Best Coffee Machine Pods
Pod coffee machines make it easy to get your caffeine fix in the morning. They are quicker than traditional machines due to the fact that they use pre-packaged pods that dispense ground coffee or espresso.
Choose a pod-based coffee machine that lets you adjust the temperature and size of your drink. Also, make sure that the machine can handle the use of reusable pods.
1. Nespresso Vertuo
Nespresso is the top brand in pod brewing, and a popular choice for espresso fans. The capsules and machines of the company are highly rated for quality and sustainability. The capsules are made of 80 percent recycled material and can be composted. They are less plastic-based and have a lower carbon footprint than traditional coffee bags. Nespresso also partners with organizations that are certified green to encourage fair working conditions and sustainable farming.
The Nespresso Vertuo line includes several machines that make delicious and rich cups of coffee or espresso that has a great crema. The VertuoPlus X and VertuoPlus Deluxe models come with advanced features, such as automatic heating of milk as well as customizable beverage settings. These machines are easy-to-use and feature a sleek style that will look great on your kitchen counter.
Both the X and Deluxe models have a large water reservoir as well as a slim machine body. They feature an innovative new extraction technique called Centrifusion that utilizes up to 7,000 rotations per minute to make espresso or coffee. This creates a consistent, smooth crema that is highly saturated even in smaller cups.
Nespresso's capsules are a bit more expensive than the third-party pods that are available in grocery stores and online retailers, but they offer a nice range of flavors and intensity levels to select from. The company also offers limited-edition products. The machines of the company are very easy to use and the Vertuoline has fewer steps than the first Nespresso line, which produces espresso only.
Vertuoline offers two sizes of capsules that are smaller espresso sizes and the gran lungo size for those who prefer shorter drinks. The larger alto and mug capsules are ideal for rich 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 we tested.
2. Illy X7.1
This pod coffee machine is a top-quality machine made from tough and attractive materials. It's a bit more expensive than the other machines we tested but it offers an excellent, reliable performance. It also has an attractive design that will fit in with any kitchen.
The X7.1 is a patented system that scans the barcode on each capsule to determine their identity. It then pre-wets and infuses with the proper amount of distilled water. This is a major benefit for those who like a simple automation. It can be frustrating for those who like to alter settings and select their own brew's size or strength. The machine is able to serve espresso, double espresso, gran lungo alto and mug drinks with a fine layer of crema.
In addition to its technology for brewing in addition to its brewing technology, the X7.1 has a number of other characteristics that make it stand out. It is among a few coffee machines that we tested that have a height-adjustable tray for adjusting the size and shape of the coffee mug. It also comes with a stainless-steel milk jug for making lattes or cappuccinos. The X7.1 also comes with an energy-saving sleep mode and a detachable pod holder to help with cleaning.
Compatible with Compatible with all Keurig K-Cups, Nespresso capsules Compatible with all Keurig K-Cups, Nespresso capsules, and Bruvi B-Pods. best nespresso coffee machine differ from K-Cups and other popular pods since they are made up of ground coffee instead of a tea bag and they have more caffeine than regular coffee. The Bruvi also has apps compatibility and can be set to brew remotely and on schedule. It also has a useful steam wand that can be used to create foamy cappuccinos and lattes.
3. Grind One
The Grind One, designed in Stockholm could be the right choice for you if you don't like Nespresso capsules that are plastic or prefer something that's not quite as heavy. Two members of the Real Homes team have been testing it in their kitchens and are incredibly pleased with it. It's a sleek stainless steel geometric machine that looks super stylish and is easy to use. It's as simple as putting a coffee pod into the inlet, choose either the short lungo or express, and then press the button. The flashing light indicates whether the coffee is brewing or ready. There's no steam wand, nor milk carafe, however you can add toppings to your coffee with hot or cold milk if you wish.
This machine is designed to work with Grind’s own compostable, recyclable and reusable pods. So not only are you reducing your coffee waste (which can take hundreds of years to break down) but the pods themselves are made of no plastic and are completely organic. They cost around 50p each, and you can dispose of them into your garden compost or food waste bin when they are empty.
The Grind One is PS275, and you can buy an additional milk frother to it for an additional PS325. It's more expensive than most Nespresso pod machines, but it's stylish, well-designed and versatile machine. It's also the smallest the bunch so it won't take up too much countertop space, and it comes with a raised drip tray that is secured to a series of notches alongside the waste bin for height adjustment.
4. Grind 2
This pod machine is perfect for those who like an espresso-like coffee in a snap. It can make one shot that is short or a longer shot, with three different extraction settings and temperatures. Its ability to make a great espresso impressed our coffee lovers. Its crema (which should be a warm chestnut color and last until the last sip) and temperature were perfect. Its sleek design, as its strong and attractive materials, helped it stand out from the other brands.
Our coffee aficionado also tested the Grind One for its ease of use. The heavy-duty switch is satisfying to use, and has the option of programming your favorite long or short shot. It also has a clear display. You can also choose to automatically pour hot water when you drink your espresso, which helps the grounds settle and enhances the taste of your drink. This pod coffee maker also comes with a helpful milk frother making it a fantastic all-rounder.
Another advantage of these machines is that they remove the messy parts out of espresso making grinding and dosing the beans that have been ground. This means that there are fewer items that have to be cleaned up and reused and makes them a more suitable choice for those without much kitchen space. If you're looking to broaden your options, you can use a separate milk frother in order to make cappuccinos and lattes. You can also choose an manual coffee maker, like the Aeropress, which combines an environment-friendly design with a richer taste than the machine. It does require more work, which means it's not for everyone.
5. Lavazza Idola
This model isn't as expensive as the Lavazza Voicy pod machine but it's ideal for those who love espresso, ristretto, or caffe longo. It is also one of most quiet machines, meaning you can drink your morning coffee while your children are still asleep.
You can programme a cup size to suit your mood and there's the option of an increase in temperature to push your beverage to the touch of an button. You can also keep up with the maintenance schedule by receiving notifications when the capsule bin is empty or the water tank is due to be filled up.
The machine doesn't froth milk, but it can be used to make cappuccinos or flat whites with an additional container. A lot of buyers have left favorable reviews on Amazon and John Lewis. They laud the quiet operation and flexibility of the machine, such as different lengths of brews, as well as a good capacity for used capsules.
While there's not a huge number of reviews from customers there is a general consensus that this is a fantastic value pod coffee maker for those who like a simple 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 on the market. It's not the best choice if you need to create more than two types 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.