Best Coffee Machine Pods
Pod coffee machines can take the pain out of getting your morning coffee fix. Contrary to conventional machines they can dispense pre-packed pods of espresso or ground coffee to accelerate the process.
If you are looking for the best pod coffee machine, choose one that offers the most options to adjust the size of the drink and temperatures. Make sure the machine is compatible with reusable pods.
1. Nespresso Vertuo
Nespresso is the leader in pod brewing, and a popular choice for espresso fans. Nespresso's capsules and machines are highly rated for quality and sustainability. The capsules are made from 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 green-certified organizations to ensure fair work practices and sustainable farming practices.
The Nespresso Vertuo range includes several machines that make a rich and delicious cup of coffee or espresso with a good crema. The VertuoPlus X and VertuoPlus Deluxe models offer advanced features like automatic heating of milk as well as customizable beverage settings. These machines are easy to use and feature modern and sleek designs that looks great in your kitchen.
Both the X model and the Deluxe model come with a huge reservoir and a slim machine body. They are equipped with a revolutionary new extraction technology known as Centrifusion which uses up to 7,000 rotations per minute to brew the espresso or coffee. This method helps create a smooth and consistent crema with a high level of saturation even in smaller cups.
Nespresso's capsules may be a little more expensive than third-party compatible pods that are sold in supermarkets and a variety of online retailers, but they have many different flavors and intensity levels to choose from. best home coffee machine offer limited-edition products. The machines are very easy to use and the Vertuoline requires fewer steps than the first Nespresso line, which produces espresso only.
The Vertuoline also has two sizes of capsules -- the smaller espresso and gran lungo size -- for those who prefer shorter drinks. The larger mug capsules as well as alto capsules are suitable for drinks that require an even more intensively roasted coffee. The Nespresso Vertuoline makes a great cup of drip coffee, unlike some of the other pod machines that we tested.
2. Illy X7.1
This pod coffee maker is elegant, high-end machine constructed with tough and attractive materials. It's a bit more expensive than the other machines we have tested, but it delivers high-quality, reliable performance and an attractive design that can blend into any kitchen.
The X7.1 uses a patented system that scans the barcode on every capsule to determine their identity. It then pre-wets it, infuses it and then dispensing the right amount of water in a controlled manner. This is a great benefit for those who want hassle-free hands-free automation. However, it may frustrate those who love to alter settings and select their personal brew strength or size. The machine can serve espresso drinks, double espresso drinks, gran longo, mug, and alto drinks, all topped with the smooth crema.
The X7.1 is not only an absolute standout in its brewing technology but it also has other features. For instance, it is one of the few coffee machines we have evaluated that comes with the ability to adjust the height of the drip tray to optimise the size and shape of the coffee mug. It also includes a stainless steel milk jug that can be used to make cappuccinos and lattes. The X7.1 features a sleep mode as well as a detachable holder for pods that makes cleaning easy.
Compatible with All Keurig K-Cups, Nespresso capsules and Bruvi B-Pods. These pods are different from K-Cups and other popular pods since 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 up to brew remotely and on time. It also has a helpful steam wand that can be used to make frosty cappuccinos and lattes.
3. Grind One
If you're not a fan of the plastic-y Nespresso pods or are looking for something that isn't too bulky, then the Stockholm-designed Grind One may be the most suitable option for you. Two members of the Real Homes team have been trying it out in their kitchens and both absolutely love it. It's a sleek stainless-steel geometric machine that looks stylish and is simple to use. It's as simple as putting a coffee pod into the inlet, select either a short lungo or express and then press a button. The flashing light will inform you whether it's brewing or done, and then 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 if you like.
The beauty of this machine is that it was designed to work with Grind's own recyclable, plastic-free, and home compostable coffee pods. This means that you're not only reducing your coffee waste (which could take hundreds of years to degrade) but the pods themselves don't contain plastic and are completely organic. They cost about 50p each and you can dispose of them in your garden compost or food waste bin when they are empty.
The Grind One is PS275, and you can also add a bundle with a milk frother to it for an additional PS325. It's more expensive than the majority of Nespresso-branded pods, however it's a sleek, well designed, and versatile machine. It's also the smallest the bunch so it won't take up any counter space, and it also has a raised drip tray that connects to the sides of the waste bin for height adjustment.
4. Grind 2
For those who enjoy a quick and simple cup of coffee, this pod machine removes the hassle making espresso. It can make a short or long shot, with three different settings for temperature and extraction. Our coffee aficionado was impressed by its ability to create an excellent espresso. Its temperature and crema (which should have a chestnut colour that lasts until the last sip and is a cozy shade of brown) were perfect. Its sleek design, as well as its tough and attractive materials, made it stand out from the competition.
Our coffee expert also tried the Grind One to see if it was user-friendly. The robust switch is a pleasant touch with the option to program your preferred short or long shot, and a clear display. You can choose to automatically dispensing hot water in your coffee that helps the ground settle and improves the taste of your drink. The pod coffee maker comes with a useful milk frother, making it a great all-rounder.
Another benefit of these machines is that they take the messy bits out of espresso making grinding, dosing and tamping the beans. This means that there are fewer items that need to be cleaned and reused, making them a better option for those with limited kitchen space. If you're looking to broaden your options with a separate milk maker, a separate one can be used to make lattes and cappuccinos too. Alternatively, you could opt for an manual coffee maker, such as the Aeropress, which combines a low carbon footprint with more flavor than machines can provide. However, it does require more effort from you and therefore we don't recommend it to all.
5. Lavazza Idola
Contrary to the more expensive Lavazza Voicy pod coffee maker, this model does not have a milk frother but is ideal for those who love espresso, ristretto, or caffe lungo. It is also one of most quiet machines, meaning you can enjoy your morning cup while your children are asleep.
You can program a cup size that fits your needs and choose to boost the temperature to help the brew to go through faster with the push of the button. It's simple to stay up with maintenance, too with alerts to let you know when the capsule container needs emptying or when the water tank is low.
The machine does not do any frothing, however you can make cappuccinos as well as flat whites by using an additional milk container. There are a lot of positive reviews from buyers on Amazon and at John Lewis. They praise the machine's versatility as well as its quiet operation. various lengths of the brews.
While there aren't a huge amount of customer reviews there is a general consensus that this is an excellent value pod coffee maker for those who want an easy setup. It's a little more pricey than the Nespresso Vertuo Pop, but it comes with excellent tasting Lavazza pods and is one of the quietest machines available. If you're looking to make various coffees, we suggest that you look at one of our top alternatives. For more information, read our full Lavazza Idola review.