Vertuo vs Dolce Gusto vs Tassimo: best pod coffee machine
Pod machines are cheap to buy, quick and almost mess-free. The catch is that once you choose a system you're tied to its pods, and pod prices vary a lot. Here's how Nespresso Vertuo, Nescafé Dolce Gusto and Tassimo compare, followed by the best-value machine for each.
How we chose: We haven't tested these machines ourselves. We compared the three systems using Which?'s pod price research (May 2026), Good Housekeeping's testing, and the manufacturers' specs. Machine prices were checked on Amazon UK on 6 October 2026, during Prime Big Deal Days, so several are deal prices that won't last.
The three systems compared
| Nespresso Vertuo | Dolce Gusto | Tassimo | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Typical pod cost (Which?) | Around 77p+ | 33–56p branded; compatibles from ~15p | 35–91p |
| Compatible pods? | No | Yes | No |
| How it brews | Reads a barcode on each capsule and spins it to brew | High-pressure pump; most machines have hot and cold drinks | Reads a barcode (“T-Disc”) to set time, temperature and volume |
| Milk drinks | Add your own milk (or buy a frother model) | Milk pods available | Milk pods available |
| Best for | Black coffee lovers who want a big range of cup sizes | Lowest running costs and variety | Big brand range, including hot chocolate and tea-style drinks |
| Recycling | Nespresso's own scheme | Podback | Podback |
Pod costs from Which? (May 2026). Across all systems, Which? found pods ranging from about 20p to over 60p a drink, with Vertuo at the top end.
Best Nespresso Vertuo machines
Best-value Vertuo
Nespresso Vertuo Next (ENV120.BM)
Around £59 at time of writing (Amazon UK RRP shown as about £149)
At its current deal price, the Vertuo Next is a very cheap way into Vertuo. It reads the barcode on each capsule to brew the right size, from espresso to a large mug. It heats up in about 30 seconds and switches off after two minutes of inactivity.
It has a 1.1-litre water tank and app connectivity, and the box includes a welcome set of capsules. Remember that Vertuo pods are the priciest per cup of the three systems, so the cheap machine is only half the story.
Key specs
- Water tank: 1.1 litres
- Heat-up: about 30 seconds
- Several cup sizes, set automatically by the capsule
- Auto-off after 2 minutes; Wi-Fi/Bluetooth
- Made with 54% recycled plastic (Nespresso)
Most compact Vertuo
Nespresso Vertuo Pop
Around £88 at time of writing (Amazon UK RRP shown as about £100)
The Vertuo Pop is Nespresso's smallest Vertuo machine. It uses the same capsules and barcode brewing as the Next, but with a smaller 560ml water tank, so you'll be refilling it more often.
At today's prices the Vertuo Next is better value, but the Pop is the one to pick if counter space is very tight.
Key specs
- Water tank: 560ml
- Heat-up: about 30 seconds
- Uses all Vertuo capsules
Best Dolce Gusto machines
Best Dolce Gusto
Nescafé Dolce Gusto Genio S Plus (De'Longhi EDG315)
Around £65 at time of writing (Amazon UK RRP shown as about £100)
The Genio S Plus is a good all-round Dolce Gusto. It makes hot and cold drinks, has an “espresso boost” for a stronger shot, and an eco mode that turns it off after a minute. Pair it with compatible pods and it's one of the cheapest pod machines to run.
Key specs
- Pump pressure: 15 bar
- Water tank: 0.8 litres
- Hot and cold drinks; espresso boost
- Auto-off after 1 minute
Budget Dolce Gusto
Nescafé Dolce Gusto Piccolo XS (De'Longhi EDG210)
Around £29 at time of writing
If you just want a simple, tiny pod machine, the Piccolo XS is about as cheap as it gets. It's only around 13.6cm wide, makes hot and cold drinks, and switches off after a minute.
Key specs
- Width: about 13.6cm
- Hot and cold drinks
- Auto-off after 1 minute
Best Tassimo machines
Best Tassimo
Tassimo by Bosch My Way 2 (TAS6502GB)
Around £100 at time of writing
Good Housekeeping named the My Way 2 its best-value pod coffee machine in August 2026, with a score of 93/100. Like all Tassimos, it reads a barcode on each T-Disc. You can also adjust temperature, cup size and strength, and save favourites.
It has a built-in Brita water filter and a 1.3-litre tank. Good Housekeeping also noted it needs no heat-up time before brewing.
Key specs
- Water tank: 1.3 litres with Brita filter
- Adjustable temperature, volume and strength
- Saved drink settings (Good Housekeeping lists four memory functions)
- Barcode-reading Intellibrew system
Budget Tassimo
Tassimo by Bosch Finesse Classic Friendly (TAS1620GB)
Around £30 at time of writing (Amazon UK RRP shown as about £40)
A simple, slim, one-button Tassimo. It's about 15.7cm wide with a 0.7-litre tank and the same barcode brewing as the pricier models. Bosch says it's made with 58% recycled plastic.
Key specs
- Water tank: 0.7 litres
- Width: about 15.7cm
- One-touch brewing with barcode reading
- Over 50 Tassimo drinks available (Bosch)
So which should you choose?
- Lowest running costs: Dolce Gusto with compatible pods, so the Genio S Plus.
- Best black coffee and cup-size range: Nespresso Vertuo, so the Vertuo Next while it's on offer.
- Biggest range of branded drinks: Tassimo, so the My Way 2.
- Drinking 3+ coffees a day? Do the maths on a bean-to-cup machine instead.
FAQs
Which pod system is cheapest to run?
Dolce Gusto is usually cheapest, according to Which?, because you can buy compatible pods from around 15p. Branded pods cost 33–56p. Vertuo is the most expensive at around 77p and up, and there are no compatible pods for it.
Can I use cheaper compatible pods?
For Dolce Gusto, yes. For Nespresso Vertuo and Tassimo, Which? says there are no compatible pods, so you're limited to the official ranges. Nespresso's Original (non-Vertuo) system has the widest choice of compatibles.
Can you recycle coffee pods in the UK?
Yes. Nespresso runs its own recycling scheme for its aluminium capsules, and Tassimo and Dolce Gusto pods can go through Podback. Check the Podback website for collection options in your area.
Which system is best for milky drinks?
Dolce Gusto and Tassimo both sell two-pod drinks with a separate milk pod, so you can make a latte without a frother. With Vertuo you'd add your own milk, or buy a model with a milk frother.
Is a pod machine cheaper than bean-to-cup?
Pod machines cost much less to buy, but more per cup. If you drink several coffees a day, a bean-to-cup machine usually works out cheaper over a few years.
Sources
- Which?: Best pod coffee machines 2026 (pod costs)
- Good Housekeeping UK: Best coffee pod machines 2026
- Amazon UK listings for each machine (specs and prices checked 6 October 2026)