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 accelerate the process.
Choose a pod coffee machine that allows you to alter the temperature and cup size. Check if the machine is compatible with refillable pods.
1. Nespresso Vertuo
Nespresso is a pioneer in pod-brewing and a favorite of espresso lovers. The capsules and machines made by the company are highly rated in terms of quality and sustainability. The capsules are made from 80 percent recyclable materials and are compostable. They are made of less plastic and have a lower carbon footprint than traditional coffee bags. Additionally, Nespresso partners with green-certified organizations to promote responsible farming and fair working conditions.
The Nespresso Vertuo line includes several machines that produce an incredibly delicious and rich cup of espresso or coffee with a great crema. The VertuoPlus X and VertuoPlus Deluxe models offer advanced features, such as 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 have a large reservoir as well as a slim body. They are equipped with a revolutionary new extraction technique called Centrifusion that utilizes up to 7,000 revolutions per minute to brew the espresso or coffee. This process creates an even, consistent crema that is saturated to a great extent even in smaller cups.
Nespresso's capsules are more expensive than the third-party pods that are available in supermarkets and a variety of online retailers, but they have an excellent selection of flavors and intensity levels to select from. The company regularly offers limited-edition items as well. The machines are easy to operate and the Vertuoline is simpler than Nespresso's original Nespresso which produces only espresso.
The Vertuoline also has two sizes of capsules - the smaller espresso and gran lungo size for those who prefer smaller drinks. The larger mug capsules as well as alto capsules can be used for mug-sized drinks requiring the most intensively roasted coffee. In contrast to some of the best bean to cup coffee machines other pod machines that we have tested and tested, the Nespresso Vertuoline also makes a good cup of drip coffee.
2. Illy X7.1
This pod coffee machine is a high-spec machine that's constructed from durable and attractive materials. It's a little bit more expensive than the other machines we've tested, however it provides excellent, reliable performance and features a beautiful design.
The X7.1 uses a patented system that scans the barcodes on every capsule to determine their identity. It then pre-wets and infuses the correct amount of distilled water. This is a huge feature for those who want hassle-free hands-free automation. It may frustrate users who prefer to tweak settings and choose their own brew size and 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 coffee brewing technology, the X7.1 comes with a variety of other features that make it stand out. It is one of only a few best coffee espresso machine 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 for making cappuccinos or lattes. The X7.1 also comes with an energy-saving sleep function and a detachable pod holder to help with cleaning.
Compatible with All Keurig K-Cups, Nespresso capsules, and Bruvi B-Pods. These pods differ from K-Cups or other popular pods due to the fact that they are made up of ground coffee instead of a teabag, and contain more caffeine than regular espresso. The Bruvi is app compatible and can be programmed to brew remotely or according to a set schedule. It comes with an ice wand, which can be used to make lattes and cappuccinos fluffy.
3. Grind One
The Grind One, designed in Stockholm, may be the perfect choice for you if you don't enjoy Nespresso's plastic capsules or prefer something that's not so bulky. 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 super stylish and is easy to use. Simply insert a pod, choose whether you want a lungo or a short express and press the button. The light flashes to indicate whether the coffee is brewing or is ready. There's no steam wand nor milk carafe. However, you can top your coffee with hot or cold milk if you'd like.
The best small coffee machine part about this machine is that it's designed to work with Grind's own reusable, plastic-free and home compostable coffee pods. Not only will you cut down on the amount of coffee you waste which could take years to degrade however, the pods are also organic and have no plastic. They cost around 50p each and you can throw them into your food waste bin or garden compost once they're empty.
The Grind One is PS275, and you can add the milk frother for an additional PS325. It is more expensive than most Nespresso pod machines, but it's an elegant, well-designed, and versatile machine. It's also the most compact of the bunch, which means it doesn't require too much countertop space, and it has a raised drip tray that latches onto the sides of the waste bin to allow height adjustment.
4. Grind 2
If you're looking for simple and quick cups of coffee, this machine takes the hassle out making espresso. It can make a short or long shot, with three different settings for temperature and extraction. Our coffee enthusiast was enthralled by its ability to make an excellent espresso. Its temperature and crema (which should have a chestnut colour that lasts for the last sip and is a cozy shade of brown) were perfect. Its elegant design, as well its durable and attractive materials, made it stand out from the crowd.
Our coffee expert also tried the Grind One to see if it was easy to use. The robust switch is comfortable to use, with the option to programme your preferred short or long shot, and a clear display. You can also choose to automatically pour hot water with your coffee, which helps the ground settle and enhances the taste of your drink. A milk frother is also included, which makes this pod coffee maker a great all-rounder.
Another benefit of these machines is that they eliminate the messy parts out of espresso making, namely grinding and dosing the beans. They also reduce the number of equipment that needs to be cleaned and reused. This makes them a great option for those with a little kitchen space. If you do want to increase your options, a separate milk frother allows you to make cappuccinos and lattes too. You can also go with an manual press like the Aeropress which has a lower carbon footprint and a richer flavor than machines. It's more effort, so it's not suitable for everyone.
5. Lavazza Idola
The model isn't as expensive as the Lavazza Voicy pod machine, however, it's a great choice for those who love espresso or ristretto or caffe longo. It's also among the quietest machines, so you can enjoy your morning cup while your children are still asleep.
You can set a size for your cup that is suitable for your taste, and you can also select to increase the temperature to make your beverage go through more quickly at the touch of the button. It's simple to stay up with maintenance, too with alerts that let you know when the capsule container needs emptying or the water tank is empty.
The machine doesn't do any frothing, however you can make cappuccinos as well as flat whites by using an additional milk container. There are many positive reviews from buyers on Amazon and at John Lewis. They praise the machine's versatility as well as its quiet operation. different lengths of the brews.
While there's not a huge number of customer reviews there is a general consensus that this is a great value pod coffee maker for those who like a simple setup. It's more expensive than the Nespresso Vertuo Pop, but it comes with excellent tasting Lavazza pods and is one of the quietest machines on the market. If you want to make various coffees, we suggest that you check out one of our top alternatives. For more information, read our full Lavazza Idola review.