Espresso Machines > Portioned Espresso Machines > 50 GBP to 149 GBP

Advantages: well priced, very easy to use
Disadvantages: steam arm is temperamental

I bought the Delonghi EC330S after realising I was slowly emptying my bank account paying for numerous Starbucks' every week (even more after they opened one a two minute walk from my flat). Definite plus point in its appearance, it looks stylish and fits in well in modern kitchens especially. It does make good coffee, and although you need to warm the machine up, once you're used to doing this it really isn't a hassle. Although the previous reviewer ...
...either buy coffee beans and a grinder or buy fresh coffee ground for espresso machines, as pods don't really make the most of having a machine such as this. A disadvantage of having this product are the steam arm is very temperamental and sometimes just doesn't emit much steam (despite being thoroughly cleaned). Also, if you want to make more than 3/4 cups at a time don't bother. It isn't so much the hassle, it's the steam arm - it can't cope with ... Read review

Advantages: Easy to set up/pour normal drinks eg. tea/coffee / stylish and modern look.
Disadvantages: Can be messy and inconvenient when changing pods. Pod prices.

My Dolce Gusto machine was given to me by a good friend when i began working from my home office. He thought it may be more convenient than having a kettle anyway! I was suprised at how easy it as to set up and the modern, stylish look! Once the machine was set to go I reached for the Nescaffe pods and instruction cards and had my heart set on a Chocochino! I followed the instructions and inserted the pods etc but was a little miffed to find that ...
...and then swap again to get the right "layering effect" and taste. Apart from the fiddling about with leaking pods I was impressed by the taste! The water compartment or orb on the top acts as a kettle with the water heating up by simply pressing the on switch to the side. You then move the lever to either red or blue for hot or cold water, or when using the pods, the pod needs to be inserted into the machine and then the water runs through the pod. ... Read review

Advantages: Makes good quality coffee, cheap to use
Disadvantages: None

I've had this coffee maker for over a year now and I have to say I'm very happy with it. It looks good in the kitchen, being black and silver, made from high quality plastic so is easily wiped clean, and has a good variety of flavours widely available, and reasonably priced. I received this machine as a wedding present, but I believe that it now costs around £90. At the time it was coming with a free accessories pack, comprising coffee capsules, ...
...far as I'm aware the product is still available with this accessories pack. Coffee capsules are available in the following flavours: Cappuccino Latte Expresso Lungo Chococin o Mocha Cappuccino Ice - Summer only Lungo Decaffeinato - limited edition Expresso Intenso - limited edition I have tried most of these flavours and have found them to be close to the real deal available in coffee shops. Most of these are available for around £3 for ... Read review

Advantages: Quick, Great Taste, Ease of use
Disadvantages: The pods are a little expensive

This is an great looking coffee machine that not only provides a wonderful drink but also looks good in a modern kitchen. Easy to use and excellent taste, the pods are a little expensive and some are hard to find in the shops. I recomend the Latte and Choccino. The choice is however still rather limited, so hopefully more choices will be out soon to add to the list. The way it heats up the water if cost effecient and much safer that a kettle if ... Read review

Advantages: professional brewing; great results; easy to use
Disadvantages: coffee temperature could be a bit hotter. Warming tray size too small

...I have had three other Saeco models, so I am used to how they work. The coffee quality is much better with this new model. Friends say it tastes more like the coffee from a cafe' shop. Great crema . Everything is easy to use. It has a milk island which is an optional extra. It produces a dense frothed milk, much like the style everyone is after today not the light super fluffy type, but you can still produce this by steaming the milk with the steam ...
...is not hot enough unless you prewarm your cups with hot water. the warming tray ontop is a bit small and could be hotter. There is a two year warranty and my machine has just started to leak water a little so I hope this is the only problem I have. I will get it checked out, same with the temperature as I know somtimes it can be altered if it is not hot enough. I tried an instore machine of the same model and the coffee was much hotter. I make cuppucinos, ... Read review