The Best Capsule Coffee Machines of 2017

If you're a fan of Nespresso but would like to move away from their tiny capsules look no further than this machine. It works with larger Vertuo capsules, and reads the barcode and automatically adjusting the settings to your drink's size.

It can save customised drinks to a single button for fast making, and also offers ristretto, espresso and americano options. It also has a height-adjustable drip tray and sleep mode that saves energy.

1. Nespresso Vertuo Plus

The Nespresso Vertuo Plus was one of two new machines that came into the Nespresso line in 2017. It's smaller than other models and is able to fit into smaller spaces. And it's available with a broader selection of colors, too.

The machine is the most recent version of Nespresso's pod-based system. Instead of piercing the capsule in order to pump hot water through it, the Vertuo Plus uses Centrifusion to spin the capsule at speeds up to 7000rpm. It mixes ground coffee with water to make an alcoholic drink. The capsule then drips through one central hole and out of 18 smaller holes, which gives a thick crema on your drink. The machine can make both coffee and lungo-style drinks.

It scans a barcode at the bottom of each capsule to tailor its blending technique for each. You aren't able to mix capsules from other brands that use Vertuo plus, as only Nespresso capsules are barcode-encoded.

There's only a single button to press across the top of the machine and it's simple to use. Simply press the silver lever on the front and it raises to reveal a place for your preferred pod. Then drop it into place and press the single button to start brewing.

The machine comes with a 40-ounce water reservoir and it is able to automatically release capsules used up internally. It also has a heat up time of about 15 seconds and an energy-saving automatic shut off after nine minutes of inactivity. The machine is simple to operate and reliable, and needs minimal maintenance. But, if you want to avoid creating a lot of waste with this type of machine, be sure to create a good recycling scheme for the pods that are no longer being used.

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's available in a range of colors and makes up to five different sizes of hot or iced drinks including double espresso.

The machine is a bit more sophisticated than Nespresso machines, as it can heat and dispensing milk. It's still more secure than a traditional home espresso machine, and is a good alternative for those who aren't at ease using a manual espresso maker. The Jolie has a large chrome lever that opens and shuts the capsule slot. In addition, a 0.9-litre water tank is positioned behind it. There's a large container for capsules that can hold ten of your used capsules at one time.

It is easy to use and heats up within minutes. It's also very quiet and consumes only a small amount of energy, which makes it an excellent choice for energy costs.

This model has only one disadvantage that it is only compatible with Lavazza capsules, not the Nespresso range. This might not be a problem for a lot of people, but it could be an issue for those who like to switch between brands. If you do opt for this machine, be sure that you get a package of 100 capsules that can be reused with your purchase. They aren't expensive, but you'll save money in the end as they tend to be cheaper than Nespresso pods.

3. Tassimo My Way

Fully automatic machine with an extremely simple operation. It features a large platform that can be adjusted to different heights for tall glasses or smaller espresso cups. The numbered buttons make it easy to select your preferred settings. You can also store four different variations of your own, making this a good option for couples and families with differing tastes. The machine is energy efficient and comes with an coffee machine and pods easy-to-read indicator that lets you know when the water tank is full or when the need for descaling is present (which requires an service disc that's tucked into a slot along with the instruction).

It's designed to work as all Tassimo systems do, with the company's branded barcoded T Discs which include everything from cold drinks coffee, tea hot chocolate, and cold drinks, to frothy, cold milk. Intellibrew technology detects the type and adjusts the brewing time, temperature, and strength to match. This helps you avoid making changes that are not sensible like the strength of coffee brewed with milk. It also ensures your drink is consistently delicious.

The My Way 2 offers an array of flavors including Costa favourites Kenco, L'OR, and Cadbury's. You can even make frothy cappuccinos and lattes, as well as stimulating Americanos and indulgent flat whites.

The My Way 2 has an energy-saving standby mode, and it's easy to clean. The water tank is easy to remove and is filled with fresh tap water. It does not have an inbuilt mechanism to dispose of T Discs that are used. Instead it has partnered up with Podback an organization that recycles, to allow you to recycle the discs through an on-site program.

4. Jolie

A small pod coffee maker that's been on the market for a few years, Jolie stands up well against the latest models. Its slimline design occupies less counter space than larger machines and its controls are easy to operate. You can select lungo or espresso at the push of the button and a movable cup holder lets you use standard cups and mugs as well.

It's not inexpensive however the Jolie is a good choice for anyone looking for an easy capsule coffee maker that produces excellent espresso with minimum effort. A handy steam wand is included too, making it possible to add milk for an espresso or cappuccino. It's also one of the quietest that we've tested, so it won’t interfere with sleep-ins for the family in the early morning.

SMEG has a reputation for stylish kitchen gear, and this retro-looking pod coffee maker is no exception (choose from cream, red or black). Compact enough to fit on your counter, but still functional. One press makes the long or short lungo. The energy saving mode is activated after two minutes and seven days without usage.

The Jolie is a good option for those who love the retro style of SMEG or you want to personalize your coffee to be better than the major brands provide. It includes a Bloom & Brew feature that pre-wettes the capsule and adds flavor to it to make a better cup. Other settings allow you to adjust the amount of water you use, adjust the coffee temperature and also adjust the pressure.

5. Infinissima

If you're in the market for an easy cup of coffee to fuel your day or an indulgent morning espresso The Infinissima offers you everything. It's a sleek automatic capsule machine that is easy to use and provides many beverages. It has a unique design inspired by the infinity sign and also includes a triangular water tank and globular pod holder.

The Infinissima has a distinctive exterior however it doesn't sacrifice quality. It uses a high pressure system to extract maximum flavor from each capsule of coffee, and also produces professional-quality crema in the cafe style. It's got a quick heating time, so your drinks will be ready in just a few minutes. It also has a huge removable 1.2L water tank so you can make several cups before you need to refill.

Another great feature is the Infinissima's ability to brew both hot and cold drinks. The adjustable temperature settings offer a wide variety of options, including iced coffee and latte macchiato. It also comes with an insulated cup warming plate to keep your beverage warm and stop it from cooling too fast. The Infinissima also comes with an automatic timer that shuts off the machine after a predetermined period of inactivity, thus promoting energy efficiency.

The Infinissima has simple controls and an LCD screen that allows you to select your beverage. It also comes with a self-rising pod holder, which makes it easy to put the capsules in and fill the tank with water. It also comes with a convenient filter and cleaning kit that allows the reuse of capsules. Infinissima capsules are a great option if you're searching for a good machine in Qatar.