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- Slim profile and small footprint
- Easy setup and simple controls
- Accepts a wide range of capsules
- Only smaller cups fit under the spout
- Expensive compared to its rivals
- No extra features or functions
The ProCook Coffee Pod Machine is part of the brand’s new range of coffee machines and, as its name would suggest, is the first attempt at securing a foothold in the flourishing coffee pod machine sector. Given ProCook’s talent for making high-quality cookware and utensils, you’d expect the same standard here.
While it will look familiar to anyone who has used a Nespresso machine, the ProCook stands on its own as a straightforward and very easy to use machine that works well with a wide variety of pods. However, I’m not entirely sure if this stripped-back machine can justify its steep launch price.
ProCook Coffee Pod Machine review: What do you get for money?
Arriving alongside a fleet of shiny new espresso and bean-to-cup machines, the ProCook Coffee Pod Machine is the brand’s sole capsule coffee offering and retails for £149. In the box you’ll find the machine itself, which has a slim, if lengthy, profile at 25 x 11 x 37cm (WDH), and a detachable 0.6l water tank.
Design-wise, the machine is pleasant to look at and feels well put together, composed of shiny black plastic with stainless steel accents and weighing a fairly hefty 3.4kg. At the front of the machine is a drip tray, which allows for a cup of about 80mm in height to fit under the machine’s spout. This is removable, as is the machine’s pod bin, which has room for around 10-12 used pods.
In terms of controls, the ProCook Coffee Pod Machine is set up very simply. It has an on/off switch on the side and two buttons on the front for single and double-shot espresso. Pods are added at the top of the machine by lifting up a sturdy lever, inserting a pod and returning the lever to its original position. In terms of pod selection, you’ll have a wide range of choices with the ProCook Coffee Pod Machine, as it is compatible with standard Nespresso Original pods and any similarly-sized pods from other brands. It isn’t compatible with Nespresso Vertuo pods, though, as these capsules only work with machines from the Vertuo line. It’s worth noting as well, that ProCook doesn’t include any pods in the box with the machine, so you’ll have to pick some up in advance if you want to get straight to making coffee.
When compared to other well-liked options we’ve reviewed, the ProCook’s value-for-money issue, paired with its lack of features, becomes a little difficult to ignore. At £149, the ProCook is more expensive than every other machine on our round-up, apart from luxury options like the Nespresso Vertuo Creatista (£649), which includes its own steam wand for frothing milk.
For a lot less money, you could pick up the Nespresso Vertuo Pop (£57), a petite, colourful pod machine with the ability to make tasty coffees in different lengths; the Lavazza Jolie Evo (£94), a very straightforward and easy-to-use machine similar to the ProCook; or even the L’Or Barista Sublime (£100), our overall favourite pod machine owing to its dual spout, wide range of pod options and compact build.
ProCook Coffee Pod Machine review: What’s it like to use?
In terms of set-up, the ProCook Coffee Pod Machine couldn’t be much simpler. Once you’ve washed the removable parts and run one cycle without a pod in, the machine is ready to go. Its suction cup feet will also make sure it stays firmly in place, which is a neat touch that should win it favour in more unruly kitchens.
Upon turning it on, the machine’s two buttons will flash until it has heated up fully, which takes 25 seconds. Once the lights are solidly illuminated, you’re ready to make coffee. As standard, the ProCook pours 50ml for a single espresso and 100ml for a double espresso – sadly there’s no option for longer coffees, so if you want an Americano, you’ll need to top your espresso up from the kettle.
You can, at least, adjust the length of either of these settings by holding the relevant button for three seconds, then starting to brew coffee and pressing it again once you’re satisfied with the length. In terms of adjustment, you can set your single espresso to a length of between 40 and 60ml and your double espresso to between 70ml and 100ml, though of course, eyeballing this doesn’t necessarily lend itself to the highest level of accuracy.
My only complaint with the admittedly very fuss-free operation of this coffee pod machine is one that comes up consistently with these types of machines – the drip tray. It doesn’t leave a massive amount of room for your cup in terms of both height and footprint. This won’t be a problem if you’re using chic little Le Creuset coffee cups or the like, but does impact anyone who likes to make their coffee in a big comforting mug.
In terms of cleaning and maintenance, the ProCook is pretty standard. The drip tray and other parts need the odd wash with warm, soapy water and the machine will need an occasional descale. Unlike some other models, however, it doesn’t have any indicator light reminding you to descale or an official cleaning setting. The inclusion of an internal pod bin is also very welcome, as it keeps things mess-free, and the ProCook’s bin is very decently-sized, being able to hold around 10-12 pods.
A final thing worth noting on the usability front: the ProCook Coffee Pod Machine is a strictly black coffee only affair. If you fancy dabbling in cappuccinos, mochas and the like, you’ll need to pick up a separate milk frother to run alongside it.
ProCook Coffee Pod Machine review: What’s the coffee like?
To test the ProCook’s most important feature, its ability to make coffee, I picked up two sets of pods. Some Lavazza Oro capsules from my local supermarket and a pack of Assembly Coffee Caps, a premium option made by a company based here in London.
Starting with the Lavazza and selecting a single shot coffee, the ProCook accepted the capsule and got to work quickly. The Lavazza Oro pod produced a shot with some noticeable crema. My overall impression of the ProCook’s work on the Oro pod was that it was a decent espresso, but better paired with milk or extra water to make an Americano.
Next, I tried the Assembly cap. Once again the machine and this new brand of pod lived up to its ‘Nespresso compatibility,’ which I was happy with, as pods getting stuck or not working as they should is a recurring issue with third-party pods. The espresso produced by the Assembly pod had a much thicker crema and a much punchier flavour, tasting bright, sweet, rich and finishing with a pleasant tang. For how little work I put in, I was very pleased with this espresso.
Finally, I tried pulling some longer shots with the ProCook’s double espresso setting. The Lavazza and Assembly both, to my tastes, lost a good bit of their character on this setting, with the shots coming out a little more watery. As is often the case with pod machines, I would recommend sticking with the shorter setting and simply topping up with a little hot water if you want a longer coffee, or using two pods to get a true double shot. Personally, after some dabbling, I found I was still happiest with the standard single espresso length.
ProCook Coffee Pod Machine review: Should you buy it?
What’s in a name? The ProCook Coffee Pod Machine’s name fits it pretty well. It is a coffee pod machine, made by ProCook, and that’s about all you can say about it. There’s no extra feature, function or bit of flair that you could use as the basis for a more fun title. Which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. The ProCook is super easy to set up and use, can take a wide range of pods and its slim build, roomy pod bin and capacious water tank all mean that it can deliver the convenience pod coffee drinkers are seeking. Lest I forget to mention, it also makes a solid espresso.
However, this pared back approach, paired with its rather steep £149 asking price, make the ProCook Coffee Pod Machine a little difficult to recommend. Those seeking a petite machine will get a wide range of coffee options with the Nespresso Vertuo Pop (£57), while anyone after a foolproof machine could save some money by opting for the Lavazza Jolie Evo (£94). And, of course, as per our round-up, our number one recommendation for pod coffee machines remains the talented but accessible L’Or Barista Sublime (£100), which is Nespresso compatible too.
