Following the success of their hot chocolate maker, the Velvetiser, Hotel Chocolat has now turned its attention to coffee. The stylish Podster coffee machine is made by Dualit, and is designed for Hotel Chocolat’s own Rabot Estate coffee pods. However it is also compatible with Nespresso capsules and Aldi coffee pods, which is a bonus if you’re upgrading your older machine or already have a favourite go-to coffee.
There are two options on the machine, short shot or long shot, so unlike some other coffee machines it’s very simple to use, just pop in the pod and you’re ready to go.
Hotel Chocolat have also thought about creating a sustainable solution to enjoying café-quality coffee at home, providing a Podcycler along with the coffee machine that means you can separate your used coffee grounds from the recyclable pods – so the pods go in your recycling bin, and the coffee can go in your compost.
Product specifications
• Power source: mains electrical 3-pin plug
• Voltage: 220 240
• Wattage: 1365
• Podster: 35.1cm x 15.9cm x 23.6cm (13.8" x 6.3" x 9.3")
• Podcycler: 7.6cm x 7.6cm x 8.5cm (3" x 3" x 3.3")
• Soft-close arm: textured handle with metal laser-etching
• Compatible: the Podster works with all standard-sized coffee pods
• Suitable for vegans and vegetarians (based on ingredients list)
• Free from artificial colours, flavours or preservatives
• Storage conditions for coffee: store in a cool dry place away from strong odours
• Shelf life: minimum 3 months upon delivery
www.hotelchocolat.com
Using the Podster
Firstly, I love the design. The polished steel handle and sleek grey matte finish on the exterior makes it look a lot more expensive than it is. The pod loader is engraved, everything that needs to be removed for cleaning comes out and back in very easily, it feels well put together and sturdy.
I’d not purchased a coffee machine before as I don’t have a whole lot of kitchen worktop space and I’ve always thought they were quite clunky-looking and would feel like it was taking up too much space. However, I was pleasantly surprised by how much I like this machine and it fits in very well despite my limited counter space.
I also didn’t want something with too many buttons or that was complicated to operate, as first thing when I need my coffee the last thing I want to do is remember how to programme it!
By pressing and holding the short or long shot option you can get it to dispense your ideal amount – I find pressing and holding the long shot button twice makes a decent cup, and it’s very tasty too. It’s really very user friendly - pull the handle up, pop in the pod, push the handle down again and press the button. You do have to give the handle a good push before it clicks into place, which is quite satisfying.
The only thing you have to remember is to keep the water levels topped up. The coffee comes out with a bit of froth on top, and smells gorgeous, you do feel like your own barista!
What are the downsides?
If you’re looking for something with more coffee options, from latte to cappuccino, you’re probably better looking for something with a few more bells and whistles, but if you just want a simple coffee machine that makes a good coffee and doesn’t take up all of your kitchen, you can’t go far wrong with the Podster. A bundle with some sort of milk frother would be a nice touch too.
Is it worth the money?
With bundles currently at £149.95, which includes 180 coffee pods – I think it’s pretty good. You can either try the whole Rabot Estate collection of blends, or pick your favourite. We’ve got the whole selection but I am a particular fan of ‘The One’. It also comes with a handy Podcycler, a clever device which makes your used coffee pods recyclable – a definite bonus as we all try and do our bit for the planet.
Would you recommend the Podster?
I would definitely recommend the Podster, it’s so easy to use, the coffee is lovely, there’s not much more I could want from a coffee machine.
Where to buy the Podster
The Podster is currently available to buy directly from Hotel Chocolat with a range of coffee bundles. You can either go for a mixture, or pick your favourite from Cashmere (mellow), Oh, Hello (lively), The One decaf (classic taste, decaffeinated), The One (Hotel Chocolat’s classic coffee) or Rocket (for a turbo-charge). You get 180 pods per bundle so it’s sure to keep even the most hardened caffeine fan going for a while! The bundle also includes a Podcycler.
When it’s time to refill, you can buy Rabot Estate recyclable coffee pods from Hotel Chocolat’s website, as 10 or 60 pods.