PHILIPS L’OR BARISTA Sublime is a compact capsule coffee maker with one unusually useful advantage: it accepts both standard Nespresso Original-format capsules and the larger L’OR BARISTA XXL capsules. An XXL capsule can produce one double drink or serve two small cups at the same time.
This is not a bean-to-cup machine. There is no grinder, bean hopper or integrated milk system. Instead, Sublime focuses on quick preparation, uncomplicated controls and more serving flexibility than a basic single-capsule brewer.
Important: “Nespresso compatible” means Nespresso Original capsules. Nespresso Vertuo, Dolce Gusto, Tassimo and Cafissimo capsules will not work in this machine.
Key specifications
Some details may vary between LM9012/xx versions and markets, so check the specification sheet for the exact unit you plan to buy.
Machine type | capsule coffee maker |
Capsule formats | L’OR Espresso, L’OR BARISTA XXL, Nespresso Original and most Original-compatible capsules |
Pump pressure | up to 19 bar |
Water tank | removable, 0.8 litres |
Preset drinks | ristretto 25 ml, espresso 40 ml, lungo 110 ml |
With an XXL capsule | double serving or two cups; the selected preset volume is doubled |
Programmable volume | yes |
Cup capacity | one with a standard capsule; one large or two small cups with XXL |
Cup tray | adjustable/removable |
Capsule recognition | detects standard and XXL sizes |
Milk system | none |
The 19-bar figure describes the pump’s maximum rating, not a constant pressure inside the capsule. It is not a guarantee of flavour by itself, although the brewing system can produce a concentrated espresso with a visible crema when capsule and volume are well matched.
What makes the Sublime different?
The control panel offers three selections: ristretto, espresso and lungo. Insert a standard capsule and the machine dispenses one serving. Insert an XXL capsule and it recognises the larger format, then doubles the programmed amount. The espresso button, for example, produces approximately 80 ml with an XXL capsule.
The dual outlet lets you place one cup centrally for a larger drink or position two matching cups beneath the two spouts. The split will not always be mathematically identical. A level counter, clean outlet and two cups of the same shape help make the distribution more even.
Which capsules are compatible?
L’OR Espresso capsules
These are the brand’s standard aluminium capsules, sold in a range of intensities and flavour profiles. Each capsule is intended for one regular serving.
L’OR BARISTA XXL capsules
The longer XXL capsule holds roughly twice as much coffee and is designed specifically for L’OR BARISTA machines. Use it for a double espresso, a longer drink or two cups at once. XXL capsules do not fit conventional Nespresso Original machines.
Nespresso Original and third-party capsules
The Sublime accepts genuine Nespresso Original capsules and most aluminium or plastic capsules made to that format. Third-party manufacturing tolerances vary. A rigid or poorly formed capsule may make the lever harder to close, pierce incorrectly or leak.
If the lever meets unusually strong resistance, do not force it. Remove the capsule and verify that it is undamaged and explicitly compatible with the Nespresso Original system.
Capsules that do not fit
- Nespresso Vertuo;
- Nescafé Dolce Gusto;
- Tassimo T Discs;
- Tchibo Cafissimo/Caffitaly;
- Senseo pads;
- loose ground coffee or whole beans.
Only use a refillable capsule when its manufacturer specifically lists L’OR BARISTA Sublime compatibility. A poorly fitting reusable pod can jam, leak or fail to pierce correctly.
How to use L’OR BARISTA Sublime
Before the first coffee
- Remove and rinse the water tank, then fill it with fresh cold water.
- Refit it securely.
- Switch on the machine and wait until the buttons stop flashing.
- Place a container under the spout and rinse the machine without a capsule, following the first-use cycle in the manual for your exact version.
Brewing a drink
- Fill the tank and switch the machine on.
- Lift the lever.
- Insert one standard or XXL capsule in the correct position.
- Lower the lever completely.
- Place one cup centrally or two cups beneath the separate outlets.
- Press ristretto, espresso or lungo.
- When dispensing stops, lift the lever so the used capsule drops into the container.
Do not leave a spent capsule in the brewing chamber for long periods. Ejecting it after use limits dried coffee residue, stale odours and a sticky mechanism.
Programming the serving size
Drink buttons can be reprogrammed. The usual process is to hold the selected button until it flashes, release it, and press it again when the cup reaches the desired volume. The precise procedure and permitted range can vary by version, so consult the LM9012/xx manual before changing the presets.
More water does not automatically make better coffee. Pushing an excessive volume through a small capsule creates a thin drink and may extract dry, bitter flavours. For a large cup, choose an XXL capsule or brew an espresso and add hot water separately.
Cleaning and maintenance
After use
- eject the spent capsule;
- run a brief capsule-free rinse when needed;
- empty the drip tray before it overfills;
- wipe the exterior with a soft damp cloth.
Regular cleaning
Empty and rinse the used-capsule bin and drip tray regularly. Clean the removable coffee outlet to remove oils that can restrict flow or create an uneven split between two cups. Rinse the water tank with clean water and replace standing water with fresh water each day.
Never immerse the body of the machine. Avoid abrasive pads, solvents and aggressive cleaners. Check the manual before placing any removable component in a dishwasher, as supplied parts can vary by model package.
Descaling
Scale can reduce water flow, lower the delivered temperature and make the pump noisier. On Original and Sublime models, the ristretto and lungo buttons flashing together after a drink indicate that descaling is due.
Use a descaler intended for coffee machines and follow the manufacturer’s programmed cycle. Vinegar is a poor substitute: its smell can linger and an unsuitable acid concentration may affect internal materials. Complete the full fresh-water rinse after descaling.
The required interval depends on water hardness and usage. Hard water can make frequent maintenance necessary even when you prepare only one or two cups a day.
Common problems
The lever is difficult to close
Plastic compatible capsules can feel slightly different from aluminium ones. If the lever barely moves, check the capsule’s format, position and condition. Never force the mechanism.
Coffee flows slowly or the serving is too short
Likely causes include scale, a dirty outlet, insufficient water or an incorrectly seated tank. Clean the removable parts and refit a full tank first. Descale the machine if the problem continues.
The pump is noisy but no water comes through
Check the water level and tank position. An airlock can develop after the hydraulic circuit runs completely dry. Refill and firmly reinstall the tank, then perform the capsule-free rinse described in the manual.
Coffee is not hot enough
A cold, heavy cup absorbs heat quickly. Preheat it with hot water, allow the machine to finish warming up and descale if flow has slowed. There is no manual temperature setting, so this machine may not suit someone who prefers exceptionally hot coffee.
Two cups receive different amounts
Place the machine on a level surface, clean the dual outlet and use two matching cups. A small difference is normal and does not necessarily indicate a fault.
Water collects in the drip tray
A small amount after rinsing or pressure release is normal. Rapid filling, a persistent leak underneath the body or water around the tank needs investigation. If cleaning and reseating the components do not help, stop using the appliance until it is checked.
A capsule is stuck
Switch off the machine and let it cool. Do not put fingers or metal tools into the brewing chamber; it contains sharp piercing parts. Seek service assistance if gentle lever movement does not release the capsule.
Pros and cons
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Who is it for?
The PHILIPS L’OR BARISTA Sublime is a good fit for:
- one person or a couple who drinks espresso, lungo and larger black coffees;
- users who want to switch between a normal capsule and a double XXL serving;
- a compact kitchen, small office or rented home;
- anyone who values speed and minimal setup;
- owners of Nespresso Original capsules who want an additional large-capsule option.
It can still work for cappuccino or latte drinkers when paired with a separate milk frother. Choose a bean-to-cup machine instead if freshly ground beans, grinder control, temperature adjustment or one-touch milk drinks are priorities.
Verdict
L’OR BARISTA Sublime occupies a useful space between a basic capsule brewer and a larger-cup system. It retains the convenience and broad choice of Nespresso Original while adding XXL capsules, a dual outlet and two-cup brewing. That combination is particularly practical for a couple or anyone who alternates between a short espresso and a longer coffee.
Its limitations are straightforward: no milk system, a modest water tank and regional dependence on XXL capsule availability. If those points are acceptable, the Sublime offers an unusually flexible capsule format in a compact body.
Sources used to verify product details
- Official L’OR BARISTA Sublime product and drink information: https://www.lorespresso.com/en_gb/cp/information-sublime-coffee-machines
- Official capsule compatibility guide: https://www.lorespresso.com/en_gb/cp/our-story/compatibility
- Official first-use guide: https://www.lorespresso.com/en_gb/cp/machine-support/first-use-how-to-use-lor
- Official cleaning and descaling support: https://www.lorespresso.com/en_gb/cp/machine-support/cleaning-lor
- Philips 0.8-litre replacement water tank specification: https://www.philips.com/c-p/CP1490_01/lor-barista-sublime-water-container
