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 espresso or ground coffee to make the process faster.
For the best pod coffee machine, select one that has the best options to adjust the size of the drink and temperatures. Check if the machine is compatible with reusable pods.
1. Nespresso Vertuo
Nespresso is a leader in pod-brewing, and a favourite of espresso lovers. Nespresso's capsules and machines are highly rated in both quality and sustainability. The capsules are made from 80 percent recyclable materials and are compostable. They also contain less plastic than traditional coffee bags and have a less carbon footprint. Nespresso also has a partnership with green-certified organizations to ensure fair work practices and sustainable farming practices.
The Nespresso Vertuo range includes several machines that produce a thick tasty cup of coffee or espresso with a perfect crema. The VertuoPlus X and VertuoPlus Deluxe models offer advanced features, such as automatic heating of milk and adjustable beverage settings. These machines are simple to operate and have modern and sleek designs that will look stunning in your kitchen.
Both the X and 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 an even and smooth crema with a high degree of saturation, even in smaller cups.
Nespresso capsules are more expensive than third-party compatible pods sold in grocery stores and online retailers. However, they provide many flavors and intensities. The company regularly releases limited-edition products as well. The company's machines are also extremely user-friendly and the Vertuoline requires less steps than the first Nespresso line that produces only espresso.
Vertuoline offers two sizes of capsules including the smaller espresso size and the larger lungo size for those who prefer drinks with a shorter length. The larger alto and mug capsules are ideal for rich, mug-sized drinks that require a more intensely roasted cup of coffee. Contrary to other pod machines we 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 using durable and appealing materials. It's slightly more expensive than other models we've tested, however it delivers excellent, reliable performance and is a stylish design.
The X7.1 uses a new patented system which reads the bespoke barcode on each capsule to identify it. It then pre-wets it, infuses it and then dispensing the right amount of water in a controlled manner. This is an excellent plus point for those who want hassle-free, hands-off automation. However, it could be a problem for those who like to tweak settings and choose their own brew strength or size. The machine can serve espresso drinks double espresso drinks mugs, gran longo 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 features that make it stand out. It is one of only one of the coffee machines we tested to have the ability to adjust the height of the tray in order to alter the size and shape the coffee cup. coffeee.uk comes with a stainless-steel milk jug for making lattes or cappuccinos. The X7.1 features a sleep mode and a removable holder for pods, making cleaning simpler.
It's compatible with the majority of Keurig K-Cups and Nespresso capsules as well as Bruvi's own B-Pods. These pods differ from K-Cups and other popular pods since they contain ground coffee instead of a tea bag and they have more caffeine than regular coffee. The Bruvi also comes with app compatibility and can be set up to brew remotely and on schedule. It also comes with a handy steam wand that can be used to create frosty cappuccinos and lattes.
3. Grind One
If you're not a huge fan of the plastic Nespresso pods or you're seeking something that's not so bulky, the Stockholm-designed Grind One may be the most suitable option for you. Two members of the Real Homes team have been testing it out in their kitchens and absolutely love it. It's a sleek stainless steel geometric machine which looks stunning and is simple to use. It's as simple as putting a coffee pod into the inlet, select either the short express or lungo and press the button. The light flashes to indicate whether the coffee is in the process of brewing or ready. There's no steam wand, nor milk carafe, but you can top your coffee off with hot or cold milk however you wish.
The great thing about this machine is that it's designed to work with Grind's own recyclable, plastic-free and compostable coffee pods. Not only will you reduce your coffee waste, which could take years to degrade, but the pods are also organic and contain no plastic. They cost around 50p each and you can dump them into your garden compost or food waste bin after they're empty.
The Grind One costs PS275 and you can get it with an option that includes a milk frother for an extra PS325. It's more expensive than the majority of Nespresso-branded pod machines however it's a sleek and well-designed versatile machine. It's also the most compact of the bunch, so it doesn't require too much countertop space, and it comes with a raised drip tray that connects to the sides of the waste bin for height adjustment.
4. Grind 2
For those who love simple and quick cups of coffee, this pod maker removes the hassle making espresso. It can brew a quick or long shot, with three different settings for temperature and extraction. Its ability to make a great espresso impressed our coffee enthusiast. Its temperature and crema (which should have a chestnut hue that lasts for the last sip and is a cosy shade of brown) were excellent. Its sleek design, as well its strong and attractive materials, made it stand out among the other brands.
Our coffee enthusiast also tested the Grind One to see if it was simple to use. The robust switch is pleasant to use and comes with the possibility of programming your preferred short or long shot. It also features a clear display. You can also choose to automatically dispense hot water along with your espresso, which will help the grounds settle and improves the flavor of your beverage. A useful milk frother is also included, making this pod coffee maker an excellent all-rounder.
Another advantage of these machines is that they eliminate the messiness out of making espresso grinding, dosing and tamping the beans. They also reduce the number of equipment that needs to be cleaned and reused. This makes them an ideal option for those with a limited kitchen space. If you want to expand your options you can use a separate milk frother in order to make lattes and cappuccinos. Alternatively, you could go with an manual coffee maker, like the Aeropress that combines the benefits of a low carbon footprint and more flavor than you get from a machine. However, it does require more effort from you and we wouldn't recommend it to all.
5. Lavazza Idola
The model isn't as expensive as the Lavazza Voicy pod machine but it's perfect for those who like espresso or ristretto or caffe longo. It's also among the quietest machines available, meaning you can grab your morning cuppa while your kids are asleep.
You can set a cup size that is suitable for your taste, and you can also decide to increase the temperature to make your brew go through faster at the touch of a button. You can also keep track on maintenance by getting alerts when the capsule bin is empty or the water tank needs to be topped up.
The machine is not able to make frothy milk, but it can be used to make cappuccinos and flat whites with an additional container. Many buyers have left positive reviews on Amazon and John Lewis. They praise the machine's flexibility and quiet operation. various lengths of drinks.
While there's not a huge number of customer reviews, the general consensus is that this is a fantastic value pod coffee machine for those who want an easy set-up. It's more expensive than the Nespresso Vertuo Pop but comes with the highest quality Lavazza pods. It's also one of the most quiet machines on the market. It's not the best choice if you are looking to make more than two kinds of coffee however we'd suggest one of our top-rated alternatives for what you're looking for. For more information, read our full Lavazza Idola review.