kotlie Espresso 4in1 Coffee Machine for Nespresso Original/Dolce Gusto/Ground Capsule and ESE Coffee Pods,19 Bar Automatic Compatible Capsule Coffee Machine (Black) (513)

Given the price point I wasn't 100% convinced this would be a fabulous coffee machine, but it's definitely exceeded all my expectations. I'd been eyeing up some Nespresso machines to use with coffee pods but the ones with the best reviews were too big for the space I have available and/or expensive so I took a punt on the Kotlie 4 in 1 machine whilst it was on offer after reading through the reviews. Instead of using it as I'd originally planned for Nespresso pod coffees (an option which it does a decent job with, by the way), I've fallen for the loose coffee adaptor option instead. I just pop my choice of ground espresso (Lavazza Oro is my favourite) in the little basket, tamp it down, put it in the adaptor and slot it in the machine. Within a minute of switching it on there is a lovely measure of espresso waiting for me in my cup, which I then turn into a cappuccino with some heated, frothed milk. (Courtesy of the microwave and separate milk frother.) To address concerns about the coffee going cold quickly (common to all these sorts of devices), I use a double walled glass coffee cup (250ml capacity) which I preheat with hot water before brewing the coffee whilst my milk is warming. This keeps the coffee at the right temperature for a decent period of time. Is it as simple as making pod coffees? Not really, but I really prefer the output, the lower price per coffee and the reduced waste generated this way. Prior to this I made coffee in stove top pots, which is also great, but this is much, much faster (as is cleaning the adaptor afterwards). Pros: - Simple to use - Good quality espresso (provided you put good quality coffee in), which rivals some (not all) barista-made coffees - Variety of brewing options rather than just being for a specific type of pod - Being able to use it with ground coffee, which is much cheaper to buy - Excellent value for money when on offer around the £100 price point - Very compact, which is ideal for small spaces when work surfaces are limited - Fast - Ideal for one person/single cups of coffee - The machine turns itself off after a short while of inactivity to save power Cons/things to be aware of: - You need to store the adaptors you don't use somewhere - not exactly a problem, just something to consider - It's hard to brew multiple cups in succession with the ground coffee adaptor, as you have to empty it out and rinse it between cups, which is difficult when it's very hot. (I'd really like to buy a second adaptor and basket to get round this, any chance Kotlie?) - I found the lungo option probably a little too hot on the coffee and it made it taste ever so slightly burnt, but the espresso setting is great. - Not a con as such, more for information, but mug/cup height is limited to 10cm Overall: I'd definitely recommend this machine for my style of coffee making and usage. If you want to make lots of coffees in very quick succession, then it might not be the machine for you. Update July 2024: I've managed to get a second ground coffee adaptor as they seem to be available on Amazon now. Not exactly cheap, but it's solved one of the cons so I'm even happier now as I can make two cups in quick succession.

I recently purchased the KOTLIE Espresso 4in1 Coffee Machine, and while it's not as straightforward as a dedicated capsule machine, it offers a significant advantage that makes it worth considering. First, let's address the complexity. Unlike single-brand capsule machines, the KOTLIE 4in1 requires a bit more effort to set up and get used to. The process isn't as plug-and-play, so there is a learning curve involved. You'll need to spend some time reading the manual and familiarizing yourself with the different settings and options. However, once you get the hang of it, the machine is quite intuitive and easy to use. Now, onto the upside: versatility. The KOTLIE 4in1 allows you to use almost any manufacturer's capsule, which is a game-changer. You're not limited to one brand or type of coffee, which means you can experiment with different flavors and blends from various brands. This flexibility is fantastic for coffee enthusiasts who love variety. Additionally, the machine's ability to handle ground coffee and ESE pods adds another layer of versatility. The build quality is robust, and the design is sleek and modern, fitting nicely into my kitchen décor. The coffee it brews is rich and flavorful, comparable to what you'd get from more expensive machines. The steam wand is a nice touch for making lattes and cappuccinos, and it works well once you get the hang of it. In conclusion, if you're looking for a coffee machine that offers flexibility and the ability to use multiple types of coffee capsules, the KOTLIE Espresso 4in1 is an excellent choice. Be prepared for a bit of a learning curve, but once you master it, you'll appreciate the variety and quality it brings to your coffee routine.

Really love this machine and it's great value for money. It looks like a nice simple design that will suit most kitchens, especially the black version which I have as it's quite neutral rather than a specific colour. I LOVE the fact you can use multiple types of pods and ground coffee with it. There are a range of drinks for both Nespresso machines as well as dulce gusto, but some are available to one and not the other, so being able to utilise both is amazing, the trays that you swap out to use different pods feel well designed and is a breeze to use and rinse out. Only thing you have to be careful of is the needle that's used to pierce dulce gusto pods as not only do you not want to hurt yourself on it but you don't want to dull it by placing it down on a hard surface. We use a drying rack that goes above the sink so we let the needle sit between the gaps when it's drying so it doesn't get damaged. Honestly worth it for the sole reason of switching between Nespresso and dulce gusto pods, sometimes one type might be on sale too which means you can save money by getting whatever's cheapest at the time and not be limited by what machine you own. Would recommend!

The couple of things that stopped me saying "Excellent machine" is that there is no space for long(ish) cups under the cartridge. Also, for Dolce Gusto pods, no numbers to decide how much coffee to dispense. Instead you have a picture of a small cup and a smaller cup. Which I assume refer to either a Lungo or a small Espresso serving. Having said that, we mainly use Nespresso pods and the flavour you get is excellent. The coffee is hot and the pressure excellent. Another positive is the choice of coffee pods etc. You can have Nespresso, Dolce Gusto, fresh ground coffee and coffee bags. So this machine offers something for everyone. So far, we are very pleased with the machine and it is quieter and better than the one we replaced.