Best Coffee Machine Pods
Pod coffee machines make it easy to get your caffeine fix in the morning. They are faster than traditional machines because they utilize pre-packaged pods to serve espresso or ground coffee.
If you are looking for the best pod coffee machine, choose one that has the best options to adjust the size of the drink and temperatures. Find out if the machine is compatible with reused pods.
1. Nespresso Vertuo
Nespresso is the market leader in pod brewing and a popular choice for espresso enthusiasts. Nespresso's capsules and machines are highly rated for both quality and sustainability. The capsules are made of 80 percent recyclable materials and are fully compostable. They contain less plastic and have a lower carbon footprint than traditional coffee bags. Additionally, Nespresso partners with green-certified organisations to promote responsible farming practices and fair labor practices.
The Nespresso Vertuo range includes several machines which produce a rich and delicious cup of espresso or coffee with a good crema. VertuoPlus Deluxe and VertuoPlus models come with advanced features, such as automatic milk heating as well as customizable drink settings. They are simple to use and have a sleek design that looks stunning on your kitchen counter.
Both the X model as well as the Deluxe model come with a huge reservoir as well as a slim body. They feature an innovative new extraction technology called Centrifusion which uses up to 7,000 revolutions per minute to brew the espresso or coffee. best ground coffee machines helps to create an even and smooth crema with a high level of saturation even in smaller cups.
Nespresso's capsules are more expensive than third-party compatible pods that are sold in grocery stores and online retailers, but they have a nice range of flavors and intensities to choose from. The company regularly offers limited-edition items as well. The machines are easy to use, and the Vertuoline is less complicated than the original Nespresso, 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 and alto capsules can be used to make mug-sized drinks that require an even more intensively roasted coffee. Contrary to other pod machines that we have tested this one, the Nespresso Vertuoline also makes a excellent drip coffee.
2. Illy X7.1
This pod coffee maker is a top-quality machine constructed of durable and attractive materials. It's slightly more expensive than other models we've tested, however it offers reliable, high-quality performance and is a stylish design.
The X7.1 uses a patented system that scans the barcodes on every capsule to identify them. It then pre-wettes, infuses and dispenses the correct amount of water in a controlled manner. This is a major benefit for those who like a simple automation. It can be frustrating for those who prefer to adjust settings and select their own brew size and strength. The machine can serve espresso drinks double espresso drinks mugs, granlongo, and alto drinks, all topped with the smooth crema.
In addition to its brewing technology, the X7.1 has a number of other characteristics that make it stand out. For instance, it is one of the only coffee machines we've evaluated that comes with an adjustable drip tray that can be adjusted to height to adjust the size and shape of the coffee mug. It also comes with a stainless-steel milk jug that can be used to make lattes and cappuccinos. The X7.1 comes with a low-energy sleeping mode and a removable holder for pods that makes cleaning simpler.
Compatible with All Keurig K-Cups, Nespresso capsules and Bruvi B-Pods. These pods are different from K-Cups and other popular pods as they contain ground coffee instead of a tea bag and they contain more caffeine than regular coffee. The Bruvi also has app compatibility and can be set to brew remotely and on time. It comes with steam wand that can be used to make cappuccinos and lattes frosty.
3. Grind One
The Grind One, designed in Stockholm could be the perfect choice for you if you don't like Nespresso capsules that are plastic or prefer something less so bulky. 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 extremely easy to use. Simply place a pod into the inlet, choose either the short express or lungo and press a button. The flashing light will tell you whether it's brewing or completed, and the coffee begins to pour out. There's no steam wand, nor milk carafe. However, you can add toppings to your coffee with hot or cold milk however you wish.
The best part about this machine is that it's designed to work with Grind's recyclable, plastic-free, and home compostable coffee pods. Not only will you reduce your coffee waste, which can take hundreds of year to degrade however, the pods are also organic and have no plastic. They cost about 50p each, and you can dump them into your food waste bin or garden compost after they're empty.
The Grind One is PS275, and you can buy an additional milk frother to it for an additional PS325. It is more expensive than other Nespresso pod machines, but it is stylish, well-designed and versatile machine. It is also the smallest that means it doesn't need any counter space. It comes with a raised tray that locks onto a series of notches and the waste bin that can be adjusted to the height.
4. Grind 2
This pod machine is ideal for those who love having a quick cup of coffee. It can be used to brew an espresso shot in a short time or a longer shot, with three different extraction settings and temperature. Its ability to make a great espresso impressed our coffee lovers. Its crema (which should be a warm chestnut colour and last until the final sip) and temperature were right on. Its elegant design, as well as its tough and attractive materials, made it stand out from the other brands.
Our coffee enthusiast also tested the Grind One to see if it was easy to use. The heavy-duty switch is satisfying to use, and has the option of programming your preferred long or short shot. It also features an easy-to-read LCD. You can also choose to automatically dispensing hot water alongside your coffee to help the ground settle and enhances the flavor of your beverage. This pod coffee maker comes with a helpful milk frother making it a fantastic all-rounder.
They also eliminate the messy elements of espresso-making including grinding, dosing, and tamping of the ground beans. This reduces the number of items to be cleaned and disposed of and makes them a more suitable option for those with limited kitchen space. If you're looking to increase your options, a separate milk frother will allow you to make cappuccinos and lattes as well. Alternatively, you could opt for a manual coffee maker such as the Aeropress that combines an environment-friendly design with more flavor than machines can provide. However, it does require more effort from you, so we wouldn't recommend it to all.
5. Lavazza Idola
This model isn't as expensive as the Lavazza Voicy pod machine but it's ideal for those who like espresso, ristretto, or caffe longo. It's also one of the quietest machines available, meaning you can grab your morning cuppa while your children are asleep.
You can program a cup size that is suitable for your taste and decide to increase the temperature to make your brew go through faster by pressing a button. It's simple to stay up with maintenance, too with alerts to let you know when the capsule bin needs emptying or when the water tank is empty.
The machine does not frost milk, but it can be used to make cappuccinos and flat whites using a separate container. Many customers have left glowing reviews on Amazon and John Lewis. They are pleased with the quiet operation as well as the various options offered by the machine, which includes different lengths of brews as well as the capacity to hold used capsules.
While there aren't a huge amount of customer reviews however, the general consensus is that this is an excellent value pod coffee maker for those who like an easy set-up. It's more expensive than the Nespresso Vertuo Pop but comes with the highest quality Lavazza pods. It's also one of the quietest machines available. It's not ideal if want to make more than two types of coffee, however, so we'd recommend one of our top choices if that's what you're looking for. For more information, read our full Lavazza Idola review.