Due to the sudden influx of coffee houses cropping up on our high streets and the sudden requirement that we all must go, there has equally been a movement towards the enhancement of the coffee machine market for use in our homes so that we can get that barrister taste. All of the machines are supposed to allow us to enjoy the freshly ground flavours without the effort that goes into being a fully qualified barrister.

I heard about the machines from Dolce Gusto when both my parents and grandparents got the machine. I asked them questions, could look and test the machine for myself so was satisfied that this was the machine that I wanted.

The machine itself uses pods of milk powder and coffee or chocolate powder mixed with water to create the drinks. Apparently each pod is full of freshly ground beans to give a flavour to rival Costa coffee!

Most of the Dolce Gusto coffee machines are avilable in three standard colours red, black and ivory and this machine is no exception. The machine has the 'doggy' appearance which is cute yet stylish and will hold its own in any kitchen; I have the black machine as my kitchen is largely black and chrome so it all matches very well.

The machine has a water tank situated at the back, this is easily removed and slotted back into place with minimal spillage. Ensure that you only fill the tank with the required water for your drinks; I then empty any excess into the kettle as I did leave water in the tank once and the seal leaked. However, there are no issues with leaking if water is not left over a period of time.

The Pods are seperated into chocolate or coffee and then a white coloured pod which is the milk powder. There are a variety of pod flavours available including vanilla and caramel lattes, espressos, cold coffees and chocolate, the website holds the full range and also other accessories such as pod holders and spoons. To put a pod into the machine you must pull out the holder from the front and punch the pod with the tiny needle (this is also where the water filters through to make the drink). Then after the pod is locked in place, move the lever across to create a hot or cold drink (make sure you have put a cup or glass underneath first though).

When first creating the drinks ensure you follow the instructions on the pod box or in the machine booklet until you are used to the measurements.

So far I have tasted the latte range which I find very creamy and luxurious; I especially recommend the caramel latte which actually tastes like there is syrup in the coffee. I have also tasted the hot chocolate and mocha; the mocha is the perfect blend of chcolate and coffee without being overpowering, however, I find the hot chocolate alone to have a grainy texture and bitter flavour. The boxes are about £3.88 from supermarkets and slightly less online at Dolce Gusto, also if you buy a machine now and register it you get a free £10 to spend online in their store.

As an ex-Costa barrister myself I do highly recommed the machine for use at home making it an investment as the coffees will work out cheaper in time than using the coffee shops. The Dolce Gusto has 14 bars of pressure so the foam from the milk is the best seen without having the steam jets or a milk whisk sat at the side to give it a boost. It gives a nice even layer on the top which adds to the experience.

The machine is fairly quiet when in use which is a nice feature and takes thirty seconds from switch on to be ready to dispense your hot drink. When dispensing the drink the water does come through slowly but I suppose this is required for the water to infuse with the powders in the pods. The Dolce Gusto machine is designed for single service use so does have a more relaxed nature.

The machine is easy to maintain requiring an external wipe down after each use; I always rinse the pod cradle and rinse and dry the tank. Unless you spill any liquid there is not a lot of cleaning to do with the machine which increases my motivation to use it as I hate anything where the cleaning is beyond fiddly.

Overall the machine is a nice addition to any kitchen, I am a casual coffee drinker so the pods last me for about a month a box but I imagine if you are a big coffee drinker it would cost a small fortune. I also find that the pods need putting in the sink to drain after use otherwise your dustbin ends up full of used coffee water, not a good idea! The cups also like to wander when the machine is in use to keep an eye on them or your drink will be lost to the worktop. The machine itself is still in fab condition and pumps out coffees like the first day it was used. Highly recommended to any light coffee drinker.