Pod coffee machines
Philips L'OR Barista Sublime LM9012/60 capsule coffee machine, black, main product photo

Pod coffee machines · LM9012/60

Philips L'OR Barista Sublime

LM9012/60

The Philips L'OR Barista Sublime is a slim, button-operated pod machine for black coffee.

0.8 L19 bar

29 original reviews to read 4 video summaries Good to know

Start your decision here

At a glance

The Philips L'OR Barista Sublime is a slim, button-operated pod machine for black coffee. It takes L'OR's larger double-shot capsules as well as standard Nespresso-compatible pods, and can brew two cups at once or a double in one cup. Owners like its simplicity, compact size, good hot espresso and the freedom to use cheap supermarket pods, and many see it as a good-value Nespresso replacement. The weak points are the capsule mechanism and durability: some owners report crushed or unpierced pods, a sticking holder, or failure within the first year. There is no milk frother, and the instructions are thin. It suits people who want quick espresso or lungo without fuss, not those who want milk drinks or proven long-term durability, which independent sources have not established.

Strengths

  • Takes both L'OR double-shot capsules and widely available Nespresso-compatible pods
  • Two cups at once or a double espresso in one cup
  • Very easy to use and clean, according to most owners
Show all (6)
  • Good, hot espresso with crema, confirmed by T3's testing
  • Compact 157 mm-wide body suits small kitchens
  • Seen as strong value, especially when discounted

Things to consider

  • Some reports of breakdowns within months to about a year
  • Capsule piercing and holder issues: crushed, burst or unpierced pods
  • Black coffee only: no milk frother or cup warmer
Show all (5)
  • Coffee from standard pods can be watery or not very hot for some users
  • Sparse instructions, particularly for descaling, and some flimsy plastic parts
Who is it for, and who is it not for?

Good for

  • Espresso and lungo drinkers who want a simple, cheap-to-run pod machine
  • Households that often make two coffees at once
  • Nespresso Original owners wanting a lower-cost replacement that keeps their pods
  • Small kitchens with limited worktop space

May not suit

  • Anyone wanting lattes or cappuccinos from one machine
  • Buyers who prioritise proven long-term durability

See alternatives

Before you buy

Good to know

What the features mean in everyday use.

Show more (15)

Reliability

A minority of reviews report failure within months to about a year: pump not drawing water, pods no longer pierced, or the machine stopping. Others worry the plastic capsule lever may wear.

User experience · See source

Build of drip base

T3's reviewer found the base under the used-pod drawer to be thin, brittle plastic that could snap if pulled out carelessly.

User experience · See source

Price pattern

The list price is £114.99, but the machine is frequently discounted, and colour variants are often cheaper than the black LM9012/60.

Inference from the sources · See source

Applies to the model family

Show more (17)

Reliability

A minority of reviews report failure within months to about a year: pump not drawing water, pods no longer pierced, or the machine stopping. Others worry the plastic capsule lever may wear.

User experience · See source

Build of drip base

T3's reviewer found the base under the used-pod drawer to be thin, brittle plastic that could snap if pulled out carelessly.

User experience · See source

Price pattern

The list price is £114.99, but the machine is frequently discounted, and colour variants are often cheaper than the black LM9012/60.

Inference from the sources · See source

Applies to the model family

User experience

What do reviews say?

See the common points first, then read the original reviews yourself.

Summarised from the 142 reviews we read. A review can mention several points, so the theme counts can add up to more than 142.

Store ratings

Amazon

6879 ratings

8 reviews read

4.4 / 5

Currys

189 ratings

79 reviews read

No rating given

John Lewis

95 ratings

55 reviews read

4.4 / 5

Each store’s rating and rating count are its own; ratings are not combined. “Read” is how many of that store’s reviews we read for the summary.

Go to the original reviews

Owners mostly like the Sublime as a simple, compact pod machine that makes good, hot espresso and lungo with little effort. They value using cheap Nespresso-compatible supermarket pods as well as L'OR's larger double-shot pods, and making two cups at once. Many bought it to replace a Nespresso machine and call it good value. Recurring complaints concern reliability and the capsule mechanism: crushed, burst or unpierced pods, a sticking holder, or the machine failing after a few months to around a year. A few find coffee from standard pods watery or not hot enough, and some say the instructions, especially for descaling, are too sparse. It makes black coffee only.

What buyers like

  • Easy to set up, use and clean47 reviews
  • Good-tasting, hot coffee with decent crema45 reviews
  • Good value for money, often compared favourably with Nespresso machines45 reviews
  • Takes Nespresso-compatible and L'OR double-shot pods; pods easy to buy31 reviews
  • Compact and good-looking on the worktop23 reviews
  • Can make two cups at once6 reviews
  • Quiet in use4 reviews

Common complaints

  • Stopped working or durability concerns (pump, piercing, lever wear)8 reviews
  • Capsules crushed, burst, unpierced or the holder sticks5 reviews
  • Coffee watery with standard pods, lukewarm, slow or poor-tasting5 reviews
  • Feels flimsy or plasticky3 reviews
  • Too little instruction, especially for descaling2 reviews
  • Louder than expected2 reviews
How was this summary made?

Summarised from 142 reviews. The summary is drawn from opinions that recur in the reviews read; each theme shows how many reviews mention it. These counts are not a rate and do not apply to every unit.

Unique text reviews counted: 79 from Currys Feefo page 1 (21 entries without text excluded), 55 UK/unspecified from John Lewis pages 1-3 (5 Australian syndicated excluded), 8 UK top reviews on Amazon.co.uk. Themes coded from visible text. Amazon's AI summary was more positive than this sample. ratings_total sums Amazon, Currys and John Lewis counts.

Show reviews (29 of 142)Read the texts as published by the store

29 original reviews can be listed on this page. The number of reviews analysed may differ.

  1. J*** 1/5 9 August 2026 John Lewis John Lewis native review

    Shocking build quality. Stopped functioning within 1 year . . . pods not piercing. Others have commented on flimsiness and I agree. It replaced a Nespresso machine that had lasted…

  2. B*** 3/5 11 July 2026 John Lewis

    It only works for xxl pods well, so you are tied up to their brand only. Regular pods come out quite watery and not creamy.…

  3. S*** 4/5 8 May 2026 John Lewis Syndicated review

    Working 3 months good so far. I used the same machine in the office before and it was broken in 3 months. The reason is - poor design of the loading capsule mechanism.…

  4. H*** H*** 4/5 10 April 2026 John Lewis Syndicated review, Bristol UK

    The lack of a user leaflet is a negative feature. It need not be lengthy as the operation is mainly;y intuitive but descaling is not.…

  5. A*** 1/5 22 March 2026 John Lewis

    Wont pump water just makes a loud noise but you get what you pay for lets see when i return this as ill probly go back to s nesprso machine.

  6. C*** 5/5 28 March 2026 John Lewis

    Purchased recently to replace a popular latte machine. This is easy to use - set up is straightforward and size and look is great. Use it with a frother to make super latte's.…

  7. J*** f*** B*** 5/5 21 November 2025 John Lewis

    Purchased this to replace a well known expensive machine no longer in production which I had for 11 years. The Lor has decent pressure which produces good crema on my espresso.…

  8. G*** 3/5 11 April 2025 John Lewis

    Standard product, found the coffee pod section of the machine keeps getting stuck and occasionally it's difficult to press down the pod.

  9. M*** L*** 5/5 16 August 2025 John Lewis

    This coffee machine is nicer to use than other ones I have had and I have had several. It can make 2 cups at one time, one cup, or even two half cups.…

  10. W*** 1/5 22 November 2024 John Lewis Syndicated review, North Lincolnshire

    Works great unfortunately don't last, second one just packed up. Each lasted a bit over a year.…

  11. M*** 2/5 2 February 2024 John Lewis Syndicated review

    Very nice, lasted 3 months though. It stopped taking water from the tank. And it's impossible to return or fix because it's from a third party seller.

  12. U*** 5/5 15 November 2024 John Lewis Syndicated review, Manchester

    We are more than happy with this machine - it makes really good coffee quickly and remarkably quietly. The ability to make two individual cups at once…

  13. H*** 3/5 4 January 2025 John Lewis

    Wouldn't recommend I'm afraid. Coffee comes out slowly

  14. M*** 4/5 18 November 2025 Currys LM9012/60 Black

    The machine stopped working after a few days because it didn't seem to like the pods supplied with it. One burst…

  15. L*** 1/5 6 May 2024 Currys LM9012/60 Black

    Coffee tastes poor and has bits in it

  16. Customer 4/5 17 September 2024 Currys LM9012/00 White

    Got it over a month now and so far so good. I would say the coffee might not be that hot but it does the job for now…

  17. M*** 5/5 1 February 2025 Currys LM9012/00 White

    Great coffee pod machine. Lor coffee tastes great and price was very good. It is little louder than expected but not a problem.…

  18. P*** 4/5 13 April 2025 Currys LM9012/50 Red

    Best value on the market for nespresso pods. Only thing I would improve is machine telling you when the pod capture box is full…

  19. H*** 5/5 13 July 2026 Currys LM9012/60 Black

    Great coffee machine. Bought to replace a Nespresso machine. Does exactly the same for more than half the price of a new Nespresso…

  20. A*** 5/5 7 August 2026 Currys LM9012/60 Black

    Superb product, looks great, pours a great cup of coffee and takes a variety of types of pods. Love the fact you can make 2 coffee…

  21. C*** 4/5 10 February 2025 Currys LM9012/50 Red

    A basic coffee maker that utilises the L'or and Nespresso pods.…

  22. M*** 5/5 15 February 2025 Currys LM9012/60 Black

    Great product at great price would recomend . Has three settings and takes two different size pods and detects size autimaticly

  23. D*** 5/5 4 July 2024 Currys LM9012/00 White

    This is the third espresso machine. This is the best.…

  24. j*** 1/5 11 January 2026 Amazon Red variant

    very disappointing: what you need to know: you will lose unpierced but crushed pods. 3 out of my first ten were wasted. One was just squashed- with water pouring out into the cup. The temperature of the coffee immediately out of the machine in the cup was about 50c…

  25. S*** 5/5 17 August 2025 Amazon

    I have my concerns that the plastic release handle/flap/locking lever to insert new pods does feel like it won't put up with masses of wear and could become slack or even brittle at some point but only time will tell on this.…

  26. A*** 5/5 8 September 2026 Amazon

    Great looking machine works well a little bit noisy but they all are and the thing I like about it best is it dispenses the empty pod into little tray underneath inside which is good.…

  27. J*** C*** 5/5 5 June 2026 Amazon Red variant

    Well built, sturdy and where you insert the capsules has been well engineered to last, so much better than the Nespresso…

  28. A*** 4/5 27 July 2024 Amazon

    Cleaning and maintenance are hassle-free. The drip tray and capsule container are easy to remove and clean, and the machine has a descaling alert…

  29. H*** D*** 5/5 21 September 2026 Amazon

    very good machine, love the quality, easy to use and it's a big game changer to my coffee in the morning since it's very quick to use. very easy to clean aswelll. love this different options for coffee.

See it in use

Video reviews and key moments

Read the summaries; tap a moment to watch the video from that second.

4 videos · Timestamped summary

YouTube · Review

L'Or Barista Sublime Review: 5 Things I Love and 5 I Hate

The Philips L'OR Barista Sublime is an affordable and consistent coffee machine that accepts standard Nespresso capsules as well as double-sized pods for two drinks at once. However, its 40cm depth and tall lever clearance can pose placement issues under low cupboards, and there is no temperature adjustment to keep drinks hotter for longer.

YouTube · Review

L'OR BARISTA SUBLIME REVIEW - Pro and Cons | Is it the right Nespresso Coffee Machine for you? | A2B

The Philips L'OR Barista Sublime is an affordable, compact capsule coffee machine that offers great value for money. It is compatible with both standard Nespresso Original pods and XXL double-shot capsules, featuring dual spouts to pour two drinks at once. Potential downsides include a somewhat flimsy capsule lever and the fact that it automatically brews immediately after heating without waiting.

YouTube · Review

Philips L'Or Barista Sublime: HONEST Review and Test

The Philips L'Or Barista Sublime is a versatile pod machine capable of brewing two coffees simultaneously using XXL capsules, and it is also compatible with standard Nespresso pods. It heats up quickly, produces great-tasting coffee with customisable volumes, and is straightforward to clean. However, it is quite bulky, and both the capsules and official descaling solution are relatively expensive.

YouTube · Review

Philips L'Or Barista Sublime : Review and Opinion

The Philips L'OR Barista Sublime is a fast-heating capsule machine offering three customizable drink lengths with support for single and double cups via XXL pods. It provides great versatility by accepting standard Nespresso and compatible third-party pods, though official capsules can be rather pricey. While its elongated footprint takes up more countertop space, it delivers quick and convenient coffee preparation at a competitive price.

Video summaries and timestamps were taken from the videos with AI (Gemini); the video itself is the source.

Widen your choice

You may also look at

Options in the same category for different needs.

All Pod coffee machines
Show more similar products (12)
Bosch Tassimo Happy TAS1002GB in black, main product image

Same category

Bosch Tassimo Happy

TAS1002GB · 0.7 L · 3.3 bar

The Tassimo Happy TAS1002GB is Bosch's small, basic T DISC pod machine.

View product
Bosch Tassimo Happy Friendly TAS102EGB in recycled black, front product shot

Same category

Bosch Tassimo Happy Friendly

TAS102EGB · 0.7 L · 3.3 bar

The Tassimo Happy Friendly is Bosch's entry-level T DISC pod machine; TAS102EGBC is the same machine sold as a starter kit with 70 drinks.

View product
Bosch Tassimo Joy TAS4502NGB pod coffee machine, black, main product shot

Same category

Bosch Tassimo Joy

TAS4502NGB · 1.4 L · 3.3 bar

The Tassimo Joy is Bosch's simple, entry-level T DISC pod machine.

View product
Bosch Tassimo My Way 2 TAS6502GB in black, left view

Same category

Bosch Tassimo My Way 2

TAS6502GB · 1.3 L · 3.3 bar

The Tassimo My Way 2 (TAS6502GB) is Bosch's more flexible T DISC pod machine: 1500 W, a 1.3 l rear tank with an included BRITA filter, and adjustable temperature, cup size and strength with saved…

View product
Bosch TASSIMO Style TAS1102GB in Real Black, half-right front view with cup stand

Same category

Bosch Tassimo Style Friendly

TAS112EGB · 0.7 L

The TASSIMO Style is a compact, one-button pod machine for T DISCs that makes coffee, tea, hot chocolate and milky drinks with no heat-up wait.

View product
Bosch Tassimo Suny TAS3102GB in black, left view with a latte glass on the cup stand

Same category

Bosch Tassimo Suny Special Edition

TAS3102GB · 0.8 L · 3.3 bar

The Tassimo Suny Special Edition is a small, basic T DISC pod machine.

View product
De'Longhi Genio S Plus EDG315.B in black, manufacturer product image

Same category

De'Longhi Genio S Plus

EDG315.B · 0.8 L · 15 bar

The De'Longhi Genio S Plus (EDG315.B) is a compact, automatic NESCAFÉ Dolce Gusto pod machine with a 15-bar pump and a 0.8 L tank.

View product
De'Longhi Nespresso Inissia EN80.B in black, manufacturer product photo

Same category

De'Longhi Inissia

EN80.B · 0.7 L · 19 bar

The De'Longhi Nespresso Inissia EN80.B is a small, basic machine for Nespresso Original capsules.

View product
De'Longhi Nescafé Dolce Gusto Piccolo XS EDG210.B in black

Same category

De'Longhi Nescafé Dolce Gusto Piccolo XS

EDG210 · 0.8 L · 15 bar

The De'Longhi Piccolo XS (EDG210) is a small, very affordable Nescafé Dolce Gusto pod machine with a 15-bar pump, 0.8-litre tank and a manual hot/cold lever.

View product
De'Longhi Nespresso Essenza Mini EN85.B in black, front view (De'Longhi UK)

Same category

De'Longhi Nespresso Essenza Mini

EN85.B · 0.6 L · 19 bar

The De'Longhi EN85.B Essenza Mini is one of the smallest Nespresso Original machines: an 11 cm wide, two-button espresso/lungo brewer with a 19 bar pump and Thermoblock heater.

View product
De'Longhi Nespresso CitiZ & Milk EN267.BAE in black with Aeroccino milk frother

Same category

De'Longhi (Nespresso) CitiZ & Milk

EN267.BAE · 1 L · 19 bar

The De'Longhi CitiZ & Milk EN267.BAE is a compact Nespresso Original capsule machine with a 19-bar pump and an Aeroccino milk frother built onto the side.

View product
De'Longhi Nespresso Vertuo Pop ENV90.B in black, manufacturer product image

Same category

Nespresso Vertuo Pop

ENV90.B · 0.6 L · 19 bar

The Nespresso Vertuo Pop ENV90.B is De'Longhi's black version of Nespresso's smallest Vertuo pod machine.

View product

What it has

Specifications

Technical information with its source.

Power
1450 W Technical fact · philips.co.uk
Voltage
220-240 V Technical fact · philips.co.uk
Frequency
50-60 Hz Technical fact · philips.co.uk
Pump pressure
19 bar Technical fact · philips.co.uk
Water tank capacity
0.8 L Technical fact · philips.co.uk
Compatible capsules
L'OR Barista (double shot), L'OR Espresso, Nespresso Original-compatible Manufacturer's claim · philips.co.uk
Drinks
Ristretto, Espresso, Lungo Technical fact · philips.co.uk
Pre-programmed drinks
3 Technical fact · philips.co.uk
Show all specifications (30)
Servings at once
2 (two cups at once or a double in one cup) Technical fact · philips.co.uk
Adjustable coffee volume
25-270 ml Manufacturer's claim · philips.co.uk
Capsule recognition
Dual Capsule Recognition detects capsule size automatically Manufacturer's claim · philips.co.uk
Drip tray
Adjustable/removable for taller cups Manufacturer's claim · philips.co.uk
Milk frother
None Technical fact · johnlewis.com
Cup warmer
No Technical fact · johnlewis.com
Interface
Buttons Technical fact · philips.co.uk
Connectivity
No Technical fact · philips.co.uk
Automatic shut-off
Yes Technical fact · philips.co.uk
Off-mode power consumption
0.2 W Technical fact · philips.co.uk
Energy efficiency class
A Manufacturer's claim · philips.co.uk
Dimensions (L x W x H)
402 x 157 x 276 mm Technical fact · philips.co.uk
Weight
3.35 kg Technical fact · philips.co.uk
Package dimensions (L x W x H)
488 x 197 x 344 mm Technical fact · philips.co.uk
Package weight
4.47 kg Technical fact · philips.co.uk
Cable length
80 cm Technical fact · johnlewis.com
Materials
Plastic (primary), metal (secondary) Technical fact · philips.co.uk
Removable water tank
Yes Technical fact · johnlewis.com
Dishwasher-safe parts
Yes Manufacturer's claim · philips.co.uk
Capsules included
9 (4 L'OR Espresso single shot, 5 L'OR Barista double shot) Manufacturer's claim · philips.co.uk
Country of origin
Romania Technical fact · philips.co.uk
Guarantee
2 years Technical fact · philips.co.uk
Show all specifications (30)
Water tank capacity
0.8 L Technical fact · philips.co.uk
Compatible capsules
L'OR Barista (double shot), L'OR Espresso, Nespresso Original-compatible Manufacturer's claim · philips.co.uk
Drinks
Ristretto, Espresso, Lungo Technical fact · philips.co.uk
Pre-programmed drinks
3 Technical fact · philips.co.uk
Servings at once
2 (two cups at once or a double in one cup) Technical fact · philips.co.uk
Adjustable coffee volume
25-270 ml Manufacturer's claim · philips.co.uk
Capsule recognition
Dual Capsule Recognition detects capsule size automatically Manufacturer's claim · philips.co.uk
Drip tray
Adjustable/removable for taller cups Manufacturer's claim · philips.co.uk
Milk frother
None Technical fact · johnlewis.com
Cup warmer
No Technical fact · johnlewis.com
Interface
Buttons Technical fact · philips.co.uk
Connectivity
No Technical fact · philips.co.uk
Automatic shut-off
Yes Technical fact · philips.co.uk
Off-mode power consumption
0.2 W Technical fact · philips.co.uk
Energy efficiency class
A Manufacturer's claim · philips.co.uk
Dimensions (L x W x H)
402 x 157 x 276 mm Technical fact · philips.co.uk
Weight
3.35 kg Technical fact · philips.co.uk
Package dimensions (L x W x H)
488 x 197 x 344 mm Technical fact · philips.co.uk
Package weight
4.47 kg Technical fact · philips.co.uk
Cable length
80 cm Technical fact · johnlewis.com
Materials
Plastic (primary), metal (secondary) Technical fact · philips.co.uk
Removable water tank
Yes Technical fact · johnlewis.com
Dishwasher-safe parts
Yes Manufacturer's claim · philips.co.uk
Capsules included
9 (4 L'OR Espresso single shot, 5 L'OR Barista double shot) Manufacturer's claim · philips.co.uk
Country of origin
Romania Technical fact · philips.co.uk
Guarantee
2 years Technical fact · philips.co.uk

Sources and method

Where the information comes from, by type; each finding also links its own source.

Manufacturer (2)
Specification site (1)
Store (9)
Review (2)
Video (1)
How we evaluate, and the limits

This page is compiled from manufacturer, store, review and video sources; every piece of information links to the source it was read from. Technical values are as stated by the manufacturer or store; user experiences are summarised from the reviews read and do not apply to every unit. We do not test products ourselves.