Best Coffee Machine Pods
Pod coffee machines make it simple to get your caffeine fix in the morning. Unlike a traditional machine they can dispense pre-packed pods of ground coffee or espresso to make the process faster.
Choose a pod coffee machine that allows you to alter the temperature and drink size. Check if the machine is compatible with refillable pods.
1. Nespresso Vertuo
Nespresso is the top brand in pod brewing and a favorite among espresso enthusiasts. Nespresso's capsules and machines are highly rated in both quality and sustainability. Its capsules are made from 80 percent recyclable materials and are completely compostable. They contain less plastic and have a smaller carbon footprint than traditional coffee bags. In addition, Nespresso partners with green-certified organisations to promote responsible farming practices and fair labor practices.
The Nespresso Vertuo line includes several machines that make an incredibly delicious and rich cup of coffee or espresso with a good crema. The VertuoPlus X and VertuoPlus Deluxe models come with advanced features like automatic heating of milk and customizable drink settings. These machines are easy-to-use and feature a sleek design that will look great on your kitchen counter.
Both the X and the Deluxe models have a large reservoir of water and a slim machine body. Centrifusion is a revolutionary extraction technology, uses up to 7,500 rotations per minute to make espresso or coffee. This method helps create a consistent and smooth crema with a high degree of saturation, even in smaller cups.
Nespresso's capsules may be a little more expensive than third-party compatible pods available in supermarkets and a variety of online retailers, but they come with a many different flavors and intensities to choose from. They also offer limited-edition products. The company's machines are also very easy to use and the Vertuoline requires fewer steps than the initial Nespresso line, which produces espresso only.
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 coffee. The Nespresso Vertuoline makes a great cup of drip coffee, which is different from some of the other pod machines that we tested.
2. Illy X7.1
This pod coffee machine is a high-spec machine that's constructed of durable and attractive materials. It's a little bit more expensive than the other machines that we've tested, but it provides excellent, reliable performance and features a beautiful design.
The X7.1 features a revolutionary patent-pending system that reads the custom barcode on each capsule to identify it. It then pre-wets and infuses the appropriate amount of distillate water. This is a huge plus point for those who want hassle-free hands-free automation. However, it could be a problem for those who prefer to alter settings and choose their own brew strength or size. 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 in addition to its brewing technology, the X7.1 features a range of other features that make it stand out. For instance, it's one of the few coffee machines that we have tested that offers the ability to adjust the height of the drip tray to adjust the size and shape of the coffee mug. It comes with a stainless steel milk jug for making lattes or cappuccinos. The X7.1 includes an energy-saving sleeping mode and a detachable holder for pods that makes cleaning easier.
It's compatible with all Keurig K-Cups and Nespresso capsules as well as Bruvi's own B-Pods. These pods differ from K-Cups or other popular pods in that they contain ground coffee, instead of a teabag and contain more caffeine than regular espresso. The Bruvi also comes with app compatibility and can be set up to brew at a remote location and on a schedule. It 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 Nespresso's plastic capsules or want 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 geometric machine, that looks stylish and is simple to use. You just pop a pod into the inlet, select either an lungo or express, and then press a button. The flashing light will tell you whether it's brewing or done, and then the coffee starts coming out. There's no steam wand nor milk carafe, but you can add toppings to your coffee with hot or cold milk if you wish.
The best part about this machine is that it was designed to work with Grind's reusable, plastic-free and home compostable coffee pods. Not only will you reduce the amount of coffee you waste, which can take hundreds of years to degrade and degrade, but the pods are also organic and have no plastic. They cost about 50p each and you could dump them into 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 for an additional PS325. It's more expensive than many Nespresso pod machines, but it is a sleek, well-designed, and versatile machine. It's also the smallest of the bunch so it won't take up too much countertop space, and it has a raised drip tray that connects to a series of notches alongside the waste bin for height adjustment.
4. Grind 2
For those who love a quick and simple cup of coffee, this machine takes the hassle out making espresso. It can make a short or long shot, and has three different settings for temperature and extraction. Our coffee lover was impressed by its capability to make an excellent espresso. Its crema (which should be a cozy chestnut color and last until the final sip) and temperature were perfect. Its sleek style and durable, attractive materials also made it stand out from other brands.
Our coffee aficionado also tested the Grind One for its ease of use. The heavy-duty switch is satisfying to use, and offers the option of programming your preferred long or short shot. It also comes with an easy-to-read LCD. You can also choose to automatically dispense hot water with your coffee, which helps the ground settle and enhances your drink's flavour. This pod coffee maker includes a handy milk frother, making it a great all-rounder.
Another advantage of these machines is that they take the messy parts out of espresso making grinding dosing, tamping and grinding the beans. This reduces the number of items that need to be cleaned up and reused which makes them a better option for those who don't have 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 that has a smaller carbon footprint and more affluent flavor than a machine. It does require more work, so it's not for everyone.
5. Lavazza Idola
This model is not as expensive as the Lavazza Voicy pod machine but it's ideal for those who like espresso or ristretto or caffe longo. It's also among the quietest machines on the market, meaning you can grab your morning coffee while your children are asleep.
You can program the size of your cup to match your preference and there's an option for an increase in temperature to push your beverage to the touch of a button. It's simple to stay up with maintenance, too with alerts that notify you when the capsule bin needs emptying or if the water tank is empty.
The machine does not froth milk, but it can be used to make cappuccinos or flat whites with a separate container. Many customers have left glowing reviews on Amazon and John Lewis. They praise the machine's flexibility, quiet operation, and various lengths of the brews.
While there aren't a huge number of customer reviews, the general consensus is that this is a great value pod coffee maker for those who prefer a simple setup. go!! 's a bit more expensive than the Nespresso Vertuo Pop, but it comes with excellent tasting Lavazza pods and is among the quietest machines available. If you're looking to make several different coffees, we suggest you look at one of our top alternatives. For more information, read our full Lavazza Idola review.