Best Coffee Machine Pods
Pod coffee machines can make it easier for getting your morning caffeine fix. They are faster than traditional machines due to the fact that they use pre-packaged pods that serve espresso or ground coffee.
If you are looking for the best pod coffee machine, choose one that has the best options for adjusting the size of your drink and temperatures. Also, check if the machine is able to accommodate reusable pods.
1. Nespresso Vertuo
Nespresso is a leader in pod-brewing and is a favorite of coffee lovers. The capsules and machines made by the company are highly assessed in terms of their quality and sustainability. The capsules are made from 80 percent recyclable materials and are fully compostable. They also have less plastic than traditional coffee bags and have an economized carbon footprint. In addition, Nespresso partners with green-certified organisations to promote responsible farming practices and fair labour practices.
The Nespresso Vertuo line includes several machines that make delicious and rich cups of espresso or coffee with a perfect crema. The VertuoPlus X and VertuoPlus Deluxe models feature advanced features, such as automatic heating of milk and adjustable drinks settings. These machines are easy to operate and have modern, sleek design that will look great in your kitchen.
Both the X and the Deluxe models have a large water reservoir as well as a slim machine body. They are equipped with a revolutionary new extraction technique called Centrifusion which uses up to 7,000 revolutions per minute to make coffee or espresso. This creates a smooth, consistent crema that is saturated to a great extent even in smaller cups.
Nespresso's capsules are a bit more expensive than the third-party compatible pods available in grocery stores and online retailers, but they have an excellent selection of flavors and intensities to select from. The company also releases limited-edition products. The machines of the company are extremely user-friendly, and the Vertuoline requires fewer steps than the initial Nespresso line which only produces espresso.
Vertuoline offers two sizes of capsules including the smaller espresso size and the gran lungo size - for those who prefer shorter drinks. The larger alto and mug capsules are great for hearty and mug-sized drinks that require a more intensely roasted cup of coffee. Unlike some of the other pod machines we tested this one, the Nespresso Vertuoline also makes a good cup of drip coffee.
2. Illy X7.1
This pod coffee machine is a top-quality machine constructed from durable and attractive materials. It's a bit more expensive than the other models we tried, but it provides an excellent, reliable performance. It also has an attractive design that can fit in with any kitchen.
The X7.1 uses a patented system that scans the barcodes on every capsule to determine their identity. It then pre-wets and infuses with the proper amount of distilled water. coffeee.uk is an excellent plus point for those who prefer a simple automated, hands-free. However, it may frustrate those who love to alter settings and choose their personal brew strength or size. The machine can dispense espresso double espresso, gran lungo alto and mug drinks with a smooth layer of crema.
The X7.1 isn't just a standout in terms of its brewing capabilities, but also for other features. It is one of only a few coffee machines that we tested that have an adjustable height tray that can be used to adjust the size and shape the coffee mug. It comes with a stainless steel milk jug to make cappuccinos or lattes. The X7.1 features a sleep mode as well as a detachable holder for pods that makes cleaning easy.
It's compatible with the majority of Keurig K-Cups and Nespresso capsules and Bruvi's own B-Pods. These pods are different from K-Cups and other popular pods since they are made up of ground coffee instead of a tea bag, and they have more caffeine than regular coffee. The Bruvi also has app compatibility and can be set to brew remotely and on schedule. It also has a steam wand which can be used to make cappuccinos and lattes fluffy.
3. Grind One
The Grind One, designed in Stockholm It could be the right choice for you if you don't like the plasticy Nespresso capsules or prefer something that's not so heavy. Two members of Real Homes' team have tried it in their kitchens, and they both love it. It's a sleek stainless steel geometric machine, which looks stunning and is easy to use. It's as simple as putting a coffee pod into the inlet, choose either the short express or lungo and press a button. The flashing light indicates whether the coffee is in the process of brewing or ready. There's no steam wand, 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 reusable, recyclable and compostable pods. So not only are you decreasing the amount of coffee you waste (which can take hundreds of years to degrade) but the pods themselves have zero plastic and are organic. They cost around 50p each and you can throw them in your garden compost or food waste bin after they're empty.
The Grind One is PS275, and you can buy the milk frother for an additional PS325. It is more expensive than most Nespresso pod machines, but it's a sleek, well-designed, and versatile machine. It's also the smallest the bunch, which means it doesn't require any counter space, and it comes with a raised drip tray that latches onto a series of notches next to the waste bin to allow height adjustment.
4. Grind 2
For those who love a simple and quick cup of coffee, this pod machine eliminates the hassle making espresso. It can brew a short or long shot, and has three different settings for temperature and extraction. Its ability to create a wonderful espresso impressed our coffee enthusiast. Its crema (which should be a warm chestnut color and last until the final sip) and temperature were spot on. Its elegant design, as well as its tough and attractive materials, made it stand out among the other brands.
Our coffee expert also tried the Grind One to see if it was user-friendly. The robust switch is pleasant to use, and offers the option of programming your favorite short or long shot. It also features a clear display. You can even choose whether to automatically dispense hot water with the espresso, which helps the grounds settle and improves the flavor of your beverage. This pod coffee maker comes with a useful milk frother, making it a great all-rounder.
Another benefit of these machines is that they eliminate the messiness out of espresso making, namely grinding dosing, tamping and grinding the beans that have been ground. This decreases the amount of items that have to be cleaned and recycled which makes them a better option for those who don't have much kitchen space. If you do want to broaden your options having a separate milk froth allows you to make lattes and cappuccinos as well. You can also choose an manual press like the Aeropress that has a smaller carbon footprint and a more rich flavor than a machine. However, it will require more effort on your part and therefore we don't recommend it for everyone.
5. Lavazza Idola
This model isn't as expensive as the Lavazza Voicy pod machine, but it's ideal for those who love espresso coffee, ristretto, or caffe longo. It's also one of the quietest machines, so you can enjoy your morning cup while your children are still asleep.
You can programme the size of your cup to match your mood and there's an option for the temperature to increase to push 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 topped up.
The machine does not do any frost, but you can make cappuccinos and flat whites using an additional milk container. There are a lot of positive reviews from buyers on Amazon and at John Lewis. They are pleased with the quiet operation as well as the various options offered by the machine, such as different lengths of brews as well as the capacity to hold capsules that have been used.
While there aren't a huge number of customer reviews, the general consensus is that this is an excellent value pod coffee machine for those who want an easy set-up. It's more expensive than Nespresso Vertuo Pop but comes with the top Lavazza pods. It is also among the quietest machines on the market. If you're looking to make a variety of coffees, we suggest that you check out one of our top alternatives. For more information, read our full Lavazza Idola review.