Best Coffee Machine Pods
Pod coffee machines make it easy to get your caffeine fix in the morning. In contrast to traditional machines they can dispense pre-packed pods of ground coffee or espresso to accelerate the process.
Choose a pod coffee machine that allows you to alter the temperature and drink size. Find out if the machine is compatible with reused pods.
1. Nespresso Vertuo
Nespresso is the market leader in pod brewing, and a favourite among coffee lovers. The capsules and machines of the company are highly rated for quality and sustainability. The capsules are made of 80 percent recyclable materials and are compostable. They contain less plastic and have a lower carbon footprint than traditional coffee bags. Additionally, Nespresso partners with green-certified organisations to promote responsible farming practices and fair working conditions.
The Nespresso Vertuo line includes several machines that create delicious and rich cups of coffee or espresso that has a good crema. The VertuoPlus X and VertuoPlus Deluxe models feature advanced features, such as automatic heating of milk and customizable beverage settings. They are easy to use and feature modern, sleek design that looks great in your kitchen.
Both the X and Deluxe models have a large water reservoir as well as a slim machine body. They feature an innovative new extraction technology known as Centrifusion that uses up to 7,000 revolutions per minute to brew the coffee or espresso. This method helps create an even and smooth crema with a high level of saturation, even in smaller cups.
Nespresso's capsules are more expensive than the third-party compatible pods available in supermarkets and many online retailers, but they offer an excellent selection of flavors and intensities to pick from. The company regularly releases limited-edition options as well. The machines of the company are very easy to use, and the Vertuoline requires fewer steps than the first Nespresso line which only produces espresso.
The Vertuoline also has two sizes of capsules - the smaller espresso size and the gran lungo size for those who prefer smaller drinks. The larger mug capsules and alto capsules are suitable to make mug-sized drinks that require a more intensively roasted coffee. Unlike some of the other pod machines we tried, the Nespresso Vertuoline also makes a good cup of drip coffee.
2. Illy X7.1
This pod coffee machine is a top-quality machine constructed of durable and attractive materials. It is a little more expensive than the other models we tested but it offers high-quality, reliable performance and an attractive design that will be a perfect fit for any kitchen.
The X7.1 features a revolutionary patent-pending system that reads the unique barcode on each capsule to identify it. It then pre-wettes, infuses and dispenses the correct amount of water in a controlled manner. This is a great plus point for those who desire a hassle-free hands-free automation. It may frustrate users who prefer to tweak settings and choose their own brew size or strength. The machine can dispense espresso drinks, double espresso drinks, mugs, gran longo and alto drinks, all covered with layers of creamy crema.
In addition to its technology for brewing in addition to its brewing technology, the X7.1 has a number of other features that make it stand out. It is among a few coffee machines that we tested to have the ability to adjust the height of the tray in order to alter the size and shape of the coffee cup. It also comes with a stainless-steel milk jug that can be used to make cappuccinos or lattes. The X7.1 features a sleep mode as well as a detachable holder for pods to make cleaning simpler.
It is compatible with most Keurig K-Cups and Nespresso capsules as well as Bruvi's 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 are more caffeine-rich than regular espresso. The Bruvi is also app compatible and can be programmed to brew remotely or according to a timetable. It also has a helpful steam wand that can be used to create frothy lattes and cappuccinos.
3. Grind One
If you're not a big fan of the plastic Nespresso pods or you're seeking something that's not quite as bulky, then the Stockholm-designed Grind One may be the most suitable option for you. Two members of the Real Homes' team have tried it in their kitchens and they both adore it. It's a sleek stainless-steel geometric machine that looks elegant and is very easy to use. Simply place a pod into the inlet, choose either a short lungo or express and then press a button. The flashing light indicates whether the coffee is brewing or is ready. There's no steam wand or milk carafe. However, you can top your best coffee beans for coffee machine with hot or cold milk however you like.
This machine is designed to work with Grind's own compostable, recyclable and reusable pods. You'll not only reduce the amount of coffee you waste, which can take hundreds of years to degrade however, the pods are also organic and contain no plastic. They cost about 50p each, and you can dispose of them into your garden compost or in your food waste bin once they are empty.
The Grind One costs PS275 and you can purchase it as a the addition of milk frothers for an extra PS325. It's more expensive than many of Nespresso-branded pods, however it's a sleek and well-designed versatile machine. It's also the smallest of the bunch, which means it won't take up enough countertop space, and it also has an elevated drip tray that connects to a series of notches next to the waste bin to allow height adjustment.
4. Grind 2
For those who enjoy simple and quick cups of coffee, this pod maker takes the hassle out of making espresso. It can be used to brew a short shot or a longer shot, with three different extraction settings and temperature. Its ability to create a wonderful espresso impressed our coffee lovers. Its crema (which should be a cozy chestnut color that lasts until the last sip) and temperature were spot on. Its sleek design, as well its durable and attractive materials, helped it stand out among the other brands.
Our coffee enthusiast also tried the Grind One for its ease of use. The heavy-duty switch is enjoyable to use and comes with the possibility of programming your preferred short or long shot. It also comes with a clear display. You can even choose whether to automatically pour hot water along with the espresso, which helps the grounds settle and improves the flavor of your beverage. A milk frother that is useful is included, making this pod coffee maker an ideal all-rounder.
Another benefit of these machines is that they take the messy bits out of espresso making, namely grinding, dosing and tamping the ground beans. This decreases the amount of items that have to be cleaned and disposed of, making them a better option for those who don't have much kitchen space. If you're looking to expand your options you can use a separate milk frother to make cappuccinos and lattes. Alternately, you can choose an manual best coffee machine bean-to-cup maker, such as the Aeropress that combines the benefits of a low carbon footprint and a richer taste than you get from a machine. It's a bit more effort, so it's not for everyone.
5. Lavazza Idola
In contrast to the more expensive Lavazza Voicy pod coffee maker, this model does not include a milk maker but is ideal for anyone who likes an best home espresso machine, ristretto, or caffe lungo. It's also one of the quietest machines available which means you can enjoy your morning coffee while your children are asleep.
You can set a cup size that suits your mood and decide to increase the temperature to make your beverage go through more quickly by pressing the button. It's easy to stay on top of maintenance with alerts to inform you 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 and flat whites with an additional milk container. There are many positive reviews from buyers on Amazon and at John Lewis. They are pleased with the quiet operation and flexible choices offered by the machine, which includes different lengths of brews and an adequate capacity for capsules that have been used.
There aren't a lot of customer reviews but the consensus is that it is a great pod coffee machine if you like simple setup. It's more expensive compared to the Nespresso Vertuo Pop but comes with the top Lavazza pods. It's also one of the most quiet machines available. It's not the best capsule coffee machine choice if you are looking to make more than two kinds of coffee however we'd suggest one of our top-rated options in case that's what you're searching for. For more information, read our full Lavazza Idola review.