L'OR Barista AbsoluView on Amazon →

L'OR Barista Absolu Review UK 2026

L'OR Barista Absolu
Our score: 8.0/10
Check price on Amazon

Quick verdict

Score: 8.0/10

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 is a capsule coffee machine built around a 19 bar system. It is designed for dual capsule recognition and is described as supporting XXL capsules, though the product title does not specify the exact capsule size or how many are included. It comes across as a practical L'Or coffee machine for shoppers who want flexibility with capsule types, with XXL compatibility offering a clear route to larger drinks.

Key specifications

FeatureStated in title Value
Pressure systemYes 19 bar
Capsule recognitionYes Dual
Ice optionYes Over ice
Pod size supportYes XXL compatible

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

How does the L’OR handle coffee quality, and what pod system should users expect? It operates with a 19 bar system, which can support extraction pressure for capsule coffee, with flavour consistency varying by pod type. The machine includes dual capsule recognition, so it is designed to identify more than one capsule format during use. It also supports XXL capsules, allowing for larger pod options where available. Operation is straightforward: insert a compatible capsule, close, then brew. Strengths include support for flexible capsule sizing, while the main limitation is that coffee choices depend on the L'OR capsule varieties available for this pod system.

Milk, Drinks and Versatility

With milk drinks in mind, the L’OR is designed around capsule convenience, so the barista-style outcome depends on which compatible L'OR capsules are used, rather than on adjustable brewing controls. The machine can be used to make hot milk drinks such as latte or cappuccino-style drinks when the user prepares steamed or frothed milk separately, because the machine processes capsules rather than milk. For variety, it also supports enjoying drinks over ice, which suits iced coffee and other milk-based cold drinks. Intensity Boost and XXL capsules offer options for stronger or larger servings, while milk texture remains dependent on the separate milk preparation, so results can differ.

Size, Tank and Ease of Use

Even though the L’OR is built for simple capsule coffee making, day-to-day use still depends on how well it fits the kitchen set-up. The footprint is intended for counter placement, so positioning close to a power outlet matters where cabinet doors or a tall water area restrict access. Operation is straightforward: open the machine, insert a compatible XXL capsule, close, press to brew, then remove the used capsule for quick cleanup.

Pod Cost and Availability

Pod cost and availability depend mainly on the capsule type. This model is described as compatible with XXL capsules, so it is best to check that local retailers stock L'OR-branded XXL formats or an approved equivalent. If XXL packs are widely available, purchasing is straightforward, although selection can vary by store and region. Dual capsule recognition may help the machine accept more than one style, but buyers should still confirm which sizes are supported for each brand. Convenience also matters, because frequent store trips can add friction if per-capsule prices are higher. Online ordering typically increases choice, but delivery times affect how quickly replacement packs can be bought.

Who Is This Pod Coffee Machine For?

This pod coffee machine suits people who want capsule convenience, particularly if they plan to use XXL capsules, since the product title states "XXL Capsules Compatible" and "Dual Capsule Recognition". It also suits households with different drink preferences, as dual capsule recognition may help the machine accept more than one capsule type, but capsule size and compatibility should still be confirmed for the chosen brand and format. It is aimed at buyers who want a simple, repeatable workflow, with a 19 bar system indicating a pressure-based brew approach. It is less suitable for people who want open-ingredient brewing, because it is designed to use pre-portioned capsules rather than ground coffee or whole beans.

Where to Buy in the UK

Where buyers can source the L’OR in the UK depends on availability of L'OR capsules and the retailer's stock of that exact model. They should check major UK electrical and homeware retailers, including Amazon UK, John Lewis, Currys, AO, Argos and Tesco, for the satin white LM9512/00 listing. If it is out of stock, alternative listings should be compared while confirming the model code before buying. Capsule compatibility should be verified during checkout, as some sellers bundle different capsule types. Availability can vary by region and delivery dates.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the L’OR worth it?

For quick, consistent coffee at the push of a button with no mess, the L’OR 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.

What does the 19 bar pressure mean?

The L’OR runs at 19 bar. High pressure (around 15-19 bar is common on pod machines) helps extract a quick crema-topped coffee from the pod. For pod machines the system and pod matter more than chasing the highest bar number.

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.