The best pod coffee machines provide a convenient route to your morning (or afternoon, or even evening) cuppa. More often than not, pod coffee is going to taste better than instant coffee too (yes, we know that's subjective) but ultimately, your home is going to be better off with a pod coffee machine in the kitchen.
But not all pod coffee machines are created equal, and you’ll find the vast range of options will have various features, such as the maximum cup size they can produce, whether they have the inherent ability to froth milk and how big their water tank is, to name a few.
When you’re shopping for a pod coffee machine, you’ll want to have a checklist of factors to consider that will best meet your needs and which fit within your budget. Do you want to just brew single espresso shots, or would you like to brew double espresso? Some machines, such as Nespresso's Vertuo line can brew a variety of cup sizes, all the way up to a whole mug of coffee, for those who crave particularly strong caffeine hits. Then, of course, you need to ask yourself if you'd like milk with your coffee. Some machines have built-in frothers, while others may come with a separate milk frother as part of a bundle.
It’s also wise to investigate the ongoing cost of buying new coffee pods for whatever type of machine you’re considering – as pod types and pod brands vary a lot – not to mention the physical size of the machine and whether it will fit on your countertop.
To help you choose, we’ve assessed the current top options and picked out what we believe to be the best overall pod coffee machine below, along with some alternative picks further down the page.
The best pod coffee machine in Australia
RRP: $229
Release date: April 2023
Why we recommend the Nespresso Vertuo Pop
The Nespresso Vertuo Pop is an attractive, compact and easy-to-use pod coffee machine that we think will suit most caffeine- and convenience-craving connoisseurs. It uses the popular Nespresso coffee pods (naturally) but crucially, those that are in the Vertuo series. This means it can brew six different sizes of coffee at the touch of a button – do note, however, that Nespresso Vertuo pods can only be purchased directly from the maker. The water tank and internal bin aren't the biggest you'll find, but being easy to refill and empty, we don't think it will cause too many issues.
Expert consensus
The Nespresso Vertuo Pop is a reliable pod coffee machine in the sense that it will deliver consistently smooth espressos and other coffee sizes. The heat up time is quick, meaning you can pour a coffee in no time at all, and it's also the first Nespresso machine to get an Expert Mode. Expert Mode allows you to concentrate the pod you've inserted, resulting in a stronger coffee – a double espresso becomes an espresso, and an espresso becomes a ristretto, for example.
The Vertuo Pop is also the most affordable Nespresso Vertuo machine, yet it has all the same functionality as more expensive models. The biggest difference, and a key reason why Nespresso has been able to keep the cost down is because the water tank is quite small at 500ml, and the internal bin can officially only hold 8 espresso capsules or 5 large mug capsules.
Nespresso has also made the Vertuo Pop available in a range of colours to suit various home décor or personal preferences. Colour options range from standard white or black, through to more funky mango and mint, to name a few. Milky coffee drinkers need to know the Vertuo Pop doesn't have an integrated milk frother, but bundles that include Nespresso's Aeroccino 3 can be easily picked up, and often with a good discount.
Overall, the Nespresso Vertuo Pop is a competent pod coffee machine that suits a variety of households. Owing to its size, it's going to be a great option for smaller households, both in terms of number of occupants and homes with limited counter space. But given its inherent ability to pour coffee quickly, larger homes can also find much to love.
Sources: TechRadar (5/5) | Homes & Gardens (4/5) | T3 (4/5)
How much should you pay for the Nespresso Vertuo Pop?
The Nespresso Vertuo Pop can usually be found on the receiving end of a discount, so not only would we not recommend paying full price, you’re highly unlikely to need to. At retailers such as The Good Guys, we’ve seen it available for well under $200 for bundles that include a milk frother, or under $160 for the standalone unit.
Live price check
You can find the top three prices for the Nespresso Vertuo Pop below. Compare more Australian prices for the Nespresso Vertuo Pop on Getprice.
Other pod coffee machines to consider
Nespresso Vertuo Plus
RRP: $329
Best Nespresso pod coffee machine
Nespresso is practically synonymous with pod coffee machines and there is a plethora of models to choose from. The pick of the bunch would have to be the Nespresso Vertuo Plus as it offers a highly capable, yet affordable entry into the world of Nespresso. Using the Vertuo pods – which come in sizes from single espresso through to much larger 414ml Gran Lungo – it intelligently knows what size you’ve put in thanks to a barcode system, and so dispenses the right amount of water, heated to the right temperature every single time. It can’t do milk as a standalone machine, but Nespresso’s optional Aeroccino milk frother is available to buy separately for such a task.
- Compare Nespresso Vertuo Plus prices on Getprice
The Morning Machine
RRP: $599
Best pod coffee machine for true coffee lovers
Serving up a level of customisation not normally seen on a pod coffee machine, the Morning Machine is almost unrivalled in its approach to how it delivers your morning cup o' joe. With an extensive list of partnerships with local and international coffee roasters, you’ll have no trouble discovering some truly delicious coffees. It’s a handsome beast too and has a companion app that opens you up to the aforementioned customisation. For some, this may be too much: either they don’t need it or won’t know how to use it, but if you consider yourself both tech savvy and a coffee aficionado, the Morning Machine could be the perfect addition to your morning routine.
- Compare The Morning Machine prices on Getprice
Lavazza A Modo Mio Jolie Plus
RRP: $149
Best budget pod coffee machine
If you want access to Lavazza’s great-tasting range of coffee capsules but want to spend as little as possible for the privilege, the A Modo Mio Jolie Plus perfectly fits the bill. You get options to pour short or long espresso, and you can even override the preset water dosages and get it to pour your desired preference. It’s unbelievably simple to use, takes up very little space on the countertop and comes in a range of colours.
- Compare Lavazza A Modo Mio Jolie Plus prices on Getprice
