I tested coffee machines under £50 – the bargain winner made a better cappuccino than Costa and is a perfect Xmas gift

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Are pod coffee machines worth the money?

For those who want a cheaper option to perk themselves up in the morning, pod coffee machines are a winner. But are they worth the money? Consumer reporter Olivia Marshall tests four machines under £50 and rates each out of five for design, value, and taste.

Delonghi Dolce Gusto Infinissima

The bargain winner! This machine made a delicious cappuccino using compatible coffee pods. You can pick up two boxes of these pods from Tesco for £7 with a Clubcard. But be aware that they can cost up to £5 a box at Waitrose.

TASSIMO by Bosch SUNY

My cappuccino, made using Costa's compatible pods, was prepared quickly and perfectly. You can get three bags of these pods for £10 at Tesco with a Clubcard. For a festive twist, try Baileys latte macchiato pods from Ocado for £5.

Nescafe Dolce Gusto De'Longhi Mini Me

If you're set on buying a Delonghi Dolce Gusto machine, consider the Infinissima model. While the Mini Me is perfect in appearance and easy to use, it's just too big for small kitchens. And with a price tag pushing £50, some of the cheaper models are just as effective.

Philips Sublime L'OR

The strong coffee lover's choice! The Supremo pod may be a little too strong for some, but it hits the spot for those who enjoy a bold taste. You can pick up two boxes of ten pods for £5.50 at Morrisons, and there's no need to be signed up to loyalty schemes.

Is it cheaper to make coffee with a machine or a kettle?

Meanwhile, we put coffee machines to the test against kettles to see which is the cheaper option. Find out the results!

Supermarket beats Nespresso with own-brand pod dupes

Reporter James Flanders tried own-brand Nespresso pod dupes and found that one supermarket beat the signature brand in both taste and price. Discover the winner!