Best Coffee Machine Pods
Pod coffee machines can take the pain out of getting your morning caffeine fix. Unlike a traditional machine, they dispense pre-packed pods of ground coffee or espresso to make the process faster.
If you are looking for the best pod coffee machine, pick one that offers the most options to adjust the size of the drink and temperatures. Make sure the machine is compatible with reused pods.
1. Nespresso Vertuo
Nespresso is a market leader in pod-brewing, and a favourite of coffee lovers. The company's machines and capsules are highly rated for quality and sustainability. The capsules are constructed of 80 percent recyclable material and are compostable. They also contain less plastic than traditional coffee bags, and have a a lower carbon footprint. In addition, Nespresso partners with green-certified organisations to promote responsible farming and fair labor practices.
The Nespresso Vertuo line includes several machines that produce an incredibly delicious and rich cup of coffee or espresso with a perfect crema. The VertuoPlus X and VertuoPlus Deluxe models come with advanced features, such as automatic heating of milk as well as customizable beverage settings. They are easy to use and have modern and sleek designs that looks great in your kitchen.
Both the X model as well as the Deluxe model come with a huge reservoir and a slim machine body. Centrifusion, a new innovative extraction technology, uses up to 7,500 revolutions per minute for brewing the espresso or coffee. This technique helps create a smooth and consistent crema with a high degree of saturation even in smaller cups.
Nespresso capsules are more expensive than compatible pods from third parties sold in grocery stores and online retailers. However, they provide a wide range of flavors and intensities. They also offer limited-edition products. The machines are very easy to use and the Vertuoline has fewer steps than the initial Nespresso line that produces only espresso.
Vertuoline offers two sizes of capsules that are smaller espresso sizes and the gran lungo size for those who prefer drinks with a shorter length. The larger mug capsules and alto capsules are suitable for drinks that require an even more intensely roasted cup of coffee. In contrast to some of the other pod machines we tested this one, the Nespresso Vertuoline also makes a excellent drip coffee.
2. Illy X7.1
This pod coffee machine is a top-quality machine made from tough and attractive materials. It's a bit more expensive than the other models we have tested, but it delivers high-quality, reliable performance and an attractive design that can be a perfect fit for any kitchen.
The X7.1 uses a new patented system which reads the bespoke barcode on each capsule to identify it. It then pre-wets and infuses with the proper amount of distilled water. This is a great plus point for those who desire a hassle-free automated, hands-free. It may frustrate users who prefer to adjust settings and select their own brew's size or strength. The machine can serve espresso double espresso, gran lungo mug and alto drinks with a fine layer of crema.
In addition to its brewing technology, the X7.1 has a number of other features that make it stand out. It is one of only one of the coffee machines we tested that have a height-adjustable tray for adjusting the size and shape the coffee cup. It also includes a stainless steel milk jug to make cappuccinos and lattes. The X7.1 features a sleep mode as well as a detachable holder for pods, making cleaning simpler.
Compatible with all Keurig K-Cups, Nespresso capsules, and Bruvi B-Pods. These pods differ from K-Cups or other popular pods due to the fact that they contain ground coffee instead of a teabag and contain more caffeine than regular espresso. The Bruvi is also compatible and can be programmed to brew remotely or according to a set schedule. It comes with a steam wand which can be used to make lattes and cappuccinos fluffy.
3. Grind One
The Grind One, designed in Stockholm, may be the right choice for you if you don't like the plasticy Nespresso capsules or prefer something that's not as bulky. Two members of the Real Homes team have been trying it out in their kitchens, and both really love it. It's a sleek stainless-steel geometric machine that looks stylish and is very simple to use. Simply place a pod, choose whether you'd prefer a lungo, or a short express, and press the button. The flashing light will tell you when it's completed, and the coffee starts to come out. There's no steam wand nor milk carafe. However, you can top your coffee with hot or cold milk as you like.
The best part about this machine is that it's designed to work with Grind's own recyclable, plastic-free, and home compostable coffee pods. This means that you're not only reducing your coffee waste (which can take hundreds of years to break down) but the pods themselves are made of no plastic and are also 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 an additional milk frother for an additional PS325. It's more expensive than a lot of Nespresso-branded pods, but it's a stylish and well-designed versatile machine. It's also the smallest of the bunch, so it doesn't require enough countertop space, and it also has a raised drip tray that connects to the sides of the waste bin to allow height adjustment.
4. Grind 2
This pod maker is ideal for those who like an espresso-like coffee in a snap. It can brew either an espresso shot in a short time or a longer shot, with three different extraction settings and temperature. Our coffee aficionado was impressed by its ability to make an excellent espresso. Its crema (which should be a cozy chestnut colour and last until the final sip) and temperature were right on. Its sleek design and sturdy attractive materials also made it stand out from other brands.
Our coffee lover also tried the Grind One to see if it was user-friendly. The heavy-duty switch is enjoyable to use, and has the option of programming your favorite long or short shot. It also has an easy-to-read display. best affordable coffee machine can also choose to automatically dispense a shot of hot water when you drink your espresso, which will help the grounds settle and enhances the flavor of your beverage. This pod coffee maker also comes with a useful milk frother which makes it an excellent all-rounder.
These machines also remove the sloppy parts of espresso making like grinding dosing, tamping, and dosing of the beans. This means that there are fewer items that need to be cleaned up and recycled which makes them a better option for those who don't have much kitchen space. If you want to expand your options, you can utilize a separate milk frother to make cappuccinos and lattes. You can also opt for an manual press like the Aeropress that has a smaller carbon footprint and a richer flavor than a machine. It does require more effort, so it's not suitable for everyone.
5. Lavazza Idola
In contrast to the more expensive Lavazza Voicy pod coffee maker, this model doesn't include a milk frother, but is great for those who love espresso, ristretto, or caffe lungo. It's also among the quietest machines available, meaning you can grab your morning coffee while your children are asleep.
You can programme a cup size to suit your preferences and there's also an option for an increase in temperature to push your beverage to the press of one button. It's simple to stay up with maintenance, too with alerts to notify you when the capsule bin needs emptying or when the water tank is low.
The machine doesn't do any frothing, however you can make cappuccinos as well as flat whites using a separate milk container. Many customers have left glowing reviews on Amazon and John Lewis. They praise the quiet operation and the various options offered by the machine, including different lengths of brews as well as a good capacity for capsules that are used.
While there's not a huge number of customer reviews there is a general consensus that this is a great value pod coffee machine for those who like an easy setup. It's a bit more expensive than the Nespresso Vertuo Pop, but it comes with delicious tasting Lavazza pods and is one of the quietest machines on the market. It's not ideal if you want to make more than two types of coffee however we'd suggest one of our top choices in case that's what you're searching for. For more information, read our full Lavazza Idola review.