Best Coffee Machine Pods
Pod coffee machines make it easy to get your caffeine fix in the morning. Unlike a traditional machine they can dispense pre-packed pods of ground coffee or espresso to speed up the process.
To find the top pod coffee machine, pick one that provides the most options for adjusting the size of your drink and temperatures. Make sure the machine is compatible with reusable pods.
1. Nespresso Vertuo
Nespresso is the market leader in pod brewing and a favorite among espresso fans. Nespresso's capsules and machines are highly rated for both quality and sustainability. The capsules are made of 80 percent recycled material and compostable. They also contain less plastic than traditional coffee bags, and have a a lower carbon footprint. In addition, Nespresso partners with green-certified organizations to promote responsible farming practices and fair working conditions.
The Nespresso Vertuo range includes several machines which produce a rich tasty cup of coffee or espresso with a perfect crema. VertuoPlus Deluxe and VertuoPlus models have advanced features, like automatic milk heating and adjustable drinks settings. These machines are simple to use and have modern, sleek design that will look great in your kitchen.
Both the X and the Deluxe models come with a huge reservoir of water and a slim machine body. They come with an innovative extraction technique called Centrifusion that utilizes up to 7,000 revolutions per minute to make espresso or coffee. This creates a consistent, smooth crema that is highly saturated even in smaller cups.
Nespresso capsules are more expensive than third-party compatible pods available in supermarkets and online retailers. However, they are able to offer many flavors and intensities. The company frequently offers limited-edition items as well. The machines of the company are very user-friendly and the Vertuoline has fewer steps than the initial Nespresso line that produces only 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 we tested and tested, the Nespresso Vertuoline also makes a good cup of drip coffee.
2. Illy X7.1
This pod coffee maker is elegant, high-quality machine built using durable and attractive materials. It's a little bit more expensive than other machines that we tested, but it provides excellent, reliable performance and features a beautiful design.
The X7.1 uses a patented system that reads the barcode on each capsule to identify them. It then pre-wettes, infuses and dispenses the right amount of water automatically. This is a huge feature for those who want hassle-free, hands-off automation. However, it could be a problem for those who like to tweak settings and select their own 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 is not only an outstanding model in terms of its brewing capabilities, but also for other features. It is one of only a handful of coffee makers we tested to have the ability to adjust the height of the tray in order to alter the size and shape of the coffee cup. It also comes with a stainless steel milk jug that can be used to make cappuccinos and lattes. The X7.1 features a sleep 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 differ from K-Cups and other popular pods because they are made 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 remotely and on schedule. It also comes with a handy steam wand that can be used to create frothy lattes and cappuccinos.
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 bulky. Two members of the Real Homes' team have used it in their kitchens, and they both adore it. It's a sleek stainless steel geometric machine, that looks stylish and is easy to use. You just pop a pod into the inlet, select either a short lungo or express, and then press the button. The light that flashes 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 off with hot or cold milk however you'd like.
This machine is designed to work with Grind's own compostable, recyclable and reusable pods. You'll not only reduce the amount of coffee you waste which can take hundreds of years to degrade, but the pods are also organic and contain no plastic. They cost around 50p each and you can dump them in your food waste bin or garden compost once they're empty.
The Grind One is PS275, and you can buy a bundle with a milk frother to it for an additional PS325. It's more expensive than other Nespresso pod machines, but it is an elegant, well-designed, and versatile machine. It's also the most compact that means it doesn't need much counter space. It comes with a raised tray that locks onto a series of notches, which can be used with the waste bin to adjust the height.
4. Grind 2
For those who enjoy a simple and quick cup of coffee, this pod maker takes the hassle out making espresso. It can make a short shot or a long shot with three different extraction settings and temperatures. Our coffee enthusiast was enthralled by its ability to make an excellent espresso. Its crema (which should be a warm chestnut color and last until the final sip) and temperature were perfect. Its sleek design and sturdy appealing materials also helped it stand out from the rest.
Our coffee enthusiast also tested the Grind One to see if it was simple to use. The robust switch is pleasant to use, and has the option of programming your preferred long or short shot. It also features a clear display. You can set it to automatically dispense hot water with your coffee to help the ground to settle and enhances the flavor of your beverage. The pod coffee maker includes a handy milk frother, making it a great all-rounder.
These machines also take out the sloppy parts of espresso making including grinding or dosing and tamping of the ground beans. This means that there are fewer items that need to be cleaned and disposed of which makes them a better choice for those without much kitchen space. If you're looking to broaden your options, you can use a separate milk frother in order to make lattes and cappuccinos. You can also choose a manual press such as the Aeropress which has a lower carbon footprint and a more rich flavor than a machine. However, it requires more effort from you and therefore we don't recommend it for all.
5. Lavazza Idola
Contrary to the more expensive Lavazza Voicy pod coffee maker, this model does not include a milk frother, but is great for those who enjoy espresso, ristretto or caffe lungo. It's also one of the most quiet machines, meaning you can drink your morning cup while the children are asleep.
You can program a cup size that suits your mood, and you can also decide to increase the temperature to help your beverage go through more quickly by pressing a button. You can also keep track with the maintenance schedule by receiving notifications when the capsule bin is empty or the water tank requires to be filled up.
The machine does not do any frost, but you can make cappuccinos as well as flat whites by using a separate milk container. There are many positive reviews from buyers on Amazon and at John Lewis. They are pleased with the quiet operation and flexibility of the machine, which includes different lengths of brews as well as a good capacity for capsules that have been used.
While there's not a huge number of reviews from customers there is a general consensus that this is a fantastic value pod coffee machine for those who want a simple setup. It's a little more pricey than the Nespresso Vertuo Pop, but it comes with delicious tasting Lavazza pods and is among the quietest machines around. best coffee machine with milk frother Coffeee 's not ideal if want to make more than two kinds of coffee however, so we'd recommend one of our top choices in case that's what you're searching for. For more information, read our full Lavazza Idola review.