A new blind taste test conducted by the Daily Mail Test Lab has revealed that a budget-friendly coffee pod machine outperformed a premium model costing over £1,200, surprising testers and challenging conventional wisdom about expensive coffee makers.
Rigorous Testing Process
The Daily Mail's investigation put ten popular coffee machines, ranging in price from under £100 to more than £1,000, through a series of tests. The machines were selected from top retailers like Amazon, John Lewis, and Currys, as well as those frequently discussed on social media. The primary criteria for evaluation were value for money, ease of use, and, most importantly, taste.
A key component of the testing involved a blind tasting by Peter Renyard, head of training at the Artisan Coffee School in London. Renyard, who trains professional baristas, sampled ten coffee drinks prepared by the machines without knowing their origin. To ensure impartiality, he was blindfolded, wore earmuffs, and left the room during the preparation of each coffee.
Each machine was scored on factors including price, aesthetics, ease of use, water tank size, noise levels, drink temperature, and the presence of milk-frothing attachments. The cost per cup was also calculated, based on drinking two cups daily over a five-year lifespan for each appliance.
Champion Machines
The Ninja Luxe Café Mini Series emerged as the overall winner, surpassing two expensive Sage models, which placed third and fourth. A significant surprise was the second-place finish of the Dualit Pod Machine, a simple and affordable pod option. Renyard ranked this machine third in the blind taste test, and when combined with its value for money, it was deemed a better buy than the Sage machines.
The Dualit Pod Machine, praised for its compact size and appearance, faced some usability challenges. It lacked printed instructions, relying on a QR code to access a manual, and the pod lever was stiff, with some users reporting breakages. The temperature of the drinks also varied slightly. Despite these drawbacks, its unexpectedly good taste and value secured its high ranking. Renyard noted, "There is an inviting smell of chocolate and the crema is looking good. It’s got a nice silky mouth feel and I’d say it’s on its way to being a very good espresso."
Other Notable Performers
Among the other machines tested, the Nespresso Creatista Plus, a high-end pod machine, was noted for its premium appearance and easy-to-use digital display. It offers seven pre-set coffee recipes with customization options and features an automatic steam wand for milk frothing. However, Renyard found its taste to be only "OK," noting a "long aftertaste and a bit of bitterness."
The Sage Barista Touch Impress, a high-priced model, was described as aesthetically pleasing and intelligent, learning user preferences. It offers 14 recipes and easy, automatic milk frothing. However, it was the noisiest machine tested, and Renyard detected a chemical smell that tainted the coffee, leading to a lower taste score despite the reviewer's positive impression of café-quality results.
The review also covered models from KitchenAid, Cuisinart, Smeg, and De'Longhi, each with their own set of pros and cons regarding ease of use, taste, features, and value. The study aimed to guide consumers in identifying the best coffee machine for their needs and budget, demonstrating that high cost does not always equate to superior coffee quality.