Best Coffee Machine Pods
Pod coffee machines take the pain out of getting your morning coffee fix. In contrast to traditional machines they offer pre-packed pods of espresso or ground coffee to speed up the process.
If you are looking for the best pod coffee machine, select one that provides the most options for adjusting drink sizes and temperatures. Also, check if the machine is able to accommodate reused pods.
1. Nespresso Vertuo
Nespresso is the top brand in pod brewing and is a favorite among espresso lovers. Nespresso's capsules and machines are highly rated in both quality and sustainability. Its capsules are made from 80 percent recyclable materials and are fully compostable. They contain less plastic and have a smaller carbon footprint than traditional coffee bags. Nespresso also collaborates with organizations that are green-certified to ensure fair working conditions and sustainable farming.
The Nespresso Vertuo range includes several machines that make a rich tasty cup of coffee or espresso with a good crema. VertuoPlus Deluxe and VertuoPlus models have advanced features, including automatic milk heating and customizable drinks settings. These machines are simple to operate and have modern, sleek design that will look stunning in your kitchen.
Both the X model as well as the Deluxe model have a large reservoir, as well as a slim body. Centrifusion, a new innovative extraction technology, uses up to 7,500 revolutions per minute for brewing the coffee or espresso. This process helps to create an even and smooth crema that has a high level of saturation, even in smaller cups.
Nespresso's capsules may be a little more expensive than third-party pods that are available in grocery stores and online retailers, but they offer many different flavors and intensity levels to select from. The company regularly releases limited-edition options as well. The machines of the company are extremely user-friendly and the Vertuoline has fewer steps than the initial Nespresso line which only produces espresso.
Vertuoline offers two sizes of capsules - the smaller espresso and the gran lungo size - for those who prefer shorter drinks. The larger mug capsules as well as alto capsules can be used for mug-sized drinks requiring a more intensely roasted cup of coffee. In contrast to some of the other pod machines that we have tested and tested, the Nespresso Vertuoline also makes a excellent drip coffee.
2. Illy X7.1
This pod coffee machine is a high-spec machine that's constructed of durable and attractive materials. It's a bit more expensive than the other machines we tried, but it provides high-quality, reliable performance and an attractive design that will fit in with any kitchen.
The X7.1 utilizes a patent-pending system that reads the barcodes on every capsule to identify them. It is then pre-wets it and infuses the proper amount of distillate water. This is a great plus point for those who desire a hassle-free automated, hands-free. It can be frustrating for those who prefer to adjust settings and select their own brew's size or strength. The machine is able to serve espresso double espresso, gran lungo, alto and mug drinks with a smooth layer of crema.
In addition to its coffee brewing technology, the X7.1 has a number of other characteristics that make it stand out. It is among a few coffee machines that we tested that have a height-adjustable tray for adjusting the size and shape the coffee mug. It also comes with a stainless-steel milk jug to make cappuccinos and lattes. The X7.1 features a sleep mode and a detachable holder for pods to make cleaning easy.
It is compatible with most Keurig K-Cups and Nespresso capsules and Bruvi's own B-Pods. These pods differ from K-Cups and other popular pods because they are made up of ground coffee instead of a tea bag and they have more caffeine than regular coffee. The Bruvi also comes with app compatibility and can be set to brew on a remote basis and according to a schedule. It has a steam wand which can be used to make cappuccinos and lattes frosty.
3. Grind One
If you're not a huge fan of the plastic Nespresso pods or you're looking for something that isn't quite as bulky, then the Stockholm-designed Grind One may be the most suitable option for you. Two members of Real Homes' team have tested it in their kitchens, and they both love it. It's a sleek stainless-steel geometric machine that looks stylish and is user-friendly. Simply place a pod into the inlet, select either a short lungo or express and then press the button. The light that flashes will inform you when it's completed, and the coffee starts coming out. There's best coffee machine for cappuccino , nor milk carafe, but you can top your coffee with hot or cold milk however you'd like.
This machine is designed to work with Grind’s own compostable, recyclable, and recyclable pods. Not only will you cut down on your coffee waste which could take years to degrade and degrade, but the pods are also organic and contain no plastic. They cost around 50p each and you can dump them in your garden compost or food waste bin once they are empty.
The Grind One costs PS275 and you can get it with an option that includes milk frothers for an extra PS325. It is more expensive than many Nespresso pod machines, but it is an elegant, well-designed, and versatile machine. It's also the smallest, so it won't take any counter space. It comes with a raised tray that latches onto a series of notches, which can be used with the waste bin, which can be adjusted to the height.
4. Grind 2
For those who love simple and quick cups of coffee, this pod maker eliminates the hassle making espresso. It can brew a short or long shot, with three different settings for temperature and extraction. Our coffee lover was impressed by its ability to make an excellent espresso. Its crema (which should be a warm chestnut colour and last until the last sip) and temperature were spot on. Its sleek design and tough attractive materials also made it stand out from other brands.
Our coffee expert also tried the Grind One to see if it was simple to use. The robust switch has a satisfying feel, with the option to programme your preferred length or short shot, as well as a clear display. You can also choose to automatically dispense hot water with your coffee that helps the ground settle and enhances the taste of your drink. This pod coffee maker also comes with a useful milk frother making it a fantastic all-rounder.
They also eliminate the sloppy parts of espresso making like grinding, dosing, and tamping of the beans. This decreases the amount of items that have to be cleaned up and recycled, making them a better option for those with limited kitchen space. If you're looking to broaden your options having a separate milk froth can be used to make lattes and cappuccinos too. Alternatively, you could choose a manual coffee maker such as the Aeropress, which combines a low carbon footprint with a richer taste than you get from a machine. However, it requires more effort from you and we wouldn't recommend it for everyone.
5. Lavazza Idola
Unlike the more expensive Lavazza Voicy pod coffee maker, this model doesn't include a milk frother but is ideal for those who enjoy espresso, ristretto or lungo. It is also one of most quiet machines, meaning you can sip your morning cup while the kids are still sleeping.
You can program the size of your cup to match your mood and there's an option to add a temperature boost to nudge your brew to a higher temperature at the touch of a button. You can also keep up with the maintenance schedule by receiving notifications when the capsule bin is empty or when the water tank needs to be filled up.
The machine is not able to frost milk however it can be used to make cappuccinos or flat whites with the use of a separate container. A lot of buyers have left favorable reviews on Amazon and John Lewis. They laud the quiet operation and the flexibility of the machine, such as different lengths of brews, as well as an adequate capacity for used capsules.
There aren't many customer reviews but the consensus is that it's a great pod coffee maker if you want a simple set-up. It's a bit more expensive than the Nespresso Vertuo Pop, but it comes with delicious tasting Lavazza pods and is among the quietest machines available. It's not ideal if want to make more than two types of coffee though we'd suggest one of our top-rated options if that's what you're looking for. For more information, read our full Lavazza Idola review.