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FAQ
Using a pod machine is very easy. Start by making sure that there is enough water in the tank. If there is no water, fill it up to the recommended level, which is usually indicated by a line on the container. Turn on the machine, then take a capsule, place it in the container and slide in. Finally, press a button (which often has a coffee cup symbol), and within seconds your cup of coffee is ready to be enjoyed.
The most important thing when looking for a pod machine is to buy one that suits your needs and budget. There are some important points to keep in mind, such as how much you're prepared to pay, how much space you can spare in the kitchen, noise level, quality, and how easy it is to maintain. Think about it and then compare different models. For example, you can read our large test of pod machines to see which model we have designated to be best in test.
Pod machines are available in a wide range of designs and can be more or less advanced. They are also available in different sizes and price ranges, and you can find capsule machines for under 50 GBP but may also have to pay several hundreds for the most expensive models. When deciding which one to buy, it's important to think about how you'll use it - such as how often - and what your budget is. If you want help finding the ultimate coffee machine that uses capsules, please check out our big test.
Three things to consider when buying a pod machine
Depending on how many people live in your household, or how many cups of coffee you want to make daily, you should consider the capacity of the capsule machine. The water and capsule containers differ between models, so it may be wise to choose a larger model in order to avoid having to keep refilling the water or emptying the capsule container.
When choosing a capsule machine, it is a good idea to consider which type of capsules are compatible with the machine. Some machines can be used with several different capsules, while others only work with one type. Different brands of capsules offer different flavours and strengths, and the price can also vary.
Are you interested in buying coffee capsules? Here you can compare different capsules and find the best ones for you.
Milk frother: With an integrated milk frother in your coffee machine, you can froth milk and enjoy delicious milk drinks.
Low water level indicator: Avoid getting frustrated when the water runs out in the middle of brewing your cup – the capsule machine will alert you when it’s time to refill the water.
Different cup sizes: Some capsule machines allow you to choose between different cup sizes, so you can make both smaller espressos and caffé lattes.
Automatic switch-off. Don't worry about whether you switched off the machine or not, because the machine switches itself off automatically. Some models have a preset timer, while others allow you to choose the time yourself.
If you want some more advice on which pods to buy, please refer to this guide from Good Housekeeping.