also easy to operate. The control unit only has two buttons that will allow you to make quick adjustments when tuning the brewing system. You can store the used coffee capsules inside the pod container. This will give you an easy time during recycling. Since the base has a large surface area and is also counterweighted, the probability of this coffee machine falling over is minimal.
There is an automatic standby mode that reduces energy consumption. This unit is heavier than most coffee machines on the list but lighter than the Breville Creatista Plus. It doesn’t take up much counter space and is equally sturdy. If the previous models that we looked at didn’t impress you, we reckon the Breville Nespresso Citiz and Milk Espresso Machine will, so feel free and give it a try.
4. Best Coffee Pod Machine for Long Black: Breville Nespresso Essenza Mini Solo
Why we like it:
- Programmable brewing settings
- High-pressure 19-bar pump
- Automatic eco-mode
What customers say:
“Perfect size for the kitchen, takes up little space, and powerful enough to do the job well. I’d say it’s even better than my larger machine which is a little old now, but takes up too much space as well.”–Dee
Compact, convenient, and sturdy. Those are the three words that can best describe the Breville Nespresso Essenza Mini Solo Coffee Machine. Although it is small, this appliance can outperform most pod coffee machines that are larger than it. Plus, it is built with great attention to detail and is equally durable. This coffee machine has amazing features and also comes at a pocket-friendly price than most units with the same design.
The Breville Nespresso Essenza Mini Solo Coffee Machine offers two pre-set modes for lungo and espresso, so your coffee will be ready before you know it. It gives you the option of brewing in 25mL or 40mL cups. And like most of the pod coffee makers that we have hand-picked for you, this unit is a time saver in that it can heat up in less than 30 seconds. This makes it ideal for users who are always in a rush in the morning. Its water tank has the same capacity as the Lavazza A Modo Mio Jolie Capsule Coffee Machine. More to this, it allows for effortless cleaning and is equally easy to use.
It is sleek, elegant, and can help you save on counter space. In addition to this, it can be a great addition to all modern kitchens, thanks to its stylish design. The cleanly curved edges give it a bold look that will give your kitchen a touch of style. The buttons are conveniently placed at the top to give you easy access from different angles.
If you leave the machine plugged in when it is not in use, it will automatically trigger the auto-shutdown function after nine minutes. This machine can produce a variety of coffee types, so it will depend on the type of coffee pods that you are using and the mode that is currently in use. The other feature that is worth mentioning is the eco-mode functionality, which will help you save on energy.
With this machine, you can brew coffee with or without milk. It delivers good results in both scenarios, making it even more reliable. The only disadvantage of using this pod coffee machine is that you have to fill up the tank frequently, especially if you are a heavy drinker of coffee.
5. Best Pod Coffee Machine for Small Kitchen: Nescafe Dolce Gusto Genio S Automatic Coffee Machine
Why we like it:
- High-pressure system for fast brewing
- Straightforward design for easy usage
- Fully programmable for customised brewing
- Has a drip tray for mess-free brewing
What customers say:
“We had to replace our old model for this newer model. So far working much better than the older model. We use it multiple times per day and is hassle free to use. Very pleased with this coffee maker.”–Phillip Carr
The Nescafe Dolce Gusto Genio S Automatic Coffee Machine has a long list of features that can assist you greatly when brewing your coffee. We recommend this pod coffee machine to users who have limited space on their kitchen countertops.
It has a small footprint, so it won’t cramp up the available space. In addition to this, it is very efficient and will allow you to brew your favourite cup of coffee in just a few minutes. To make it even better, the water tank has a see-through design, meaning you will always know when to refill the unit.
The Nescafe Dolce Gusto Genio S Automatic Coffee Machine has a straightforward design. So you will be able to brew your coffee with no fuss. After filling the tank, simply power on the machine and program it to start the brewing process.
What’s more, the heating element will power down automatically if the machine stays inactive for about a minute. To add to this, the base is sturdily designed to increase stability. As such, this unit won’t fall over when you are brewing coffee.
6. Best for Most People: Lavazza A Modo Mio Jolie
Why we like it:
- Dishwasher safe parts
- Removable cup support
- High performance
What customers say:
“I was impressed from the start, it arrived in good time and was packed extremely well. It is small so takes up very little space but still manages to give a coffee to rival much more expensive coffee machines.”–Julia McBride
Lavazza proudly presents you with a high-performance pod coffee machine that will help you brew high-quality homemade coffee. The Lavazza A Modo Mio Jolie Capsule Coffee Machine comes at an affordable price and can be a suitable option for those on a tight budget. It has a 1,250-watt heating element and can heat the water to the ideal brewing temperature in less than twenty-five seconds.
The cup support provides you with two height options that you can choose from based on the size of the cup that you are using. This coffee machine is a favourite among Aussies as noted from the reviews on ProductReview.com.au.Those who have gotten the chance to use it are particularly impressed with how compact it is. Also, it extracts the coffee slowly, meaning the pods won’t go to waste. This process will provide you with tasty cups of coffee in all brewing applications.
Like most pod coffee machines in its class, this unit has an automatic power-down feature for user safety. The 600mL water tank is detachable, so you can remove it when cleaning the machine. In terms of durability, the ABS material used in the construction has great impact resistance and good toughness. It won’t break as long as you give it proper care. The included pod container can hold 5 used coffee capsules, so the work area will stay clean throughout the brewing process.
Because it’s small, it is fitted with a 10-bar high-performance pump. Once the coffee capsule has been fully exhausted, it will be automatically ejected from the pod housing. Since the tank is transparent, you will always know the amount of water that is left. As a result, you will be able to refill the reservoir before it fully runs out of water.
However, this machine is only compatible with Lavazza A Modo Mio coffee pods, so it can limit you from using capsules from other brands. The other flaw is that the coffee capsules are relatively costly. All in all, the Lavazza A Modo Mio Jolie Capsule Coffee Machine is an excellent unit that can help you brew café-standard coffee while in the comforts of your home.
How We Researched the Best Pod Coffee Machines
We started our search for the best pod coffee machines by consulting reliable consumer review sites in Australia such as ProductReview.com.au and Canstar Blue. Both sites provided us with helpful data that simplified our work when it came to choosing top-tier brands and products. The customer reviews and ratings from ProductReview.com.au, in particular, gave us meaningful insights into the product selection process.
The above appliances were selected based on what Australian consumers prefer as voiced through independent customer feedback. Also, we compared eight reputable brands in Australia to ascertain which one makes the best pod coffee machines. We ended up choosing coffee machines from five brands. As a result, we were able to find thirteen products that fit our selection criteria.
Nonetheless, we had to sift the appliances through comparative analysis. We found most of the pod coffee machines on Amazon, the Good Guys, Harvey Norman, eBay, and Myer. And only considered appliances from renowned brands like Breville, Keurig, De’Longhi, Lavazza, and Nespresso. To create this list, we only picked machines that are efficient and easy to use. We also factored in the cost and type of the coffee pods that each unit uses.
Pod Coffee Machines: Buying Guide
If you are looking to buy a pod coffee machine, you need to familiarise yourself with the basic features of each machine before confirming your order. This will not only save you from overspending on less efficient appliances but also enables you to find the most suitable pod coffee machine for your brewing needs.
With that being said, we have compiled a list of factors that you should consider when shopping for pod coffee machines.
What to Consider When Buying Pod Coffee Machines
Type of Coffee Capsules
Before buying a pod coffee machine, you need to check the type of coffee pods that the unit in question uses. Most pod coffee machines on the market use brand-specific capsules, meaning pods used in one machine may not fit another unit.
For example, Lavazza makes a variety of coffee pods that can only fit specific models from the manufacturer. Also, coffee capsules from Nespresso are mostly compatible with Nespresso, De’Longhi, and Breville.
For the safety of the environment, you also need to check if the pods you are using are recyclable. Top brands like Nespresso have recycling programs that allow you to send back used pods to the manufacturer. That way, the capsules won’t end up in landfills.
Controls
As stated at the beginning of the article, some pod coffee machines have additional functions that will allow you to make each cup of coffee according to your taste and preference.
You can adjust the brewing temperature and choose the most appropriate setting to get the results that you need.
The Capacity of Water Tank
Large capacity water tanks will allow you to brew multiple cups of coffee without refilling the unit after each use. A standard water tank can hold 1-6litres of water, so ensure that you pick a unit that matches your requirements.
Heat-up Time
The heat-up time is also another important factor that you should take into account when choosing a pod coffee machine. Most of these machines are fitted with efficient heating elements that can heat the water to the desired level within seconds.
Nevertheless, low-power units may require more time to heat the same amount of water. As such, you should only go or high power models to avoid unnecessary time wastage during the brewing process.
Price
In as much as pod coffee machines are less expensive compared to other types of coffee makers, some models are costly. The price of pod coffee machines in Australia can range anywhere between $150 and $800, with some units costing less or more. As you consider the price of the machine, don’t forget to check how much the coffee pods cost.
Features to Look For When Buying Pod Coffee Machines
Auto-shutoff function
You can lower your utility cost by choosing a pod coffee machine with an automatic power-down feature. This type of appliance not only saves energy but is also safe for users since you won’t have to worry about it overheating in case you forget to switch it off.
Adjustable cup support
If you know that you will be using different sizes of coffee cups, it is recommended that you buy a machine with a customizable platform. This will allow you to brew your coffee in short or tall cups without experiencing any problems.
The De'Longhi - Nespresso Citiz Solo Capsule Coffee Machine is one of such units, you can consider adding it to your shopping list if you are looking for a machine with this feature.
Automatic milk frother
If you like brewing your coffee with milk, you should buy a pod coffee machine that has a frother. An automatic milk frother will provide you with silky, thick coffee at the push of a button. However, not all machines have the auto-froth function, so you can buy a frother separately
Used pod container
Some models of pod coffee machines come with capsule containers that can help you keep your kitchen clean. With this accessory in place, you can keep the used coffee pods out of sight. But most importantly, it makes recycling easy since all the pods are kept in one place.
Removable water tank
A good pod coffee machine should have a detachable water tank to allow for quick and hassle-free cleaning. Some removable water tanks are dishwasher safe, making them super convenient
How Pod Coffee Machines Work
Pod coffee machines have three essential components—the heating element, pump, and water tank. Once the tank is filled with water, the pump will push it past the heating element, thereby allowing the water to heat to an ideal brewing temperature. As the water passes through the coffee capsules, it dissolves the finely ground coffee beans, thus providing you with a nicely made cup of coffee.
You may also be interested in:
- The Best Drip Filter Coffee Machines for Perfectly Brewed Coffee
- The Best Automatic Coffee Grinders for Quality Coffee Grinds
Last update on 2024-05-01 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
