I enjoy a coffee - I treat myself to one cup a day, first thing in the morning, and I love it. That said, I know absolutely nothing about what is considered good or bad...

My wife treated me to a basic Dolce Gusto pod device that lasted just over a year before it self-destructed and I'm back now to a kettle and a jar of Kenco. I'm sure there's a better way to enjoy a nice brew?

I've started looking but the choice and variety is absolutely mind-blowing. Tassimo, Lavazza, Dolce Gusto, Nespresso... Filter coffee, bean-to-cup - milk-frothers!? The sheer volume of choice just makes me itch!

So, wise forum, help me decide. My preference is a latte; I enjoy a strong-flavoured, frothy coffee.

I suspect I'd like the convenience of a pod-based machine but am I missing out on a quality cup by doing so? Also I don't want to spend the earth - some of the bean-to-cup setups are eye-wateringly expensive.