Best Coffee Machine Pods
Pod coffee machines make it easy to get your caffeine fix in the morning. In contrast to traditional machines, they dispense pre-packed pods of ground coffee or espresso to make the process faster.
If you are looking for the best pod coffee machine, choose one that has the best options to adjust the size of the drink and temperatures. Also, ensure that 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 favorite among espresso fans. The machines and capsules of the company are highly rated in terms of quality and sustainability. Its capsules are made from 80 percent recyclable materials and are 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 practices and fair working conditions.
The Nespresso Vertuo line includes several machines that make an incredibly delicious and rich cup of coffee or espresso that has a great crema. The VertuoPlus X and VertuoPlus Deluxe models feature advanced features such as automatic heating of milk and customizable drink settings. They are easy to operate and have modern and sleek designs that will look great in your kitchen.
Both the X and the Deluxe models come with a huge water reservoir and a slender machine body. Centrifusion, a new innovative extraction technology, uses up to 7,500 revolutions per minute to make 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 may be a little more expensive than the third-party pods that are available in supermarkets and many online retailers, but they come with a many different flavors and intensities to select from. The company regularly releases limited-edition products as well. The machines are simple to use and the Vertuoline is less complicated than Nespresso's original Nespresso, which only produces espresso.
The Vertuoline also comes with two sizes of capsules -- the smaller espresso size and the gran lungo size -- for those who prefer shorter drinks. The larger mug and alto capsules are suitable for hearty and mug-sized drinks that require more intensely roasted 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 a elegant, high-end machine constructed with tough and appealing materials. It's a little bit more expensive than other machines we've tested, however it provides excellent, reliable performance and features a beautiful design.
The X7.1 is a patented system that reads the barcode on every capsule to identify them. It then pre-wets and infuses the correct amount of distillate water. This is an enormous benefit for those who like a simple automation. It may frustrate users who prefer to tweak settings and select their own brew size and strength. The machine can serve espresso drinks, double espresso drinks, gran longo, mug, and alto drinks, all with the smooth crema.
In addition to its coffee brewing technology, the X7.1 comes with a variety of other features that make it stand out. For instance, it's one of the only coffee machines we've tested that has an adjustable drip tray that can be adjusted to height to adjust the dimensions and shape of the coffee mug. It comes with a stainless steel milk jug for making lattes or cappuccinos. The X7.1 includes an energy-saving sleeping mode and a detachable holder for pods, making cleaning easy.
It's compatible with all Keurig K-Cups and Nespresso capsules and Bruvi's own B-Pods. These pods differ from K-Cups and other popular pods as they are made of ground coffee instead of a tea bag, and they have more caffeine than regular coffee. The Bruvi also comes with app compatibility and can be set up to brew on a remote basis and according to a schedule. It also has a helpful steam wand that can be used to create foamy cappuccinos and lattes.
3. Grind One
If you're not a big fan of the plastic-y Nespresso pods or you're looking for something less 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 tested it in their kitchens and they both love it. It's a sleek stainless steel geometric machine which looks stunning and is easy to use. You just pop a pod into the inlet, select either the short lungo or express and then press a button. The light that flashes indicates whether the coffee is brewing or is ready. There's no steam wand, nor milk carafe, however you can top your coffee off with hot or cold milk as you wish.
This machine is designed to work with Grind’s own reusable, recyclable and compostable pods. Not only will you reduce the amount of coffee you waste, which can take hundreds of year to degrade and degrade, but the pods are also organic and contain no plastic. They cost about 50p each and you can chuck them in your food waste bin or garden compost once they're empty.
The Grind One costs PS275 and you can purchase it as a the addition of a milk frother for an additional PS325. It's more expensive than a lot of Nespresso-branded pods, however it's a sleek and well-designed versatile machine. It's also the most compact, so it won't take the most counter space. It has a raised tray that latches on to a series notches along with the waste bin that can be adjusted to the height.
4. Grind 2
For those who enjoy a simple and quick cup of coffee, this machine removes the hassle making espresso. It can brew a quick or long shot, and has three different settings for temperature and extraction. Our coffee aficionado was impressed by its capability to make an excellent espresso. Its crema (which should be a cozy chestnut colour and last until the last sip) and temperature were perfect. Its sleek design and sturdy attractive materials also made it stand out from the rest.
Our coffee lover also tried the Grind One to see if it was simple to use. The robust switch is a pleasant touch and allows you to program your preferred short or long shot, and a clear display. You can even choose whether to automatically dispense a shot of hot water with your espresso, which will help the grounds settle and enhances the flavour of your drink. A milk frother is also included, which makes this pod coffee maker an ideal all-rounder.
They also eliminate the sloppy parts of espresso making, such as grinding, dosing, and tamping of the beans. They also reduce the number of things that need to be cleaned and reused. This makes them a good option for those with a small kitchen spaces. If you want to broaden your options with a separate milk maker, a separate one allows you to make lattes and cappuccinos too. You can also opt for an manual coffee maker, like the Aeropress, which combines the benefits of a low carbon footprint and an opulent taste that machines can provide. However, it does require more effort on your part, so we wouldn't recommend it to everyone.
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 love espresso, ristretto, or caffe lungo. It is also one of most quiet machines, meaning 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 decide to increase the temperature to make your beverage go through more quickly with the push of one button. best delonghi coffee machine can also keep up with maintenance by receiving alerts when the capsule bin is empty or the water tank requires to be topped up.
The machine does not frost milk, but it can be used to make cappuccinos and flat whites by using a separate container. There are plenty of positive reviews from customers on Amazon and at John Lewis. They praise the machine's versatility and quiet operation. various lengths of the brews.
While there's not a huge number of customer reviews there is a general consensus that this is an excellent value pod coffee machine for those who want an easy set-up. It's a little more pricey than the Nespresso Vertuo Pop, but it comes with great tasting Lavazza pods and is one of the quietest machines around. It's not ideal if need to make more than two types of coffee however, so we'd recommend one of our top-rated alternatives if that's what you're looking for. For more information, read our full Lavazza Idola review.