Best Coffee Machine Pods
Pod coffee machines alleviate the stress of getting your morning coffee fix. In contrast to traditional machines they offer pre-packed pods of espresso or ground coffee to accelerate the process.
If you are looking for the best espresso machine under 200 pod coffee machine, pick one that has the best coffee machines with pods options for adjusting drink sizes and temperatures. Also, check if the machine is able to accommodate the use of reusable pods.
1. Nespresso Vertuo
Nespresso is the market leader in pod brewing and is a popular choice for espresso lovers. The company's machines and capsules are highly rated in both quality and sustainability. The capsules are made of 80 percent recyclable materials and are completely compostable. They contain less plastic and have a smaller carbon footprint than traditional coffee bags. In addition, Nespresso partners with green-certified organisations to promote responsible farming and fair working conditions.
The Nespresso Vertuo line includes several machines that produce a rich and delicious cup of espresso or coffee with a good crema. The VertuoPlus X and VertuoPlus Deluxe models offer advanced features like automatic heating of milk and customizable beverage settings. These machines are easy-to-use and have a sleek design that looks great on your kitchen counter.
Both the X model as well as the Deluxe model come with a huge reservoir, as well as a slim body. They are equipped with a revolutionary new extraction technology known as Centrifusion which uses up to 7,000 revolutions per minute to make espresso or coffee. This produces an even, consistent crema that is saturated to a high degree even in smaller cups.
Nespresso capsules are more expensive than third-party compatible pods available in supermarkets and online retailers. However, they provide many flavors and intensities. They also offer limited-edition products. The machines are simple to use, and the Vertuoline is less complicated than the original Nespresso, 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 shorter drinks. The larger mug capsules as well as alto capsules are suitable for drinks that require the most intensely roasted cup of 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 sleek, high-spec machine made with tough and attractive materials. It's slightly more expensive than other models that we've tested, but it offers reliable, high-quality performance and features a beautiful design.
The X7.1 uses a new patented system that reads the unique barcode on each capsule to determine. It then pre-wets it, infuses it and then dispensing the correct amount of water automatically. This is an enormous benefit for those who like a simple automation. It may frustrate users who prefer to adjust settings and select their own brew's size or strength. The machine can dispense espresso double espresso, gran lungo alto and mug drinks, with a fine layer of crema.
The X7.1 is not only a standout in terms of its brewing technology, but it also has other features. It is among one of the coffee machines we tested to 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 includes an energy-saving sleeping mode and a detachable holder for pods that makes cleaning easy.
Compatible with All Keurig K-Cups, Nespresso capsules, and Bruvi B-Pods. These pods differ from K-Cups or other popular pods in that they contain ground best budget coffee machine instead of a teabag and have more caffeine than regular espresso. The Bruvi also has apps compatibility and can be set up to brew at a remote location and on a time. 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 big fan of the plastic Nespresso pods or you're looking for something less quite as bulky, then the Stockholm-designed Grind One may be the best cheap coffee machine option for you. Two members of Real Homes' team have used it in their kitchens and they both love it. It's a sleek stainless steel geometric machine, which looks stunning and is simple to use. You simply insert the pod, choose whether you'd prefer a lungo, or a short express, and press the button. The flashing light indicates whether the coffee is brewing or is ready. There's no milk cup or steam wand, but you can add hot or cold milk to your coffee however you please.
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 don't contain plastic and are completely organic. They cost around 50p each and you can dump them into your garden compost or in your food waste bin when they are empty.
The Grind One is PS275, and you can add a bundle with a milk frother to it for an additional 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 smallest that means it doesn't need the most counter space. It comes with a raised tray that latches onto a series of notches and the waste bin that can be adjusted to the height.
4. Grind 2
This pod machine is perfect for those who enjoy a quick cup of coffee. It can make a short shot or a long shot with three different extraction settings and temperatures. Our coffee enthusiast was enthralled by its capability 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 excellent. Its sleek design and tough, attractive materials also made it stand out from the rest.
Our coffee lover also tested the Grind One for its ease of use. The switch is heavy-duty and is comfortable to use with the option to program your preferred short or long shot, and a crisp display. You can also choose to automatically dispense hot water when you drink the espresso, which helps the grounds settle and improves the flavour of your drink. A milk frother is also included, which makes this pod coffee maker a great all-rounder.
They also eliminate the messy elements of espresso-making, such as grinding, dosing, and tamping of the ground beans. It also reduces the amount of things that need to be cleaned and recycled. This makes them a great option for those with a limited kitchen space. If you want to expand your options having a separate milk froth will allow you to make cappuccinos and lattes too. Alternately, you can go with an manual coffee maker, such as the Aeropress which offers an environment-friendly design with an opulent taste that machines can provide. It's more work, which means it's not suitable for everyone.
5. Lavazza Idola
The model isn't as expensive as the Lavazza Voicy pod machine, but it's ideal for those who like espresso or ristretto or caffe longo. It is also one of most silent machines, which means you can drink your morning cup while your children are asleep.
You can program a cup size that suits your mood and select to increase the temperature to make your brew go through faster at the touch of one button. You can also keep track with maintenance by receiving alerts when the capsule bin is empty or when the water tank is due to be filled up.
The machine doesn't do any frost, but you can make cappuccinos and flat whites by using a separate milk container. Many customers have left glowing reviews on Amazon and John Lewis. They are pleased with the quiet operation as well as the flexible choices offered by the machine, including different lengths of brews, as well as the capacity to hold capsules that are used.
While there's not a huge number of customer reviews, the general consensus is that this is a great value pod coffee maker for those who prefer an easy 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 on the market. It's not ideal if need to create more than two types of coffee though, so we'd recommend one of our top choices for what you're looking for. For more information, read our full Lavazza Idola review.