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Major lender CUTS mortgage rates despite other banks hiking loans as BoE boss warns over interest rates
BORROWERS are paying more for mortgages as lenders up costs despite a cut by the Bank of England last month.
But one big provider has bucked the trend and today sliced mortgage rates for customers.
Nationwide has dropped rates on selected mortgages by up to 0.12 percentage points across selected two, three and five-year fixed rate deals.
It comes as big banks that have recently upped rates include Halifax and Santander.
Clydesdale Bank has also increased rates on selected residential two and five-year fixed rates by 0.25%.
The Bank of England last month cut its base rate from 4.5% to 4.25%.
This would usually lead to falling interest rates across the board for borrowers.
However, the picture is mixed because of economic uncertainty and trade tariffs being applied by US president Donald Trump.
Discussing interest rates, Bank of England boss Andrew Bailey this week told MPs: “I think the path remains downwards, but how far and how quickly is now shrouded in a lot more uncertainty.”
The expectation of sharp interest rate cuts has been scaled back in financial markets.
Nicholas Mendes, mortgage technical manager at broker John Charcol, said: “Market expectations for Bank of England rate cuts have been revised down where four were previously priced in, two now feels more realistic, and even that’s not guaranteed.
“The broader momentum still leans towards rates staying higher for longer. That’s what’s driving most lenders to reprice upwards.
“Nationwide’s decision may reflect a different strategy whether that’s to stay competitive, manage pipeline volumes, or simply take a different view on short-term positioning.”
The confusion around the future of interest rates can make it difficult if you are coming to the end of a mortgage rate.
And many borrowers will be wondering whether it is better to fix for a shorter or longer time.
How long should you fix?
Trying to guess the path of interest rates is tricky and it’s best to focus on your individual circumstances.
Borrowers usually op for fixed rate mortgages to get peace of mind over repayments in the future.
Alice Haine, personal finance analyst at Bestinvest By Evelyn Partners, the online investment platform, said:
“Uncertainty reigns at the moment with mortgage rates shifting up and down in recent weeks.
“Preparing for all eventualities is key and the best strategy in an uncertain market is to employ the services of an independent mortgage broker.
“An adviser can not only hunt out the best deal for right now but can also keep an eye on rates and flag if better options have come online since the initial product was agreed.”
Borrowers coming to the end of a deal can lock into a new rate up to six months ahead of the start of a new mortgage term.
It means that you have the option to switch to a better rate should rates improve.
Keeping in touch with your broker after a mortgage has been agreed and before the term starts can help to ensure borrowers secure the best rate possible at that particular juncture.”
How to get the best deal on your mortgage
IF you're looking for a traditional type of mortgage, getting the best rates depends entirely on what's available at any given time.
There are several ways to land the best deal.
Usually the larger the deposit you have the lower the rate you can get.
If you’re remortgaging and your loan-to-value ratio (LTV) has changed, you’ll get access to better rates than before.
Your LTV will go down if your outstanding mortgage is lower and/or your home’s value is higher.
A change to your credit score or a better salary could also help you access better rates.
And if you’re nearing the end of a fixed deal soon it’s worth looking for new deals now.
You can lock in current deals sometimes up to six months before your current deal ends.
Leaving a fixed deal early will usually come with an early exit fee, so you want to avoid this extra cost.
But depending on the cost and how much you could save by switching versus sticking, it could be worth paying to leave the deal – but compare the costs first.
To find the best deal use a mortgage comparison tool to see what’s available.
You can also go to a mortgage broker who can compare a much larger range of deals for you.
Some will charge an extra fee but there are plenty who give advice for free and get paid only on commission from the lender.
You’ll also need to factor in fees for the mortgage, though some have no fees at all.
You can add the fee – sometimes more than £1,000 – to the cost of the mortgage, but be aware that means you’ll pay interest on it and so will cost more in the long term.
You can use a mortgage calculator to see how much you could borrow.
Remember you’ll have to pass the lender’s strict eligibility criteria too, which will include affordability checks and looking at your credit file.
You may also need to provide documents such as utility bills, proof of benefits, your last three month’s payslips, passports and bank statements.
From fat jabs to antibiotics – all the common medicines that can stop the pill working and get you pregnant
ACCIDENTLY falling pregnant isn’t something most of us expect when we take antibiotics or antifungals for athlete’s foot.
But some medicines can stop the contraceptive pill from working properly, increasing the risk of an unplanned pregnancy.
Now, experts warn that even weight loss jabs like Wegovy and Ozempic could interfere with how well the pill works.
Today, drug regulators cautioned that these popular treatments might reduce the pill’s effectiveness, especially in women who are overweight or obese.
This happens because common side effects of the jabs, like vomiting and diarrhoea, can stop the pill from being properly absorbed.
The medicines also slow down how quickly the stomach empties, which can affect absorption.
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), which issued the warning, says women should continue using contraception while taking GLP-1 medicines.
They also advise waiting before trying for a baby, two months after stopping Wegovy or Ozempic, and one month after stopping Mounjaro, also called the King-Kong jab for how effective it is.
For women on the blockbuster jab who take the pill, it’s recommended to use condoms for the first four weeks, or switch to a more reliable method like the coil or implant.
So, what other drugs could have the same effect?
Antibiotics
Most antibiotics don’t affect the pill, but rifampin, used to treat tuberculosis, is a known exception.
It speeds up how your body breaks down contraceptive hormones, making the pill less effective.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises using backup contraception while taking rifampin and for 28 days afterward.
Epilepsy and seizure medications
Some anti-seizure drugs like carbamazepine and phenytoin also interfere with the pill.
Like rifampin, they speed up hormone metabolism, meaning the pill may not work as well.
The Epilepsy Foundation warns that these medications can reduce the reliability of hormonal contraception.
Antifungals
Some antifungal drugs, such as griseofulvin and ketoconazole, are suspected to interfere with the pill.
Griseofulvin is used to treat skin infections like athlete’s foot and jock itch.
Ketoconazole is generally used when other antifungals haven’t worked.
The Faculty of Sexual & Reproductive Healthcare (FSRH) says there’s not much solid proof that these drugs reduce the pill’s effectiveness in real life.
However, the British National Formulary (BNF), which provides medics with drug advice, recommends using extra contraception during treatment and for one month afterwards, just to be safe.
HIV medications
Certain HIV drugs drugs can affect the pill too.
The Faculty of Sexual & Reproductive Healthcare (FSRH) says some of these “may reduce the effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives.”
This includes treatments like darunavir (Prezista), efavirenz (Sustiva), lopinavir/ritonavir (Kaletra), and nevirapine (Viramune).
They advise using condoms or switching to a non-hormonal method if you’re on one of these medications.
Stop the injections if you're pregnant
DR Zoe Williams is The Sun’s resident GP.
Q: What if I am pregnant and taking fat jabs?
The fact these drugs suppress appetite means the majority of women who got pregnant on them will have come off, because they are nourishing their baby.
The advice is to come off them immediately if you’re either pregnant or breastfeeding and speak to your doctor if you have any concerns.
Q: Why has this advice been issued now?
It is because not enough is known about the effect on pregnancy.
It’s not from studies that found any adverse effects.
As a result, the advice is preventative until more is known.
If women are on any weight loss jabs and want a baby, the advice is to come off it at least two months before trying.
Q: Are fat jabs going to be the ‘new thalidomide’ scandal?
No, the GLP-1 drugs are peptides that work by mimicking existing proteins in our bodies. In contrast, thalidomide is a drug that can affect blood vessel growth.
It is not likely that the jabs would cause such significant birth defects, as seen with thalidomide.
So far there has been no evidence of danger to the baby, despite many women getting pregnant on them.
Q: I’m worried and don’t know what to do?
When news like this breaks, it is common to have patients get in touch with concerns.
Stop taking the medication.
But be reassured, there is nothing your GP or midwife will need to do urgently.
If they are really concerned, they will get in touch.
Modafinil (Provigil)
Modafinil, used to treat sleep disorders like narcolepsy and sleep apnea, can also mess with the pill.
It speeds up how your body processes hormones, which might make the pill less effective.
The British National Formulary (BNF) suggests playing it safe by using extra contraception, like condoms, while on modafinil and for two months after stopping.
Herbal remedies
St John’s Wort is a common herbal remedy for mild to moderate depression, but if you take it, be aware it can reduce the effectiveness of the pill.
Like many of the other drugs listed here, it increases how quickly contraceptive hormones are broken down in the body.
The MHRA warns that St John’s Wort can interfere with hormonal contraceptives, so it’s best to use a backup method like condoms while taking it.
Man Utd’s 51-year streak over, goal-shy Arsenal and Moyes a Champions League manager? Last season’s most bonkers stats
THE 2025-26 Premier League season has officially started.
Leicester, Ipswich and Southampton handed over their shares to Leeds, Burnley and Sunderland.
And the Prem confirmed the new top flight got underway on Wednesday – 73 days before the next ball is kicked in the competition.
But that also means the 2024-25 campaign has finally reached its conclusion.
So what better time to reflect on some of the most bonkers stats of the season?
Here are some of our favourites…
For the first time in 101 years, no Arsenal player reached double figures for goals in the league.
Kai Havertz managed nine strikes, one more than Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard.
Arsenal missed out on the Premier League title to Liverpool.
And the Reds won the league despite adding just one player to their squad – and that man, Federico Chiesa, started just one match.
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Sticking with Liverpool, goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher now holds the record for the most penalty shootouts won (four) and most shootout penalties saved (six) in the club’s history – despite only featuring for the Reds 67 times.
Jonny Evans’ impending exit from Manchester United will mean the 2025-26 season is set to be the first since 1973-74 where the squad has no players who featured under Sir Alex Ferguson – a whopping 51 years ago.
United’s nightmare campaign saw them lose to Tottenham in all four of their meetings, including the Europa League final.
Incredibly, wins over the Red Devils accounted for 15 per cent of Spurs’ victories across the season.
On the other end of the spectrum, Tottenham lost 22 Premier League matches.
That is the most of any team in a 38-game Prem season who have avoided relegation.
The season, though, ended in glory for Spurs with the triumph in Bilbao, which means they now have more European trophies than Barcelona in the last nine years.
Barcelona lost in a barnstorming Champions League semi-final to Inter but did pip rivals Real Madrid to the LaLiga title.
Lamine Yamal was one of their standout players and at 17, he now has two LaLiga winner’s medals – after making his debut aged 15 near the end of the successful 2022-23 campaign.
That is as many as Cristiano Ronaldo collected in his nine seasons with Real Madrid.
Yamal delivered a staggering 43 goal involvements this season across all competitions, with 18 goals and 25 assists.
But his tally of nine LaLiga goals was beaten by Jorgen Strand Larsen (14), Jarrod Bowen (13), Kevin Schade (11) in the Premier League – and matched by Tomas Soucek, Harvey Barnes, Alex Iwobi and Iliman Ndiaye.
Back in England, Chelsea had the youngest average age of starting XI across the season at 24 years and 36 days.
Lastly, from David Moyes’ return to Everton to the end of the season, the Toffees would have finished fourth and qualified for the Champions League.
And here are a few more Premier League belters from our friends at Opta…
Bryan Mbeumo’s strike after 38 seconds against West Ham saw Brentford become the first team in Premier League history to score in the opening minute in three consecutive games.
Brentford 5-3 Wolves was the first ever Premier League match to produce eight different goalscorers, all of a different nationality.
Manchester City became the first reigning English top-flight champions to lose five games in a row in all competitions since Chelsea in March 1956.
At Wolves, Justin Kluivert became the first player in Premier League history to score a hat-trick of penalties, with teammate Evanilson also the first to win three spot-kicks in the same match.
Ruud van Nistelrooy became the first manager ever to win consecutive Premier League games that were for and against the same side (3-0 vs Leicester with Man Utd, 3-1 with Leicester vs West Ham).
West Ham 2-0 Leicester was the first ever Premier League game to see three players appear on their birthday (February 27 – Tomas Soucek, Alphonse Areola and Boubakary Soumare).
13 best coffee machines 2025 UK; tried and tested
FORGET queuing at your local café – that barista-quality coffee kick can now be yours at home with 2025’s impressive lineup of high-tech coffee machines.
The days of settling for instant coffee are long gone. Today’s smart machines let you whip up everything from velvety cappuccinos and silky lattes to rich Americanos with just a few taps or button presses.
Whether you prefer pods, beans, or ground coffee, these clever devices do all the hard work for you.
Simply add your coffee, press a button, and within seconds, you’re enjoying café-quality drinks without the café prices.
With so many options hitting the market in 2025 – from budget-friendly pod machines to premium bean-to-cup models – choosing the right one can feel more complicated than ordering at a speciality coffee shop.
That’s exactly why we’ve put together this comprehensive guide.
We’ve thoroughly tested the UK’s top coffee machines to help you find the perfect match for your morning brew, counter space, and budget.
Read more on appliances
How we tested
Our coffee machine testing isn’t just about making a quick cuppa – we put each machine through its paces with a thorough brewing bootcamp to ensure you’re getting the real deal.
First up, we examined how faff-free each machine was to set up and use. After all, who wants to battle with complicated controls before their morning caffeine fix?
We checked whether instructions were clear, buttons were intuitive, and you could get from box to brew without breaking a sweat.
For pod machines, we investigated how easily available the pods are – looking at supermarket availability, online options, and whether you’re tied to expensive brand-specific capsules or can save with compatible alternatives.
We pushed each machine to show off its range, testing everything from simple espressos to fancy frothy lattes to see which ones delivered cafe-quality results across different drinks.
The look and feel of each machine got our full attention – because, let’s face it, something taking up precious worktop space needs to look the part!
We assessed build quality, considered different kitchen styles, and measured the actual footprint to help you figure out if it’ll squeeze into your space.
Most crucially, we taste-tested every single coffee (tough job, but someone’s got to do it!), judging temperature, strength, crema quality, and that all-important flavour.
Because even the shiniest, most feature-packed machine isn’t worth your money if it can’t deliver a properly delicious brew.
Best coffee machines at a glance:
- Best overall: Philips 5400 Series Bean to Cup
- Best budget: De’Longhi Nescafé Dolce Gusto Piccolo XS
- Best pod: Nespresso Vertuo Next by Krups
- Best for milk-based drinks: Lavazza A Modo Mio Deśea
- Best traditional espresso: Beem Espresso Perfect Portafilter
- Best filter: Wilfa Performance Coffee Machine
- Best multi-compatible pod: Philips L’Or Barista Sublime
- Best retro: Salter Retro Espresso Machine
- Best smart: Nespresso Vertuo Pop
1. Philips 5400 Series Bean to Cup
Philips 5400 Series Bean to Cup
£679.99
Pros: Barista-quality coffee at home, impressive range of coffee styles, intelligent self-cleaning system
Cons: Takes time to master your perfect settings, premium price tag
Rating: 5/5
As a frequent coffee drinker, there’s nothing I love more than freshly brewed coffee, and the Philips 5400 LatteGo promises that every single time with the touch of a few buttons.
It takes up a bit of counter space and is a bit fiddly to assemble as you need to attach a few parts separately and set up the screen, but once it’s done, that’s the hardest bit out of the way.
It has a sleek interface, and you can pick whatever coffee you want from extensive options that you normally wouldn’t be able to enjoy at home, like latte macchiato, flat white,
Each drink has a customisable setting for you to personalise the ratio of caffeine and liquid per coffee and it also includes an extra shot function, which I personally enjoyed.
It does take a bit of trial and error to figure out what your ideal setting is. The first time I made a cappuccino, I hadn’t adjusted the setting, so it turned out way too milky for me, but after figuring it out, it was one of the best at-home coffees I had.
While it’s easy to use, I’d say the machine is better for regular coffee drinkers who know what type and intensity of coffee they enjoy.
It’s super easy to clean as there’s a self-cleaning function, and the drip tray and ground container can be easily removed, rinsed and reattached once dry.
Although it’s compatible with ground coffee, it works better with coffee beans as it has an in-built grinder and it can be hard to clean the section for ground beans. I once tried pouring water down it, and it leaked. Not to mention, it’s quite pricey.
But since I’ve used the machine, I’ve never had a coffee falter in quality, and it’s even made me buy fewer coffees from shops as they pale in comparison to what I have at home.
Size: 24.6 x 37.2 x 43.3 cm, Weight: 8kg, Coffee compatibility: Coffee beans, ground coffee (works best with beans)
2. Nespresso Vertuo Next by Krups
Nespresso Vertuo Next by Krups
£149
Pros: Intelligent barcode-reading technology, café-quality crema on every brew, sleek eco-friendly design
Cons: Pods still primarily available online/in Nespresso boutiques, premium price for capsules
Rating: 4.5/5
The Vertuo Next Pod coffee machine proves Nespresso’s a household name for a reason.
Priced at £150, this machine’s compatible with Nespresso’s wide range of Vertuo pods that come in so many delicious flavours, both caffeinated and not.
Not only are the pods all recyclable, but the removable parts of this are dishwasher safe, which is a plus.
I can confirm that this easy-to-use machine gives you barista-level coffee in a matter of seconds, and we’re obsessed.
Some capsules are frothy, others creamy – there is something for all coffee tastes.
The only real downside is that you can’t purchase their capsules in your local supermarket.
You have to either order them online or head to a Nespresso store if you’re lucky enough to live near one.
Size: H31.4 x W14.2 x D42.9cm, Weight: 4kg, Pod compatibility: Nespresso Vertuo capsules only
3. De’Longhi Nescafé Dolce Gusto Piccolo XS
De’Longhi Nescafé Dolce Gusto Piccolo XS
£35
Pros: Incredible value for money, super-compact footprint, impressive drink variety from one tiny machine
Cons: No smart connectivity features, limited to Dolce Gusto pod ecosystem
Rating: 4/5
Perfect for smaller kitchens, this dinky machine is very user-friendly and has a manual lever, so you can control the size of your drink exactly.
It’s very quick to heat up and can produce a range of Dolce Gusto hot drinks as well as Starbucks-branded ones.
For the non-coffee drinkers in your life, this machine also makes tea and hot chocolate using the appropriate Dolce Gusto pods, so it’s sure to get a lot of use.
While I reviewed the black version, there are other colours to choose from, including red and white, and you can often find discounts, making it one of the best bargain machines.
Size: H27.6 x W13.6 x D26.6cm, Weight: 2.1kg, Pod compatibility: Dolce Gusto pods only
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4. Lavazza A Modo Mio Deśea
Lavazza A Modo Mio Deśea
£249.99
Pros: Revolutionary milk-frothing technology, stunning Italian design, impressive range of milk-based specialties
Cons: Premium price point, limited to Lavazza’s capsule ecosystem
Rating: 4/5
There’s little not to like about the Lavazza Deśea.
It looks great and adds a certain level of elegance to your work surfaces.
It’s also extremely easy to use, quick to clean, and makes great-tasting coffee.
While it’s inconvenient that the Deśea is limited to capsules from Lavazza’s own-brand range, the A Modo Mio (“my way”) capsules made are reasonably priced, have a good range of intensity levels and are compostable.
The standout feature of the Deśea (which means “wish” in Spanish) is its ability to make milk-based coffees such as cappuccinos and lattes.
This feature, which uses technology patented by Lavazza, sets it apart from other coffee machines and will be a big selling point to people who want foamy coffees without the fuss of a separate milk frother.
Size: H28 x W14.5 x D38cm, Weight: 4.5kg, Pod compatibility: A Modo Mio capsules only
5. Beem Espresso Perfect Portafilter
Beem Espresso Perfect Portafilter
£179.99
Pros: Professional-quality steam wand, multiple brewing methods, authentic espresso taste and crema
Cons: Steeper learning curve than one-button pod machines, requires more counter space than compact options
Rating: 4/5
A great option for wannabe baristas, this seems more like a traditional espresso machine.
It has a steam nozzle to froth milk and uses pods, pads or ground espresso.
I made a tasty flat white with fresh milk, which was less synthetic than pods.
It’s pricier than other pod machines. However, you can also use it with ground coffee, and it’s a worthy investment that produces high-quality coffees at ease.
One happy customer commented: ‘So far, I’m very impressed and would recommend.’
It’s currently out of stock, but you can sign up to be informed of when it’s restocked by BEEM.
Size: H29.5 x W28.5 x L20.5cm, Weight: 4.33kg, Coffee compatibility: Ground coffee, ESE pods and coffee pads
6. Wilfa Performance Coffee Machine
Wilfa Performance Coffee Machine
£299.99
Pros: Precision temperature control for perfect brewing, sleek Scandinavian design, consistent café-quality results
Cons: No wake-up timer function, occasional drip-stop hiccups
Rating: 4/5
The Wilfa Performance Coffee machine looks super sleek and stylish on my kitchen counter and doesn’t take up too much space, which is a bonus.
If you like filter coffee, this machine produces consistently delicious results.
The machine heats the water to what experts say is the optimal coffee brewing temperature, and you can decide on the amount of coffee and water you use and the speed of the drip.
Once I’d figured out what quantities and speed I most preferred, I was able to recreate my perfect brew time and time again.
The hot plate keeps the coffee at a drinkable temperature, but it shuts off after 40 minutes, so you have to reactivate it if you’re taking longer to drink it than that, though it doesn’t often last that long in my house.
At around £300, you’d expect all of the functions to work perfectly. However, I find that occasionally, the drip stop function doesn’t work, and I still end up with drips of coffee sizzling on the hot plate.
I also wish the machine had a timer so that I could set it the night before and wake up to freshly brewed coffee.
Overall, I really love the coffee the Wilfa makes and, therefore, can overlook some of its flaws.
Size: H30 x W17 x D36cm, Weight: 3.5kg, Coffee compatibility: Ground coffee only
7. Tassimo by Bosch Happy
Tassimo by Bosch Happy
£40
Pros: Lightning-fast heating system, clever Intellibrew technology, amazing value for money
Cons: Limited to Tassimo ecosystem, lacks the smart features of pricier models
Rating: 4/5
It’s hard to fault this compact, light and easy-to-use machine.
The water tank is built into the side, making it easy to manoeuvre around a countertop, and it also takes up very little space.
The coffee maker feels super-sturdy, heats up quickly, and, like the other Tassimo machines, can produce a huge range of drinks.
Its Intellibrew system means it automatically calculates the right brewing time for your cuppa.
I’m not the only one who loves it; a whopping 96% of Argos shoppers say they would recommend it to a friend, with most rating its performance and ease of use as its best features.
Size: H26.5 x W17.5 x D30.5cm, Weight: 1.5kg, Pod compatibility: Tassimo T Discs only
8. De’Longhi Dolce Gusto
De’Longhi Dolce Gusto Coffee Machine
£35
Pros: Impressive high-pressure brewing system, incredibly wallet-friendly price point, massive variety of pod flavours
Cons: Occasional pod-piercing problems, lacks the smart features of pricier models
Rating: 4/5
The De’Longhi Coffee Machine is decent value for money.
It’s chic and features a high-pressure system – meaning you can enjoy velvety and frothy coffees at your leisure.
I found the machine to be intuitive, and it’s also easy to clean as all the coffee grounds stay in the pod.
The machine has over forty different varieties in its coffee pod range, so you can find something that will fit your needs or explore new tastes.
The only downside I found using this machine was that sometimes a pod would not be pierced correctly, resulting in a small leak down the back of the cup stand.
But it didn’t happen often enough to properly concern us, and we still rate it one of the best coffee machines available.
Plus, if you’re looking for something that will produce delicious coffee on a budget, the De’Longhi Coffee Machine might be the perfect choice.
Size: H37 x W17.6 x D21.5cm, Weight: 2.6kg, Pod compatibility: Dolce Gusto pods only
9. Philips L’Or Barista Sublime
Philips L’Or Barista Sublime
£109.99
Pros: Takes both L’Or AND Nespresso pods, delivers coffee at perfect temperature, gorgeous premium design with gold accents
Cons: Noisier than most competitors, doesn’t support newer pod formats
Rating: 3.5/5
The slimline, compact design doesn’t hog counter space, and as well as taking single and double L’Or espresso pods, it’s also compatible with Nespresso.
It’s a little bit noisy but very quick and serves drinks with a creamy head at the ideal temperature. The gold accents give it a classy feel.
Coffee lovers are delighted with the machine.
One reviewer said: ‘Best purchase I have made. Great machine for creating great coffee.
While another stated: ‘This machine is not only beautiful to behold but functions perfectly. Coffee is very hot, quietly delivered and tastes sublime. Great bit of kit!’
Size: H27.6 x W15.7 x D40.2cm, Weight: 3.35kg, Pod compatibility: L’Or classic espresso and double espresso capsules, Nespresso Original compatible capsules
10. Salter Retro Espresso Machine
Salter Retro Espresso Machine
£99.99
Pros: Eye-catching vintage design that’s Instagram-worthy, simple one-touch operation, part of a matching kitchen set for style lovers
Cons: Occasional operational hiccups that require patience, milk frother needs practice to master properly
Rating: 3.5/5
The Salter Retro Espresso Machine acts as a great addition of colour to any kitchen and fits sleekly and snuggly onto a countertop.
The set-up itself is very simple, and the machine is easy to clean, with all of the compartments slotting out and in with ease.
My only gripes with the machine are that it does take a while to heat up, and every few uses, I find it glitches and won’t let me press the button to produce a shot, so it definitely takes some learning and getting used to.
The same can be said for the milk frother, but once you find the right angle, it produces lovely, velvety milk, which can also be used in hot chocolates.
Overall, the Salter model (which is available in two colourways, grey and pink) would make a perfect gift for any retro fan, and the matching kettle and toaster available would make a perfect colourful addition to a countertop.
Size: H28 x W18 x D25cm, Weight: 3.2kg, Coffee compatibility: Ground coffee only
11. Nespresso Vertuo Pop
Nespresso Vertuo Pop
£99
Pros: Gorgeous design in six eye-catching colours, effortless one-touch brewing with Bluetooth smarts, incredibly versatile with five different cup sizes
Cons: Locked into Nespresso’s premium-priced pod ecosystem, lacks some advanced features found in pricier models
Rating: 3/5
The machine that smoothie George Clooney plugs is sexy and sleek, with a single button and Bluetooth connectivity.
But it only uses Nespresso Vertuo capsules, which are a bit pricey.
Even so, you get a lovely creamy coffee top, which tastes delicious.
You can also specify five different cup sizes: espresso, double espresso, gran lungo, mug and alto to suit your mood and need for caffeine.
This coffee machine also comes in a variety of colours, so you can select one to match with or complement your décor.
Choose from liquorice black, aqua mint, Pacific blue, spicy red, mango yellow or coconut white.
Size: H25 x W13.6 x D42.6cm, Weight: 3.5kg, Pod compatibility: Vertuo capsules only
12. Bosch Tassimo Finesse
Bosch Tassimo Finesse
£119.99
Pros: Eye-catching design in vibrant colours, impressive 70+ drink variety, lightning-quick heating system
Cons: No internal pod storage, plasticky build quality compared to premium models
Rating: 3/5
I love the vibrant red colour – though it does look a bit plastic.
The used pods aren’t held in the machine, so you must dispose of them each time, making it a bit annoying as it means you have to empty the bins frequently.
But it can use Tassimo discs, with more than 70 types of drinks on offer, including hot chocolate and other non-caffeinated beverages.
If you fancy the odd coffee or want to try a seasonal drink, then this would be a good machine for you.
Tassimo shoppers are also loving this compact coffee machine. One wrote: ‘Gorgeous colour and doesn’t take up much space.’
While another said: ‘Perfect for my kitchen as I don’t have loads of room, pods are lovely.’
Size: H36.6 x W15.7 x D26.5cm, Weight: 2.1kg, Pod compatibility: Tassimo Discs/pods only
13. Bosch Tassimo My Way 2
Bosch Tassimo My Way 2
£75
Pros: Impressive touch screen customisation options, clever memory function for multiple users, comes with £20 worth of coffee vouchers
Cons: Ongoing filter replacement costs add up over time, bulkier design takes up precious counter space
Rating: 3/5
This takes up more space than the other Tassimos and has a built-in water filter, which needs regular replacing, adding to the cost.
It has a pricier feel thanks to the touch screen and extra functions – you can choose your drink’s temperature, size and strength.
There’s also a memory function so you can save up to four different settings for your favourite drinks, including intensity and temperature.
When you purchase and register it, you can get two £10 vouchers to spend on coffee, which is a nice bonus.
One happy shopper also added: ‘The coffee all has a great flavour with a huge range to choose from. Simple controls, so anyone can use it with ease.’
Size: H31 x W40 x D26.5cm, Weight: 3.2kg, Pod compatibility: Tassimo pods only
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Best coffee machines FAQs
What are the best coffee machines in the UK?
The best coffee machine will depend on your needs and how you like your coffee.
For a beginner or someone who prefers speed and ease a pod machine will be best, they are easy to operate and great value for money.
Some of the best pod machines are featured in our roundup and include the budget-friendly Tassimo by Bosch Happy, Nespresso Vertuo Next Pod Coffee Machine by Krups and the premium Lavazza A Modo Mio Deśea Coffee Machine.
If you want something a bit fancier, in the guise of a bean-to-cup machine the Philips 5400 Series Bean to Cup is a great option our tester loved.
Most shoppers can find a coffee machine to suit their needs either online or on the high street.
Major retailers like Amazon, Argos and John Lewis offer a huge range of machines, at all price points.
You can also pick up machines directly from brand websites including Lavazza, Nespresso and L’Or.
How much do coffee machines cost?
There are coffee machines to suit a variety of price points, from cheap to the eye-wateringly expensive.
Price also depends on the type of coffee machine and functionality it offers, so for example, a filter coffee machine is generally on par price-wise with a pod machine and both are going to cost less than a bean-to-cup machine.
Features will also affect the price, so a coffee maker with an integral milk frother is going to cost you more than one without.
The coffee machines we’ve featured here range in price from £34.99 up to £199.
How to choose the best coffee machine?
Choosing the best coffee machine for you is important, so we’ve rounded up some of the pros and cons of the various types below.
The pod coffee maker is probably the machine you’ll see most in kitchens around the UK.
On the one hand, capsule/pod machines are quick and easy to use and you don’t have to have trained as a barista to get a consistent cup.
However, purists won’t like that you can’t tailor your brew to your taste like you can with a traditional coffee machine.
If you’re a traditionalist, only a ground coffee machine will do.
Unlike the pod and bean-to-cup coffee makers, you’ll have to have a bit of practice to use one of these machines properly.
But once you do, you’ll be able to create coffees perfectly tailored to your tastes.
On the plus side for ground coffee machines, you can create expert-level brews with beans of your own choice (provided they’re ground to the right consistency of course).
Many of these machines will have their steam wand, so you can froth milk to your preferred consistency.
Your daily brew will be cheaper than a pod coffee machine too, as ground coffee is less expensive than pods.
On the downside, these machines are a bit more work day-to-day, they require practice to use properly and will also require a bit more elbow grease to keep them clean.
Bean-to-cup machines offer freshly ground coffee at the press of a button.
High-end models will let you choose from a variety of coffees, whether you prefer an Americano in the morning, or you like to kick start your day with a cappuccino.
These machines let you use a variety of beans depending on your preference, and will quickly prepare your preferred drink.
Many of them will include automatic milk frothing settings to offer impressive brews with little input from you.
Take note though, that bean-to-cup makers tend to be larger, more expensive and noisier.
They also require regular cleaning to ensure the mechanism doesn’t get clogged up with the dregs of coffee past.
Is it worth getting a pod coffee machine?
Pod coffee machines are the easiest to use on the market, providing a simple push of a button perfectly made drink without any effort.
They use small pods of pre-ground beans to create your drink and are usually the cheapest type of coffee machine you can buy as they have the fewest components.
The biggest draw of a coffee pod machine is the ease of use and general availability.
The smaller classic pods are available from several brands and many supermarket own-brands nowadays.
However, Nespresso and a few other coffee machine makers also have unique pods that either need to be bought directly from the manufacturer or and less compatible with a wide range of machines.
Another downside is that coffee machine pods usually won’t work between rival brands, so once you’ve got your machine you’re locked into buying one brand or type of pods indefinitely.
Which pod coffee machine is best in the UK?
Nespresso, De’Longhi and Tassimo make some of the best pod coffee machines in the UK.
Nespresso is one of the frontrunners for pod machines, covering a range of price points from the entry-level Vertuo Pop design to the mid-range Vertuo Next and premium Lattissima models.
Most Nespresso machines are manufactured by De’Longhi, Krups or Breville.
Tassimo is another popular brand for pod coffee machines in the UK, with many of their models including the Finesse Friendly Pod Coffee Machine and are available to buy under £100, making them a budget-friendly investment.
De’Longhi is also another brand well-known for its pod coffee machines, including the De’Longhi Dolce Gusto Coffee Machine in this roundup.
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Did Meghan Markle even notice the brutal put-down from Beyonce’s mum Tina Knowles? She should take note, says expert
MEGHAN Markle received a “brutal” put-down by Beyonce’s mum Tina Knowles on her podcast episode, according to experts.
The Duchess of Sussex, 43, spoke to the iconic singer’s mum on a bonus episode of her Confessions of a Female Founder show, which was released on June 3.
During the episode, Tina opened up about doing business with Beyonce and gave Meghan some advice about family disputes.
She shared: “We have disagreements about things, but it’s her business.
“I’m helping with the business because I just want to leave this earth knowing that she, other than entertainment, is going to be okay.
“Otherwise, we get along really well. If we have a disagreement, it’s her business, so she gets to win.”
Tina added that when it comes to disagreements, she always gives in and apologises.
Speaking on The Sun’s Royal Exclusive show, Royal Correspondent Sarah Hewson said that Tina was sharing some valuable advice with Meghan, who famously doesn’t speak to her dad Thomas Markle.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex also have strained relations with the Prince and Princess of Wales, following them stepping down as senior working royals in 2020.
Sarah shared on this week’s show: “There was one particular line that stood out for me when Tina said, ‘of course we disagree as family, and when we’re in business together and we’re working together, there will be disagreements.
“‘But I don’t let them kind of sit. I can’t.’
“‘I pick up the phone and I make up because I don’t want to miss that time’.
“Oh, wow, ok, because, you’re talking to someone who is no longer speaking to her father and whose husband is no longer speaking to his father.
“And a lot of time is passing.”
‘WASTED TIME’
This week’s Royal Exclusive host Bronte Coy added: “It really stood out because she used the phrase wasted time and Meghan agreed and said, ‘yes, it’s wasted time’.
“Surely she had that reflection of, well, there’s a lot of people around in our lives.”
The Sun’s former Royal Correspondent and author Charles Rae agreed and said: “I agree with Sarah. That put down of ‘you’ve got to not have arguments within the family and everything else’.
“I bet she forgets that bit.”
ROYAL RIFTS
Meghan is currently estranged from her father Thomas Markle over drama surrounding her wedding with Prince Harry in 2018.
Her shocking claims surrounding the Royal Family since quitting the UK in 2020, from her Oprah interview to Netflix documentary, have also seen her alienated from her in-laws.
Prince Harry is also not speaking to King Charles and Prince William – although insists he wants a reconciliation, despite releasing his damning Spare memoir.
Speaking to BBC in May, the Duke of Sussex said: “Of course some members of my family will never forgive me for writing a book.
“Of course they will never forgive me for lots of things.
“But I would love reconciliation with my family.”
The Duke said “life is precious” and admitted he doesn’t know “how much longer” his father, King Charles, has to live.
“He won’t speak to me because of this security stuff,” he added.
Prince Harry recently lost his publicly-funded security appeal in a humiliating blow after his round-the-clock royal protection was axed in the wake of Megxit.
Meghan Markle on how dad Thomas Markle 'betrayed' her
IN her candid interview with Oprah, the Duchess of Sussex opened up about her relationship with her dad and said she was left feeling crushed when he lied to her before the wedding.
Meghan said she tried to “protect” her parents from the “media frenzy” sparked due to an “obsession about anything in my world”.
It was the first time Meghan has publicly discussed her dad, who she has not spoken to since before her wedding to Prince Harry in May 2018.
Thomas, an ex-Hollywood lighting director, has spoken about her daughter’s relationship publicly and described their decision to walk away from the royals as embarrassing.
Their relationship soured in the run-up to their 2018 Windsor Castle wedding, when he admitted agreeing to stage pictures of himself.
Meghan was asked if it felt like a “betrayal” when she found out her dad was working with the Press, and replied: “I’m trying to decide if I’m comfortable even talking about that.
“It was… if we were going to use the word betrayal.”
Meghan added: “Because when I asked him, when we were told by the comms team, this is a story that was going to be coming out, which, by the way, the tabloids had apparently known for a month or so and decided to hold until the Sunday before our wedding because they wanted to create drama, which is also a really key point in all this.
“We called my dad and I asked him and he said, no, absolutely not.”
Oprah then said: “He said no, absolutely not. He hadn’t been talking to them. So he basically lied to you.”
The full transcript of the interview can be read here.
Paddy McGuinness and Vernon Kay team up for Celebrity Gogglebox as they join huge list of celebs signing up
PADDY McGuinness and Vernon Kay have teamed up for Celebrity Gogglebox.
The Radio 2 stars, both 51, join several other celebrity pairs for the upcoming series.
Taking to social media, Paddy wrote: “I still can’t believe @vernonkay wears denim to relax?
“This Friday we’ll be on the couch, watching telly on @c4gogglebox.”
The pair also confirmed the news in a short video shared on Gogglebox‘s Instagram account.
Speaking in the clip, Paddy said: “We are back with some belty TV.”
Vernon added: “Oh yeah! Celebrity Gogglebox, back on Friday at 9pm. Enjoy.”
While Paddy concluded: “Look at that, I’ve even run a cloth over the sink.”
One enthusiastic fan shared on social media: “This has made my Friday night.”
Another made a reference to the pair’s shared hometown of Bolton.
They wrote: “OMG this is going to be amazing! Can’t wait. The Boltonian A-Team.”
The Sun previously revealed that Inbetweeners legend James Buckley and his wife Clair will also be joining Celebrity Gogglebox.
In our exclusive clip, the comedy star told fans: “Hi guys, how’s it going?
“We are joining the Gogglebox family.
“We’re going to be watching some great TV and some not so great TV.
“And you’ll be able to join us on Friday on Channel 4 at 9pm.”
Paddy McGuinness' TV Timeline
2000-2001 – Phoenix Nights
2004 – Max & Paddy’s Road To Nowhere
2005 – Max & Paddy’s The Power of Two
2008-2010 – Rory and Paddy’s Great British Adventure
2010-2019 – Take Me Out
2011 – 71 Degrees North
2013 – Your Face Sounds Familiar
2015 – Benchmark
2017-2018 – The Keith & Paddy Picture Show
2019 – Celebrity Juice
2019-2022 – Top Gear
2019-2022 – Catchpoint
2021-2022 – I Can See Your Voice
2021-2023 – A Question of Sport
2024 – Paddy and Chris: Road Tripping
2024-2025 – Inside The Factory
2023-2025 – Tempting Fortune
Returning duos include Martin and Roman Kemp, Denise Van Outen and Johnny Vaughan, as well as Gok Wan and Fearne Cotton.
Also returning are are Mo Gilligan and Babatunde Aleshe, Gyles Brandreth and Lulu and Rylan Clark and his mum Linda.
Nick and Liv Grimshaw, as well as Clare Balding and Alice Arnold round out the line-up.
Celebrity Gogglebox airs on Channel 4.