Best Coffee Machine Pods
Pod coffee machines make it simple to get your caffeine fix in the morning. They are faster than traditional machines because they use pre-packaged pods that dispense ground coffee or espresso.
For the best home bean to cup coffee machine pod coffee machine, pick one that offers the most options to adjust the size of the drink and temperatures. Check if the machine is compatible with refillable pods.
1. Nespresso Vertuo
Nespresso is a market leader in pod-brewing, and a favourite of espresso lovers. The capsules and machines of Nespresso are highly rated in terms of quality and sustainability. The capsules are constructed of 80 percent recyclable materials and are compostable. They also contain less plastic than traditional coffee bags and have an economized carbon footprint. In addition, Nespresso partners with green-certified organisations to promote responsible farming and fair working conditions.
The Nespresso Vertuo range includes several machines that produce a thick tasty cup of espresso or coffee with a good crema. The VertuoPlus X and VertuoPlus Deluxe models come with advanced features, such as automatic heating of milk and adjustable beverage settings. They are easy to operate and have a sleek, modern design that will look stunning in your kitchen.
Both the X model as well as the Deluxe model come with a huge reservoir as well as a slim body. They feature an innovative new extraction technology called Centrifusion that uses up to 7,000 revolutions per minute to make espresso or coffee. This technique helps create a smooth and consistent crema with a high level of saturation even in smaller cups.
Nespresso capsules are more expensive than compatible pods from third parties sold in supermarkets and online retailers. However, they offer a wide range of flavors and intensities. The company frequently releases limited-edition options as well. The machines are extremely user-friendly and the Vertuoline has fewer steps than the first Nespresso line which only produces espresso.
The Vertuoline also offers two different sizes of capsules - the smaller espresso size and the gran lungo size for those who prefer smaller drinks. The larger mug and alto capsules are great for hearty and mug-sized drinks that require more intensely roasted coffee. The Nespresso Vertuoline makes a great cup of drip coffee, in contrast to some of the other pod machines that we tested.
2. Illy X7.1
This pod coffee maker is a high-spec machine that's constructed of durable and attractive materials. It's a bit more expensive than other models we've tested, however it provides excellent, reliable performance and features a beautiful design.
The X7.1 utilizes a patent-pending system that scans the barcode on each 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 an enormous benefit for those who want to enjoy hassle-free automation. It may frustrate users who prefer to tweak settings and select their own brew size or strength. The machine is able to serve espresso double espresso, gran lungo alto and mug drinks with a silky layer of crema.
The X7.1 isn't just an outstanding model in terms of its brewing technology but it also has other features. It is one of only a handful of coffee makers we tested that have an adjustable height tray that can be used to adjust the size and shape of the coffee cup. It also includes a stainless steel milk jug to make cappuccinos and lattes. The X7.1 also comes with an energy-saving sleep mode as well as best pod coffee machines uk holders that can be detached to make cleaning easier.
Compatible with All Keurig K-Cups, Nespresso capsules, and Bruvi B-Pods. These pods are different from K-Cups and other popular pods as they are made up of ground coffee instead of a tea bag and they contain more caffeine than regular coffee. The Bruvi also has apps compatibility and can be set to brew at a remote location and on a schedule. It also comes with a handy steam wand that can be used to create frothy lattes and cappuccinos.
3. Grind One
If you're not a huge fan of Nespresso pods made of plastic or you're looking for something that isn't so bulky, the Stockholm-designed Grind One may be the best automatic coffee machine option for you. Two members of the Real Homes' team have used it in their kitchens and they both adore it. It's a sleek stainless steel geometric machine, that looks super stylish and is simple to use. You simply insert the pod, select whether you'd like a lungo or a short express and press the button. The light that flashes indicates whether the coffee is brewing or ready. There's no steam wand, nor milk carafe, but you can add toppings to your coffee 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 home compostable coffee pods. This means you're not only cutting down on your coffee waste (which could take hundreds of years to break down) but the pods themselves don't contain plastic and are completely organic. They cost around 50p each and you can chuck them into your food waste bin or garden compost after they're empty.
The Grind One is PS275, and you can buy the milk frother for an additional PS325. It is more expensive than other Nespresso pod machines, but it is an elegant, well-designed, and versatile machine. It's also the most compact of the bunch, which means it doesn't require any counter space, and it comes with an elevated drip tray that latches onto a series of notches next to the waste bin to allow height adjustment.
4. Grind 2
This pod maker is ideal for those who love a quick cup of coffee. It can brew either a short shot or a longer shot, with three different extraction settings and temperatures. Our coffee aficionado was impressed by its ability to make an excellent espresso. Its temperature and crema (which should be a dark chestnut color that lasts until the final sip and is a cosy shade of brown) were perfect. Its elegant design, as well its strong and attractive materials, made it stand out among the competition.
Our coffee expert also tried the Grind One to see if it was user-friendly. The heavy-duty switch is satisfying to use and comes with the option of programming your favorite short or long shot. It also has a clear display. You can set it to automatically pour hot water with your coffee that helps the ground settle and enhances your drink's flavour. A milk frother that is useful is also included, which makes this pod coffee maker an ideal all-rounder.
These machines also take out the sloppy parts of espresso making including grinding dosing, tamping, and dosing of the beans. This means that there are fewer items that need to be cleaned and disposed of, making them a better choice for those without much kitchen space. If you're looking to expand your options, a separate milk frother can be used to make cappuccinos and lattes as well. You can also opt for a manual press, such as the Aeropress which has a lower carbon footprint and a more rich flavor than a machine. However, it will require more effort from you, so we wouldn't recommend it for all.
5. Lavazza Idola
This 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 one of the most quiet machines, meaning you can drink your morning coffee while your children are asleep.
You can programme a cup size to suit your mood and there's an option for an increase in temperature to push your brew through at the press of one button. It's easy to keep up with maintenance, too with alerts that let you know when the capsule bin requires emptying or when the water tank is low.
The machine isn't capable of frost, but you can make cappuccinos as well as flat whites by using separate milk containers. Many customers have left glowing reviews on Amazon and John Lewis. They praise the quiet operation and various options offered by the machine, including different lengths of brews and an adequate capacity for used capsules.
While there's not a huge number of customer reviews, the general consensus is that this is a fantastic value pod coffee maker for those who want an easy set-up. It's more expensive compared to the Nespresso Vertuo Pop but comes with the best coffee beans for coffee machine Lavazza pods. It's also one of the quietest machines available. If you want to make a variety of coffees, we suggest you look at one of our top choices. For more information, read our full Lavazza Idola review.