Best Coffee Machine Pods
Pod coffee machines make it easy to get your caffeine fix in the morning. Unlike a traditional machine, they dispense pre-packed pods of espresso or ground coffee to accelerate the process.
Select a pod coffee maker that allows you to alter the temperature and size of your drink. Also, make sure that the machine can accommodate reused pods.
1. Nespresso Vertuo
Nespresso is a pioneer in pod-brewing and a favorite of espresso drinkers. Nespresso's capsules and machines are highly rated for quality and sustainability. The capsules are constructed of 80 percent recyclable materials and can be composted. They contain less plastic and have a lower carbon footprint than traditional coffee bags. Additionally, Nespresso partners with green-certified organizations to promote responsible farming and fair labor 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 such as automatic heating of milk as well as customizable drinks settings. These machines are simple to use and feature modern, sleek design that looks great in your kitchen.
Both the X model and the Deluxe model feature a large reservoir as well as a slim body. They come with an innovative extraction technique called Centrifusion that utilizes up to 7,000 rotations per minute to brew the coffee or espresso. This creates a smooth, consistent crema that is saturated to a great extent even in smaller cups.
Nespresso capsules are more expensive than third-party compatible pods sold in supermarkets and online retailers. However, they are able to offer an array of flavors and intensities. The company also offers limited-edition products. The machines are simple to use, and the Vertuoline is simpler than Nespresso's original Nespresso that only makes espresso.
best pod coffee machine offers two sizes of capsules including the smaller espresso size and the larger lungo size for those who prefer shorter drinks. The larger mug and alto capsules are suitable for hearty, mug-sized drinks that require a more intensely roasted cup of coffee. Contrary to other pod machines we tried and tested, the Nespresso Vertuoline also makes a excellent drip coffee.
2. Illy X7.1
This pod coffee maker is a sleek, high-spec machine made with durable and attractive materials. It's a bit more expensive than the other models we have tested, but it delivers 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 identify them. It is then pre-wets it and infuses the appropriate amount of distilled water. This is an excellent plus point for those who prefer a simple hands-free automation. However, it may frustrate those who like to tweak settings and select their personal brew strength or size. The machine is able to serve espresso drinks double espresso drinks, mugs, granlongo, and alto drinks, all covered with a layer of silky crema.
The X7.1 isn't just an absolute standout in its brewing technology but also for its other features. It is among one of the coffee machines we tested to offer an adjustable height tray that can be used 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 features a sleep mode as well as a detachable holder for pods to make cleaning simpler.
It's compatible with the majority of Keurig K-Cups and Nespresso capsules and Bruvi's own B-Pods. These pods differ from K-Cups or other popular pods in that they are made up of ground coffee instead of a teabag and have more caffeine than regular espresso. The Bruvi is app compatible and can be programmed to brew remotely or according to a set schedule. It also has a steam wand which can be used to make cappuccinos and lattes fluffy.
3. Grind One
If you're not a huge fan of Nespresso pods made of plastic or are seeking something that's not quite as bulky, then the Stockholm-designed Grind One may be the best option for you. Two members of Real Homes' team have tested it in their kitchens, and they both love it. It's a sleek stainless-steel geometric machine, which looks stunning and is easy to use. Simply place a pod into the inlet, choose either the short lungo or express and then press the button. The light that flashes indicates whether the coffee is brewing or is ready. There is no milk carafe or steam wand, however you can add hot or cold milk to your coffee as you please.
The beauty of this machine is that it's made 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 year to degrade however, the pods are also organic and contain no plastic. They cost about 50p each and you can dump them in your food waste bin or garden compost after they're empty.
The Grind One costs PS275 and you can purchase it as a a bundle that includes milk frothers for an additional PS325. It is more expensive than other Nespresso pod machines, but it's an elegant, well-designed, and versatile machine. It's also the most compact of the bunch, so it doesn't require any counter space, and it comes with a raised drip tray that connects to the sides of the waste bin to allow 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 brew either a short shot or a long shot using three different temperature and extraction settings. Our coffee enthusiast was enthralled by its ability to create an excellent espresso. Its temperature and crema (which should have a chestnut hue that lasts for the last sip and is a warm shade of brown) were flawless. Its sleek design and sturdy attractive materials also made it stand out from the competition.
Our coffee lover also tried 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 an easy-to-read display. You can even choose whether to automatically pour a shot of hot water along with your espresso, which helps the grounds settle and improves the taste of your drink. A useful milk frother is also included, which makes this pod coffee maker an excellent all-rounder.
These machines also remove the sloppy parts of espresso making including grinding or dosing and tamping of the ground beans. They also reduce the number of things that need to be cleaned and reused. This makes them a great choice for those with limited kitchen space. If you do want to broaden your options with a separate milk maker, a separate one will allow you to make cappuccinos and lattes too. You can also choose a manual press, such as the Aeropress that has a smaller carbon footprint and more affluent flavor than machines. It's more work, so it's not for all.
5. Lavazza Idola
In contrast to the more expensive Lavazza Voicy pod coffee maker, this model does not include a milk frother however it is perfect for those who love espresso, ristretto or lungo. It's also one of the quietest machines which means you can enjoy your morning coffee while your children are asleep.
You can program the size of your cup to match your preference and there's the option of an increase in temperature to push your brew through at the touch of a button. It's easy to keep on top of maintenance with alerts that inform you when the capsule bin needs emptying or when the water tank is empty.
The machine does not frost milk however it can be used to make cappuccinos or flat whites using a separate container. There are many positive reviews from customers on Amazon and at John Lewis. They praise the machine's flexibility, quiet operation, and different lengths of drinks.
There aren't a lot of customer reviews but the consensus is that it's a great pod-based coffee maker if you want a simple set-up. It's a bit more expensive than the Nespresso Vertuo Pop, but it comes with delicious tasting Lavazza pods and is one of the quietest machines around. If you want to make a variety of coffees, we suggest that you look at one of our top choices. For more information, read our full Lavazza Idola review.