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 make the process faster.
Choose a pod coffee machine that allows you to alter the temperature and drink size. Check if the machine is compatible with reusable pods.
1. Nespresso Vertuo
Nespresso is the top brand in pod brewing and is a favourite among coffee lovers. The capsules and machines made by Nespresso are highly assessed in terms of their quality and sustainability. The capsules are made from 80 percent recyclable materials and are compostable. They also contain less plastic than traditional coffee bags and have less carbon footprint. Additionally, Nespresso partners with green-certified organizations to promote responsible farming and fair working conditions.
The Nespresso Vertuo line includes several machines that create an incredibly delicious and rich cup of espresso or coffee with a good crema. The VertuoPlus X and VertuoPlus Deluxe models feature advanced features, such as automatic heating of milk and adjustable drink settings. These machines are easy-to-use and feature a sleek design that looks stunning on your kitchen counter.
Both the X model as well as the Deluxe model feature a large reservoir, as well as a slim body. They come with an innovative extraction technology called Centrifusion which uses up to 7,000 rotations per minute to brew the espresso or coffee. This produces a consistent, smooth crema that is saturated to a great extent even in smaller cups.
Nespresso's capsules are more expensive than third-party compatible pods available in supermarkets and many online retailers, but they come with a a nice range of flavors and intensities to choose from. The company also offers limited-edition products. The machines are extremely user-friendly, and the Vertuoline requires fewer steps than the initial Nespresso line which only produces espresso.
Vertuoline offers two sizes of capsules - the smaller espresso and the gran lungo size - to suit those who prefer drinks with a shorter length. 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 this one, the Nespresso Vertuoline also makes a excellent drip coffee.
2. Illy X7.1
This pod coffee machine is a top-quality machine constructed from durable and attractive materials. It is a little more expensive than the other machines we tested but it offers high-quality, reliable performance and an attractive design that can fit in with any kitchen.
The X7.1 utilizes a patent-pending system that reads the barcode on each capsule to identify them. It then pre-wets and infuses the proper amount of distilled water. This is a huge plus for those who want to enjoy hassle-free automation. try these guys out may frustrate users who prefer to adjust settings and select their own brew's size or strength. The machine can serve espresso double espresso, gran lungo, mug and alto drinks with a fine layer of crema.
In addition to its technology for brewing as well as its brewing technology, the X7.1 features a range of other features that make it stand out. For instance, it's one of the only coffee machines we have tested that has the ability to adjust the height of the drip tray to optimise the size and shape of the coffee mug. It comes with a stainless-steel milk jug that can be used to make cappuccinos or lattes. The X7.1 includes an energy-saving sleeping mode and a detachable holder for pods to make cleaning easier.
It's compatible with the majority of Keurig K-Cups and Nespresso capsules as well as Bruvi's B-Pods. These pods are different from K-Cups and other popular pods since they contain ground coffee instead of a tea bag, and they contain more caffeine than regular coffee. The Bruvi also has app compatibility and can be set to brew remotely and on time. It also has a useful steam wand that can be used to make frosty cappuccinos and lattes.
3. Grind One
The Grind One, designed in Stockholm could be the best option for those who don't like Nespresso capsules that are plastic or prefer something less as heavy. Two members of the Real Homes team have been testing it in their kitchens and really love it. It's a sleek stainless steel geometric machine that looks chic and is very easy to use. Simply place a pod into the inlet, choose either an lungo or express and then press a button. The light flashes to indicate whether the coffee is in the process of brewing or ready. There's no steam wand or milk carafe. However, you can top your coffee with hot or cold milk if you wish.
The beauty of this machine is that it was designed to work with Grind's own recyclable, plastic-free, and home compostable coffee pods. Not only will you cut down on your coffee 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 after they're empty.
The Grind One costs PS275 and you can purchase it as a a bundle that includes 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 won't take up any counter space, and it also has a raised drip tray that is secured to a series of notches next to the waste bin for height adjustment.
4. Grind 2
This pod maker is ideal for those who like a quick cup of coffee. It can make a short or long shot, with three different settings for temperature and extraction. Our coffee aficionado was impressed by its ability to make an excellent espresso. Its temperature and crema (which should have a chestnut hue that lasts until the final sip and is a cozy shade of brown) were flawless. Its elegant design, as well as its tough and attractive materials, helped it stand out among the competition.
Our coffee lover also tried the Grind One to see if it was user-friendly. The heavy-duty switch has a satisfying feel and allows you to program your preferred short or long shot, and a clear display. You can even select whether to automatically pour hot water along with your espresso, which helps the grounds settle and enhances the flavour of your drink. A milk frother is also included, making this pod coffee maker an ideal all-rounder.
These machines also take out the messy elements of espresso-making like grinding, dosing, and tamping of the ground beans. They also reduce the number of items that have to be cleaned and recycled. This makes them a great option for those with a small kitchen spaces. If you're looking to expand your options you can use a separate milk frother in order to make lattes and cappuccinos. Alternately, you can go with a manual coffee maker such as the Aeropress, which combines the benefits of a low carbon footprint and a richer taste than the machine. It's more effort, so it's not for everyone.
5. Lavazza Idola
This model isn't as expensive as the Lavazza Voicy pod, but it's perfect for those who love espresso or ristretto or caffe longo. It's also one of the quietest machines on the market, meaning you can grab your morning cuppa while your kids are asleep.
You can program the size of your cup to match your preference and there's an option for an increase in temperature to push your brew to a higher temperature at the touch of one button. You can also keep up on maintenance by getting alerts when the capsule bin is empty or when the water tank is due to be topped off.
The machine isn't capable of frothing, but you can make cappuccinos as well as flat whites by using an additional milk container. There are a lot of positive reviews from customers on Amazon and at John Lewis. They praise the quiet operation and the flexible choices offered by the machine, such as different lengths of brews, as well as a good capacity for capsules that have been used.
There aren't a lot of customer reviews however the consensus is that it's a great pod-based coffee machine if you like a simple set-up. It's more expensive than Nespresso Vertuo Pop but comes with the top Lavazza pods. It's also among the quietest machines available. If you're looking to make a variety of coffees, we recommend you look into one of our top alternatives. For more information, read our full Lavazza Idola review.