Best Coffee Machine Pods
Pod coffee machines take the pain out of getting your morning coffee fix. Contrary to conventional machines they offer pre-packed pods of ground coffee or espresso to accelerate the process.
To find the top pod coffee machine, choose 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 favourite among coffee enthusiasts. The capsules and machines of Nespresso are highly rated in terms of quality and sustainability. The capsules are constructed of 80 percent recycled material and can be composted. They also contain less plastic than traditional coffee bags, and have a a lower carbon footprint. Nespresso also partners with organizations that are certified green to ensure fair working conditions and sustainable farming practices.
The Nespresso Vertuo range includes several machines that make a rich, delicious cup of coffee or espresso with a perfect crema. VertuoPlus Deluxe and VertuoPlus models feature advanced features, like automatic milk heating as well as customizable drink settings. They are simple to use and have a sleek design that will look great on your kitchen counter.
Both the X and Deluxe models have a large water reservoir and a slender machine body. They are equipped with a revolutionary new extraction technology known as Centrifusion that utilizes up to 7,000 revolutions per minute to brew the espresso or coffee. This method helps 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 the third-party pods that are available in supermarkets and a variety of online retailers, but they offer many different flavors and intensities to select from. The company frequently releases limited-edition options as well. The machines are simple to use, and the Vertuoline is less complicated than Nespresso's original Nespresso, which only produces espresso.
The Vertuoline also offers two different sizes of capsules - the smaller espresso and gran lungo size for those who prefer shorter drinks. The larger mug and alto capsules are ideal for rich and mug-sized drinks that require a more intensely 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 sleek, high-spec machine made with durable and appealing materials. It's slightly more expensive than other machines that we've tested, but it offers reliable, high-quality performance and has an attractive design.
The X7.1 utilizes a brand new patent-pending system that reads the custom barcode on each capsule to determine. It then pre-wets, infuses and dispenses the right amount of water automatically. This is a major benefit for those who prefer hassle-free automation. However, it may frustrate those who prefer to alter settings and choose their own brew strength or size. The machine can dispense espresso drinks double espresso drinks, mugs, gran longo and alto drinks, all with layers of creamy crema.
In addition to its coffee 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 optimise the dimensions and shape of the coffee mug. It also comes with a stainless-steel milk jug that can be used to make cappuccinos or lattes. The X7.1 is also equipped with an energy-saving sleep mode and pod holders that are detachable to make cleaning easier.
Compatible with Compatible with all Keurig K-Cups, Nespresso capsules Compatible with all Keurig K-Cups, Nespresso capsules, and Bruvi B-Pods. These pods differ from K-Cups or other popular pods in that they contain ground coffee, instead of a teabag, and have more caffeine than regular espresso. The Bruvi is also compatible and can be programmed to brew according to a timetable. It also comes with a handy steam wand that can be used to create foamy cappuccinos and lattes.
3. Grind One
The Grind One, designed in Stockholm It could be the right choice for you if you don't enjoy Nespresso capsules that are plastic or prefer something that's not as heavy. Two members of Real Homes' team have used it in their kitchens, and both are awestruck by it. It's a sleek stainless-steel machine that looks elegant and is easy to use. Simply place the pod, select whether you'd prefer a lungo, or a short express and press the button. The light flashes to indicate whether the coffee is brewing or is ready. There is no milk carafe or steam wand. However, you can add cold or hot milk to your coffee as you like.
The best part about this machine is that it's designed to work with Grind's recyclable, plastic-free, and home compostable coffee pods. This means that you're not only cutting down on your coffee waste (which can take hundreds of years to degrade) but the pods themselves have zero plastic and are also organic. They cost around 50p each and you can dump them into your food waste bin or garden compost once they're empty.
The Grind One costs PS275 and you can get it with the addition of a milk frother for an additional PS325. It's more expensive than the majority of Nespresso-branded pod machines but it's a very sleek well-designed, well-constructed, and versatile machine. It's also the smallest of the bunch, so it doesn't require too much countertop space, and it also has an elevated drip tray that is secured to the sides of the waste bin to allow height adjustment.
4. Grind 2
This pod machine is ideal for those who like an espresso-like coffee in a snap. It can make a short or long shot, and has three different settings for temperature and extraction. Its ability to make a fantastic espresso was awe-inspiring to our coffee lover. Its temperature and crema (which should have a chestnut hue that lasts for the last sip and is a cozy shade of brown) were excellent. Its sleek design, as well its strong and attractive materials, made it stand out from the crowd.
Our coffee enthusiast also tested the Grind One to see if it was easy to use. The robust switch is comfortable to use, with the option to program your preferred length or short shot, and a crisp display. You can choose to automatically pour hot water with your coffee, which helps the ground settle and enhances the flavor of your beverage. A milk frother is also included, making this pod coffee maker an ideal all-rounder.
These machines also take out the messy elements of espresso-making including grinding, dosing, and tamping of the beans. It also reduces the amount of things that need to be cleaned and recycled. This makes them an ideal option for those with a little kitchen space. If you're looking to broaden your options, a separate milk frother can be used to make cappuccinos and lattes too. Alternatively, similar web site could choose a manual coffee press, such as the Aeropress, which combines an environment-friendly design with an opulent taste that the machine. It does require more work, which means it's not for everyone.
5. Lavazza Idola
The model isn't as expensive as the Lavazza Voicy pod machine but it's ideal for those who enjoy espresso coffee, ristretto, or caffe longo. It's also one of the most quiet machines, meaning you can sip your morning cup while the children are asleep.
You can programme the size of your cup to match your preference and there's the option of an increase in temperature to push your brew to a higher temperature at the press of one button. It's easy to keep on top of maintenance with alerts that notify you 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 the use of a separate container. A lot of buyers have left favorable reviews on Amazon and John Lewis. They praise the quiet operation and flexibility of the machine, such as different lengths of brews as well as a good capacity for used capsules.
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 want an easy setup. It's more expensive than the Nespresso Vertuo Pop, but it comes with delicious tasting Lavazza pods and is one of the quietest machines around. It's not ideal if are looking to create more than two types of coffee, however, so we'd recommend one of our top-rated alternatives for what you're looking for. For more information, read our full Lavazza Idola review.