The Best Capsule Coffee Machines of 2017

If you're a fan of Nespresso but would like to step away from their tiny pods look no further than this machine. It makes use of larger Vertuo capsules and reads the barcodes of each capsule to automatically adjust the settings for your desired drink size.

It can save customised drinks to a button for speedy brewing, and offers ristretto, espresso and americano options. It also has a handy adjustable drip tray that can be adjusted in height and a sleep mode that is energy-efficient.

1. Nespresso Vertuo Plus

The Nespresso Vertuo Plus was one of two new machines that joined the Nespresso line in 2017. It's narrower than other models, allowing it to fit into more space. It's available in a variety of colors.

The machine uses the latest version of Nespresso's pod-based system. Instead of piercing the capsule to pump hot water through it, the Vertuo Plus uses Centrifusion to spin the capsule at speeds of up to 7000rpm. This mixes ground coffee with water to make the brew. The capsule then drips out of one central hole and out of 18 smaller holes, creating a thick crema on your drink. The machine can brew both espresso and longer lungo-style drinks.

It reads a barcode on the bottom of each capsule to tailor its blending technique for each. You can't use capsules of other brands with Vertuo plus, as only Nespresso capsules are barcode-encoded.

There's only a single button to press on the top of the machine and it's a breeze to operate. Click the silver lever on the front to raise it up and reveal the space for your chosen pod. Then, drop it in the right spot and press the single button to start the brewing.

The machine has a 40-ounce water reservoir and it is able to automatically release the used capsules internally. It has a heating period of about 15 seconds and an automatic shut-off after nine minutes. This is a neat and reliable machine with low maintenance. If you want to avoid creating a lot of waste using this kind of system, be sure to set up a good recycling scheme for the used pods.

2. Lavazza Vertuo Pop

This compact machine from Lavazza is a striking addition to your coffee corner. The innovative Centrifusion Technology scans the barcode of your chosen capsule to provide the right amount of water for the perfect cup. It comes in a variety of colors and makes up five different sizes of hot or iced drink, including double espresso.

This machine is more sophisticated than Nespresso pod machines as it also offers the option of heating and dispense milk. It's still more fool-proof than a traditional home espresso machine, and is a good alternative for those who don't feel at ease using a manual espresso maker. The Jolie comes with a large lever which opens and closes the capsule slot. A 0.9-litre tank can be placed behind it. The large capsule bin can hold up to ten empty capsules.

It's simple to use and can be heated in just a few minutes. It's also extremely quiet in operation and uses minimal energy, so it's a good choice for your electricity costs.

The only downside to this model is that it only works with Lavazza's own capsules rather than the range of Nespresso capsules. This may not be an issue for the majority of people, but could be for those who prefer changing brands. If you decide to go with this machine, be sure you purchase a set of 100 reusable capsules with the purchase. These capsules are not inexpensive, but they'll save you money over time as they are cheaper than Nespresso pods.

3. Tassimo My Way

Fully automated machine with a very simple operation. It uses a wide cup platform that can be set at different heights, to fit tall glasses as well as small espresso cups, and it's easy to choose your preferred settings thanks to the numbered buttons. This machine lets you keep four different options. It's an excellent choice for couples and families with different tastes. The machine is energy efficient and comes with an easy-to-read indicator that lets you know when the water tank is empty or descaling is required (which requires a service disc that's placed in a slot with instructions).

It's designed to work like other Tassimo systems, with the company's branded barcoded T Discs that contain everything from cold drinks coffee, tea hot chocolate, and even chilled, frothy milk. It comes with Intellibrew technology that automatically detects the type of drink and adjusts timing, temperature and strength according to the type of drink. This stops you from accidentally adjusting unnatural settings, like altering the strength of a cup of coffee made using milk, and helps keep your drink tasting consistent.

The My Way 2 offers many different flavors including Costa favourites Kenco, L'OR, and Cadbury's. You can make lattes, cappuccinos and even fluffy Americanos.

It is easy to clean and comes with a standby mode that saves energy. The water tank can be easily removed and refilled with fresh water. It doesn't have a built-in mechanism to dispose of T Discs that are used. Instead it has partnered with Podback, a recycling company that allows you to recycle the discs through an online program.

4. Jolie

Jolie is a tiny pod coffee maker that has been on market since a few years. It has a lot of advantages against newer models. Its slimline design occupies less counter space than larger machines and its controls are easy to use. With a single button, you can choose between espresso and lungo. A cup holder that is removable allows you to use standard cups or mugs.

It's not inexpensive, but the Jolie is a good choice for anyone looking for an easy capsule coffee maker that produces high-quality espresso with little effort. A handy steam wand comes included which allows you to add milk to an espresso or cappuccino. It's also among the quietest machines we've tested, so it won't disturb families with early morning sleep-ins.

SMEG is known for its beautiful kitchen equipment and this retro-style coffee pod machine isn't different (choose between cream, black or red). Compact enough to fit on your counter, but still functional. A single press of a button brews a short espresso or longer lungo, while its energy saving mode goes into standby after two minutes of inactivity or seven days of inactivity.

If you're a fan the 1950s style of SMEG or you want to tailor your coffee more than the big brands offer, the Jolie is worth a look. It includes a Bloom & Brew feature that pre-wettes the capsule and makes it more flavorful cup. Other options let you adjust the amount of water you use and also adjust the temperature of the coffee and adjust the pressure.

5. Infinissima

If you're in the market for an instant cup of coffee to kick start your day or a luxurious morning espresso, the Infinissima has you covered. It's a sleek and sophisticated capsule machine that is easy to use and provides many beverage options. It has a unique design inspired by the infinity symbol and includes a globular pod holder and triangular water tank that looks like modern art.

Although the Infinissima's unique exterior is fun but it doesn't sacrifice quality. It employs a high-pressure system to extract maximum flavor from each capsule coffee and produces professional quality crema in the cafe style. It has a rapid heating time, meaning your coffee will be ready in a matter of minutes. It also has a large, removable water tank that measures 1.2L so you can make several cups without needing to refill.

The Infinissima can also brew hot and cold drinks. The adjustable temperature settings provide you with a variety of options, from iced coffee to latte macchiato. It also has an in-cup heating plate that keeps your beverage warm, preventing it from cooling down too fast. The Infinissima comes with a timer that will shut off the machine after an amount of time. This promotes energy efficiency.

The Infinissima features simple controls and an LCD screen that allows you coffee pod machines to select your beverage. It also comes with an auto-rising pod holder which makes it easier to insert the capsules and fill the water tank. Additionally, it comes with a convenient cleaning kit and a reusable filter that allows you to reuse the capsules you have used. Infinissima capsule coffee machines are an excellent choice if you're searching for a reliable machine in Qatar.