Illy X-Caps X3 Pod Coffee Machine review: Simple, space-saving espresso that’s hard to beat

For quick and easy brews in the morning, you can’t go wrong with a pod coffee machine. There are many pod coffee maker manufacturers on the market with Nespresso and Lavazza popping up, but one brand that should also be acknowledged as making one of the best pod coffee machines has to be Illy.

Italian coffee company, Illy has been around since 1993, and is considered a luxury coffee brand. Until recently, I only knew Illy as a bean to cup coffee machine brand, mainly because of its eye-catching X1 coffee machine which looks a bit like E.T.

But I recently got my hands on the new Illy X-Caps X3 pod coffee machine, and it’s seriously impressed me with its functionality, design and cost – here’s how I got on.

Illy X-Caps X3 review: price and availability

The Illy X-Caps X3 is available to buy for £135 at Illy. It comes in matte black, matte white and glossy black. This pod coffee machine works exclusively with X-Caps capsules. Prices on these pods start at £5.20 for a pack of 10 capsules.

Illy X-Caps X3 review: design and features

The Illy X-Caps X3 was created by designer and architect, Luca Trazzi. Measuring just 10 cm in width, 34.8 cm in depth and 25.4 cm in height, the Illy X-Caps X3 is extremely slim and can easily fit into any kitchen size. It also weighs 3.4kg so it’s easy to move around if needed.

In terms of design, the Illy X-Caps X3 is very minimalistic. At the back is an 800ml water reservoir which sits behind a capsule container. At the front is a cup stand which doubles as a drip reservoir. The controls are just above the coffee dispenser, and have one shot on the left and two shots on the right.

Image 1 of 2

When turning on the Illy X-Caps X3 for the first time, the buttons will appear blank. If you press them, they’ll flash until they go solid white, indicating that it’s ready to use. To make a coffee, simply slot the coffee pod into the top of the Illy X-Caps X3 and push the silver lever down. Press the shot button you want and it will start making your coffee – yes, it’s that simple.

When your coffee is down, you can push the lever back up and the used capsule will drop down into a separate container. This box can hold a good amount of used coffee pods so you don’t have to empty the bin every time you make a coffee.

Speaking of pods, the Illy X-Caps X3 works best with espresso and café lungos. It doesn’t have a milk frother so you’ll have to get a separate one if you like milky coffees. The Illy X-Caps X3 also uses Hyperinfusion technology to extract the perfect espresso by infusing water with coffee at optimum pressure and temperature conditions.

Illy X-Caps X3 review: performance

After unboxing the Illy X-Caps X3, I was surprised by how simple the controls and design were, but with pod coffee machines, you don’t need all that faff! I really appreciated how streamlined and easy the Illy X-Caps X3 was to use, and felt that it really didn’t need anything more added to it, especially for those who love espresso.

Espresso is undoubtedly what the Illy X-Caps X3 is best at making. Illy makes a wide range of coffee pods and flavours, but its espresso pods were my favourite. The taste is rich and not too bitter, so despite the coffee dispensing a little on the slower side than I was used to, clearly the Hyperinfusion technology was doing its job properly.

Image 1 of 2

The integrated capsule container in the Illy X-Caps X3 was a nice touch and it held a good amount of pods at a time. I also found that the Illy X-Caps X3 was surprisingly quiet when in action, and didn’t make loud annoying ‘start-up’ noises that other pod coffee makers do. It also heated up quickly too, so I was never waiting too long for it to be ready.

The only issue I found with the Illy X-Caps X3 is that its coffee pods would occasionally stick to the inside of the machine before dropping down into the used container. I wouldn’t say this was a major problem, but it’s worth mentioning.

Another thing to point out (again) is that the Illy X-Caps X3 is a black coffee machine so if you want milk-based coffees, you’ll need to buy a milk frother or choose a different pod maker.

Image 1 of 2

Illy X-Caps X3 review: verdict

I can confidently say that the Illy X-Caps X3 makes the best espresso out of any other pod coffee machines I’ve tried, so if the perfect espresso is what you’re after, I’d recommend this machine. For milky coffee drinkers, the Illy X-Caps X3 probably won’t be for you.

Overall, the Illy X-Caps X3 looks the part, performs exceptionally well, and has cute additions that most other brands haven’t thought of, like its integrated pod container. I really couldn’t find anything I didn’t like about it which is why it gets five stars.

Illy X-Caps X3 review: alternatives to consider

If simplicity is what you’re after, the ProCook Coffee Pod Machine is a good alternative to the Illy X-Caps X3. It has two controls, is compatible with multiple pod types and has a similar price to the Illy X-Caps X3.

If milk based drinks are more your thing, the Lavazza A Modo Mio Desea is a great pod coffee machine with a built-in steam wand and milk frother. It has an unusual design and costs £100 more than the Illy X-Caps X3 at £249 but you do get the option to make cappuccinos and lattes.