Hamilton Beach Espresso Machine, Compatible with Nespresso Pods, Single Serve Coffee Maker, Powerful Italian 19 Bar Pump, 22 oz. Water Reservoir, Custom Cup Size, Holds 13 Capsules, Black (40726)

A single serve coffee maker should deliver a concentrated cup of coffee with minimal morning friction, which makes the Hamilton Beach 40726 an appealing counter companion for capsule drinkers. It relies on a 19-bar Italian pump to push water through your favorite pods, creating traditional espresso crowned with rich crema. Because it heats up fast, you spend less time lingering by the machine waiting for your morning drink.

Beverage flexibility is a core strength of this unit. In addition to brewing standard-size espresso or lungo pours, it offers customizable volume controls to suit specific preferences. You can adjust your espresso serving between 20 and 70 ml, while lungo settings range from 70 to 120 ml. This level of volume precision lets you dial in the exact extraction strength you prefer for straight shots or milk drinks.

Daily operation is straightforward thanks to a simple mechanical handle design. You lift the lever, place a pod into the chamber, and press the handle back down to start the brewing process. Spent pods drop into an internal collection container that holds up to 13 capsules, sparing you from emptying the bin after every pour. When the cycle wraps up, an integrated auto-shutoff mechanism turns the unit off after four minutes of inactivity.

Maintenance centers around a removable 22-ounce water tank that detaches smoothly for filling or washing at the sink. The 22-ounce capacity strikes a practical balance for small kitchens, though frequent drinkers will need to refill it every few servings depending on whether they brew 20 ml espresso shots or 120 ml lungos. The machine is built exclusively for original-style capsule shapes, so it will not accept larger proprietary coffee pods.

Verdict: The Hamilton Beach 40726 single serve coffee maker is an excellent pick for espresso lovers who want quick crema and adjustable cup sizing without a complicated interface. Those who prefer large travel mugs of drip coffee or giant water tanks will want to consider alternative formats, but capsule drinkers will appreciate its fast operation and compact convenience.

• Pump Pressure: 19 bar Italian pump
• Water Reservoir Capacity: 22 oz.
• Used Capsule Capacity: 13 capsules
• Espresso Volume Range: 20-70 ml
• Lungo Volume Range: 70-120 ml
• Auto Shutoff: 4 minutes
• Color: Black

A great fit if you:

• Drink original-format single serve espresso capsules and want broad brand compatibility for varied daily roasts.
• Enjoy tuning extraction volume, thanks to adjustable espresso ranges from 20 to 70 ml and lungos from 70 to 120 ml.
• Value fast morning routines with a rapid heat-up cycle and an internal bin that holds 13 used capsules.
• Want an easy-to-manage water reservoir that detaches directly from the unit for quick sink refills.

Consider something else if you:

• Brew high-volume coffee for multiple household members and need a machine with a much larger water reservoir.
• Prefer ground espresso beans and manual portafilter tamping rather than pre-portioned single serve pods.
• Want large travel mug drip coffee rather than concentrated espresso and lungo extractions.

Confirm on the listing:

• Check your preferred capsule inventory to confirm compatibility with Nespresso original-style shapes rather than rounded dome pods.
• Measure your counter space and upper cabinet clearance to ensure comfortable room for lifting the top handle.
• Confirm the contents of the retail package to see if sample capsules or cleaning accessories are supplied.
• Check the clearance beneath the coffee outlet to confirm it fits your favorite espresso cups and glassware.

How to compare your options: Capsule coffee machines primarily differ by pump pressure rating, reservoir capacity, and cup flexibility. This model provides an Italian 19-bar pump alongside adjustable shot volumes up to 120 ml, which gives you more control over drink strength than fixed-button alternatives. Weigh whether its 22-ounce reservoir meets your daily drink volume or if your counter demands a larger water supply.

Start by reading the included user instructions before running your first brew cycle, especially regarding any initial water flush recommendations. Familiarize yourself with the handle mechanism, ensuring you lift it fully before inserting a capsule and lower it firmly into position to seat the pod properly.

Take advantage of the programmable pour settings to match your personal palate. Experiment with smaller 20 to 40 ml espresso extractions for richer, denser crema, or stretch the volume out toward 70 ml when preparing lighter beverages. For longer drinks, adjust the lungo range between 70 and 120 ml.

Keep the water tank clean by lifting it off the base and rinsing it regularly at the sink. Monitor the spent capsule container periodically so it does not exceed its 13-pod capacity, and wipe down the exterior finish with a damp cloth according to the manufacturer guidelines to keep the black casing looking neat.

What kind of pods does this machine take?
It works with Nespresso original capsules and compatible alternative brands. It is designed around the classic original capsule shape rather than larger proprietary pod formats.

Can I adjust the amount of coffee it brews?
Yes, the cup volume is fully customizable. You can adjust the espresso setting between 20 and 70 ml, and dial in the lungo pour from 70 to 120 ml.

How many used pods can it hold before needing to be emptied?
The internal waste compartment holds up to 13 spent capsules before you need to pull it out and dump it.

Does the machine shut off on its own?
Yes, it features an automatic power shutoff that turns the unit off after four minutes of inactivity.

How large is the water reservoir?
The removable water tank holds up to 22 ounces, allowing you to brew multiple cups between trips to the sink.