PHILIPS L’OR Barista Sublime Capsule £59.99
The Philips L’OR Barista is hands-down the best value Nespresso-compatible machine out there. For under £60, it punches well above its weight in performance and build. It’s the machine I personally use every day, and through it I discovered L’OR’s extra-large capsules — strong, smooth, and genuinely delicious. It’s simple, reliable, and makes barista-style coffee without breaking the bank.
CAPXSNOB 4 in 1 Pod Coffee Machine £99.99
The CAPXSNOB 4-in-1 is a great all-rounder, especially if you want to experiment beyond Nespresso pods. It also supports Dolce Gusto, which is great for milk-based drinks. While I prefer a straight black Americano, I still rate this machine highly for flexibility and sleek design. At under £100, it’s a solid alternative to pricier brands without compromising much on function.
Dopetal 4-in-1 Capsule Coffee Machine £129
The Dopetal 4-in-1 offers similar pod compatibility to the CAPXSNOB, including Nespresso and Dolce Gusto pods, but the design just doesn’t appeal to me. It feels a bit too industrial and lacks the modern elegance I’d want on a kitchen counter. At £129, it’s not cheap either — and for that price, I’d honestly consider jumping up to a proper Nespresso Pixie.
MORNING Smart Coffee Machine £440
The Morning Machine is gorgeous — one of the most high-end looking Nespresso-compatible devices I’ve seen. With app connectivity and smart features, it’s a coffee nerd’s dream. But for me, mornings are about speed, not scheduling brews on my phone. At £400, it’s simply too expensive for what I need, though it’ll appeal to those who love sleek gadgets.
Rowlett 1260W Coffee Pod Machine £100.79
The Rowlett pod machine is Nespresso-compatible and gets points for affordability at around £100. But the glossy plastic finish gives it a cheap, almost toy-like appearance. While it does the job, it just doesn’t look or feel premium. If aesthetics matter to you — as they do to me — this one falls flat despite being functional.