L'OR Barista SublimeView on Amazon →

L'OR Barista Sublime Review UK 2026

L'OR Barista Sublime
Our score: 8.5/10
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Quick verdict

Score: 8.5/10

Best for: Quick, consistent, mess-free coffee at the push of a button

Not for: Coffee purists who want fresh-ground beans, or anyone wanting the lowest cost per cup

Bottom line: A practical pod coffee machine for fuss-free pod coffee at home.

Overall, the L'OR Barista Sublime LM9012 is a capsule coffee machine built around the Pod coffee machine (Barista system, Nespresso-compatible) format, aimed at users who want a straightforward capsule workflow. It offers a double shot option and supports 1 or 2 cups, with a full coffee menu available. It is a practical choice if the L'OR capsule system suits your preferences, with variety limited to what the menu and The pod coffee machine capsule range provide.

Key specifications

FeatureOption Notes
Cups1 or 2 Specified
ShotDouble Specified
MenuFull coffee menu Specified

Pros

  • Quick, consistent coffee with no mess or grinding

Cons

  • Pods are an ongoing cost and lock you into one system
  • Pod systems aren't cross-compatible - no mixing brands of pod
  • Less fresh and less customisable than bean-to-cup or ground coffee

Coffee Quality and Pod System

The L'OR is designed for capsule coffee using an Nespresso-compatible pod system. This pod approach standardises dosing and packing, which supports repeatable extraction from cup to cup. It also means the flavour selection is limited to the capsules available for the Nespresso-compatible system, and capsule coffee can feel less adaptable than fresh-ground brewing. For best results, keep capsules sealed and insert them carefully to avoid misalignment.

Milk, Drinks and Versatility

Once milk is added, the pod coffee machine mainly supports a capsule-based workflow aimed at classic coffee styles rather than fully customising extraction. Drinks rely on milk additions prepared outside the machine, because the capsule system determines the coffee base rather than texture settings. For cappuccino and latte types, the user warms and froths milk and then pours it into the cup before or after brewing, depending on preference. This approach keeps everyday drink making consistent, but it limits fine control over milk volume and foam strength. It nonetheless supports a double-shot routine for richer milk drinks.

Size, Tank and Ease of Use

The L'OR Barista Sublime LM9012 is a capsule coffee machine built to brew double shots for one or two cups, which influences how people arrange their counter space. Its compact footprint suits smaller kitchens, but it still requires space for cup placement and straightforward capsule handling during refilling and use. For day-to-day operation, the process is simple: add capsules, position a cup for one or two cups, then start the brew cycle. Clear controls keep the steps direct.

Pod Cost and Availability

Pod cost and availability affect day-to-day use for the L'OR because it is designed for The pod coffee machine capsules compatible with the L'OR system. Buyers weigh whether those The pod coffee machine capsules are easy to find nearby and whether there are multiple coffee choices. When L'OR capsules are stocked consistently, the machine remains convenient for regular double shots and for single or two-cup serving.

Who Is This Pod Coffee Machine For?

This pod coffee machine's Barista Sublime LM9012/60 is for people who want a capsule machine designed for the L'OR system and who plan to use The L'OR Barista Sublime LM9012-compatible capsules as their main coffee source. It suits households that prefer fast, repeatable drinks rather than experimenting with loose coffee, since capsule use limits the variables. The double-shot option targets users who like stronger, longer-style drinks, and the included menu of multiple drink choices helps create a wider range at home. People already set up for The pod coffee machine-compatible capsules, or who want to avoid switching systems, are the most obvious fit, while those who want to use other pod systems are not well served, as This pod coffee machine capsules are not cross-compatible with Nespresso Original, Nespresso Vertuo, Dolce Gusto or Tassimo.

Where to Buy in the UK

In the UK, the L'OR capsule coffee machine (LM9012/60) is typically available through major retailer channels that stock capsule machine systems compatible with The pod coffee machine-style barista systems. It can be found via large UK ecommerce and electronics retailers, including Amazon UK, Currys, AO, Argos, and John Lewis. Listings for the black model often include "LM9012/60" in the title, which helps confirm the exact variant. When buying online, the safest approach is to confirm the machine matches the intended double-shot, 1 or 2 cups version with the full coffee menu, as variations exist. If stock runs low, third-party sellers may carry it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the L'OR worth it?

For quick, consistent coffee at the push of a button with no mess, the pod coffee machine is hard to beat. Remember the pods are an ongoing cost. Check the current Amazon UK price, as pod machines go on deal often.

Nespresso, Dolce Gusto or Tassimo - which is best?

Each is a different, non-compatible system: Nespresso focuses on espresso (Original) and longer coffees (Vertuo); Dolce Gusto does a wide range of coffee and milk drinks; Tassimo offers branded drinks like Costa and Cadbury. Choose by the drinks you want and pod price - the machine just follows the system.

How much do the pods cost to run?

Pods typically work out around 30-50p each depending on the system and brand, more than ground coffee but far less than a coffee shop. Nespresso Original and some systems have cheaper compatible pods; factor the ongoing pod cost into your decision, not just the machine price.

Are pod coffee machines worth it over a bean-to-cup?

Pod machines are cheaper to buy, faster, mess-free and need no grinding or cleaning of grounds - ideal for convenience. Bean-to-cup machines make fresher coffee from beans and cost less per cup, but cost far more upfront and need more upkeep. For speed and ease, pods win; for coffee purists, beans do.