Best Coffee Machine Pods
Pod coffee machines can alleviate the stress of getting your morning coffee fix. Unlike a traditional machine, they dispense pre-packed pods of espresso or ground coffee to make the process faster.
To find the top pod coffee machine, choose one that has the best options for adjusting the size of your drink and temperatures. Also, check if the machine can accommodate the use of reusable pods.
1. Nespresso Vertuo
Nespresso is the leader in pod brewing and is a favourite among coffee fans. The company's machines and capsules are highly rated for both quality and sustainability. Its capsules are made from 80 percent recyclable materials and are completely compostable. They also contain less plastic than traditional coffee bags and have a lower carbon footprint. Nespresso also collaborates with organizations that are certified green to encourage fair labor practices and responsible farming.
The Nespresso Vertuo line includes several machines that produce a rich and delicious cup of coffee or espresso that has a great crema. The VertuoPlus X and VertuoPlus Deluxe models come with advanced features like automatic heating of milk and customizable drinks settings. They are easy to use and feature modern, sleek design that will look stunning in your kitchen.
Both the X and Deluxe models have a large water reservoir as well as a slim machine body. Centrifusion is a revolutionary extraction technique, utilizes up to 7,500 rotations per minute to make coffee or espresso. 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 available in supermarkets and online retailers. However, they provide an array of flavors and intensities. The company regularly releases limited-edition products as well. The company's machines are also very easy to use, and the Vertuoline requires fewer steps than the original Nespresso line that produces only espresso.
The Vertuoline also comes with two sizes of capsules - the smaller espresso size and the larger lungo size -- for those who prefer shorter drinks. The larger mug capsules as well as alto capsules are suitable to make mug-sized drinks that require an even more robustly roasted cup of coffee. Contrary to other pod machines we tried, the Nespresso Vertuoline also makes a excellent drip coffee.
2. Illy X7.1
This pod coffee maker is sleek, high-spec machine made with tough and attractive materials. It's a bit more expensive than the other machines we tried, but it provides an excellent, reliable performance. It also has an attractive design that will blend into any kitchen.
The X7.1 utilizes a brand new patent-pending system which reads the bespoke barcode on each capsule to identify it. It then pre-wets and infuses the correct amount of water in a controlled manner. This is a huge plus for those who prefer hassle-free automation. However, it could be a problem for those who like to tweak settings and pick their personal brew strength or size. The machine can serve espresso, double espresso, gran lungo mug and alto drinks with a smooth layer of crema.
The X7.1 is not only an outstanding model in terms of its brewing capabilities, but it also has other features. For example, it is one of the few coffee machines that we have tested that has the ability to adjust the height of the drip tray to optimize the dimensions and shape of the coffee mug. It also comes with a stainless-steel milk jug for making lattes and cappuccinos. The X7.1 includes an energy-saving sleeping mode and a detachable holder for pods to make cleaning easier.
It is compatible with most Keurig K-Cups and Nespresso capsules and Bruvi's own B-Pods. These pods are different from K-Cups and other popular pods because they are made of ground coffee instead of a tea bag, and they have more caffeine than regular coffee. The Bruvi also has apps compatibility and can be set to brew on a remote basis and according to a time. It also comes with a handy steam wand that can be used to make frosty cappuccinos and lattes.
3. Grind One
The Grind One, designed in Stockholm It could be the right choice for those who don't like the plasticy Nespresso capsules or prefer something that's not as heavy. Two members of the Real Homes team have been trying it out in their kitchens and both absolutely love it. It's a sleek stainless-steel geometric machine, that looks super stylish and is easy to use. Simply insert the pod, select whether you'd prefer a lungo, or a short express, and press the button. The light that flashes indicates whether the coffee is in the process of brewing or ready. There's no steam wand or milk carafe, but you can top your coffee with hot or cold milk as you wish.
The beauty of this machine is that it's made to work with Grind's own recyclable, plastic-free and compostable coffee pods. Not only will you cut down on your coffee waste, which can take hundreds of year to degrade, but the pods are also organic and have no plastic. They cost around 50p each, and you can throw them into your garden compost or in your food waste bin once they are empty.
The Grind One costs PS275 and you can get it with an option that includes a milk frother for an additional PS325. It's more expensive than the majority of Nespresso-branded pods however it's a sleek well-designed, well-constructed, and versatile machine. It is also the smallest, so it won't take any counter space. It comes with a raised tray that locks onto a series of notches and the waste bin to adjust the height.
4. Grind 2
For those who enjoy simple and quick cups of coffee, this machine removes the hassle making espresso. It can be used to brew a short shot or a longer shot, with three different extraction settings and temperature. Our coffee aficionado was impressed by its ability to create 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 perfect. best all in one coffee machine , as its durable and attractive materials, helped it stand out from the competition.
Our coffee lover also tried the Grind One to see if it was easy to use. The switch is heavy-duty and is a pleasant touch and allows you to program your preferred length or short shot, and a crisp display. You can even choose whether to automatically pour hot water when you drink your espresso, which will help the grounds settle and enhances the taste of your drink. A milk frother is also included, making this pod coffee maker a great all-rounder.
These machines also remove the messy parts of espresso-making, such as grinding, dosing, and tamping of the beans. This decreases the amount of items that need to be cleaned and reused which makes them a better option for those who don't have much kitchen space. If you want to expand your options, you can use a separate milk frother in order to make lattes and cappuccinos. You can also opt for a manual press such as the Aeropress that has a smaller carbon footprint and more affluent flavor than machines. However, it will require more effort on your part and therefore we don't recommend it for all.
5. Lavazza Idola
In contrast to the more expensive Lavazza Voicy pod coffee maker, this model does not include a milk frother but is ideal for those who enjoy espresso, ristretto, or caffe lungo. It's also one of the quietest machines on the market, meaning you can grab your morning coffee while your children are asleep.
You can program a cup size that suits your mood, and you can also select to increase the temperature to make your brew go through faster at the touch of a button. You can also keep track on maintenance by getting alerts when the capsule bin is empty or when the water tank requires to be filled up.
The machine does not make frothy milk however it can be used to make cappuccinos or flat whites by using a separate container. There are plenty of positive reviews from customers on Amazon and at John Lewis. They praise the quiet operation and the 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 general consensus is that it's an excellent pod coffee maker if you prefer an easy set-up. It's more expensive than the Nespresso Vertuo Pop but comes with the highest quality Lavazza pods. It's also among the quietest machines available. It's not the best choice if you want to make more than two types of coffee, however, so we'd recommend one of our top choices if that's what you're looking for. For more information, read our full Lavazza Idola review.