Best pod and capsule coffee machines in Australia

We read hundreds of customer reviews to find the 6 best pod coffee machines you can buy online.

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Ericka Pingol

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The best pod and capsule coffee machines in Australia

Choosing the right pod coffee machines

Pod coffee machines are becoming increasingly popular as they offer a quick and easy way to make a cup of coffee. But with so many different models available, knowing which one is right for you can take time and effort.

When it comes to choosing a coffee pod machine, there are a few things you'll want to keep in mind. First, think about how many cups of coffee you typically drink in a day. Next, take into consideration the types of coffee pods that are available. While most machines are compatible with the major brands, some only work with specific types of pods. Finally, consider your budget. Coffee pod machines can range in price from a few hundred dollars to several thousand.

How did we pick this list?

To help make your decision easier, our team of shopping experts analysed close to 70 pod coffee machines from 17 manufacturers. In addition to our own testing experience we considered customer reviews and ratings with an emphasis on taste, versatility and ease of use. We have also taken price into consideration, particularly in the cheap and mid-range categories to ensure customers get the best bang for buck.

Read more detail on our methodology below.

Breville Creatista Uno Capsule Coffee Machine

Best overall pod coffee machine

Breville Creatista Uno Capsule Coffee Machine
Image: Supplied/Finder

Pros

  • Loads of features for a customised cup of coffee
  • Sleek metal finish

Cons

  • Pricier than competitors
  • Drip tray requires more frequent cleaning than other models

The Breville Creatista Uno Capsule Coffee Machine is a stellar pick when it comes to the best overall coffee pod machine, deserving of its 4.35 out of 5 stars rating on Amazon and Appliances Online.

This machine expertly combines style and substance with its premium non-metal finish, adding a touch of elegance to your kitchen. It boasts a capsular container that can hold up to 12 used capsules and a variety of programmable settings, including three cup sizes (24, 38, 105 grams), three texture levels, three milk temperatures, and adjustable water hardness.

Moreover, it offers an array of coffee preparations like Ristretto, Espresso, Lungo, Caffe Latte, Cappuccino, and Latte Macchiato. The machine's automatic steam wand with auto-purge and three texture level and milk temperature settings allows for easy customisation of your brew. With its ThermoJet heating element, the Creatista Uno heats up in just three seconds, ensuring your coffee is ready in no time. Plus, it has a power-saving mode, which automatically turns off the machine after 9 minutes of inactivity.

However, it's worth noting that this top-notch performance and functionality come with a hefty price tag. Another minor drawback could be the need for regular maintenance due to the removable drip tray. Nevertheless, this coffee pod machine is a fantastic investment for any coffee enthusiast, delivering barista-quality coffee right at your fingertips.

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How do Australians rate Breville's coffee machines?

99% of surveyed Australians recommend Breville
4.5
Value for money
4.6
Overall
4.7
Performance
4.6
Ease of use
4.3
Cleaning and maintenance
4.5
Product features
How Breville compares

In the 2023 Finder Retail Awards, we surveyed over 34,000 Australians about their retail purchases to discover which were their favourite brands across 170 product categories and over 1,200 total brands.

For coffee machines, Breville was ranked 2nd for value for money, 1st for performance, 1st for ease of use, 1st for cleaning and maintenance and 1st for product features.

12 brands were rated across these decision criteria.

De’Longhi Gran Lattissima Automatic Capsule Coffee Machine

Best pod coffee machine with milk frother

De’Longhi Gran Lattissima Automatic Capsule Coffee Machine
Image: Supplied/Finder

Pros

  • Easy one-touch operation
  • Removable and dishwasher-safe parts

Cons

  • Milk jug may be too small for some users
  • Several buyers reported issues with the heat-up function

Our team has chosen the De'Longhi Gran Lattissima Automatic Capsule Coffee Machine as the best option for coffee lovers who appreciate an effortless, high-quality brew with a creamy froth.

Garnering an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars on Amazon, its features speak volumes about its efficient design and functionality. The star of the show is undeniably its one-touch milk system, which makes it possible to prepare a delicious beverage with a single button press.

It also caters to various preferences, offering three different milk recipes - Espresso Macchiato, Cappuccino, and Latte Macchiato. And the 19-bar pressure pump system creates a perfect espresso in just 25 seconds. Despite all these fantastic features, it sports a compact design that ensures it can fit in any space.

While it's extremely beginner-friendly, the detachable one-serve milk jug may be too small for some users. Others also reported experiencing issues with the heat-up function, which could take longer than expected.

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L'OR Barista Sublime Compact Coffee Machine

Best cheap pod coffee machine

L'OR Barista Sublime Compact Coffee Machine
Image: Supplied/Finder

Pros

  • Compatible with most Nespresso capsules
  • User-friendly

Cons

  • Some wish it had more customisable settings
  • Not the best option for coffee connoisseurs

With a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars on Amazon, we recommend the L'OR Barista Sublime Compact Coffee Machine as the best cheap option available online.

It effortlessly brews superior espresso-quality coffee, offering a wide range of drinks at a simple touch. Admirably, the double spout feature allows brewing 2 cups simultaneously or enjoying double shots in one cup, catering to all coffee preferences.

Thanks to the L'OR Barista Smart Dual Capsule Recognition Technology, the machine automatically detects capsule size and adjusts accordingly. This handy feature ensures compatibility with L'OR espresso capsules, L'OR BARISTA double shot capsules, and most Nespresso-compatible capsules.

Plus, it lets you personalise your coffee experience to your liking. Each setting button is conveniently programmed to brew coffee at its ideal setting, ensuring a perfect cup every time. Whether you prefer a strong espresso or a creamy cappuccino, this machine has got you covered.

However, while the machine offers a variety of pre-set drink options, there's a lack of flexibility to fine-tune the coffee's strength, temperature, and volume. This might be a drawback for coffee connoisseurs seeking a more customised coffee experience.

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Breville Creatista Plus Capsule Coffee Machine

Best premium pod coffee machine

Breville Creatista Plus Capsule Coffee Machine
Image: Supplied/Finder

Pros

  • Sturdy build
  • Wide range of coffee options

Cons

  • Some find the machine too nice
  • Expensive

The Breville Creatista Plus Capsule Coffee Machine is our pick for the best premium coffee pod machine, earning a commendable 4.5 stars on both Amazon and Myer.

This machine's ability to create cafe-quality microfoam is second to none, thanks to its fully automatic steam wand, which consistently delivers perfectly textured milk at your preferred temperature. It's all the convenience of a Nespresso portioned coffee machine, further enriched with Breville's advanced microfoam milk technology.

The interactive digital display guides users through several coffee recipes and personalisation options, ensuring a delightful experience, whether you're a fan of black coffee or a coffee with beautifully textured milk. Not to mention, it also features an auto-clean function, which translates into minimal clean-up.

But despite its superior functionality and features, some might find it rather bulky, with product dimensions of 40.9 x 17.0 x 30.9 cm. This might pose a challenge for those with limited kitchen space. Furthermore, this machine falls on the pricier end of the spectrum at over $900.

How do Australians rate Breville's coffee machines?

99% of surveyed Australians recommend Breville
4.5
Value for money
4.6
Overall
4.7
Performance
4.6
Ease of use
4.3
Cleaning and maintenance
4.5
Product features
How Breville compares

In the 2023 Finder Retail Awards, we surveyed over 34,000 Australians about their retail purchases to discover which were their favourite brands across 170 product categories and over 1,200 total brands.

For coffee machines, Breville was ranked 2nd for value for money, 1st for performance, 1st for ease of use, 1st for cleaning and maintenance and 1st for product features.

12 brands were rated across these decision criteria.

Breville VertuoPlus

Best coffee pod machine for the office

Breville VertuoPlus
Image: Supplied/Finder

Pros

  • 4 cup sizes available
  • Automatic capsule detection for easy brewing

Cons

  • Heat up time could be shorter
  • Automatically switches to standby mode after just 9 minutes

For the office, we recommend the Breville VertuoPlus as the best choice. With a rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars on Amazon, it's clear that this machine has been well-received by many satisfied customers.

This coffee pod machine offers four different coffee size preparations, including Espresso, Double Espresso, Gran Lungo, and Mug/Coffee, making it adaptable to various coffee preferences in the office. Another feature is the automatic capsule recognition for blend-specific parametric brewing, ensuring a perfect cup of coffee every time. Plus, the 1.8L rotatable water tank can conveniently be positioned at the back or side of the machine, making it a good fit for any office kitchen layout.

However, no product is without its cons. One downside is the 25-second heat-up time. While it may not be a dealbreaker for some, every second counts for a bustling office environment. Additionally, the machine automatically enters standby mode after 9 minutes of inactivity, which could interrupt the coffee break of a tardy office worker.

How do Australians rate Breville's coffee machines?

99% of surveyed Australians recommend Breville
4.5
Value for money
4.6
Overall
4.7
Performance
4.6
Ease of use
4.3
Cleaning and maintenance
4.5
Product features
How Breville compares

In the 2023 Finder Retail Awards, we surveyed over 34,000 Australians about their retail purchases to discover which were their favourite brands across 170 product categories and over 1,200 total brands.

For coffee machines, Breville was ranked 2nd for value for money, 1st for performance, 1st for ease of use, 1st for cleaning and maintenance and 1st for product features.

12 brands were rated across these decision criteria.

Breville Creatista Uno Capsule Coffee Machine

Best pod coffee machine for latte

Breville Creatista Uno Capsule Coffee Machine
Image: Supplied/Finder

Pros

  • Loads of features for a customised cup of coffee
  • Sleek metal finish

Cons

  • Pricier than competitors
  • Drip tray requires more frequent cleaning than other models

The Breville Creatista Uno Capsule Coffee Machine is also our pick for latte lovers, with a rating of 4.35 out of 5 stars on Amazon and Appliances Online.

This coffee machine boasts a range of features tailor-made for preparing lattes, including an automatic steam wand with a self-cleaning function, three texture levels, and three temperature settings for milk. It also offers three programmable cup sizes (24, 38, and 105 grams) and a ThermoJet heating element that heats up in a swift 3 seconds.

There is also a programmable water hardness feature, allowing you to adjust the machine's settings to suit your preferences and local water supply. The machine has a power output of 1600 watts, providing plenty of power for efficient preparation.

Some users have noted that the capsule container can only hold 12 used capsules, requiring frequent emptying. Additionally, it's pretty expensive at $699. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Breville Creatista Uno is a top-performing coffee machine that will elevate your latte game.

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How do Australians rate Breville's coffee machines?

99% of surveyed Australians recommend Breville
4.5
Value for money
4.6
Overall
4.7
Performance
4.6
Ease of use
4.3
Cleaning and maintenance
4.5
Product features
How Breville compares

In the 2023 Finder Retail Awards, we surveyed over 34,000 Australians about their retail purchases to discover which were their favourite brands across 170 product categories and over 1,200 total brands.

For coffee machines, Breville was ranked 2nd for value for money, 1st for performance, 1st for ease of use, 1st for cleaning and maintenance and 1st for product features.

12 brands were rated across these decision criteria.

K-fee ONE Capsule Machine

Best pod coffee machine for hot chocolate

K-fee ONE Capsule Machine
Image: Supplied/Finder

Pros

  • Suitable for making hot chocos, teas and coffees
  • Value for money

Cons

  • Too small for some
  • Lacks the high-end features of more expensive models

With a rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars on Amazon, our team has chosen K-fee's ONE Capsule Machine as the best option for making hot chocolates.

The machine is tailored for various beverages, including espresso, lungo, filter coffee, decaffeinated, cappuccino, tea, and cocoa. It's the ideal choice for those who enjoy their milk specialties. It's easy to use with only three buttons and heats up in approximately 15 seconds. Plus, its auto-off function is a handy safety feature.

However, while the K-fee ONE Capsule Machine is a good all-rounder, it may seem too basic for some. It does indeed have additional features like adjustable cup capacity, a 0.8-litre removable water tank, and 19 19-bar pump pressure, but it's missing some of the more advanced options that high-end models offer. Plus, while its compact size makes it suitable for any kitchen, some users have found it a bit too small, causing slight inconvenience when making larger drinks.

How do Australians rate K-fee's coffee machines?

90% of surveyed Australians recommend K-fee
4.4
Value for money
4.3
Overall
4.3
Performance
4.6
Ease of use
4.3
Cleaning and maintenance
4.4
Product features
How K-fee compares

In the 2023 Finder Retail Awards, we surveyed over 34,000 Australians about their retail purchases to discover which were their favourite brands across 170 product categories and over 1,200 total brands.

For coffee machines, K-fee was ranked 4th for value for money, 9th for performance, 1st for ease of use, 1st for cleaning and maintenance and 2nd for product features.

12 brands were rated across these decision criteria.

Princess 5-in-1 Multi Capsule Coffee Maker

Best pod coffee machine for working with the most pod brands

Princess 5-in-1 Multi Capsule Coffee Maker
Image: Supplied/Finder

Pros

  • Great value for money
  • Suitable for Nespresso, Dolce Gusto, Lavazza a Modo Mio, and E.S.E. capsules

Cons

  • Water tank requires frequent refills
  • Can reach up to 80°C

The Princess 5-in-1 Multi Capsule Coffee Maker definitely raises the bar for versatile coffee machines. Scoring a decent 3.9 out of 5 stars on Amazon, this machine caters to your varying coffee preferences.

The 4 adapters allow you to switch between your favourite brands like Nespresso, Dolce Gusto, Lavazza, a Modo Mio, and E.S.E. capsules with ease. In addition, the machine's Italian 19-bar pump expertly unfolds the coffee's aroma, creating a delightful tasting experience every time. The automatic shut-off feature offers peace of mind, saving energy when not in use.

However, the 0.8-litre tank may still require frequent refilling if you're a regular coffee drinker or have a large household. Also, the machine can reach temperatures up to 80°C, which is fantastic for a hot brew but could be a safety issue if not handled properly. But not to worry, the non-slip feet of this coffee maker ensure a secure and stable stand on your kitchen counter.

How do Australians rate K-fee's coffee machines?

90% of surveyed Australians recommend K-fee
4.4
Value for money
4.3
Overall
4.3
Performance
4.6
Ease of use
4.3
Cleaning and maintenance
4.4
Product features
How K-fee compares

In the 2023 Finder Retail Awards, we surveyed over 34,000 Australians about their retail purchases to discover which were their favourite brands across 170 product categories and over 1,200 total brands.

For coffee machines, K-fee was ranked 4th for value for money, 9th for performance, 1st for ease of use, 1st for cleaning and maintenance and 2nd for product features.

12 brands were rated across these decision criteria.

De'Longhi Nespresso Lattissima One

Best mid-range pod coffee machine

De'Longhi Nespresso Lattissima One
Image: Supplied/Finder

Pros

  • Sleek stylish look
  • Milk frother attached

Cons

  • Some found it difficult to clean
  • Some found the milk container small in size

We picked De'Longhi's Nespresso Lattissima One as the best mid-range option. Priced at $449, this pod coffee machine features an automatic milk frother and a 19-bar pressure for a quick coffee-making experience. Additionally, it has earned a rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars on Harvey Norman.

The Lattissima One features a Thermoblock system, heating up in just 25 seconds. To create your perfect cup, you simply click on one of the three backlit buttons to choose the type of coffee. There is also a single-serve automatic milk system that froths the perfect amount of milk with no waste.

Small and compact, this machine fits neatly in your kitchen, yet is still big enough to house a 1-litre removable tank and a used capsule container, holding up eight to 12 capsules. Its auto power-off function also shuts the machine down after nine minutes of inactivity. And this can even be altered to 30 minutes or eight hours.

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Methodology

17
Brands considered
68
Products compared
9
Best products chosen

Why you can trust our picks

For this list, we looked into numerous pod coffee machines listed in various online retailers like Amazon, Appliances Online and Harvey Norman. We evaluated models from the following brands:

  • ALDI
  • Breville
  • CERA+
  • De'Longhi
  • illy
  • Lavazza
  • Magimix
  • Nespresso
  • Philips
  • Sage
  • Sunbeam
  • Wacaco

We narrowed down our choices based on customer ratings and reviews (as of October 2023). We also considered each model's key product features, including size, ease of use, customisability and value for money. We came up with what we believe are the 8 best coffee pod machines you can get right in Australia.

Based on our research, we then chose the five pod coffee machines that we believe to be the best in Australia in terms of quality and performance.

Quick facts about capsule coffee machines

  • Capsule coffee machines are a low-maintenance option for the home or office that retains an authentic coffee flavour.
  • Pod machines are typically cheaper than manual coffee machines but they don't offer the same level of customisation.
  • Prices vary greatly from about $50 up to $700 or more.

How do capsule coffee machines work?

Capsule coffee machines use capsules or pods of coffee beans wrapped in filter paper. The pods are about the same size and shape as a single-serve UHT milk carton that you might get served in your hotel room or on the plane and are sealed to retain freshness for up to nine months.

You insert these capsules directly into your coffee machine, where they are pierced to allow hot water to mix with the contents, producing an espresso. There are many different capsule flavours to choose from and these machines don't require intensive cleaning after every coffee-making session, which makes them a no-fuss, low-maintenance option.

However, with a capsule coffee machine, while you'll be able to control how diluted you want your shot of coffee, you'll be restricted to pre-set options rather than being able to completely tailor a perfect cup of coffee. You may also find that the intensity of the coffee flavour is not as strong as a professional coffee maker.

If you're a coffee aficionado, check out our list of the best coffee machines. If you're curious about how capsule machines compare to their bean-based counterparts, check out our complete guide to bean vs capsule coffee machines.

Types of capsule coffee machines

  • Capsule only. Most capsule coffee machines will only operate on capsules or pods. While this is usually sufficient for the purposes of simple home or office use, serious coffee drinkers wanting to fully customise the individual strength and flavour profiles of every cup of coffee may be better off investing in a more expensive, elaborate coffee machine.
  • Semi-automatic and capsule. If you're willing to spend more on a coffee machine that has both semi-automatic and capsule coffee functionalities, you'll probably enjoy greater consistency in coffee temperature and milk frothing ability, as well as a more satisfying taste and easy maintenance of your machine.

How to compare capsule coffee machines

Before deciding which coffee machine to purchase, consider the following key factors:

Taste

If you can, try to taste a sample from the coffee machine you're interested in to make sure you're satisfied with the crema, aroma, flavours, creaminess and aftertaste. Look for a machine that's compatible with a range of capsules.

Temperature consistency

If the coffee machine is probably going to be heavily used within a short span of time – for example, if the machine is going to be shared in a large office– look for one that has a high temperature consistency score.

Milk frothing quality

Some capsule coffee machines will use a milk frother, milk-based capsule or coffee capsule with milk poured over it. Decide which you prefer and find out what options your selected machine is compatible with.

Ease of use

How easy to operate are the coffee machine's functions? Check if filling the water tank is simple and if the machine easy to clean both inside and outside.

Size

Consider how much kitchen-top space you have. For those with little benchtop space, it would be more practical to pick a compact, miniature, portable or storable model.

Customizability

Some models offer personalised functions such as pre-programmable coffee settings, adjustable water and milk temperatures and steam pump rates. More-advanced models let you choose the style and temperature of the froth.

Heat-up and frothing times

If you'll be sharing the machine with a large number of coffee drinkers, it's important to consider how efficiently and quickly the machine heats and froths milk.

Recyclable

For those who are concerned about the environment, it's important to find a coffee machine that allows you to recycle the coffee pods. Some manufacturers have their own recycling scheme.

Capacity

Consider how large the capacity of the drip tray and water tank are. The larger the capacity, the less time you'll have to spend refilling and maintaining your coffee machine.

Digital display

Is the digital screen easy to read and are the functions easy to control?

Warranty

Look for a coffee machine that has a warranty of at least six months to one year.

Cup-warming plate

If you won't be drinking your coffee immediately, a machine with a cup-warming plate is a nice addition.

What to watch out for

For those who are on a budget, it's worth considering that while capsules are easy to use and convenient, they typically cost more per cup than coffee beans. Also, a single coffee machine brand will usually keep its family of capsules only compatible within its own brand's line of coffee machines.

Before purchasing your chosen coffee machine, make sure to taste test a variety of brands.

Frequently asked questions

Customer satisfaction rating breakdown

The Finder Customer Satisfaction Awards is an annual national survey conducted in partnership with research firm Dynata. With over 30,000 real shoppers participating, the awards serve as a reliable reflection of Australian consumers' preferences and opinions.

Here are the scores for coffee machine brands from 2024.

Brand Cleaning and maintenance Ease of use Overall Performance Product features Value for money Recommended Total Score
Breville 4.3 4.6 4.6 4.7 4.5 4.5 99% 4.59
Viitoria 4.3 4.6 4.6 4.5 4.3 4.4 100% 4.53
Nespresso 4.3 4.6 4.5 4.6 4.4 4.4 92% 4.4857
Philips 4.2 4.5 4.5 4.6 4.3 4.4 98% 4.4857
Delonghi 4.1 4.5 4.5 4.6 4.4 4.4 94% 4.46
Nescafe 4.1 4.6 4.4 4.5 4.1 4.4 98% 4.43
K-fee 4.3 4.6 4.3 4.3 4.4 4.4 90% 4.4
Aldi 4.1 4.5 4.4 4.3 4 4.6 95% 4.38
Lavazza 4.1 4.4 4.4 4.5 4.3 4.4 90% 4.37
Espressotoria 4.3 4.4 4.4 4.3 4.3 4.5 86% 4.36
Sunbeam 4.3 4.5 4.4 4.4 4 4.4 91% 4.36
Caffitaly 4.1 4.5 4.3 4.2 4.3 4.4 92% 4.34
Data: Finder Retail Brand Survey, 2023, Kantar. Metric out of 5 stars unless indicated. Methodology and more info. Kantar logo

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Ericka Pingol is a writer for Finder specialising in reviews. She has previously written articles about property investment, finances, and health. She’s a huge fan of Tina Fey, bubble teas and dogs. Ericka has a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of the East, Manila and is currently writing her thesis for a Master’s degree in Communication See full bio

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