Have you ever bought something thinking, "This is exactly what I need," only to regret it a month later because the running costs sting just as much as the purchase itself? I am guilty of this far more often than I would like to admit. My biggest flaw is seeing something shiny and exciting, then completely forgetting to budget for what comes next. It is a bit like buying a Whoop band and only realising months later that the subscription quietly keeps nibbling away at your wallet.

Before you make that mistake with a coffee machine, it is worth looking at the full cost of ownership. The Nespresso coffee machine costs around ₹17000 in India, with a mini option available at approximately ₹11,500 making this a high-end choice for a domestic or home use coffee machine. And while I am absolutely not saying a Nespresso is not worth the money, I am literally writing this while sipping coffee from one.

There are plenty of alternatives to pod coffee machines that cost far less upfront and come with affordable pod refills, too. Why should startup office folk have all the fun? Based on user feedback, ratings and hundreds of reviews, these are my top picks for enjoying pod coffee without the slightly unrealistic price tag.