Are you overpaying for your daily coffee? With coffee pod costs ranging from 17p to 41p per cup, choosing the right pod machine could save you over £150 annually. This comprehensive comparison of the best coffee machines will help you decide between Lavazza and Nespresso pod coffee machines this Black Friday.
Best selling Lavazza coffee machine:
Last update on 2025-12-01 at 19:06 / // Source: Amazon
Best selling Nespresso A Modo Mio coffee machine:
Last update on 2025-12-02 at 04:28 / // Source: Amazon
Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | Comparison |
|---|---|
| Machine Price | Lavazza: Budget-friendly range / Nespresso: Mid-range pricing |
| Pod Cost | Lavazza: 17p-27p / Nespresso: 33p-41p |
| Coffee per Pod | Lavazza: 7.5g / Nespresso: 5g-6g |
| Varieties | Lavazza: 15+ genuine / Nespresso: 26+ genuine |
| Availability | Lavazza: Supermarkets & online / Nespresso: Exclusive stores & online |
| Material | Lavazza: Plastic (recyclable) / Nespresso: Aluminium |
| Milk Frother Models | Lavazza: Yes (Jolie & Milk) / Nespresso: Yes (Creatista, Latissima) |
| Heat-up Speed | Lavazza: Standard / Nespresso: Faster |
| Coffee Temperature | Lavazza: Hotter / Nespresso: Standard |
The Surprising History: Same Inventor, Different Brands
Capsule espresso machines and pod coffee makers provide coffee lovers with a practical approach to creating the best coffee at home without much effort. This is very appealing in today’s fast-paced lifestyle. But here’s something most people don’t know: both Lavazza and Nespresso coffee pod machines share the same DNA.
In the mid-1970s, Swiss engineer Eric Favre patented his Nespresso idea after joining Nestlé. The company snapped up the chance to retail the device, but at the beginning of the 90s, Favre left and started a different brand using the same patent concepts. This means that while there are several differences between the two makes, both pod machines are based upon the same fundamental principles.
Whichever coffee machine you want, you’re likely to receive a similar (though not identical) cup of coffee. However, there are key differences that might make one better suited to your needs when choosing between coffee machines you can buy.
Price Comparison: Machine Costs
Lavazza Coffee Machines
Best Selling Models:
Lavazza Jolie & Milk EVO (Black or White)
- Black Friday Savings: 53% off (save £89)
- Features: 33% recycled plastic, integrated milk frother, removable grid, 1250W
- Compatible: A Modo Mio pods
- Best for: Home baristas who want milk-based drinks
Lavazza Tiny Eco
- Black Friday Savings: 54% off (save £47)
- Features: Compact design, automatic shut-off, adjustable cup rest, 1450W
- Best for: Small kitchens and solo coffee drinkers
Nespresso Coffee Machines
Best Selling Models:
Nespresso Vertuo Next with Aeroccino
- Black Friday Savings: 55% off (save £110)
- Features: Milk frother included, 6 cup sizes, 30+ pod varieties
- Best for: Households wanting variety and milk drinks
Nespresso Vertuo Pop
- Black Friday Savings: 43% off (save £43)
- Features: Compact footprint, Americano capability, starter capsules included
- Best for: Space-conscious coffee lovers
Nespresso Citiz by De’Longhi
- Black Friday Savings: 31% off (save £55)
- Features: Italian-inspired design, Original line pods, premium build
- Best for: Espresso purists
Pod Cost Breakdown: Where You’ll Really Save Money
This is where the real cost difference emerges over time when comparing coffee pod machines.
Lavazza Coffee Pods
- Genuine Lavazza Capsules: From 27p each
- Compatible Capsules: From 17p each
- Coffee Content: Lavazza pods have 7.5 grams of coffee per pod
- Varieties: 15 genuine options
- Availability: Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Morrisons also stock Lavazza pods, plus Amazon and lavazza.co.uk
Nespresso Pods
- Genuine Nespresso Capsules: 33p-41p each
- Nespresso Compatible Pods: Widely available (Costa, Illy, Starbucks)
- Coffee Content: 5g in a Nespresso Espresso pod, 6g in Nespresso Lungo pods
- Varieties: The range of Nespresso includes 26 genuine options plus Nespresso Vertuo pods
- Availability: Nespresso stores, nespresso.com, and retailers like Morrisons sell coffee in Nespresso pods
Annual Cost Comparison
2 Cups Per Day:
- Lavazza (genuine): 2 × 27p × 365 = £197.10/year
- Lavazza (compatible): 2 × 17p × 365 = £124.10/year
- Nespresso (genuine): 2 × 37p × 365 = £270.10/year
- Nespresso (compatible): 2 × 25p × 365 = £182.50/year
Annual Savings with Lavazza: Up to £146/year using compatible pods
Coffee Quality & Performance
Strength and Volume
Lavazza is stronger per pod because the coffee in Lavazza capsules contains 7.5 grams of coffee compared to Nespresso’s 5g (Espresso) or 6g (Lungo). This means:
- A Lavazza pod contains 50% more coffee than a Nespresso Espresso pod
- A Lavazza pod contains 25% more than a Nespresso Lungo pod
In practical terms, you get more volume of coffee and can make a slightly larger coffee cup with the same strength using Lavazza, or enjoy a more intense espresso shot in the same size cup. This affects the overall coffee taste and strength.
Temperature
Testing reveals that the coffee being made via the Lavazza machine produces somewhat hotter brews compared to Nespresso pod coffee. If you prefer piping hot coffee, Lavazza has the edge.
Brewing Speed
The best Nespresso machines are generally faster, with quicker heat-up times and faster flow rates. The flow rate with my Nespresso machine does appear considerably faster compared to the flow rate with the Lavazza machine. However, we’re talking about 20-30 seconds difference per cup to finish making the coffee, which isn’t significant for most home users.
Flavour Profiles
The difference in coffee taste comes down to the coffee from the pods themselves rather than the pod machine. Both produce quality espresso, but:
- Nespresso: Wider variety of different coffee options, especially with compatible pods from brands like Costa, Illy, and Starbucks
- Lavazza: Authentic Italian espresso character, offering a specific type of coffee, but some users report a slightly burnt taste with certain blends
Nespresso Original vs Vertuo: Which System?
Nespresso offers two distinct pod systems with different types of coffee capabilities:
Original Line
- Pods: Standard Nespresso capsules, not patented, wide variety of compatible options available
- Best for: Espresso-based drinks
- Advantage: Lower pod costs with third-party options
- Cup sizes: Primarily espresso and lungo
Vertuo Line
- Pods: Patented by Nespresso (limited to genuine pods)
- Best for: Long coffee, full cups, variety seekers who want to make coffee in larger sizes
- Disadvantage: Higher ongoing costs
- Cup sizes: 5 different sizes including full mugs
Recommendation: If you primarily drink espresso or cappuccinos, choose Original. If you enjoy Americanos and large coffees, consider Vertuo despite the higher pod costs. The machine will make different styles depending on which line you choose.
Lavazza A Modo Mio Range
Lavazza’s collection of Modo Mio machines focuses on size and functionality:
Lavazza Tiny (Modo Mio System)
- Best for: Minimal counter space
- Features: Compact design without compromising quality
- Perfect for: Single users, small kitchens, offices
Lavazza A Modo Mio Jolie & Milk
- Best for: Milk drink enthusiasts
- Features: Integrated milk frother for the Modo Mio Jolie system
- Perfect for: Lattes, cappuccinos, flat whites made with the Modo Mio coffee capsule system
Other Models
Lavazza also offers models with Alexa integration and various colour options to match your kitchen aesthetic. All machines and Lavazza machines are compatible with the full range of coffee options in their A Modo Mio lineup.
Environmental Impact: Coffee Capsule Breakdown
When comparing capsule coffee machines, environmental impact matters:
Lavazza
- Material: Plastic (recyclable)
- Advantage: Does not use aluminium
- Recycling: Can be recycled through standard plastic recycling
- Environmental Score: Better than aluminium for initial production
Nespresso
- Material: Aluminium
- Advantage: Aluminium is infinitely recyclable
- Recycling: Nespresso recycling program available
- Compatible Pods: Many third-party options are biodegradable or fully recyclable
- Environmental Score: Aluminium mining impact, but excellent recyclability
Winner: Slight edge to Lavazza for avoiding aluminium, though both have viable recycling options. Many Nespresso-compatible pods are now fully biodegradable, giving eco-conscious consumers excellent third-party alternatives when choosing a coffee maker.
Best Machine For…
Best for Budget-Conscious Buyers
Winner: Lavazza Tiny Eco
- Lowest entry price among pod coffee machines on the market
- Cheapest pod costs (17p with compatible)
- More grams of coffee per pod means better value
- Currently 54% off for Black Friday
Best for Coffee Variety Lovers
Winner: Nespresso Original Line
- 26+ genuine varieties
- Dozens of compatible options from major brands
- Widely available in supermarkets for different coffee preferences
Best for Small Kitchens
Winner: Lavazza Tiny Eco
- Ultra-compact footprint
- Efficient design
- Full functionality in minimal space – perfect as a machine at home
Best for Environmental Concerns
Winner: Lavazza (with compatible biodegradable Nespresso as close second)
- No aluminium production impact
- Recyclable plastic
- Growing range of eco-friendly options
Best for Milk-Based Drinks
Winner: Tie – Both offer integrated frother models
- Lavazza: Jolie & Milk EVO (53% off)
- Nespresso: Vertuo Next with Aeroccino (55% off)
Best for Speed
Winner: Nespresso at the moment
- Faster heat-up time
- Quicker brewing cycle
- Ideal for rushed mornings when you need to make your coffee quickly
Where to Buy
Lavazza Pods
Available widely across the UK:
- Online: lavazza.co.uk, Amazon
- High Street: Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Morrisons
- Advantage: Convenient availability for immediate purchase
Nespresso Pods
More exclusive distribution:
- Online: nespresso.com, Amazon (compatible)
- Stores: Nespresso boutiques
- Compatible: Widely available (Morrisons, Amazon, etc.)
- Advantage: Premium boutique experience and compatible options in supermarkets
Range of Models Available
Nespresso currently offers a larger selection of coffee machines on the market compared to Lavazza, giving consumers more choice in terms of features, price points, and designs. This may change as the market evolves and more manufacturers create compatible Lavazza machines. For those considering alternatives, bean to cup coffee machines and bean-to-cup coffee machines offer a different approach, though the average pod coffee machine and best pod coffee machine options typically provide more convenience. Some coffee enthusiasts still prefer a manual espresso machine, but pod coffee makers have become increasingly popular for their ease of use when brewing coffee at home.
Final Verdict: Which Should You Buy?
Choose Lavazza if:
- You want the lowest ongoing costs (pods from 17p)
- You prefer hotter coffee
- You want more coffee per pod (7.5g vs 5-6g)
- You value convenient high street availability
- You want to avoid aluminium pods
- Budget is your primary concern
- You’re a bit of a coffee purist who appreciates Italian espresso tradition
Choose Nespresso if:
- You want the widest variety of flavours
- Speed is important to you
- You prefer branded compatible pods (Costa, Starbucks, Illy)
- You want more machine options and premium models
- You drink larger cups (Vertuo line)
- You value brand prestige and boutique experience
The Bottom Line
For most budget-conscious buyers: Lavazza offers better value with cheaper machines, lower pod costs, and more coffee per capsule. The Tiny Eco with 54% off is an exceptional Black Friday deal and represents one of the best coffee machine options for value.
For variety seekers: Nespresso’s extensive range of genuine and compatible pods gives you more flavour options, though you’ll pay a premium. The best bean to cup coffee alternatives exist, but for convenience, these pod systems excel.
Best overall deal today: The Lavazza Jolie & Milk EVO at 53% off gives you a complete coffee solution with integrated milk frother at an unbeatable price. Any coffee pod machine could be a good choice, but this offers exceptional value.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Lavazza pods cheaper than Nespresso? Yes, Lavazza coffee pods cost 17p-27p compared to Nespresso’s 33p-41p. Over a year, this saves approximately £73-£146 for someone drinking two cups daily. The coffee capsule price difference adds up significantly.
Can I use Nespresso pods in Lavazza machines? No, the pod systems are incompatible. Each brand requires its own specific capsules, though compatible third-party options exist for both coffee pod machine types.
Which coffee machine is better for beginners? The Lavazza Tiny Eco is ideal for beginners due to its lower price point (currently 54% off), simple operation, and automatic shut-off feature. It’s one of the best coffee machine options for those new to pod systems.
Do Lavazza pods contain more coffee than Nespresso? Yes, Lavazza pods contain 7.5g of coffee compared to 5g in Nespresso Espresso pods and 6g in Nespresso Lungo pods – that’s 25-50% more coffee. This affects both strength and the machine can make larger servings.
Which brand is more environmentally friendly? Lavazza avoids aluminium, using recyclable plastic instead. However, many Nespresso-compatible pods are now biodegradable, and aluminium is infinitely recyclable. Both capsule coffee options have environmental benefits.
How long do these Black Friday deals last? Deals typically run through Cyber Monday (December 2, 2025), but stock may sell out earlier. Check daily for price updates on the best pod coffee machine deals.
What’s the difference between Nespresso Original and Vertuo? Original uses widely available compatible pods and focuses on espresso drinks. Vertuo uses patented pods, offers larger cup sizes, but costs more to operate. Consider which type of coffee you prefer before choosing.
Black Friday Shopping Tips
- Check stock daily – Popular models of pod coffee machines sell out quickly during Black Friday week
- Bundle deals – Look for coffee machines that include starter pod sets with coffee beans or capsules
- Compare total cost – Factor in coffee pod costs and coffee capsule prices, not just machine price
- Read reviews – Check recent customer feedback on reliability of each coffee maker
- Consider your habits – How many cups daily? What types of coffee? Do you need to make coffee quickly in the mornings?
Prices and availability checked November 22, 2025, 14:00 GMT. Deals subject to change.
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