Specific request for a Coffee machine

Posted 1st May 2023

Hi! I've tried to research Coffee machines, but I find the different types very confusing. I think I want a Pod one for the convenience. But most seem to be espresso machines, which are designed to create small drinks (that are small even with milk added). I know some do 'lungo'? pods that are bigger, but basically, I want something designed to create full mugs of coffee, and are for creating milky coffees like lattes.

Could you recommend what would be best for me? I heard Tassimo do some where you put both a coffee pod and milk pod in, but I've heard the milk in those are disgusting, so I'm ok to add milk myself (but I guess I need something with a built in frother).

Any suggestions would be much appreciated!

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Psychobunni
1st May
The Tassimo/Dolce Gusto ones that use pods to make long drinks aren't great. Even things like the Starbucks premium instant sachets are a better option in my opinion!

A latte is essentially just steamed milk and espresso, so if you want a good tasting coffee, then I'd recommend an original Nespresso machine to make the espresso shots and then use an Aeroccino to steam your milk. Nespresso often do an Aeroccino free with the original Nespresso machines, so worth looking out for those kind of deals. (edited)
Xippi
1st May
This and RobertPeeved's post. The base of all coffee drinks is essentially a shot of espresso - around 30ml per shot. That way you get the best bit out of the coffee. You make a longer drink by then adding hot water, or milk. If you try and run more water through the coffee/pod whatever you start extracting things that will make your coffee taste like pond water. No way around it. Tassimo/Dolce Gusto make some long drinks sure enough but it ain't coffee.
davzzp
1st May
Just get a Nespresso pod machine I've had an Aldi one for years with their stand alone milk frother, total cost was under £60. I use the double espresso button on the machine twice with one pod and add hot milk. I use intense pods anything 9 and above. They make a great coffee. Little tip is pre heat your mug too.
grv999
1st May
Have had a Tassimo (gave it away) and a Nespresso (sitting in its box in the cupboard). A moka pot gives better tasting coffee but it’s a faff.
In the end I’ve settled on just buying “premium” instant coffee. I got a free Aeroccino with the Nespresso which is great if I’m fancying a milky coffee.
AX31
1st May
I hate all those milk pods. Taste horrible! Probably nespresso and get a milk frother. They do their own or can get decent similar types most places now.
whyhellothere Author
1st May
The nespresso machines I see are all marketed as espresso machines (ie small drinks). So is there no specific machine that's designed for larger drinks? Are they all espresso machines that you have to buy double or lungo pods for? :/
Nikita_Percival
1st May
Best of looking at bean to cup. Far better than those pod machines
whyhellothere Author
1st May
They all seem super expensive, and while I know they're cheaper in the long run, I think my coffee taste is too 'simple' to need a bean to cup machine. I like very milky sweet coffees and I'm not sure I'd notice the difference from the 'proper' machines. Also, they seem to require a lot of cleaning and maintenance which I'm not keen on
Toon_army
1st May
You got a budget?
whyhellothere Author
1st May
I think 150 would be my limit, but ideally something 100 or cheaper
iDealYou
1st May
1. DeLonghi bean to cup (w/ milk frother),
2. Nespresso milk frother (standalone).

This is my setup. The Nespresso gadget is super easy to use. I don't use the one with coffee machine.
whyhellothere Author
1st May
Would you happen to have links? I'm guessing the delonghi machine is rather pricey?
RobertPeeved
1st May
I'm a big fan of bean to cups (or moka), but they are more effort/time than pods. By the sounds of your situ, I'd recommend an average cheapish Nespresso machine. The latte pods are often disgusting, so espresso pod + cup of hot milk ends as a nice latte. You can microwave milk or get a frother easily enough.
sm9690
2nd May
The Nespresso Vertuo current offer might be your best bet. £79 for the machine and then you claim 50 free capsules, an Aeroccino 4 and 6 months half price capsule subscription.

The pods are a bit more expensive than the normal ones though but you can get a lot larger sizes to give up to c.400-500ml of coffee.
whyhellothere Author
2nd May
Thanks, I actually spent the rest of this eve researching those machines and I think it suits my needs well and that I'm going to pull the trigger on that offer, especially with the aerocino 4