Thinking Of Buying A Pod Coffee Machine.... Need Advice.

[VictoryV]

As the title says Im thinking of buying a pod coffee machine.... Need advice.
Can I use any pod in any machine?
Is there one brand of coffee I should be buying?
What should I avoid?

I know these are pretty general questions but Im a coffee lover who dosent know which machine or brand to choose...

Any advice is welcome.
xxx

[redman41]

Have a look at the 'Which' site here

http://www.which.co.uk/home-and-garden/kitchen/reviews/coffee-machines/

[Elina]

Hi Victory, no advice as to which is best,remembered there are some good offers on at Argos though at the moment on pod machines! There are customer reviews on them .. http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Search/searchTerms/COFFEE+POD+MACHINES.htm

[woofgang]

You can't use any pod in any machine. Each machine has its own shaped pod.
I have had a Tassimo and a Nespresso, the Nespresso is better but you need a separate milk frother. I hought the Tassimo was total poo. If you really like coffee look at getting an espresso maker or a bean to cup.

[heathfield]

Nespresso's patent on the pods has run out, so other manufacturers are now able to produce pods compatable with Nespresso machines. Gives you a wider choice on flavours and prices. See here...

http://www.thegrocer.co.uk/fmcg/drinks/hot-beverages/nespresso-style-pods-now-available-in-waitrose/231578.article

[jomifl]

A frienf bought an expensive coffee machine about a year ago but now makes coffee in a jug because he can mix his preferred blend which is unavailable in pods.

[woofgang]

did you read the comments on that article heathfield? basically the posd aren't the same as nespresso ones and opinion seems to be that they are carp....there is also a comment that the nespresso patent has been upheld, so while people will be able to offer similar ones, they won't be able to use the same design

[riptide]

I have a nespresso machine with the milk frother, love it. You have to order the capsules from nespresso, but they are always very helpful and you will find the ones you like best. Only problem is you have to order a certain amount each time, but you will find that you will soon get through them.

[heathfield]

Right, Woofie. I remember reading another article a couple of months ago about a company in England that had been waiting for Nespresso's patent to expire, and had started up full production. Can't remember where I saw it, maybe Sunday Telegraph business section.

[Sycamore3House]

I find this subject intriguing. I own a coffee shop and have a commercial espresso machine with steam wands. I always get people coming in the shop asking for ingredients for their home machines that have usually cost upwards of £70+.
To my mind coffee pods are what tea bags are to loose tea.
The only pods I use are for any decaf coffee recipe.

[VictoryV]

Thanks. Ill see what I can pick up on Amazon. x

[jaynethepain]

We've just bought a Magimix nespresso machine from john lewis which we love. If you buy before end of May you can claim £40 worth of free pods which is a great deal. It's a bit of a pain having to buy direct from nespresso but they do arrive amazingly quickly - within a day. I believe you can also buy them direct from the nespresso boutiques which are in selfridges in London, Birmingham and Manchester.

We wouldn't be without it now, one cup of freshly brewed restauarant style coffee whenever you want. Only downside for me, the machine is a little noisy but not detrimental to the finished coffee.

[Clanad]

You might want to compare the costs of 'pod' coffee vs. even the more expensive per 'pot' brands… such as this:

http://money.msn.com/frugal-living/post.aspx?post=9993572f-6247-4090-9b96-67ee4dd12a2a

Here, in the U.S., I've noticed the per-cup-coffees are offered in 'gram' weights rather than ounces since, being naturally suspicious, few of us are cognizant of gram to ounce conversions, thereby further muddying the cost per cup waters, so to speak...

[Old_Geezer]

If you get a pod machine you are tied into the pods made by the manufacturer. One reason I'd be put off buying one when one can get machines that work from ground coffee, or even the beans themselves if you are feeling rich.

[jaynethepain]

You are tied old geezer but nespresso do a really extensive range working out at approx 30p for a really good cup full. I still have a quick instant now and again but as you get the lovely crema on the top, also find I don't need milk in the coffee so better on the waistline.

[jaynethepain]

^right^