I dont know if you're still checking the answers here, but, here goes. The number of drinks it can make doesn't mean it will do 14 cups of coffee in one go, it means that it can make 14 different types (14 different pods). You make the drink to suit yourself. We recently used one on our hols using cappuccino pods, so that meant one pod for the coffee part then another for the frothy milk part. we could have used only the coffee part so essentially that is 2 types to start with. There are several types of coffee for this machine 'Krups Dolce Gusto', and it's all down to taste. I imagine that if you were to want to make espresso, then maybe one pod will make 4 cups as they would be small amounts yet strong flavour. Best thing is buy the machine and experiment to find your fave tastes. I'm currently bidding for one on ebay cos I was so impressed with the machie, so easy to use and clean and, well yes the pods are a bit pricey but best deal so far is Asda where my fave 'cappucinno' is £3.11 for 16 pods (8 drinks) of excellent coffee! only about 40p a drink, and in my opinion as good as Starbucks or Costas! Go for it... Dagman