Best Coffee Machine Pods
Pod coffee machines make it easier for getting your morning coffee fix. Contrary to conventional machines, they dispense pre-packed pods of espresso or ground coffee to speed up the process.
If you are looking for the best pod coffee machine, pick one that provides the most options for adjusting the size of your drink and temperatures. Also, check if the machine can accommodate reusable pods.
1. Nespresso Vertuo
Nespresso is the leader in pod brewing, and a favourite among coffee enthusiasts. The company's machines and capsules are highly rated in both quality and sustainability. The capsules are made of 80 percent recyclable materials and are compostable. They contain less plastic and have a smaller carbon footprint than traditional coffee bags. Additionally, Nespresso partners with green-certified organizations to promote sustainable farming and fair labor practices.
The Nespresso Vertuo line includes several machines that create delicious and rich cups of coffee or espresso that has a perfect crema. The VertuoPlus X and VertuoPlus Deluxe models offer advanced features such as automatic heating of milk and adjustable drinks settings. These machines are simple to use and have a sleek, modern design that looks great in your kitchen.
Both the X and Deluxe models come with a huge water reservoir and a slender machine body. Centrifusion, a new innovative extraction technique, utilizes up to 7,500 revolutions per minute to make espresso or coffee. This process helps to create an even and smooth crema with a high level 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 many flavors and intensities. The company regularly releases limited-edition options as well. The machines are extremely user-friendly and the Vertuoline requires fewer steps than the original Nespresso line which only produces espresso.
The Vertuoline also has two sizes of capsules - the smaller espresso size and the gran lungo size for those who prefer shorter drinks. The larger mug capsules and alto capsules can be used for drinks that require an even more intensely roasted cup of coffee. The Nespresso Vertuoline makes a great cup of drip coffee, which is different from some of the other pod machines we tested.
2. Illy X7.1
This pod coffee maker is a elegant, high-quality machine built with tough and attractive materials. It's a bit more expensive than the other machines we tested but it offers high-quality, reliable performance and an attractive design that will blend into any kitchen.
The X7.1 uses a patented system that reads the barcodes on every capsule to determine their identity. It then pre-wets and infuses with the appropriate amount of distillate water. This is an excellent plus point for those who prefer a simple hands-free automation. However, it can be frustrating for those who love to alter settings and select their own brew strength or size. The machine is able to serve espresso drinks double espresso drinks, gran longo, mug, and alto drinks, all covered with a layer of silky crema.
In addition to its technology for brewing, 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 the ability to adjust the height of the drip tray to optimize the dimensions and shape of the coffee mug. It also includes a stainless steel milk jug to make lattes and cappuccinos. The X7.1 also includes an energy-saving sleep mode and a detachable pod holder to help with cleaning.
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 because they contain ground coffee, instead of a teabag and are more caffeine-rich than regular espresso. The Bruvi also has apps compatibility and can be set to brew remotely and on time. It also comes with a handy steam wand that can be used to create foamy cappuccinos and lattes.
3. Grind One
If you're not a big fan of the plastic Nespresso pods or you're looking for something that isn't too bulky, then the Stockholm-designed Grind One may be the best option for you. Two members of the Real Homes team have been testing it in their kitchens, and both are incredibly pleased with it. It's a sleek stainless steel geometric machine, that looks super stylish and is simple to use. Simply place the pod, select whether you'd like a lungo or a short express and press the button. The flashing light indicates whether the coffee is brewing or is ready. There's no milk cup or steam wand, but you can add hot or cold milk to your coffee as you like.
The beauty of this machine is that it was designed to work with Grind's own recyclable, plastic-free and compostable coffee pods. You'll not only 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 can dump them in your garden compost or in your food waste bin once they are empty.
The Grind One costs PS275 and you can purchase it as a a bundle that includes milk frother for an extra PS325. It is more expensive than most Nespresso pod machines, but it is a sleek, well-designed, and versatile machine. It's also the most compact of the bunch, which means it doesn't require too much countertop space, and it comes with an elevated drip tray that latches onto the sides of the waste bin for height adjustment.
4. Grind 2
This pod maker is ideal for those who love having a quick cup of coffee. It can be used to brew one shot that is short or a long shot using three different extraction settings and temperatures. Our coffee lover was impressed by its capability to make an excellent espresso. best barista coffee machine and crema (which should be a dark chestnut color that lasts for the last sip and is a warm shade of brown) were flawless. Its sleek style and durable appealing materials also helped it stand out from other brands.
Our coffee lover also tested the Grind One for its ease of use. The switch is heavy-duty and has a satisfying feel with the option to program your preferred short or long shot, and a crisp display. You can also choose to automatically dispense hot water in your coffee, which helps the ground settle and improves the taste of your drink. This pod coffee maker also comes with a helpful milk frother, making it a great all-rounder.
Another advantage of these machines is that they remove the messiness out of making espresso grinding dosing, tamping and grinding the beans that have been ground. This decreases the amount of items that need to be cleaned up and disposed of, making them a better option for those with limited kitchen space. If you want to expand your options, you can use an additional milk frother to make lattes and cappuccinos. Alternately, you can go with an manual coffee maker, such as the Aeropress that combines an environment-friendly design with a richer taste than the machine. However, it does require more effort from you and therefore we don't recommend it for everyone.
5. Lavazza Idola
Contrary to the more expensive Lavazza Voicy pod coffee maker, this model doesn't include a milk maker however it is perfect for anyone who likes an espresso, ristretto, or caffe lungo. It's also among the quietest machines on the market so you can sip your morning cuppa while your children are asleep.
You can program the size of your cup according to your preferences and there's also an option to add the temperature to increase to push your brew through at the press of one button. You can also keep track with maintenance by receiving alerts when the capsule bin is empty or when the water tank is due to be topped off.
The machine does not froth milk, but it can be used to make cappuccinos and flat whites using the use of a separate container. There are plenty of positive reviews from customers on Amazon and at John Lewis. They are pleased with the quiet operation and the flexible choices offered by the machine, including different lengths of brews and a good capacity for capsules that are used.
While there's not a huge amount of customer reviews however, the general consensus is that this is a fantastic value pod coffee machine for those who prefer an easy set-up. It's more expensive compared to the Nespresso Vertuo Pop but comes with the highest quality Lavazza pods. It's also one of the most quiet machines available. It's not the best choice if you want to make more than two types of coffee, however, so we'd recommend one of our top-rated alternatives if that's what you're looking for. For more information, read our full Lavazza Idola review.