There are several third party manufacturers that market pods that fit the Original Line Lattisima Pro Cappuccino machine. I like sticking with the Nespresso pods because they are encased in aluminum instead of plastic and are air tight sealed better for long storage. The difference in cost is negligible. When you spend $500 for a machine, the cheaper pods make no sense to me. As for the 50 pod holder, it is not obtrusive, sits under the Cappuccino machine, protects the pods and makes their selection a 2 second choice.