With the rising cost of takeaway coffee, we don’t blame you if you’ve taken to making instant coffee at home instead. But there’s something about the feeling of a fresh cup of joe, isn’t there? The sound of the machine, the strong, rich aroma of the coffee, the thick crema that settles at the top of your steaming cup… it all comes together as a perfect moment in time, rather than just a quick and desperate hit of caffeine.
Here, we present you with a solution: coffee pod machines. Unlike other home espresso machines, coffee pods make it easy to bring a little bit of that coffee shop sophistication into the comfort of your own home with just a little set up and the press of a button or two. From sleek, benchtop-friendly devices that blend seamlessly into your kitchen’s décor to bold and beautiful machines that strike a statement of their own, here’s our list of the seven best coffee pod machines in Australia in 2024 based on features, design and customer reviews.
2024’s BEST COFFEE POD MACHINES
- DeLonghi Citiz Solo Capsule Coffee Machine, from $214 (usually $369), Amazon (here’s why)
- DeLonghi Essenza White Mini Capsule Coffee Machine, from $149 (usually $219), Myer (here’s why)
- Vertuo Pop Solo in Pacific Blue, $319, Myer (here’s why)
The best coffee pod machines in 2024
01
DeLonghi Citiz Solo Capsule Coffee Machine Black
from $214 (usually $369) from Amazon
Best small and powerful coffee pod machine.
Super compact and versatile, the Citiz Solo Capsule Coffee Machine is small enough to be whisked away on holiday to an Air BnB for the serious coffee lovers. Made with a 19-bar pressure system pump to maximise optimal coffee extraction from each pod, this little beauty delivers the perfect cup of thermo-regulated coffee within seconds. An adjustable sliding cup support allows you to use your favourite coffee cup no matter the size (within reason!), ensuring a clean and tidy bench free of stains and splashback.
The DeLonghi Citiz Solo Capsule Coffee Machine is a popular coffee pod machine on Amazon, with one Australian customer’s five-star review stating: “Love the ease and convenience of having excellent coffee at the touch of a button and mess free.”
Another five-star reviewer on Myer summed it up as: “Must have in every coffee lovers kitchen. Super easy to use and clean. It is seriously one of the best investments. Arrivederci coffee at the bar!”
Key features:
- 1L water tank
- Nespresso pod compatible
- Espresso and Lungo options for customisable sizing
- Thermo-regulatory system to ensure perfect temperature every cup
Available from:
- $369 from Myer
- $249 from The Good Guys
- $269 (usually $369) from David Jones
02
DeLonghi Essenza White Mini Capsule Coffee Machine
from $169 (usually $219) at Myer
Best coffee pod machine for design-conscious caffeine lovers.
Sleek, ultra-light, and incredibly chic, this little coffee pod machine is perfect for big coffee moments. Encased in a gorgeous white shell, the Essenza Mini is minimalist and unobtrusive, blending into any kitchen décor. With a 0.6L water tank capacity, it’s just the right size for one or two coffee drinkers.
Thermo-temp control settings concoct the perfect brew every time, taking only 25 seconds to heat from the second you flick the on-switch, and a 19-bar pump pressure has your shot ready within seconds.
“Makes perfect coffee every time,” writes one five-star reviewer. “Easy to use, easy to clean and looks aesthetically pleasing on the kitchen bench.”
Key features:
- 0.6L water tank
- Nespresso pod compatible
- Thermo-temp control for perfect coffee every cup
- Espresso and Lungo programmable shot settings
Available from:
- $159 (usually $219) from The Good Guys
- $144 (usually $229) from Amazon
- $259 from DeLonghi
03
Vertuo Pop Solo in Pacific Blue
from $239 (usually $319) at Myer
Best coffee pod machine for sustainable consumers.
Standing at just 25cm tall, the Vertuo Pop is one of the smallest Nespresso coffee pod machines on the market. But don’t underestimate it: the stylish blue shell (made from 35% recycled materials) makes it a big statement piece; perfect for bold kitchens. Supporting cup sizes from 40mls to 230mls with an adjustable cup support, choose from your favourite little espresso cup to an on-the-go travel mug for convenience and versatility. A 0.6L water tank ensures you peace of mind on busy mornings, and a selection of flavour-blend pods will have you spoiled for choice.
“Very happy with my new Vertuo pop: It looks cool and makes a nice coffee,” writes a five-star reviewer. “Very easy to use and like there are some options for different size coffees. You put the pod in and it does the rest!”
Key features:
- 0.6L water tank
- Nespresso pod compatible
- Adjustable cup stand
- Heats and ready to use in 30 seconds
Available from:
- $149 from The Good Guys
- $229 from Big W
04
Homemaid 3-in-1 Coffee Multi Capsule Pod Machine
$189 at Myer
Best coffee pod machine for those who love to mix it up.
Grinds or pods, this 3-in-1 Coffee Multi Pod Machine will spoil you with choice. Made with a three-way adapter, this compact little machine allows you to switch between your favourite ground coffee, Nespresso pods or Caffitaly pods. Size compatible with a classic espresso cup or a small coffee cup, choose between a short espresso or long espresso. A manual stop and start button allows you to control the size of your shot no matter your original settings.
Versatility is a key feature loved by users, with a five-star reviewer writing: “The 3-in-1 Coffee Multi Capsule Pod Machine is quiet, efficient, fast and versatile – I love the option of switching between my own grounds and coffee pods.”
Key features:
- 0.6L water tank
- 19 pressure bar pump for quick brewing
- Nespresso pod compatible
- Removable drip tray for hassle-free cleaning
05
Lavazza Jolie Plus A Modo Mio Coffee Machine
from $89.99 (usually $159) at Kogan
Best coffee pod machine for budget and time-poor caffeine lovers.
The Lavazza Jolie Plus is a real gun; compact and sleek, it keeps fuss to a minimum with simple, one-touch controls and coffee that’s ready in just 35 seconds. It also has customisable options for long or short coffees and is designed for quiet operation.
“The best coffee I’ve had in a long time… even beats the cafes. Delicious espresso for cappuccinos, lattes, long blacks… and the Lavazza pods come in a huge range, so you have the variety to choose different strengths and flavours of coffee,” wrote one customer in a five-star review listed on Google.
One key detail to keep in mind is that this model doesn’t come with a milk frother, which is sold separately. But like many other capsule coffee machines, this means you can either add milk straight from the fridge or buy a frother of your choosing.
Key features:
- 0.6L water tank
- 10 bar pump pressure
- 2 coffee selections
- Height-adjustable drip tray
Available at:
- $89.99 (usually $149.99) from Dick Smith
- $99 from Big W
- $75 (usually $99.95) from Woolworths
06
Nescafe Dolce Gusto Dolce Genio S Plus
$179 at Myer
Best pod coffee machine for custom tastes
Café quality coffee is made easy with this sophisticated coffee pod machine by Nescafe. The Dolce Gusto Plus boasts a powerful 15 bar pressure pump and a pod extraction system to ensure a thick, velvety crema on every cup of coffee you make. With eight customisable drink sizes, from rich espresso to caramel macchiato, you’ll get a perfect cup every time from Nespresso’s hermetically sealed pods. A 0.8L tank also ensures multi-cup brewing efficiency without needing a top-up, and its eco-mode features an auto turn-off function to conserve energy.
“Great little coffee machine that works a treat, good price too,” wrote a five-star reviewer on the Myer website.
Key features:
- 0.8L water tank
- 15 bar pressure pump
- Eight customisable drink sizes
- Nespresso compatible pods
Available from:
- $179 from Big W
07
Nespresso Creatista Plus
$748 at The Good Guys
Best coffee pod machine for ultimate luxury.
This capsule coffee machine combines the convenience of a Nespresso coffee machine with Breville’s advanced micro-foam milk technology for a truly indulgent home experience. It’s also quick to whip up any cafe-style coffee you want, taking just three seconds to heat up and offering eight texture levels and 11 milk temperature settings.
Customers also love this model, with over 250 five star reviews on The Good Guys website.
“Makes an excellent coffee across all different varieties,” wrote one customer who gave it five stars. “The milk is fantastic too – exactly what I wanted and a fantastic upgrade after over 10 years with a basic machine. It looks great too!”
Key features:
- 1.8L water tank
- Milk frother with adjustable milk texture settings
- Programmable cup sizes
- Three second heat up time
Available at:
What is the best pod coffee machine on the market?
The best coffee pod machine on the market depends on your personal tastes. While each machine’s functionality is largely the same, there are key features and attributes in each that distinguish them according to personal taste. Some of the key details to consider include:
- The size of the water tank
- The variety of pods or capsules available
- If a milk frother is included, or if you have to add your own milk
- How much space it will take up
- How quickly it makes coffee
- How easy it is to recycle the coffee pods
You may find some of these factors are more important to you than others, so keep them in mind when you’re choosing a coffee pod machine, as well as any other details you’re interested in.
Can you recycle used coffee pods?
In most cases, you can recycle coffee capsules or pods through specialised recycling schemes – but not your regular household recycling. For example, Nespresso capsules can be returned to a store, a participating collection point or posted back to the brand, while TerraCycle offers recycling for many other brands including L’OR, Moccona, illy and Lavazza.
Is a coffee pod machine worth it?
Whether or not a coffee pod machine is worth it, again, depends on your personal preference. How often do you drink coffee out at cafes? Or opt for a takeaway? Are you looking to cut down on small spending during the week by brewing your own at home? Do you want the convenience of coffee at the touch of a button, or are you trying to keep your packaging and waste footprint to a minimum?
While everyone will have different answers to these questions, one thing is clear: with convenient pods available at most leading supermarket chains, a home-brewed cup is never far away with an at home coffee pod machine.
Related article:
- How to make mocha mi su using a coffee pod machine
- How to make tiramisu using a coffee pod machine
- How to make coffee custard tarts using a coffee pod machine
