Coffee pod machines.... any recommendations???

[chenin]

I want to buy a coffee pod machine for us for Christmas. I have probably been researching too much....!
I know there are very many different brands out there and I don't want to end up with one that doesn't suit us.
Ideally, I would like the coffee to be really hot and not lukewarm. My DH likes expresso, I like cappuccino type coffee. I have heard that Gaggia do the best machines on the market and they now do a pod system machine. Has anyone got one?
I was at the Food and Show Birmingham last week and looked at nespresso pods... these pods fit into lots of different machines... krups, braun, etc.
I have probably done too much research because my brain is now addled big time....!
We don't mind spending over £200 if we got one that does everything we want.
Are there any coffee afficionados out there with a DH who is fussy about his coffee?!!
TIA Helliebean x

bump!

anyone?!!

Message withdrawn

Yorkie has a Senseo machine.
It does Very Nice Coffee, but small cups - best to use your own I reckon.
Oh and the pods come in different styles too from weak and watery to blow your socks off. (they are not cheap though)

A lot of the pod ones aren't real espresso - they're instant coffee, it's not an espresso system. I don't know how you feel about Nescafe, but Nespresso is the best. It's VERY GOOD espresso. That's all it does, none of the silly other drinks, like that one that pretends to be a nespresso machine and does chocolate and stuff. Jamie Oliver endorses the Nespresso.

Here's George to make up your mind:

As for the machine, just pop along to John Lewis and see which Nespresso one you find the prettiest. Mine is a Magimix, because it was the cheapest, but the one George is using, with the pod shaped slot, seems pretty gorgeous. The pod system is foolproof, so the coffee is the same with all of them.

thanks all! I am thinking Magimix using nespresso and thanks Pruni regarding Francis machine... I looked at that one and was tempted because it looks so cool and retro!
Nespresso pods seem to be the best and they do fit lots of machines...

swwon @ GC in Nesspresso ad. Watch it Helliebean - you will want one so much you'll pop out in your pyjamas right now and buy one!

Now a couple of things: you have to use their Nespresso pods - the evil monopolistic gits - but ordering is pretty easy. You join the 'Club' (so pretentious) online and they usually come the next day - but you have to be in to get the box. If you're in London you can go along to their shop which is just up a bit from Harrods on Beauchamp Place.

Although... I read online that you can refill pods with vacuum packed supermarket Illy espresso, cover with cheap foil, and they'll work again. I haven't tried this.

was just reading this thread and had a look at nespresso, found this cashback offer on the nespresso site for £40.

£40 cashback nespresso

nespresso - see this thread

Just an update.... bought a Magimix 200 machine... with nespresso pods. I know its our Xmas pressie to each other and we shouldnt be using it yet, but
I have used it and and it is fab. The machine was £130 from John Lewis, £40 cashback offer from Nespresso making it £90.
I cant get over how good this machine is. I have already bought a selection of pods from Nespresso and they are all good.
I am making the most fantastic coffee, just like a latte or cappucino with frothy milk on the top and the best thing about it, is that all the cups I make are hot!!
So highly recommended for anyone looking for a great Xmas present to themselves!